Photographer balances economy, learning disability

Photographer Terra Dawn Chandler is trying to carve a niche in the fashion business in Manassas, far outside a lucrative fashion hub like New York, Miami, Paris or Milan.

It's a passion she was drawn to seven years ago after seeing renowned photographer Michael Thompson's black and white fashion photographs of actress Julianne Moore, which appeared in February 2007 in Allure magazine.

"I wanted to learn what he knows," said Terra. So, she headed to the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, Calif., to take classes and learn about fashion and fashion photography. There, she fell in love with color.

"I'm not a typical photographer," says Terra, "but if you are looking for unique color and use of scenery, I can guarantee great photos."

"One of my favorite photos was a [Goth-style] fashion shoot in front of the Old Stone House (at Manassas National Battlefield Park)."

The blend of history and dark fashion captures the essence of her artistic style.

Terra, 25, considers herself a Virginia transplant, originally hailing from Texas.

She settled in Manassas to be closer to her parents. She has since worked the D.C. Fashion Week and photographed for Global Woman Magazine.

She said she works privately with several local designers and sells her artwork on Etsy, an online marketplace for art and handmade goods.

However, for her, working as a photographer, especially in the fashion industry in the Washington, D.C., area, has presented several challenges.

For starters, fashion photography isn't exactly big business.

"I admit that I have worked at Borders and Barnes & Nobles [to pay the bills]," she said.

She's also expanded from her specialization to include portraits of children and pets.

She also struggles with numbers.

She has a math learning disability called dyscalculia, similar to dyslexia, in which a person often transposes numbers and difficulty understanding mathematical concepts.

You might think photographers wouldn't have to deal with many numbers, but on the contrary.

"I sometimes have challenges working with my camera settings, which have lots of numbers," she said.

Instead of trying to memorize the numerical settings, which Terra says she cannot do, she arrives at a photo shoot early, so she can do several light and color tests, and she says she relies on the display of her trusty Canon Digital Rebel camera.

A professional fashion and beauty photographer, Terra has a quiet demeanor, which makes both clients and models feel at ease.

"I like to capture personality through the image, moreso than what a model is wearing or the way they look, so I want people to feel comfortable around me," Terra said.

It's hard not to notice the impact of each of her photos, which she typically captures in a Rockville studio she rents from artist and photographer Kevin Hooker.

It's no simple task.

"I typically work with a makeup artist, a hair stylist, a fashion stylist, an assistant and the model," Terra said, "but I do my own set-up and editing to ensure a uniform theme."

When she can't assemble a team, because of cost or scheduling conflicts, Terra said she can manage every role herself.

"My team has taught me well," she said, "and they are the best."

Shannyn Snyder can be reached at shannyn@jeff-snyder.com.