Capturing Life

This hard-working and outgoing graduate just bought a photography business that’s been in business 48 years and she’s eager to get a shot at making it work.

By Donna Parker

 

Jenna-Beth Lyde, who received a double degree in business administration and in art and art history from Trinity in 2009, is a rarity among her age group. She eagerly seeks out the leadership and companionship of those three times her age and that led her to become the protégé of renowned photographer Charles Parish Jr. '60, the former owner of Parish Photography in Alamo Heights.

"We met at a networking event and were in the Rotary Club together," explains Jenna-Beth, also known as ‘JB.'

"He was ready to retire, and I wanted to use my Trinity education, so I called him and asked for a six-month trial ownership period to see if there was a good fit."

That was a year and a half ago and now Jenna-Beth and Charles are working together, only now she's the owner and he, the employee.

"We do all of our photo shoots together. Charles is more traditional and I bring somewhat of a modern flair, such as candid shots. It's really more of a documentary-style approach," says Jenna-Beth.

Prior to her current gig, Jenna-Beth worked in the financial industry but it was her entrepreneurial side that appealed to her most.

She put down roots in Southtown, an up and coming neighborhood south of downtown San Antonio, buying an older home and getting to know her neighbors. Many of them come running when JB calls for her dog whenever she escapes.

"Her name is synonymous with a famous party so when she gets out and I shout ‘Fiesta,' everyone asks me where the party is," laughs JB.

Fiesta has become a fixture in JB's kayaking expeditions, primarily on Lake Austin. JB also spends time fixing up the "back house" to rent out and she currently leases space to two Sigma sorority sisters from Trinity.

"My sorority was and is very important to me. Paul Myers, department of computer science, and Richard Butler, department of economics, were the faculty members with whom I most related. I didn't have classes with either of them, but they were Sigma sponsors. We actually had Dr. Butler over for dinner recently."

"It's funny - in school, you don't fully appreciate the value of your professors but once you're out, it clicks."

"Trinity was great because the quality of people was phenomenal. The professors were clearly in tune with the students and the curriculum provided such a wide array of knowledge. It was small enough for me to feel comfortable and flourish."

Jenna-Beth says the best part of owning her photography business is dealing with people and that she gets very attached to each one she photographs.

"Getting your photo taken can be a very vulnerable experience for most people," says Jenna-Beth, "and they trust the photographer to capture that."

You may contact Jenna-Beth at jblyde@parishphoto.com.