Tex Appeal contributor named Texas CMA Photographer of the Year

By S. MORRISEY | Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR

Anyone can take a photograph, but it takes someone special to capture the essence of a moment in a single image. That’s what makes Central Texas native Becky Stinehour stand tall among the best of the best.

Stinehour has been capturing life’s precious moments through the lens of her camera for four decades, preserving a moment in time for people to cherish for years to come. Her dedication was recently recognized when she was named the Texas Country Music Photographer of the Year, an honor she doesn’t take lightly.

“Everybody says it, but it really is true — being nominated was honor enough, but getting the award was like the icing on the cake,” she said, describing the recognition as an exciting and humbling experience.

A photographer’swork may seem ideal, but it takes a lot of hard work, time and dedication to become a great photographer. The sheer number of hours it takes to photograph a single photo shoot — scouting locations, pre-planning, lighting, posing and editing — it’s truly one of the most time-consuming professions someone could choose.

Back in the day of film, enlargers and darkrooms, Stinehour studied photography at Central Texas College. After a brief break to start a family, she reignited her passion as a side hustle, before finally deciding to open her own photography business in 2008. Ten years later, she took the ultimate plunge — quitting her full-time job as a receptionist and pursuing photography full time.

Stinehour found her real passion for music photography ignited while photographing a concert for Tex Appeal in 2019. With that fire lit, she never looked back, as she continues to cherish the unique moments and interactions with artists and bands.

“I have long admired so many of the bands I get to photograph,” she said. “Capturing them while on stage is really special to me.”

Among her favorite experiences as a music photographer are the friendships she’s forged with other photographers, venue owners, and the artists and bands. When asked who her favorite artists to photograph are, she found it impossible to choose a favorite artist or concert, saying it’s like picking a favorite child.

She loves music photography so much that at the end of 2019, she submitted a portfolio to the photography board for South by Southwest and earned a position on the photography crew. Unfortunately, COVID interfered, but she has been invited to the SXSW crew every year since.

It’s said “a picture is worth a thousand words,” so a truly great photo must be worth an entire book — telling the complete story of one moment in time. Storytelling is central to Stinehour’s work, especially in capturing the spirit of country music.

“I tell the story of the whole experience — the band, the music, the performance, the fans, and then the interaction of it all,” Stinehour said.
Candid Images Photography offers a wide range of services, including headshots, portraits, senior photos, and event photography for parties, quinceañeras, corporate events and even funerals.

“It’s not for everyone,” she said, “but it’s a much-appreciated service for families who wish it.”

Looking ahead, Stinehour’s goals are to keep growing, improve her skills, up her marketing efforts, and increase profitability.

“You never really arrive,” she said.

Stinehour’s journey from a passionate hobbyist to an award-winning professional photographer is an inspiring testament to following one’s dreams and continually striving for excellence. She reminds us that “you’re never too old, and it’s never too late to follow and achieve your dreams.”

Candid Images Photography
Website: candidimagesphoto.com
Facebook: facebook.com/CandidImagesPhotography
Instagram: instagram.com/ciphoto