With a combined 33+ years as professional photographers and multiple other successful business ventures, Charla and Jenn have a truly unique and impactful voice in the photography industry.
Their friendship colors our education in a relatable and memorable way. Here at Develope Academy, we believe that teleprompters and scripts make for a very distant learning experience. Our laid-back but pointed approach to education has been described "hanging out with besties with a glass of wine."
There are many options when it comes to furthering your knowledge in the photography industry. No one does it like we do. Relatability, honesty, and fun keep us going and are key contributors to the success of our students.
Photographers. Serial Entrepreneurs.
Develope Academy Co-Founders.
About Charla
Charla Storey is a destination wedding photographer, believer in community, total Ennegram 7, and passionate about helping others break their own glass ceilings. From being a single mom living paycheck-to-paycheck while working multiple jobs to being hired (and paid!) by the biggest brands in the industry—including Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Vogue, and People—and earning her spot on numerous “Best Of” lists, it’s safe to say she’s walked down every road of the photographer’s journey.
Charla learned her craft while working at a children’s photography studio. Continually promoted every six months, she rose through the ranks to be in charge of quality and training company-wide. By the end of her seven years there, Charla had literally written the book on both. This experience gave her the foundational knowledge and passion to start her own business as a wedding photographer (plus, the ability to wrangle even the most difficult subjects).
With her positive mindset, witty personality, tenacious spirit, and 19+ years of experience, Charla has been coaching photographers towards achieving their biggest goals since 2008. She’s passionate about helping students build profitable, fulfilling businesses and break through their barriers—and have hella fun doing it!
When Charla isn’t photographing weddings around the globe or educating photographers, you can find her spending time with her family and two boxer pups, caring for her mom and sister, watching movies, or exploring a new city.
About Jennefer
Jennefer Wilson is a destination wedding and portrait photographer, a natural strategist, photo editing ninja, and Ennegram 6, with a not-so-secret talent of always coming up with the perfect metaphor for any situation. Jennefer is passionate about connecting with people, championing equality, and being a force of positive change wherever she goes. Known for her kindness and compassion, Jenn brings peace, joy, and her awesome “that’s what she said” jokes” to each interaction she has with her clients and students.
It isn’t just the art that keeps her coming back for more, but the opportunity to love and make her clients feel seen exactly as they are. Her clients have taken her around the world to capture their story, and after 14+ years of experience, she's earned a reputation for her unique storytelling abilities.
A true Jill-of-all-trades, Jennefer filled a void in the photography industry by creating editing tools and a community inspired by joy and driven by empathy. Delivering true-to-life colors, ease of editing and a beautiful sense of community to thousands of people globally. Jennefer has been mentoring photographers of all experience levels, guiding them to find both professional success and personal joy in their work, since 2016.
When not capturing memories behind her camera, Jennefer sings professionally, is an excellent cook, and has a "healthy" obsession with cooking in general. She lives in Dallas with her husband, young daughter, and three fluffy dogs, and she's in the process of renovating and decorating her 1930s Tudor-style home.
About Charla
Charla Storey is a destination wedding photographer, believer in community, total Ennegram 7, and passionate about helping others break their own glass ceilings. From being a single mom living paycheck-to-paycheck while working multiple jobs to being hired (and paid!) by the biggest brands in the industry—including Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Vogue, and People—and earning her spot on numerous “Best Of” lists, it’s safe to say she’s walked down every road of the photographer’s journey.
Charla learned her craft while working at a children’s photography studio. Continually promoted every six months, she rose through the ranks to be in charge of quality and training company-wide. By the end of her seven years there, Charla had literally written the book on both. This experience gave her the foundational knowledge and passion to start her own business as a wedding photographer (plus, the ability to wrangle even the most difficult subjects).
With her positive mindset, witty personality, tenacious spirit, and 19+ years of experience, Charla has been coaching photographers towards achieving their biggest goals since 2008. She’s passionate about helping students build profitable, fulfilling businesses and break through their barriers—and have hella fun doing it!
When Charla isn’t photographing weddings around the globe or educating photographers, you can find her spending time with her family and two boxer pups, caring for her mom and sister, watching movies, or exploring a new city.
About Jenn
Jennefer Wilson is a destination wedding and portrait photographer, a natural strategist, photo editing ninja, and Ennegram 6, with a not-so-secret talent of always coming up with the perfect metaphor for any situation. Jennefer is passionate about connecting with people, championing equality, and being a force of positive change wherever she goes. Known for her kindness and compassion, Jenn brings peace, joy, and her awesome “that’s what she said” jokes” to each interaction she has with her clients and students.
It isn’t just the art that keeps her coming back for more, but the opportunity to love and make her clients feel seen exactly as they are. Her clients have taken her around the world to capture their story, and after 14+ years of experience, she's earned a reputation for her unique storytelling abilities.
A true Jill-of-all-trades, Jennefer filled a void in the photography industry by creating editing tools and a community inspired by joy and driven by empathy. Delivering true-to-life colors, ease of editing and a beautiful sense of community to thousands of people globally. Jennefer has been mentoring photographers of all experience levels, guiding them to find both professional success and personal joy in their work, since 2016.
When not capturing memories behind her camera, Jennefer sings professionally, is an excellent cook, and has a "healthy" obsession with cooking in general. She lives in Dallas with her husband, young daughter, and three fluffy dogs, and she's in the process of renovating and decorating her 1930s Tudor-style home.
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