our story

(so far)

We LOVE photography. 

I take as many photos with my PHONE as the next person.  But, when it comes to capturing something important, artful, and worth holding in my hand, I do so with a real camera.  The fact that you’re here means you also understand the value of a high-quality photo. We are thrilled and honored to help you capture something unique and invaluable.

Since 1977, Ivey Photography has been at the center of creating and preserving memories for people all over Midlothian, Dallas, and Fort Worth, Texas.  Originally founded in Dallas, Ray Ivey moved the studio to Midlothian in 1999. 

In 2009, the studio was purchased by local photographer Chris Smith. We celebrated our 15-year anniversary in January 2024!

Main Street Studio

Our 2200 square foot studio is located on Main Street in downtown Midlothian. We are the largest retail studio in the area, featuring a large camera room, a spacious waiting area, and a theater featuring a large projection screen for easily viewing your images. We are open Tuesday-Saturday, by appointment. Although we often think we work long hours, we don’t always do so in the studio. Give us a call before you stop by to visit.

OUR CREW

Chris Smith

M.Artist, M.Photog. Cr

Owner,  Lead Photographer, and Creative

  • I turned 50 in June 2023 (yikes!).  I have three beautiful children of my own, Chandler, a patent attorney in Dallas, (31), Connor(15) and a heck of a guitarist, and Camryn (13), and now 3 awesome bonus boys, DJ, Greyson, and Cooper.  On May 7, 2022, I married the most amazing woman, Brittany Epperson, and together we are raising our crazy 6.  They each challenge me to be at my best to provide them with a better life and a better example.  I love what I do.  But I know I do it better because of them.  Being a dad is my favorite part of my life.

    • Master Artist (M.artist) Awarded By The Ppa January 2019

    • Photographic Craftsman Photographer (Cr. Photog.) Awarded By The Ppa In January 2018

    • Master Of Photography (M.photog.) Awarded By The Ppa January 2017

    • Active Member Of The Professional Photographers Of America, Texas Professional Photographers Association

    • Professional Photographers Of America International Print Competition Awards

    • Bronze Medal Photographer Of The Year 2018, Photographic Open

    • Bronze Medal Photographer Of The Year 2018, Artist

    • Gold Medal Photographer Of The Year 2017, Photographic Open

    • Silver Medal Photographer Of The Year 2017, Artist

    • Bronze Medal Photographer Of The Year 2016, Photographic Open

    • Gold Medal Photographer Of The Year 2014, Photographic Open

    • LexJet SWPPA Best Print Award, 2017

    • Featured speaker Texas Professional Photographers Association, Summer 2017

    • Texas Professional Photographers Association Distinguished Print Award, 2016

    • SWPPA Best in Show Winner, 2014

    • SWPPA Best Illustrative Print and Perfect score of 100 for “Permission to Buzz the Tower”, 2014

    • Texas Star Award for Best Event Photography 2010, 2011, 2012

Brittany Epperson

Nolan Henley

Jana Holmes

Katie Elsey

Kamryn Hatch

Gavin Needham

Ericca Kuczaj

  • Chris Smith

    Owner - Master Photographer, Master Artist, Photographic Craftsman

    -Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 1995 -Earned my B.S. in Fisheries Science from Texas A&M (’95) -Earned my M.S. in Fisheries Biology from Texas Tech (’97) -Once caught two 10-pound largemouth bass on back-to-back casts…in a tournament! -I’ve seen The Dave Matthews Band 34 times in concert since 1999. Married to the lovely lady to the right, and a proud Midlothian resident since 1997.

  • Brittany Epperson

    Client Specialist - Photographer

    Brittany is a Midlothian High School graduate. After spending time in the corporate world she decided to take matters into her own hands and become a professional photographer. Today, you’ll find her primarily handling customer service for Ivey Photography and during busy seasons photographing daycare, school, and sports portraits, weddings, and events. And oh yeah, she is married to Chris.

  • Nolan Henley

    Lead Photographer - Graphic Artist

    Nolan is a Midlothian High School graduate. He has been with the studio since 2014. He is our lead photographer and our graphic design specialist, You’ll find him photographing sports teams, senior portraits, and weddings. Nolan and his wife Kassie recently had a son together, Logan.

  • Katie Elsey

    Digital Artist - Photographer

    Katie is another Midlothian alumni. She has a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and serves as our assistant digital artist. She lives in Venus with her wife, Brittany. Her daughter Ellie is looking forward to helping with a new baby coming in 2024!

  • Jana Holmes

    Customer Service Manager - School Liaison

    Jana serves as our voice of the company. If you email us, you’ll go through her first. She’s family first and treats all of our clients with love and respect. She’s helping to raise her 13 grandkids, and she’s Britt’s mama. You’ll love her just like we do.

  • Kamryn Hatch

    Staff Photographer

    Kami is a grad of Heritage High School and starred on her yearbook staff as the lead photographer. She’s currently in school and works seasonally as an important part of our team. We look forward to her joining us full time as we grow.