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The Artist

I must tell you, when it came time to create my bio, I literally put it off until I could not escape the inevitable. The nudging, demanding team of creators for the site – David Cone, programmer/developer genius with experience and mad-skills to effectively navigate through this site, and my daughter-in-law Jill Palcovic, who is highly skilled in marketing and graphic design – both have a keen instinct for fluid design and content. I have learned, through coming alongside the two of them, that a website is and always will be a perpetual creative work in progress – just like my approach with photography. Throughout my career I have maintained a continual pursuit of higher education in both business and the art of photography and design. I have served on the South Dakota Board for Professional Photographers of America as well as personal pursuits that include studying with artists that inspire me to remain on top of my game.

With the launch of our new website quickly approaching, I have received numerous emails, texts, and calls from David and Jill asking, “Have you written your bio content yet?” RELENTLESS! Ugh. I know, I know. It’s a bit wordy and not exactly a bio. I veer off-track and give accolades to the talent I surround myself with. But for me, my bio is a story in which I am not the only character. So let’s begin the story.

It was baptism by fire! I had an “ah ha” moment the first time I was witness to a tub of developing solution in a dark room at college. Before my eyes, an image from film appeared. A light literally came on in my head to pursue this craft called photography. But here’s the thing – my major was not photography. This was just a filler class in my schedule. One year later, in 1991, my sister who happens to be a highly successful bridal show producer in Las Vegas, called me and presented an opportunity to purchase an existing wedding photography business in Las Vegas, NV. After spending just one week shadowing the owner of the business, the keys were mine. There was one small predicament – the payment for the business. I only had $2500 to my name. At that time, I paid the down payment and convinced the owner that I would pay the rest in installments. As a single mom with two precious children, we moved from California to Las Vegas with hope and faith of starting a new life and business.

My sister and I still have a running joke to this day. You see, she loaned me her camera and two decades later, I have yet to give it back. With the encouragement of my family and the mighty hand of God leading and guiding us, we stood strong in the business know-how that is three generations old.

My biography is more like a dedication, you see. The reason I must mention more than myself is that you, the reader, need to know the generations involved in keeping with Candace Ann Photography. I grew up in an extraordinary family. I have been groomed by entrepreneurs. Both of my grandparents were business owners. My father was an aeronautical engineer/salesman. My mother was a fashion dress designer in Vero Beach, FL. Between this dynamic duo, they rocked the sixties. With Dad’s engineering skills and hobbies he built airplanes. Mom would outfit people in her designer clothing. My parents modeled to my siblings and myself the mindset of optimism and confidence to pursue what we love and build upon exceptional service with integrity and loyalty. My siblings are all amazing high achievers. But that’s another story for another time.

So how in the world did I end up in Sioux Falls, SD? Ah, now that’s a love story. His name is David Schwab. He is my greatest dream, encourager, life-coach, inspiration and best friend. Together we have four beautiful, outstanding children, and three precious grandchildren. Our strong family is equipped to exceed in whatever they do. My husband David is a corporate businessman. He works fulltime at John Morrell and is diligent in the administrative tasks for Candace Ann Photography. He upholds industry standards and implements benchmarks that aid us in exceeding our goals each year. He is a wise investor and landscape artist extraordinaire.

Together with our grown children and talented associates, we bring unlimited skills, gifts, and resources that organize the business behind the image. We feel highly favored and blessed to own and operate Candace Ann Photography. We work hard and play hard. We love bringing joy to people through our work. We are looking forward to the opportunities that God provides with each coming day.

I look forward to meeting you and listening to your story because every soul has one. God Bless.

~ Candace Ann Schwab