Professional Q&A: Doyce Crandall

Doyce Crandall owns Focused School Photography and does business across Oklahoma and the Midwest but calls Edmond her home. Despite living in several places over the years, she settled down in Edmond and owns a business doing what she loves.

Q: Do you live in Edmond, work in Edmond, or both?

A: I have lived in Oklahoma since 1982, but moved to Edmond in 2003 with my children and husband. My children, Courtney and Zachary, both graduated from Santa Fe High School.

Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?

A: I grew up in the Midwest—Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas—and moved to Oklahoma in Middle School. I graduated from Moore High School, moved away a couple of times, but always returned to Oklahoma!

Q: What did you do prior to getting involved with your current company?

A: I started in the school photography business in 1997 as a photographer. I was promoted to Territory Manager over my time at a national school photography company.

Q: How did you start Focused School Photography?

A: I decided a change needed to happen in 2015. I worked in my husband’s business—Sandler Custom Growth Solutions—before making the decision with my business partner to open our own school photography company. We knew we could do it better, and being local could serve school needs better. That was in 2017. This is the seventh fall we have been photographing in the Oklahoma area.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love being in the schools and watching students light up when we take their photos. There is nothing like being in a school environment. It keeps me young at heart.

I love the team I work with. We have so much experience between all of us and are able to make good business decisions based on the needs of the schools. Our team truly cares about the student’s photos, the schools, and each other.

Everyone goes above and beyond!

Q: What’s something you’re passionate about in your personal life?

A: My husband and I love to ski. We want to ski every mountain in Colorado! We both love to travel, see new places, and learn about history in those areas.

I am grateful for my daughter, who is married and a nurse in Colorado, and my son, who will graduate in December with his Master’s degree in some field I cannot pronounce! He works for the county of Oklahoma.

We love our Whoodle, Libby, and volunteer for a Cavalier King Charles rescue, getting dogs out of puppy mills.

Q: What do you like about Edmond?

A: I love the small big town feel! Edmond is growing, but we still run into people we know every time we leave the house! Edmond is growing, and the schools and school administrators are among the best! 

Q: What is your number one tip for other professionals, either for work or life in general?

A: Do what you love. Life is too short to be miserable in a job or career. Put yourself and your family first.