Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Atkins.
Danielle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Natives of Houston, Texas, my husband and I relocated to Atlanta in 2012 with a huge vision. Originally my dream was to be an actress, but after attending acting school I discovered that my true passion was being behind the camera. I then enrolled at Georgia State University to pursue a degree in film. In 2017, I received my Associate’s degree from Perimeter College. After transitioning to the main campus, I received my Bachelor’s degree in December 2019 making me a first generation college graduate in my family!
I believe God has a way of using people to show you your talents. I had a friend who was starting a jewelry line and asked me to take professional pictures of her products for her social media accounts. I had never taken a picture on anything besides my phone, so I was hesitant at first. However, I realized that God had allowed her to see something in me that I didn’t yet see in myself. After taking her pictures, other people started to ask me to take theirs also. So, after graduating in 2017 I bought a camera and made my Husband, Rashard, and our dog, Pumpkyn, models to practice on. Once I was comfortable, I began asking my friends to take their pictures and then God elevated things from there! When you answer the calling of God on your life, everything else falls into place.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the beginning, it was a struggle for getting clients. I also had no idea about editing, lighting, or how to shoot from certain angles. So, nobody but family and friends were coming to me for the most part, and a lot of my work then was time for print (unpaid). Also, I would sometimes get discouraged because my photos didn’t look like other photographer’s work and I’d feel as if my work wasn’t good enough. However, when Jesus has something for you and you trust in him – You will elevate.
Please tell us about your company.
Highly Favored Photography is the name of my company. I am a freelance Videographer and Photographer. As far as what I specialize in, I’m very well rounded! I’m available to capture: weddings, family portraits, headshots, parties, and anything else you might need. There are no limits to what I’m capable of, and that’s one thing that sets me apart from others. I can do it all. I feel like my company is also different from others because if you scan my Instagram page, it’s diverse in multiple ways.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My faith in God I feel is what is most important to my success. Staying humble to who I am and showing the world the true me and the vision God has given me through my photos is one of my best qualities. I also think my love for life and others has helped me achieve success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flickr.com/photos/184905723@N05
- Phone: 770-369-0820
- Email: highlyfavoredstudio17@gmail.com
- Instagram: @highlyfavoredphotography
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