Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Perry.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Danielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I purchased my first DSLR camera in April of 2019. Truth be told, I had no idea why I purchased my camera at the time; it just felt like another expensive compulsive purchase. I quickly learned that photography was not just point-and-shoot; it takes a lot of skill to capture what you envision. After a short 30-minute photography workshop from my brother, I mastered the basics to operating a camera. By July 2019, my company was officially open for business. I quickly began receiving emails for bookings. Within my first quarter of business, I can humbly say I was able to work with published models and well-known entrepreneurs of Atlanta.
In December of 2019, I reached a pivotal point in my business. Unexpectedly, I was given credentials to a fashion show in Atlanta. I had no experience in shooting runway models, nor did I have experience in shooting in a venue with low lighting. I was very nervous shooting this event. The gear that I was using for the fashion show was not ideal for shooting fashion shows, and I was quickly intimidated by the other photographer’s camera gear and equipment. Despite the circumstances, my pictures came out better than I expected. After the fashion show, I realized that this opportunity would truly positively alter my business. Shortly after releasing my pictures from the fashion show in Atlanta, I was given credentials to four New York Fashion Week shows! While covering a few shows in New York for Fashion Week in February 2020, I was able to take pictures of celebrities, models, music producers, and an array of influencers. Since my NYFW debut, I have seen an increase in bookings and exposure.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Unfortunately, it has not been a smooth road for many reasons. Being a black female photographer in a male-dominated field has shown me that I have to actively create and voice my own lane in photography. People view me and my photographs and struggle to see the correlation. Because I am not what the average photographer looks like and my equipment is not top-notch, people can be a bit skeptical in booking with me. Clients are always shocked to see my work from using an affordable DSLR camera and a knock-off prime lens. Other photographers look at my equipment and conclude that I am inexperienced to shoot models on runways. I do not own a mirrorless camera, nor do I use multiple lights in a studio. When I’m doing studio sessions, I only use equipment that I can afford and can fit in my car.
Therefore, I only own and use one monolight and I sometimes use a strobe light if I need it. Oftentimes I get the reactions of “Oh wow, did you really take those photos?'” or “OMG, you don’t look like you would be a photographer!” Some people see my urban portraits and assume that I am a female that dresses in avant-garde, but to their surprise, I am actually a female that dresses in the latest New York and Company garments. To those who stereotype photographers, my question is, why? Why do all photographers have to “look” the part for photographing and editing a certain aesthetic?
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a black female photographer. I specialize in lifestyle and urban portrait photography. However, I love to venture into all things creative when it comes to photography. I love that there are no boundaries in photography. Any client that sends me an originative concept, I am eager to work with them! Because of my eagerness to photograph creative concepts, I am often known for capturing photos that evoke emotion or tell a story notably through my signature black and white photos. I am most proud of being able to partner with other black-owned businesses in Atlanta. It goes without saying that many black business owners are often overlooked and not given the same opportunities, so it is imperative for me to use my platform and support their business in a tangible manner through my gift. Likewise, it is relevant for me to donate to charities fighting for racial equality. I believe my business’s purpose is more than just selling portraits. I believe during this historical time. My profits should be sown back into the black community, especially for families that have been directly affected by police brutality and racial injustices.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Personally, I define success as “how many people did I prove wrong today?” Many people know me as a humble individual, but for me, as an entrepreneur, proving that my work is more profitable than my perceived equipment worth fuels me. I have three markets that I strive to confute: clients, photographers, and myself. Delivering tears of joys and utter shock to clients encourages me daily. To see or read their initial reactions to their retouched photos, humbly reminds me that I am a photographer for an undeniable reason. I love proving myself to other photographers. Admittedly, I do not know all the mechanics of cameras and I struggle with remembering photography terminology. Even though I have my shortcomings in the technical side of cameras, I am still a relevant photographer in any group or network. I enjoy justifying that my ignorance and only knowing the pertinent parts of the camera uniquely creates appealing portraits.
Lastly, proving myself wrong is the most satisfying feeling. I cannot begin to retell horror stories of sessions that I thought were going to end my career. During sessions, I often look through the camera roll to see how the raw images are coming out, and sometimes I am anxious to even upload them into Lightroom. However, it is amazing to see the difference in an image from the camera to a laptop screen then to a retouched photo. After looking at a retouched photo, I feel relieved and successful. To be able to prove to myself that I deserve to be called a photographer is the most rewarding feeling and is a constant reminder that I am exactly in the lane that God desired me to be.
Pricing:
- Headshot Session – $150
- One Look Session – $200
- Family Portrait Session – $250
- Two Look Session – $300
- Boutique Session – $400
- Three+ Look Session – $500
- Wedding Package – $1,000+
Contact Info:
- Website: picsxdnae.com
- Phone: 7064576790
- Email: picsxdnae@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/picsxdnae/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/picsxdnae-snellville
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/printsxdnae
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