Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Weiss.
Hi Dani, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was drawn to photography as a child and am a very visual person. In high school that interest really took off. I was able to do some internships and went to college for both fashion and commercial photography along with photojournalism. I received both an associate’s degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology along with a bachelor’s degree at Empire State College. During my college years, I freelanced for local newspapers and worked with other professional photographers and for two different photo stock agencies, I personally did a lot of street photography and drag in the 80’s while I was in NYC. When I hung my first show someone saw it and hired me to do their daughter’s wedding based on my journalistic style. They allowed me to capture the entire wedding on black and white film in 1987. I loved it and this is what started my wedding photography career that ran alongside of my newspaper career.
My first job out of college happened to be in the Seattle area at a local newspaper in 1989. I lived in Seattle for 30 years doing news photography, weddings, portraits and mitzvahs. Anything people or pets drew my interest.
The cost of living in Seattle had become outrageous and knew I needed to make a change. Since I have some family in Atlanta and had visited a few times, I decided the city had the artistic vibe I was seeking. (Not to mention a lot more sunshine). I moved to Atlanta in 2018 and have been working to grow my photography business in the area. I love meeting new people, telling their stories with my camera and capturing their families.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The photo industry used to be a very scientific skill. There were a limited amount of photographers in the industry. Women were the minority and we all banded together to forge through the male-dominated community. Who would have thought that 20 years into a successful career digital photography would emerge. This allowed almost anyone to be able to take photos and not really have to learn the skills needed to expose a proper image. The cost of equipment doubled, and the photographer’s workload doubled as we now became the photo lab to process our images. The industry is not what it used to be. Rate increases are at a standstill due to the volume of people around to do the photography. There is always someone who can do things cheaper. What I love about this industry is the relationships I develop with my clients. It makes it all worthwhile.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Professional photography isn’t about gimmicks or tricks—like anything wonderful, it is a mix of talent, hard work, and experience. I seek constantly to be open to people and moments, to see the details that others might miss, and to reveal the essence of my subjects in a way that is open, honest, and fun.
34 amazing years behind the lens has taught me a lot, making me more professional and better equipped to photograph the complexities of big events and little moments. Having a great sense of humor really helps! I am a clear and straightforward communicator with the ability to know when to be where during an event. I have captured the look and feel of over 1000 weddings and events, creating great images that showcase real people in their most precious times.
Shooting wedding & bar and bat mitzvahs, as well as world travel, have given me a sensitivity to differing cultures, rituals and events that carry over to my portraits, pet photography, and even corporate work. Mixing a documentary journalistic style with fashion while including more traditional coverage ensures my images are both timeless and contemporary.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love about Atlanta is getting to know the people, artists and seeing local art shows. It is entirely different than Seattle. I also love the ability to be outside a lot more. The sunshine is very helpful.
The thing I like least about Atlanta is the traffic. It is unlike anywhere else I have experienced.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://daniweissphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniweissphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniweissphotography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniweiss/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/daniweissphoto
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dani-weiss-photography-decatur?osq=dani+weiss+photography
Image Credits
All photos by Dani Weiss Photography
