Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Wilson.
Hi Danielle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up fascinated by the simple beauty that surrounds us every day. I started trying to capture the beauty I found in various landscapes—the simplicity of God’s handiwork. I found the harmony between the animals and their surroundings to be the definition of beauty. I guess it could be described as spiritual in a way. So, I set out with my little Fuji camera to capture that essence in a photo. Spending long hours sitting in the woods behind my grandparents’ farm, I attempted to blend with nature and capture the world around me.
As a teenager, I got a Nikon 35 mm camera from a yard sale and thought I was something special. I started traveling out of state to see the world and broaden my views on the beauty God created. I fell in love with the art of people watching. I tried to blend into my surroundings and capture people in their daily activities.
I became a mom at 19, and my photos changed again. I began spending all my time taking pictures of my son and his friends from daycare. Trips to the park and the zoo captivated my lens as my little family grew. But like they say, “all good things must come to an end”. I went through a devastating time in life and chose to relocate my children. This move was meant to be a new beginning for us, and my camera got broken during the move. I couldn’t afford another one at the time, so I gave up on my little hobby and focused on being a good mom and making every moment with my children count.
We moved to Alabama at the end of 2008, and I met my husband shortly after. He inspired me to dream again. He bought me a Minolta SRT201 camera with extra lenses for my birthday and encouraged me to make a career out of doing something I love. I started out taking family photos and covering local school events, where I shared my photos with anyone who wanted one. Then a friend asked me to cover a family get-together, because she liked that my photos weren’t staged. So I agreed, not even thinking of it as a job, but more of a chance to do something I enjoyed. Her family was thrilled with the photos I shot that day and made me take payment for them. I covered their family gathering the following year as well, and was happy to feel like I was in my element. Sharing those feelings with my husband and his aunt over an afternoon visit led to them checking into me opening my own business.
My husband’s aunt made all my business cards using photos I had taken, and my husband got all the paperwork required to register my business. I thought they were crazy when they presented it to me, but what did I have to lose? So, I filed the paperwork and started advertising my services. My husband even surprised me with a new digital Canon Camera! Since opening Wilson’s Photo Labs, I have covered everything from birthday parties and weddings to family reunions and graduation. I prefer to go to various locations rather than using props in a building, so I don’t have a studio. The price is based on how far I travel and what the client is looking for. This is always discussed beforehand, and I allow clients to see the photos before I pack up to leave. They receive both the natural images and the ones I edit.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
COVID made things difficult for a while, but with the help of my daughter, Mackinzie Wilson, we managed to pull through it with a few jobs here and there.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I married my best friend, He is my partner in every aspect. I love being a mom to our 4 beautiful children, who will always be my greatest accomplishment in life. I enjoy working with children because they have no filter; they say what they think. I think that is why I love capturing moments the way I do, the camera doesn’t lie. Sure, the photo can be downloaded later and manipulated, but the truth will always be in the original shot. That is why I offer my clients both the original and an edited copy of my photos. I try to keep my prices low because I used to be a struggling single mom, and I understand the hardships that many people face. My business isn’t about making money, it’s about family and preserving the moments. I find that the simple things in life bring the most joy, and that has long been forgotten by our society.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Find something you love to do, and the inspiration will come. Starting is always slow until people see that you are reliable and provide a good service, so hang in there and keep working toward your goals!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Just a few of my favorite projects!
