Story & Lesson Highlights with Darius Voncel of Atlanta

Darius Voncel shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Darius, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’d say I’m walking a path. My career choices have been intentional, even when I didn’t have all the answers right away. I’ve taken opportunities that align with my long-term goals, and I make sure each step helps me grow and add value. Of course, I stay open to exploring and learning new things, but I do it with purpose. I know where I want to go, and I see each experience as part of that journey.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Darius. I’m a fashion editorial photographer, originally from Augusta, Georgia, but I’ve been here since I was 16. Photography has always been my first love because it lets me tell stories through images and connect with people in a way that words sometimes can’t.

I studied Media Communications for my undergrad at Full Sail University and just earned my Master’s in Marketing this summer from Southern New Hampshire University. That education gave me both the creative foundation and the strategy to understand how visuals can move culture, build brands, and leave a lasting impression.

At the same time, my spirituality really guides the way I work. I see every shoot as more than just taking pictures. It’s about energy, presence, and being in the moment with whoever or whatever is in front of my lens. I try to capture the essence of a person or concept, not just the surface.

Outside of photography I’ve also built Aura Brand Studios, where I help entrepreneurs and small businesses bring their visions to life through design and branding. For me, it all connects. Whether it’s through fashion imagery or brand identity, I’m always focused on creating something that feels authentic, powerful, and meaningful.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I never listened to the world about who I had to be. Since childhood I’ve always carried a strong sense of self. I was that kid who saw things differently, who paid attention to details and felt energy in spaces most people overlooked. Creativity has always been my natural language.

As I grew older, I didn’t let outside voices shape my path. Instead I leaned into what felt true to me, which was art, storytelling, and connection. That’s what led me into photography. It gave me a way to capture the world as I see it and share that perspective with others.

What sets me apart is that I am rooted in authenticity and love. I allow myself create from a place that honors both myself and my spirituality. Every shoot is a reflection of me staying aligned with who I have always been. I don’t create to follow trends or fit into a mold. I create to express, to connect, and to tell stories that feel timeless.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I would tell him to trust himself and to love himself. The way you see the world is unique. The creativity, the curiosity, and the way you notice details that others overlook are not things to hide or question. They are gifts.

I would remind him that he does not need to chase validation or fit into someone else’s mold. Love yourself fully and trust that being different is exactly what will make you stand out in the best way.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
“More followers equals more success.”

Man, this one trips a lot of people up. Social media numbers look nice and give you that instant hit of validation, so everyone treats them like they are the end-all-be-all. But here’s the truth: followers do not pay your bills, book your shoots, or actually care about your work the way real clients do.

You can have 50,000 followers and most of them just scroll past everything you post. Meanwhile, 500 people who really get what you do, trust your work, and actually hire you? That is where the value is. Real success in photography, design, and marketing comes from relationships, reputation, and results, not just big numbers on a screen.

A lot of folks tell themselves, “If I just keep posting and grow my followers, the clients will come.” That only works sometimes. You still gotta put in the work, show proof that you deliver, and build connections that matter. Followers who do not engage are basically invisible when it comes to real opportunities.

Chasing numbers feels good in the moment, but it does not build a real foundation. The people, the projects, and the trust you earn? That is what really counts.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Honestly, for a long time I was doing what I was told to do. I let outside voices shape my path, family expectations, societal definitions of success, and even industry trends. I chased what I thought I was supposed to be doing instead of paying attention to what actually lit me up. At the time, it felt safe, like I was following a blueprint, but inside it did not feel right. It drained me, and I realized I was not being true to myself.

At some point, I made a conscious choice to take that power back. I started focusing on what I was naturally drawn to, creating, designing, storytelling, and building brands that really mattered. I began saying yes to work that aligned with my vision and values and no to projects or expectations that did not. That shift did not happen overnight, but it was freeing.

Now I can say I am doing what I was born to do. I am showing up authentically, making work that excites me, and investing my energy into the people and projects that actually matter. It is not just about success or recognition anymore. It is about purpose, impact, and fulfillment. The more I focus on what is mine to create, the more clarity and confidence I have in every step I take.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.dariusvoncel.com
• Instagram: @dariusvoncel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusvm/

Image Credits
Photographer: Darius Voncel