We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Donna. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Donna below.

Hi Donna, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

One of the kindest things that helped me get started with exhibiting my international photography collection was when a fashion designer invited me to collaborate with him on “Art for Fashion”. He insisted I create a business card, website, Instagram and Facebook page before our big event. At the time, it felt like everything all at once. I had to decide which of my photographs to print and what size, then create social media channels and a website that included an artist statement. He kindly suggested I invite my friends and family to the fashion show and photography exhibit that he would host at his boutique in Houston’s museum district. It was through email, texts and phone calls a week before the event that brought everyone out for “Art for Fashion”. Sure enough this was a recipe for success! We had over 70 people turn out including models, fashion photographers, a wine distributor and many patrons. Thanks to all the support I got from my family and friends, I sold my first two photographs from Costa Rica. The kind gesture of the fashion designer helped to kickstart a new career, that has grown for almost 8 years now.

Donna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Houston-based fine art photographer and artist whose work is inspired by travel, culture, and the emotional resonance of place. My artistic journey grew from a lifelong love of visual storytelling and a deep curiosity about the world. Over the past decade, travel—particularly throughout Europe—has played a central role in shaping my creative voice. Since 2015, I’ve made numerous journeys through Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Switzerland, Austria, Monaco, and the Czech Republic, capturing landscapes, architecture, and quiet moments that reveal the character and rhythm of each place.

My work focuses on interpreting these environments through a painterly photographic lens—transforming scenes of mountains, vineyards, coastal cliffs, nature reserves, historic cities, and village streets into images that feel both timeless and immersive. I’m especially drawn to light, texture, and composition, elements that allow photography to move beyond documentation and become an expressive art form. I began creating mixed media on canvas using my photographs with paint, tempered glass and resin, in 2022, as a new expression.

I create and exhibit limited-edition fine art photographic prints, original mixed media and acrylic paintings that are collected by individuals who love travel, culture, and European landscapes. My work is often displayed in Houston galleries and studios, including my current exhibition “Europe Reimagined through Artist’s Lens” part of FotoFest Biennial 2026, Participating Spaces. My works are also represented by Amsterdam Whitney Fine Art Gallery in New York City.

In addition to exhibiting, I connect directly with collectors through my studio at the Sawyer Yards artist complex, special events, and my online platform, where people can explore and acquire pieces for their homes and collections. My work is available online at Ladonnafoto.com and Artsper.com, as well as exhibited in various gallery spaces throughout Sawyer Yards, the largest artist complex in the US.

Ultimately, my goal is to create images that transport viewers—art that allows someone to stand in front of a photograph, mixed media or painting on canvas and feel as if they’ve stepped into another place and moment in time.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I was invited by the international curatorial board of the Florence Biennale to exhibit there in Italy, in 2021. Exhibiting during a worldwide pandemic brought many challenges. First, I had to ship my artworks through Italian customs and trust that it would arrive on time for the 8 day international exhibition. My canvases had to be stretched and delivered to the Fortezza di Basso convention center where they were installed by the wonderful Florence Biennale team. When I arrived, there was the daily wearing of a face mask, showing a Covid vaccination card, and having temperature checks before entry to the exhibition. Together with 400 artists from 78 countries, the strict protocols of Italy were followed and in place at that time. We all had to persevere and continue on against all odds. It was very exciting to meet other artists and patrons from all over the world at such a pivotal moment in history.

Luckily, I was able to secure 2 sponsorships to offset the multitude of expenses incurred with exhibiting internationally. Thankfully, I managed to avoid getting Covid and returned home after journeying on through Paris.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Being supported by the community is very important to sustain my role as an artist. One of the most direct ways to support creatives is to buy their work, whether large or small. When individuals collect original art or prints, they not only sustain an artist’s practice, but also become part of the story of that work. Private collectors, small businesses, and corporations all play an important role in supporting working artists like myself. I am very grateful for the support!

International exhibitions and festivals—such as the Florence Biennale or FotoFest Biennial—bring artists and audiences together from around the world. Supporting these events helps artists thrive and share perspectives across cultures in order to keep global creative dialogue alive.

Ultimately, when society values creativity, it strengthens culture, inspires new ideas, and enriches everyday life. Supporting artists means supporting imagination, history, and the shared human experience. It is an exciting time to be an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ladonnafoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladonnafoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fotoladonna
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-carnahan-3a0955b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl88hel3Py3nlMqH7Xb2_7A

Image Credits

Donna Carnahan