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

Charlyn, appreciate you joining us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

I am under many umbrellas: first generation American, asian, queer and a woman who runs her own business. From previous experience, I understand how hard/daunting it can be to find a photographer who is inclusive– specially with the LGBTQ+ community. My best friend and I decided we wanted to open a photography service on the side solely for the queer community. My partner and I both recognize the comfort that it brings to share space with someone who also shares the same shoes.

Charlyn, 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 was born in Norfolk, Virginia but spent my childhood growing up on all coasts. My parents were both from the Philippines so being a first-generation American came with one foot in each culture. Fascinated by the different cultures of each city lived in– I began an early interest in people and their connection with one another. It was my love for documenting the intimacy of deeply rooted relationships in love, life and its surroundings that helped me quickly discover a passion for editorial wedding and portrait photography. My free time is spent chasing quality food, latte art, new exhibits at local museums and time with my honey, close friends and family. I am a fierce advocate for the BPOC and queer community, as being part of them. I currently reside in both Philadelphia and NYC and love the city life.

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

I was once married and after our proposal my partner at the time knew that photography held the most importance to me. I had a dream photographer in mind who happened to be local and she worked with a handful of personal friends so I felt we had a high chance of getting her for our wedding. Following my hopeful email was her response that her beliefs did not align with my lifestyle and so she had to decline. I’ll never forget that feeling. I played out every possible response that she could have given but she specifically chose to voice her beliefs and unintentionally (or intentionally) state that we were second class citizens. I’ve experienced these feelings when it came to racial issues but to feel that from a fellow peer who had an influence over me was something I vowed to never bring on to my clients.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I have a passion for editorial wedding and portraits and shooting those are both so filling but I have an obsession over street photography. I am working towards having that balance of making a living but also pursuing my other creative outlets and growing within street photography. What I love most about street photography and what it does for me is that it encourages me to bring my camera everywhere and document everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: charlynphotography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/charlyn.photography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/charlyndphotography

Image Credits
All photographs taken by Charlyn Dahilig of Charlyn Photography