We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Denia Bent. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Denia below.
Denia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
I used to take lots of photos of random things that caught my eye when I started learning photography. A family member encouraged me to start putting my work out there which came to the point where I needed a name for my new business. My family and I were visited one of my sisters at her college game and as we were relaxing in the hotel, our brainstorming session began. I didn’t want my government name to be in it because it didn’t flow well and I wanted something that also had meaning to me. After deliberating I discovered that I would call it 14th Avenue Photography, after the street I grew up on. To me, there are a slew of reasons why this names fits who I am. It’s where I grew up, where I discovered my passion, where I spend my days working on projects, where I rest my head at night, and where my dreams continue to live. I love this name and what it represents.
Denia, 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 believe that photography found me. I took a class in high school and fell in love with it. Ever since then I never stopped taking photos. There is something about it that I love doing. Growing up, my family would take lots of videos and pictures of us together. Looking back at the developed images and recalling those memories with one another is such a wonderful activity. It’s one of the reasons why I love what I do. Because these memories I gather and share with my viewers share a story, maybe even keep a secret. There are so many layers to it.
Another benefit of what I do is being able to meet people and the personal growth that comes with this lifestyle. Becoming a business owner is not easy, especially when it is your passion. I wear many hats including making sure the business is making money. However, working with people from many different walks of life shows you the depth of humanity. People love people. We need each other to survive. We thrive with one another. That’s the beauty of life.
Photography has many different industries within itself and I have only scratched the surface. I enjoy capturing the scene of events as well as portraits of individuals. I provided sessions for graduating seniors, families, and businesses. I am also getting into product and real estate photography. Taking pictures is what I love to do.
When it comes to birthday’s or anniversaries I love that I am able to take the burden off the families backs so they can enjoy the moments with each other. I also like getting creative with people in business to provide a different perspective and way to have themselves of their products displayed to their audience.
What I want people to understand from me is that I just want them to have quality images of what they love. Whether it be themselves, family, their business, or property, I enjoy delivering value to my current and future clients. I also want you to remember to enjoy life while you are living because memories are what you make it.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
My favorite way to learn on the go is by listening to books or podcasts. It’s so easy to play something in the car or while I’m working. Growing and learning should never stop as a business owner. I realized that your service is only as good as the leader. A few things that have and continue to help me is to focus on my mindset. Investing time into myself to be the best version is what keeps me going. When I neglect myself and stretch too thin it effects my service. I realized a difference in my presence when I feed myself first and ensure that when I am offering comes from a sincere heart. I encourage others to invest in themselves. Keep learning and growing. Always remember to set boundaries as well. You do not need to say yes to everything.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Be a genuine person. People love people. Whatever you say, do, think, and act reflects. I always remember to consider the client and how they would like to feel during their time with me. It should be a seamless, no nonsense transaction. I do my best to be an educator instead of a defender when it comes with dealing with challenging circumstances.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.14thavenuephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/14th_avenue_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/14thAvenuePhotography