We recently connected with Donna Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Donna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
Hey, thanks so much for having me! I have tooootally had this thought before and still do sometimes! Being a business owner has taken me on an emotional journey from the very start of my decision to pursue photography professionally. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t shed many happy and sad tears along the way. While I can’t pinpoint an exact moment when I last wondered about my choice, there’s a constant balancing act between my passion for capturing moments and the challenges I face running my own photography business.
Running a business comes with a blend of romanticized freedoms and hidden pressures. The allure of creating my schedule and following my rules is balanced by the responsibility and self-discipline required to meet deadlines, complete tasks, and remain productive. Externally, it might seem like I’m living the dream – photographing stunning landscapes, constantly traveling to remote and breathtaking places, and creating art. But it’s also the moments behind the scenes that shape my experience.
The anxiety of delivering the perfect shot, replying to tough emails, and adhering to contractual obligations often creeps in. Balancing personal time with work commitments is an ongoing challenge, with concerns about how others perceive my choices. The mental toll, partly self-inflicted and partly fueled by external opinions, is a significant aspect. There’s also the constant inner dialogue: “Did I remember to get that permit?” “Do I have the right gear?” “What if I miss something?” “They didn’t reply to the gallery delivery, do they like their photos?” “What if everything that could go wrong does go wrong and we run out of backup plans?”
The 9-5 routine might appear appealing at times – the idea of clocking in and out and compartmentalizing work from personal life. But then, I’m reminded of the meaningful impact I make. The opportunity to create memories that will outlast generations is an incredible talent and job to have. Of course, the weight and worry tied to this privilege are very real, and I find myself questioning if I can do justice to these moments amid my self-doubt. Wearing the hats of a photographer, planner, journalist, artist, and more can be daunting, especially as I am sometimes the sole additional witness to some of my couples’ most meaningful moments.
Navigating creative ruts, burnout, and the need for consistent creativity is demanding. Yet, despite the rollercoaster of ups and downs, my journey as a business owner has been transformative. It’s shaped me not only professionally but also as an individual, and its influence seeps into various aspects of my life.
While the challenges can be overwhelming, the fulfillment of knowing I’ve contributed to lasting memories outweighs them. Every part of me is intertwined with my work, creating a unique connection that I couldn’t find in a ‘regular job.’
Basically, I’m continually learning, adapting, and growing through this adventure. The struggles and triumphs are part of the package, enriching my life in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. While I might wonder about alternative paths, I wouldn’t trade this experience for a 9-5. As long as I’m able to create meaningful experiences for my clients, I’m content on this journey.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Of course! Hey heyyy, I’m Donna, an Adventure Elopement & Couples Photographer based in the stunning state of Alaska. I’m all about offering couples an epic and adventurous photo experience that celebrates their unique love and reflects who they are as a couple in their photos!
My journey into this whole photography thing started when I was back in middle school where I played around with creative and conceptual self portraiture. As I grew and got the hang of it all, my focus shifted towards photographing others, like all of my senior friends in high school. At the age of 17, I dove headfirst and photographed my first wedding – a pivotal moment that marked the start of this professional adventure.
I fell totally head over heels for couples photography and weddings when I realized how fun it was to photograph couples in love! I’m talking the silly moments, big smiles, laughter, intimate moments, and wild adventures! Watching how couples interact with each other, and their loved ones and how these interactions feel amidst the landscapes, light, and ambiance of the day is fascinating. Seeing this all come together into a meaningful photo gallery that is not only an accurate depiction of the moments that unfolded, but also just plain beautiful is really fulfilling!
For me, photography is collaborative, it’s not just about the landscapes, the props, the clothes, the activities, but about YOU as a couple! I’m all about couples that are ready to seize the day and celebrate their love in style. Whether it’s capturing the intimate moments of a small wedding, the adventurous spirit of an elopement, the carefree fun of a couple newly engaged, or the enduring love of a couple married for many years, if the love and intention is there, the photos will be magical!
I’m pretty darn proud of the trust my clients put in me to document their most personal and significant moments! How cool is that?! Knowing that my work brings smiles and happy feels to people’s lives keeps me totally stoked and motivated to deliver the best experience and photos every single time.
So whether someone is planning an epic milestone adventure, or just want to go have some fun in front of the camera, I’ve gotchu!
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Definitely Instagram and Google SEO! They’ve both been huge in brand awareness and growth for me. Having a solid knowledge of how to optimize my website to be found in browsers is crucial to being found online, and also having a website that depicts who I am and what I do clearly and effectively is really important. Also, having a social media presence backs up and supports the claims and main focus of my website is a really cool and personal way for people to get to know me as a business owner behind the scenes as well.
Showing up on Instagram as myself and being personable provides a valuable connection for potential clients to make that has been really nice!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I’ve touched on this a bit in previous answers, but it’s so rewarding to know that as a sole witness of some of my couples milestone moments, I’m able to photograph and tell stories through my lens and provide my couples with invaluable and tangible memories from their days. It’s truly such an honor to not only be present for these intimate memories, but to be trusted with documenting them as well. Seeing their emotions on the day of, and then also seeing their reaction to their images being delivered is very special!
Contact Info:
- Website: donnamphotography.com
- Instagram: @donnamariephotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/donnamphotography
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@donnamariephotography?si=yUZfgCK6jxmC29VN
Image Credits
Photography by Donna Smith of Donna Marie Photography