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

Dani, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I’ve been a full time photographer since 2019 but it wasn’t alway as easy.

When you say you want to pursue a career in the arts you always get “the look” and concerned advice from the adults in your life. Older generations aren’t used to seeing everyday people make a living from their hobbies, especially when it’s something intangible like photography.

In college, I was working in an office on weekdays and at the mall on weeknights just so I could save up enough money to buy my first car and drive to shoots on weekends. I bought a beat up car and used the rest of my money for a new camera. I felt rich.

The day I decided to quit my jobs to pursue photography full-time was filled with bitter words of advice from people telling me it wasn’t something sustainable or secure. But I knew I was on the path God wanted for me and that my hard work would be blessed and my investments multiplied. I had faith in what I couldn’t see. . .yet.

My parents and now husband, David, were also such a solid support system for me. They encouraged me to pursue my passions and reminded me that there was bigger potential in what I once saw as just a hobby.

My first year with Dani Parada Photography, I tripled my corporate income and booked over 25 weddings for the following year. I was seeing God’s promise for my passion come true.

Dani, 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?

For me, like most professional photographers, photography started off as something I just loved to do. It wasn’t until the first time that I received an email from someone interested in paying me for a shoot that I realized it was something I could actually make money from.

Soon after I began monetizing my hobby I realized how much I also loved genuine human connection and love stories. I loved old films and the way they portrayed love so easily and pure.

And I think that’s what my clients resonate with as well. They know that when they hire me, they’re hiring someone who not only enjoys the time spent photographing and editing their engagements and weddings, but also someone who takes heart in the fact that these are real moments that will be held close to their heart forever. For most, it’s the first time they’re seeing their love from a third point of view and that’s a beautiful perspective to give someone.

I think the secret to a successful career in the wedding industry is putting the sentiment and memory before the aesthetic. It’s creating a timeless memory that will live past fashion trends and social perspective while remaining true to a couple’s love.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?

I think the most rewarding thing photography has brought into my life, are all the beautiful experiences and traveling I would have otherwise missed out on.

I’ve traveled to dozens of states and countries for weddings and elopements throughout the last 4 years–something i never did growing up. The fact that I now get to travel and photograph beautiful love stories in beautiful locations is something I would have only dreamed of a few years ago.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think as a society, it’s our job to encourage creativity at a young age and teach children that the things that make them unique are also what make them creative. We need to remind and encourage them to pursue their passions and put less emphasis on making them fit an educational mold that clearly is not “one size fits all.”

The school system pushes kids to focus on core subjects and eliminates time for creative outlets and social interaction outside of school because they’re bombarded with hours of homework and standardized testing– which teaches kids that their value only comes from what they score.

Growing up, I always felt like my love for painting and visual arts was distracting me from my responsibilities of school. I wish someone would have told me that fitting the educational mold was actually distracting me from what would someday become a successful career.

As much as I loved photography, It didn’t feel like a path I could take professionally until I was an adult.

School systems scare children with the idea that they won’t have successful lives if they don’t go to college and get a good job. Not mentioning that entrepreneurs and artists can make just as much money as a doctor or lawyer while still living a fulfilled life doing what they love.

Luckily, we have a new generation of teachers who are aware of the flaws in our educational system and are encouraging kids to embrace what makes them unique. And that they don’t need to be in corporate America in order to see financial, social, and personal prosperity

Contact Info:

• Website: www.daniparada.com
• Instagram: @daniparadaphoto
• Facebook: @daniparadaphoto
• Twitter: @daniparadaphoto