We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Danielle Close a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

The short answer to this question is yes, I am definitely happier being a business owner! Owning a business is kind of like having another child. It can be stressful, and I think about it constantly! With that being said though, I get a lot of freedom. I make my own hours, I get to decide when/if I take photos. I can spend time with my family. I can be as creative as I want to be by being my own boss!

Danielle, 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 got started into my photography business by starting as a hobby. What better way to start a business by being passionate about it?! I honestly had no idea I was going to be starting a business, I was just having fun. I was posting pictures I was taking of my family, which led to more family and friends wanting photos. I would say what makes me different than other photographers is that I don’t just make you stand there and smile at the camera. I will make couples do ridiculous things that end up looking awesome in the end! I make it more about the experience. I want everyone to have a great time!
I’m also the adventure type! I’m always down to do anything wild and fun! One senior session we randomly flew in a plane, and that definitely was not planned! That was probably one of my most memorable sessions for sure.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

There are so many rewarding aspects of being creative, especially as a photographer. Of course I love to do fun and creative shoots. But to me, the most rewarding shoots are the ones where I can capture real memories for family members. The ones where someone messages me and tells me their family member is sick, and might not have much time left on this earth and they need family photos. That is rewarding to capture those memories. The one where a daughter is posting the picture I took of her and her dad from their first dance at her wedding, saying he passed away and she misses him. I am thankful I took that exact picture. That is so rewarding to me!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Trust the process!! My editing will take some time, and I won’t rush it. Its because I’m doing my absolute best to ensure I deliver the perfect photos! Another thing is photoshoots! My shoots go best when I take the lead. Trust my creative process in that as well. With that being said, I do love hearing ideas from my clients. I will ask at the end of my session if they had any other photos they had in mind that we didn’t get done that they wanted to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: Daniellekaraphotography.com
• Instagram: @daniellekaraphoto
• Facebook: Danielle Kara Photography

Image Credits
Danielle Kara Photography