Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danielle Kennedy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Danielle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
A lot of what I’ve learned about photography is self taught. I’ve also have met some amazing photographers that have been willing to share their knowledge and show me a lot of how they do their style. I’ve also worked for a couple photo companies and have learned some things from them as well. Though I tend to take everything I’ve learned from all that and tweak everything to suit my style.
The biggest thing once you figure it out is that there’s no right or wrong to photography. Be as creative as you want pick your style and go with it.
Understanding lighting is the biggest thing. If you don’t understand how light works then your photos could come out over exposed and a lot of times underexposed unless you’re doing it on purpose.
My biggest obstacle is time. I’m still currently working a full time job and running my photography business on the side.
Danielle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve always had an interest in photography since I was a kid.. back in film days. I honestly wanted to learn how to develop my own film but by the time I got into high school digital had started to come into being. I got my first point and shoot digital at 16 but got to play with my first Nikon in school. I was hooked since then.
I offer a wide range of photography services for now but like everyone else I’ll eventually pick a specialty. So far for now it’s Wrestling. All though I love photographing all sports wrestling has become my favorite. I also offer corporate headshots, model portfolios, event photography, pet photography, wrestler promos, Cosplay photography, and sometimes family, couples, and maternity photo sessions.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
To gain the initial capital to fund my business I’ve had to continue to work a full time job and many gig jobs. Photography equipment is expensive and when you don’t have the credit you have to grind everyday. At one point I was literally working 10 different jobs. Yes it’s possible lol. Now I have a good full time job and am working on a physical studio location.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding for me is when people share the photos I’ve taken of them. It’s the best feeling when your tagged in the photos you’ve taken, but the part that really hits is when they use the photos as their profile pictures…. I’ll randomly scroll through Facebook or other social and see my photos as their profile pictures sometimes it’s people I’m not even Facebook friends with and I’m like oh I took that!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Dkennedyphotography
- Other: Email: [email protected]