We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Lund recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danielle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

One of my favorite ways to show appreciation for my clients is by surprising them with something personal before their wedding. Often after booking us, brides haven’t purchased their wedding dress, so I find out which store they’re visiting and surprise them with a special gift to share with their family and friends during their dress shopping experience.

For my wedding couples, as their wedding day approaches I love sending a handwritten note with a small, meaningful gift—that reflects their unique vibe. It’s a little way to remind them that their wedding wasn’t just another job for me; it is a story I am honored to capture.

On the wedding day or right after the wedding, I love to surprise couples with a printed images or special framed print to remember their day. It gives a wow factor and families at the wedding love to look through the images too!

I think what makes these gestures special is that they’re unexpected and personal. My clients aren’t just weddings on my calendar—They’re couples I genuinely care about. And when they feel that, it turns a one-day celebration into a lasting relationship, which is what I value most in my business.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Danielle and I’m a full-service wedding photographer with a deep love for capturing timeless moments that feel as unique as the people in them.

My journey into photography started with a passion for storytelling. I’ve always been drawn to the way a single image can hold so much emotion, and over time, that passion turned into a career built around documenting love stories in a way that feels personal, authentic, and timeless.

I specialize in wedding photography, working closely with couples who want more than just pretty pictures—they want a photographer who truly gets them. Whether it’s a couple with a modern vibe, a couple who wants their dog to run down the aisle as they have their first kiss or a couple that wants to rock out with their live band on the dance floor, I focus on creating an experience that feels effortless, fun, and meaningful with photos that you instantly are taken back to that moment.

Beyond just delivering beautiful images, I solve the problem of making sure my couples feel comfortable, confident, and present on their wedding day. We prep weeks before their wedding with a timeline planning meeting and on the wedding day guide them through natural, unposed moments. I ensure they can focus on what matters—celebrating with the people they love. I’m also one of the few vendors that are around long after the wedding, helping preserve their memories through legacy albums and artwork for their home.

What sets me apart is the way I build relationships with my clients. My work isn’t just about snapping pictures—it’s about understanding their story and capturing it in a way that feels true to who they are. I want my couples to look at their photos 10, 20, 50 years from now and feel every emotion all over again.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Whether it’s a bride who invites me into the quiet, emotional moments before she walks down the aisle or a family who comes back year after year to document their growing crew, I never take that for granted.

At the end of the day, I want potential clients to know that working with me means more than just hiring a photographer—it means gaining a storyteller, a cheerleader, and someone who truly cares about their memories as much as they do.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think my reputation has been built on a combination of genuine connection, consistent quality, and a client experience that goes beyond just taking photos.

First and foremost, I truly care about my couples. I take the time to understand their personalities, their vision, and what matters most to them. I’m not just showing up on the wedding day—I’m invested in their experience from start to finish, helping with timelines, making them feel comfortable in front of the camera, and ensuring their day is as stress-free as possible. That kind of personal connection leads to word-of-mouth referrals, which have been a huge part of my business growth.

Consistency has also been key. I focus on delivering timeless, light-filled images that feel authentic to each couple while maintaining a signature style that people recognize. Whether it’s a wedding, engagement, or family session, my clients know they can trust me to capture their story beautifully and professionally.

Attending and participating in wedding fairs has also played a big role in building my reputation. These events allow me to meet couples face-to-face, showcase my work, and connect with brides and vendors who may not have found me otherwise. It’s a great opportunity to make a personal impression, answer questions, and show them what sets my photography apart.

Building strong relationships with wedding planners has been another key factor. Planners are often the first point of contact for couples, and being a trusted, go-to photographer for them means I get to work with clients who are already looking for a seamless, high-quality wedding experience. I make sure to be easy to work with, reliable, and collaborative, so planners know they can count on me to take great care of their couples.

At the end of the day, I think my reputation comes from a mix of talent, trust, and the relationships I build. My clients know they’re not just hiring a photographer—they’re getting someone who truly cares about capturing their memories in a way that lasts a lifetime.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Funding my business wasn’t about securing a big loan or finding investors—it was about slowly and strategically building my way into full-time photography.

When I first started, I was working as a concierge at the W Hotel in Minneapolis. As I began booking more weddings, I realized I needed my weekends free, so I transitioned into an accounting role at the hotel. This move gave me the flexibility I needed while still providing a steady paycheck.

As my wedding bookings increased, I started cutting back my hours—first to 75%, then 50%, then 25%—until I was consistently making more from photography than I did at the W Hotel. I knew then that it was time to take the leap. In July 2015, I left the corporate world behind and went full-time with my business.

Because I took this gradual approach, I was able to fund my business with the money I earned from weddings and photo sessions rather than taking on debt. It gave me the confidence to build something sustainable while knowing I had a financial cushion. Looking back, I’m grateful for the slow and steady growth because it allowed me to turn my passion into a career in a way that felt intentional and secure.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.DanielleLund.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellelund/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniellelundphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-lund-18694844/

Image Credits

Danielle Lund Photography