We were lucky to catch up with Daria Makohonova recently and have shared our conversation below.

Daria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

It was almost 10 years ago, and I consider Yulia Yakovenko to be my first serious client. I remember that in the summer of 2015, she reached out to me on Instagram to inquire about a photoshoot. At that time, she was already a well-established bank employee, while I had been photographing for just over a year and a half. Most of that time had been spent on creative tests and finding my style.
We met at the shooting location, and when I saw her, I was overwhelmed with excitement. A stunning woman in an evening gown had arrived, and I didn’t feel like a professional of the right caliber. However, the shoot went smoothly—easy and calm. Yulia turned out to be not only a wonderful person but also a very demanding client.
Over the next seven years, we worked together on many beautiful, diverse photoshoots, right up until my departure from Ukraine. She was the one who taught me to focus on the smallest details: a dirty heel tip, a speck of dust on a jacket, and countless other little things. At first, these demands frustrated me, and it was hard to meet such high expectations. But years later, I’m incredibly grateful for it. It was these very challenges that shaped me into the professional I am today.
I can confidently say that with that first photoshoot, I not only earned my first payment but also gained invaluable experience that is worth far more than any amount of money.

Daria, 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’m Daria, a family photographer in Anderson, SC. I offer a range of photography services tailored to each family member. Whether it’s a family portrait session, a solo shoot for mom, or a fun documentary of a child’s birthday party, all my work is united by a deep love for people, a keen ability to listen, and an understanding of each client’s unique vision for their photoshoot.
Though I’ve only been living in the USA for a year, I bring a high level of professionalism and a wealth of experience that I’m excited to share with my clients. Above all, I believe our photoshoot will leave a lasting impression, because the friendly and welcoming atmosphere I create will turn our time together into a meaningful experience. This bond helps me understand your personal vision and select the perfect concept for your shoot.
In addition to outdoor sessions in beautiful locations, I offer a unique service: photoshoots in the comfort of your own home, set up just like a professional studio. To explain what I mean, let me ask a simple question: What does a typical photoshoot preparation look like? More often than not, it’s the mom who handles everything—choosing the photographer, coordinating outfits, ensuring everyone is ready. On the day of the shoot, she’s responsible for dressing herself, getting the kids and husband ready, doing her hair and makeup (or visiting a stylist), and then arriving at the location. Only then can she finally relax and trust the photographer to take over.
But what if you didn’t have to leave home? Imagine no longer having to worry about packing extra outfits, shoes, snacks, or tissues. No need to ask your husband for extra time to travel, attend the shoot, and then drive back home. All of this becomes unnecessary when the photographer comes to you. And that’s where my unique service comes in. Whether it’s a cozy shoot by the fireplace, on the sofa, or anywhere else in your beautiful home, I can set up a professional studio right in your living space—even in a small room. From family portraits on canvas to minimalist shots with clean backgrounds and stunning lighting that feels like a high-end studio, I can create it all without you ever needing to leave home.
I truly believe that by saving you time and creating amazing photos, I’ll bring you double the happiness.
What I’m most proud of is the unique experience I’ve gained over the years—working in Ukraine, and now in Europe and the USA over the past three years. My experience spans across various client needs: children from one to 18 years old, people over 65, expectant mothers, and male entrepreneurs. Through these diverse experiences, I’ve learned that 50% of a successful photoshoot is about clearly discussing the goals of the session, building rapport, and focusing on the client’s needs. Of course, I still have much to learn, but I am confident in my skills and the quality of service I offer.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

When we talk about creative professions—whether it’s photography, art, sculpture, or others—many people imagine a life of 100% creativity. Thanks to films and books, society has built an image of the “starving artist”: someone who creates day and night, pouring out their creative ideas while rejecting all inconvenient offers of collaboration in favor of free, unrestrained art.
However, I have to disappoint many who romanticize this image. This portrait has little to do with the reality of running a creative business. Of course, you can create for the pure joy of it, send your work to exhibitions, or embrace the persona of the “mad artist.” But in that case, you’ll likely need a second job, a wealthy partner, supportive parents, or sponsors to help sustain you during those creative phases.
If you choose the path of business, though, the reality is different. Creativity accounts for only about 10% of the work. The remaining 90% is all about systems: defining your target audience, developing your personal brand, improving your communication skills, and being flexible. Sure, clients may come to you for your unique vision, your unparalleled style, but before you get to that stage, there’s a lot of routine work to be done. Along the way, you’ll also need to navigate through professional burnout and creative crises, which are inevitable for any creative person.
This isn’t something to fear, and I don’t want you to view it as a horror story. Think of creativity as riding the waves: you choose your beautiful surfboard, but remember that to catch the wave, you’ll sometimes have to paddle hard with your own hands.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

Sometimes, it feels like the past three years have been an ongoing struggle for the survival of my business. I’m from Ukraine, from the beautiful city of Dnipro. When Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine began in 2022, I was forced to leave my home and take my younger sister to Poland. That’s when the real struggle started. Evacuating with just a backpack, I made sure to take my camera, flash, and laptop. There was, of course, no room for regular clothes. To be honest, as I packed my photographic equipment, I thought I might have to sell it to ensure the survival of my sister and myself.

I didn’t pick up a camera for three months, as my mental state was at rock bottom. Before the war, I had a full booking schedule and a lot of shoots lined up. The lack of work only deepened my sense of despair. But over time, people started to believe in me and reached out for photoshoots. Little by little, I began to rebuild my business, even while holding down a “stable” job.

A year ago, my husband and I moved to the United States, to South Carolina. This presented a whole new set of challenges: a new place, a different mentality, unfamiliar market rules, and the silence during shoots that made me wonder if I could ever fully recover. But as they say, the path is made by walking.

I may not have a fully booked schedule yet, but I am actively promoting my brand, conducting beautiful photoshoots, delighting more and more clients, and even giving my first interview. This means I am moving forward—toward my goal, my dream.

I’m confident that, with time and hard work, I will look back on this moment and give an interview about how I overcame these difficult stages and eventually created a space for creativity, not only for myself but also for aspiring photographers. But that’s a story for another time…

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariam.photo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013573262833
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daria-makohonova-380b592a5/
• Other: Portfolio: https://61c1f8c9c01a14-05756422.gallery.photo/gallery/portfolio/