We recently connected with Dasean Mack and have shared our conversation below.

Dasean, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.

Basically watching my mentors and other creators do the same thing i was doing. Knowing what i know now, the reps matter a lot and doing alot of practice makes perfect. A skill that is essential is never stop learning in my opinion, the more information you can take in , makes it easier for you to learn.

Dasean, 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?

My name is Da’Sean Mack, and I’m the owner of DaeTimeVisuals, a portrait and branding photography business based in Baltimore, Maryland. I picked up a camera in 2024 and quickly realized photography was more than a hobby—it became a way for me to tell stories and help people see themselves in a different light.

I specialize in graduation portraits, studio portraits, branding sessions, maternity, and creative editorial work. My goal isn’t just to take pictures; it’s to create an experience where my clients feel confident, celebrated, and proud of who they are. Whether someone is graduating, building a business, or celebrating a milestone, I want them to have images that they’ll look back on for years.

What sets my work apart is my focus on lighting and creating intentional portraits. I’m constantly studying and improving my craft because I believe every client deserves more than a standard photoshoot. I want each session to feel unique and tailored to their personality and vision. My style combines clean, timeless portraits with creative lighting techniques that help people stand out.

One of the things I’m most proud of is building my business through consistency and hard work while continuing to grow as an artist and entrepreneur. I’ve had the opportunity to work with graduates, professionals, and creatives throughout the DMV area, and seeing my clients gain confidence from their photos is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

At DaeTimeVisuals, my brand is built on professionalism, creativity, and genuine connections. I want potential clients to know that when they book with me, they’re not just getting a photographer—they’re investing in an experience and in images that capture an important chapter of their lives. As I continue to grow, my mission is to create impactful portraits that leave a lasting impression while inspiring others to celebrate their own stories.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my social media audience by focusing on consistency and authenticity rather than chasing trends. When I first started DaeTimeVisuals, I made it a priority to post my work regularly, showcase my growth, and let people see the person behind the camera. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” portfolio, I shared my journey and improved with every session.

One of the biggest factors in my growth has been creating an experience that clients want to talk about. Word-of-mouth and referrals have been just as important as social media because happy clients naturally become ambassadors for your brand. I also make it a point to engage with my community, collaborate with other creatives, and support local businesses and entrepreneurs.

As a photographer, I learned that social media isn’t just about posting great images—it’s about telling stories and building relationships. I share behind-the-scenes moments, client successes, and the creative process because people connect with authenticity.

My biggest advice for anyone starting to build a social media presence is to stay consistent and avoid comparing your journey to someone else’s. Focus on creating quality work, serving your clients well, and showing up even when growth feels slow. It’s easy to get caught up in follower counts and algorithms, but real success comes from building trust and a community around your brand.

I’ve found that opportunities don’t always come from having the largest audience. They come from having the right audience—people who believe in your work, support your vision, and are excited to share it with others.

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?

One thing I think non-creatives struggle to understand is that being a creative isn’t just about making art—it’s about running a business. People often see the final photo or finished project, but they don’t see the hours spent planning, marketing, editing, learning new skills, answering emails, managing finances, and constantly investing back into the business.

As a photographer, I’ve learned that success doesn’t happen overnight. There are seasons where you’re busy and seasons where you’re questioning yourself. There are times when you’re working a full-time job while building your dream after hours, sacrificing weekends and late nights to create something bigger than yourself. The work doesn’t stop when the camera gets put away.

I also think people underestimate how much heart creatives put into their work. Every session and every client matters because you’re creating memories that people will carry with them for years. There’s a level of pressure that comes with wanting to deliver your best every single time.

At the same time, being a creative has taught me resilience. I’ve learned to embrace mistakes, keep improving my craft, and trust the process even when progress feels slow. Comparison can be one of the biggest challenges, but I’ve realized that everyone’s journey is different, and growth comes from staying consistent and focusing on your own path.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to understand, it’s that creativity is a long-term commitment. Success isn’t built from one great idea or one viral moment. It’s built through discipline, consistency, and a willingness to keep showing up, even when nobody sees the work happening behind the scenes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.daetimevisuals.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daetimevisuals/