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

Denia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

In the dynamic world of photography, I pride myself on doing things differently. Forget about stiff, posed shots – I’m all about capturing the real, raw moments that tell your story authentically. I’ve carved out a niche in an industry often dominated by overly polished images. My approach involves creating a comfortable space for my clients to express their true selves, allowing me to capture the essence of who they are. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about crafting a visual narrative that resonates with your audience. So, if you’re tired of the conventional and crave a brand presence that’s as unique as you are, I’m your go-to photographer.

Denia, 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?

My passion for photography began unexpectedly when I started capturing moments with my mom’s cell phone. It ignited a spark within me, and in high school, I had the opportunity to delve deeper into the art of photography. I immersed myself in learning and honing my skills, constantly practicing to improve and grow.

Today, I specialize in helping entrepreneurs authentically showcase their brands through photography. I believe that a strong visual identity is essential in the digital age, and I’m dedicated to capturing the essence of each client’s unique story. By understanding their vision and values, I create compelling imagery that resonates with their target audience.

While brand photography is my primary focus, I also dabble in videography, using moving images to bring stories to life. I believe that video has the power to evoke emotions and create deeper connections, and I enjoy incorporating this dynamic element into my work.

What truly sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to authenticity. I strive to capture the genuine essence of individuals and their brands, allowing their true personalities to shine through. I believe that this authenticity is what resonates with audiences and builds trust, ultimately helping entrepreneurs establish meaningful connections with their customers.

I take great pride in how far I’ve come as a business owner, not just in terms of technical expertise, but also in my personal growth and mindset. The entrepreneurial journey is filled with challenges, but my determination to never give up has been my driving force. Overcoming obstacles and continuously pushing myself has allowed me to evolve both as an artist and as a professional.

As I reflect on my journey, I am most proud of the transformation I’ve witnessed in my clients. I’ve had the privilege of helping them step into their authentic selves and watch their businesses thrive as a result. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the impact my work can have on their success.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to showcase your brand authentically, I would be honored to work with you. Together, we can create visual stories that captivate, inspire, and connect with your audience on a deeper level. I invite you to explore my portfolio and see how I can help bring your brand to life.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my work.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A few months ago, I made a life-changing decision to seek personalized guidance and connected with incredible coaches. Their impact on my life has been profound, opening my eyes and helping me gain clarity and focus on the life I truly desire. From the moment I started working with them, they have provided unwavering support, walking alongside me every step of the way. This transformative experience has completely shifted my perspective, allowing me to embrace newfound possibilities and embark on a path of personal growth and fulfillment.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that success and progress are solely measured by how quickly I could move from one task or milestone to the next. I used to believe that constantly pushing forward and rushing through life was the key to achieving my goals. However, the backstory behind this mindset shift is quite eye-opening.

In my relentless pursuit of success, I found myself constantly overwhelmed and mentally exhausted. I was always thinking about what was next, what I needed to accomplish, and what goals I had yet to achieve. This frantic pace left me feeling disconnected from the present moment and unable to fully appreciate the journey.

It wasn’t until I started experiencing burnout and a general dissatisfaction with my day-to-day life that I realized something needed to change. Through self-reflection, conversations with mentors, and a deep dive into mindfulness practices, I discovered the importance of slowing down and embracing the present moment.

I learned that true fulfillment and joy are found not only in the destination but also in the journey itself. By slowing down and allowing myself to be fully present, I began to appreciate the small victories, the lessons learned along the way, and the beauty in the ordinary moments of life.

Now, I understand the significance of taking time to recharge, reflect, and simply enjoy the present. I strive to create a balance between ambition and presence, ensuring that I’m not constantly chasing the next goal but rather savoring the experiences and growth that each moment brings.

While I’m still learning and evolving in this practice, embracing a slower pace has brought me a sense of peace, clarity, and a deeper appreciation for life’s precious moments. It’s a continual journey, but I now understand that by slowing down and chilling, I can create a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.14thavenuephotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/14th_avenue_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/14thAvenuePhotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/14thavenuephotography
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPBOvPjolgJ6f2pvp_x5RNw