We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Denise Carmichael. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Denise below.

Denise, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

Oh gosh, I feel like starting over would be harder for me now than it was when I was younger. haha! However, if I did start over, I would probably invest a little more time in marketing and learning more about social media. I’ll admit, I feel a little old school where I can’t get the hang of social media and what’s trending. It would definitely help me kick start and get to where I am now a lot faster than it took me. That’s okay though, I’m hoping I can figure it out with time. Now that I’m a mom, I’m a little less worried about social media and a little more invested in watching my daughters grow!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Denise Ana Photography specializes in everything from Maternity, Seniors, Portraits, Families, Engagements and Weddings. I am just so proud of how far I have come and how far I still continue to go. I truly believe that I’ll never stop learning and growing! I love all the new people I have had the opportunity yo photograph, memories that will last a lifetime for them. I believe what sets me apart is that I truly try to connect with my clients. I absolutely love becoming friend; I don’t just photograph your memories, I want to experience this with you! When I experience these moments with my clients, it allows them to really shine as who they are as individuals as opposed to just another photographer taking their pictures. I don’t just take pictures, I capture moments!

Have you ever had to pivot?

The biggest pivot or shift in my career was when I became a mom. While it has been absolutely beautiful blooming into this new season of my life; I had to learn how to manage my business and mom life separately. I also realized that it was time for a price increase; that part was incredibly difficult as I have always strived to be a budget friendly photographer. I had to start to valuing my time and my talent, child care isn’t the most affordable thing out there and I had to incorporate that expense into my sessions.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I mentioned becoming a mom; that is my drive, my reason, my motivation! I used to be driven by just passion for my photography; now I’m driven by passion and my daughters! It’s really quite amazing how one can grow into another level unimaginable when you become a parent. Life suddenly had so much more reason for me. Don’t get me wrong, becoming a parent isn’t for everyone and that’s okay; for me it has become everything! These daughters of mine have brought a whole new meaning to photography to me. The moments I have always loved capturing suddenly have an even deeper more meaningful meaning to me. I absolutely love the new perspective my girls have given me in my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.deniseana.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/deniseana
• Facebook: www,facebook.com/deniseanaphotography