We recently connected with Donna Wescott and have shared our conversation below.
Donna, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
At Wonder and Whimsy Photography, my mission is to capture and create moments of pure joy, especially when happiness feels hard to find. I aim to provide a space where I can tap into my childlike wonder, inspiring others to see the beauty that still exists in the world if they only start looking for it, and to help make happy memories that last a lifetime.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wrestled with the weight of anxiety and depression, and the loss of a dear friend to suicide left a profound mark on my heart. In a world where news cycles and voices often amplify sadness and division, it’s all too easy to be consumed by the negative. But I made a choice to seek out the moments that spark joy, the ones that make my soul come alive. The more I looked, the more I discovered—beauty, hope, and goodness were always there, waiting to be seen. Through my photography, I want to share this awakening with the world, inviting others to rediscover the wonder and find the good that surrounds us. I truly believe there’s more light than darkness; we just have to open our eyes to see it.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Donna, and I’ve always believed I was born to be a photographer. From a young age, I saw the world through a lens of wonder, capturing fleeting moments in my mind like snapshots. On long road trips across the United States to visit family, I’d play a game in my head, freezing the world with every blink—preserving landscapes, faces, and fleeting glimpses of beauty. Those moments felt like treasures, especially after losing my father suddenly at the age of nine. With only a handful of photos to keep his memory alive in my young heart, I learned early how precious and fragile memories are. That loss sparked an almost frenetic need to capture every moment, and in high school, I was the girl armed with dozens of disposable cameras, determined to hold onto every laugh, every adventure, every spark of joy.
My love for storytelling was nurtured by books, where I’d lose myself in fantasy worlds. As I grew, I began bringing those worlds to life—first through paintings, then by crafting intricate costumes, and eventually by merging these passions into my photography. Horses were my sanctuary, especially after my father’s passing. They weren’t just a phase; they remain my heart’s anchor, a source of strength and inspiration. Today, I weave my love for horses, fantasy, and photography into vibrant, imaginative portraits that transport people to magical realms.
Through my photography business, Wonder and Whimsy Photography, I offer more than just images—I create experiences that awaken joy and wonder. My services include whimsical portrait sessions, often infused with fantasy themes, custom costumes, and settings that evoke a sense of magic. Whether it’s a family seeking to capture a milestone, an individual yearning to embrace their inner spark, or a horse lover wanting to celebrate their bond with their steed, I craft moments that feel timeless. I solve the problem of feeling unseen or ordinary by creating a space where clients can step into their most authentic, joyful selves. My sessions are about more than posing; they’re about rediscovering childlike wonder, embracing uniqueness, and making memories that sing.
What sets me apart is my belief that there’s beauty everywhere, waiting to be found, even in life’s darkest moments. Having struggled with anxiety and depression throughout my life, and after losing a close friend to suicide, I’ve learned how easy it is to be overwhelmed by the world’s negativity. But I’ve also discovered that the more you seek joy, the more you find it. My work is an invitation to others to look for the good, to see the magic that still exists, and to celebrate it. I’ve always been a bit “much”—vibrant, passionate, and unapologetically myself—and I’ve grown to embrace that “muchness.” I love helping others step out of their shells, giving them permission to shine as their truest selves, whether that’s through a fantastical costume, a quiet moment with their horse, or a playful family shoot.
I’m most proud of the moments when a client sees their photos and lights up, rediscovering a piece of themselves they’d forgotten. My work isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about creating memories that heal, uplift, and remind people of the beauty in their lives. To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Wonder and Whimsy Photography is a space where you can be unapologetically you. My mission is to help you find joy, even when it feels hard to come by, and to show you the beauty that surrounds us if you only start looking for it. Through my lens, I hope to inspire you to embrace your own “muchness” and create memories that make your soul sing.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I first launched my photography business, I was naturally drawn to the equestrian world, a community I knew well from my teenage years showing horses. Becoming a horse show photographer felt like a perfect fit—I was surrounded by the animals I loved and connected with incredible people. But over time, I realized the role wasn’t feeding my creative soul. The high-stakes, competitive atmosphere often brought tension and stress, and the demand for uniform, “perfect” poses left little room for imagination. It began to drain me, dimming the spark that had always driven my work.
Feeling uninspired, I made the bold decision to step back. I took a year to rediscover my passion, playing with my camera, experimenting with ideas, and crafting elaborate costumes for fun photoshoots with friends. That time of creative freedom was like a breath of fresh air—it reignited my love for photography and opened my eyes to new possibilities. I began blending my lifelong passions for horses and fantasy, creating whimsical, storybook-like portraits that felt alive with magic. This pivot wasn’t just a change in direction; it was a homecoming to the heart of why I picked up a camera in the first place.
Looking back, I cherish my time as a horse show photographer—it taught me resilience and deepened my connection to the equestrian world. But without that pivot, I would have burned out, losing the joy that fuels my art. Embracing a new vision for Wonder and Whimsy Photography allowed me to build a business that not only celebrates horses and fantasy but also inspires others to find joy and wonder in their own stories.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of being a creative photographer is witnessing the moment my clients see their photos and their faces light up with emotion. I pour my heart into collaborating with each client, diving deep into their vision—or helping them discover one that sparks their imagination. When their eyes well up with tears of joy, it fills my soul with an indescribable warmth. There’s something magical about working with someone who may not feel beautiful and guiding them to see the radiant beauty I see through my lens. Equally fulfilling is the laughter and connection that unfold during the shoots themselves—those moments of pure, unfiltered joy become lifelong memories for my clients. Many tell me they love working with me just as much for the fun of the experience as for the stunning images we create together. That shared happiness, that sense of bringing wonder to life, is what makes every moment of this work so deeply rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Wonderandwhimsyphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonderandwhimsyphotography?igsh=MTloYzN4azU3OWg1aQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15mHhqURs3/
