We recently connected with Samantha Dorisca and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Samantha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
This is a timely question. Over the years, I have taken quite a few risks that have paid off. In college, I switched career paths. My original goal was to be a lawyer, but I pivoted my focus to be a writer and pursue photography. In recent years, I have scaled my passion for photography into an expanded business while maintaining my position as a journalist. Rather than choosing one or the other, I find strength in being multifaceted. Betting on myself and taking the risk to scale has really widened the possibilities of the potential I will achieve.
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.
I am Samantha Dorisca and I strive to capture Black excellence through my writing and photography. My foray into photography began in 2020 when a group of UT girls asked me to take their graduation photos. To this day, I still offer graduate sessions and I have expanded to birthday and creative sessions. I’m known for my lighting and editing style, which I’m told captures Black skin beautifully. I have gotten to where I am today for remaining true to myself and capturing from the heart which I believe is reflected through my images.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Photographers often feel like they need the latest equipment. Even at the beginner level, mastering what you already have will ultimately elevate your work. You don’t always require the best equipment to capture a good shot. So remember, all you have is sometimes all you need. When it is time to upgrade let it be because you have mastered what you already have and you are ready to grow.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What I feel has been most helpful to grow my business is posting my work on social media and word of mouth. I have met many clients who share they saw my photos online, through a hashtag, or were referred by a friend. So here is your reminder to post your work!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sammiedorphotography.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammiedor.photography/
- Twitter: sammiedormedia
Image Credits
Specially only for the headshot of myself: Alexander Dorisca
Remaining images were captured from my lens