We were lucky to catch up with Tyana Danae recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tyana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

It all started on an anniversary trip Kelon (hubby) and I took to NYC. We were walking and he showed me some pointers on how to use the iPhone settings to take pictures. From then on it was a competition between us to capture whatever we wanted. At the end we combined our photos and made an album.

After that I couldn’t stop. We purchased a dsl camera and I nervously started photographing family events and portraits. I soon realized I had talent but lacked knowledge. So, I took an introduction to photography class at Brookhaven, now Dallas College, under Daniel Rodrigue. The skills I learned there along with practice gave me confidence which allowed me to be much more creative.

Learning the fundamentals of photography was most effective because it allowed me to establish my individual style. I tried plenty of YouTube videos and cheat sheets. But, to me those are just tips to mimic someone else. I prefer to know all the possibilities for more creative freedom.

Tyana, 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?

I am a dancer first. Often I tell people dance is my first language. My forever love. Studying the art of dance is my secret sauce to portrait photography. It helps me create poses and composition for photography. I’ll admit that sometimes my clients look at me and ask “you want me to do what?” But, when they see the outcome and can’t believe it’s them that’s what makes me feel proud!

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I’m a visual storyteller. Wether I’m choreographing a dance or photography, I want viewers to have a clear understanding of what’s being demonstrated. What does healing look like? What does joy look like? Document that to show our future friends and family. Showing that the beauty is in the process and that there’s always something to learn and look forward to that is my goal.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part about being an artist for me is having an outlet. Creating a safe space to express all the feels and to allow that space to comfort and heal others as well as myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: TyanaDanae.com
• Instagram: TyanaDanae
• Facebook: TyanaDanae
• Linkedin: TyanaDanae
• Twitter: TyanaDanae
• Youtube: TyanaDanae/ Moving By Faith

Image Credits
All photos by TyanaDanae