Today we’d like to introduce you to Faith Danielle.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up loving everything about photography. My mom had and still does take beautiful landscape pictures, so I’d borrow her camera when I was younger and make my sister and friends model for me. I went to college for business fully thinking I wanted to work a normal 9-5 office job the rest of my life- I lasted about 6 months in college before I quickly realized that’s not at all what I want to do and dropped out. I took a year off just trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life before my mom asked me, “well what do you enjoy doing in your free time?” My answer was of course photography, so we did some research and found a photography school in Montana, Rocky Mountain School of Photography. I took a leap of faith and did their program which was basically learning everything technical about photography all day everyday for a year. Once I graduated from there in 2015, I started Faith Danielle Photography photographing lifestyle brands & weddings, and haven’t looked back since.
Over the years I’ve had the privilege to work with incredible brands and celebrities such as Anthropologie, Free People, JoAnna Garcia, Netflix, Nikki Glaser, People Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine.
I’ve also been able to travel the world photographing weddings & engagements and meeting amazing people.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I knew choosing a career path like photography wouldn’t be easy. I was doubted and looked down upon from the start, but I was so determined to do what I love I wasn’t going to let anyone stop me. The first couple of years I was working full time while trying to build my photography business. I’d work my desk job until 5pm, photograph sessions at 6pm, then go home and edit until about 2am and do it all the next day. I think everyone’s doubt honestly made me work harder to prove them wrong.
Finally after a few years I quit my full time desk job and went all in on my photography business. It was a lot harder 10 years ago trying to grow a business like this, social media wasn’t nearly as big as it was today so I would go into stores and meet people in person trying to pith myself.
About 2 years after going full time with photography, I moved to a bigger city and got a big contract with a clothing brand and I finally felt like I made it and all my hard work paid off. It didn’t necessarily get easier from there, but I finally felt secure that I chose the right path in my life and knew I’d do this for as long as I possibly could.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a lifestyle brand and wedding photographer based in Florida. I think I’m known for my editorial style of work and making anyone who steps in front of my camera comfortable and leaving them feeling beautiful.
When it comes to my wedding photography, I think couples choose me to capture their day because of my way to photograph moments that no one else might notice. Grandma tearing up at her first granddaughter walking down the aisle, the flower girls twirling off to the side in a field, the groom reuniting with college friends- I try to let nothing go unnoticed by my camera.
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come with my ability to communicate with people, as odd as that may sound. I grew up with severe social anxiety, but when I’m behind the camera all the anxiety goes away. This career has taught me so much about communication and making people feel comfortable, I absolutely love meeting new people now and cherish conversations with my clients.
What’s next?
I’m going to hopefully be doing this for many more years to come. Within the next couple of years I do want to get into more education and teaching. With over ten years of experience now, I’d love to share my knowledge and help out others just starting out. I remember in my early days all I’d do is watch videos and research education on photography, so I’d love to be the one to help provide that to others. With so much education these days though, I’m working on figuring out a way to bring something different to the table. So stay tuned!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.faithdaniellephoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithdaniellephoto
