Today we’d like to introduce you to Danette Mitchell.
Hi Danette, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I got started with photography years ago when my daughters were little and I needed a side hustle. I was shooting headshots for actors and realized quickly that my favorite shots were the in-betweens. The moments when they would let down their guard, just coming out of a character pose and they were truly their authentic selves. I would see all of the silliness, sadness, joy, love, frustration that was built up inside and I would capture that with my camera. This led to me being a bit more adventurous, finding models, families, and young kids to shoot, upgrading my skills and equipment, and learning how to find the light. I started to approach every shoot with a more artistic, editorial eye and a goal to create connections with my clients. I love working with all ages and people from all walks of life. I love when I can see the switch go on in a client’s eyes and I can tell that they now feel beautiful and handsome and confident and sure.
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?
It hasn’t been too bumpy, so to speak, but it has been a long road. I knew what I liked early on and I knew how I wanted to create photos. It took a while to stand firm in what I offered, to create a signature look, and to feel confident offering that. For a long time, I tried to be every style to every person, trying to shoot what they wanted instead of shooting the way I wanted and letting the right clients come to me. I am grateful that I had a few mentors who helped me with my skill so I have learned how to capture the look I want and I am grateful that I have had loyal clients who keep coming back to be photographed by me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a portrait photographer. I specialize in creating beautiful, fun, light-filled portraits that portray the subject in the most authentic way possible. I am known for finding fun little nooks and alleys to use as locations and also for using the available light to the best and most flattering advantage. I am most proud of being able to create an atmosphere of ease and to turn even the most nervous and unsure client into a confident supermodel.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I LOVE everything about our city! The entire South Bay and LA area, from deep in PV to Manhattan Beach, DTLA to West Hollywood to Studio City, I love it all… Whether I am shooting branding work for a softball apparel company, or a baby’s one-year cake smash, I will find the best location that suits the vibe and personality of the client. Tell me your favorite spot that is meaningful to you and I will race to go check it out and find all the good spots for photos. I like to say that my photography is a collaboration between me, the light, the city, the energy, and you.
Contact Info:
- Email: danettemitchellphotography@gmail.com
- Website: danettemitchellphotography.com
- Instagram: @danettemitchellphotography and @danny_by_the_sea
- Other: @danny_by_the_sea (Instagram, I post a lot of BTS here)
Image Credits:
ALL PHOTOS BY DANETTE MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY
