Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Determan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Danielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, when asked if I was artistic, I would answer with a hard no. I played softball starting at the age of seven and continued all the way through my college years. That was my passion. When I graduated, I pursued a job in medical device sales. It was a perfect fit for me because I could continue to exercise my competitive spirit. I started from the bottom and worked my way up, beginning my career in a company van filled with medical equipment that I would deliver to patient’s hospital bedsides. Eventually, I became a sales rep in Beverly Hills, then a Clinical Account Manager for all of Los Angeles, and most recently have taken on a Leadership and Sales Training role for the Southern California market — “the day job”. It wasn’t until a couple years ago, after buying my first camera, that I realized my new passion for photography. For months, I spent my free time reading and teaching myself how to shoot manually. My first subjects were the Manhattan Beach pier and my husband surfing. Eventually, I started shooting couples, families and influencers for fun. Because I have always had a love for sentimentality, people and genuine connections, it didn’t take long before my hobby transformed into a fun side business. While I have no intentions of quitting my day job —because I love that too — I think juggling both is an important part of my story. This allows me to be a better photographer in so many ways. I am able to take on the projects that I’m passionate about and focus all my energy into the clients I do work with.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like any new venture, there was learning curve and challenges faced along the way but I wouldn’t change a thing because each challenge has taught me something new and allowed me to grow both artistically and as a business woman.
Photographed By Danielle Determan – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a sucker for portrait and fashion photography! I also love working with super in love and adventurous couples! Something I enjoy as much as the shoot itself is styling. Creating the concept, choosing a location and deciding on looks is so much fun for me! I create vision boards for every shoot I do and work to make the moments captured as perfect as possible prior to the day of shooting. Clients who work with me quickly find out that we will be great friends collaborating to make magic together!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I enjoy going on photo adventures with my clients! It’s not only important to me that they love the photos we create, but I want them to walk away feeling like our time together was a great and fun experience! If I deliver that whole package then it’s a success!
Contact Info:
- Website: danielledeterman.com
- Email: danielledeterman@gmail.com
- Instagram: @danielledeterman
Image Credit:
Bridget Hammer
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