Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Dantley.
Cameron, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Absolutely! Well, I feel as though I’ve always been somewhat creative. I grew up playing drums in my parent’s church back in Cincinnati, Ohio. And my parents always created a space for my siblings and me to be creative. As far as my start in photography, I became interested in it while my wife and I were living in Chicago. I downloaded Instagram and saw what a lot of creatives were doing with just their iPhones and I fell in love with photography. So, my journey started with just walking around the city with my phone taking pictures of the architecture and the cityscape. Occasionally, some friends and I would climb on to rooftops and try to find a new view or perspective before it became the “popular spot” haha. That might not have been the smartest or safest thing I’ve ever done, but we had a good time. From there, I wanted to try out shooting things I was more interested in. I’ve worked out since college and I knew a lot of people that were trainers and athletes. So I asked a friend if I could try some fitness photography with her. I told her if the images sucked, I’m sorry I wasted an hour of her time. But if she liked them, she could use them for whatever she wanted (social media, marketing for the group classes she taught, etc.) and the shoot turned out pretty well. So from that, other trainers would reach out to me to set up a shoot, and eventually an actual protein company found me work, and that was my first “official” brand shoot I did. And it’s just grown from there.
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?
This hasn’t been a smooth road at all haha. There are some days where I feel totally in control, and others where I want to quite and go back and get a corporate job. Maybe it’s me, but there seems to be a lot of hurry up and wait in the industry. I make it a point to try and set up as many meetings as I can to show my work and get it in front of as many decision makers as possible, and to make as many personal connections as I can. But you still have to wait until those people have a project that you’re right for. And that can be tough! You have to learn how to be aggressive and have patience at the same time. However, I love what I get to do! I love the people I’ve met and gotten to create with. I love when I see an image I’ve shot hanging up in a store of a major brand. I love that photography has taught me to pay attention to my environments more. I feel like I see things differently than others. Not in a “I’m better than you” type of way, but I can see composition and moments in every day life. Even if I’m not shooting, I try to pay attention to moments that would be a cool photo. And I’ve learned how to do that from photography.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a fitness and activewear photographer that works with brands for their campaigns as well as social media. I’m probably known for capturing motion well. I also try to incorporate as much of California as I possibly can. I believe we live in such a beautiful state, and if I can incorporate that into my photos of athletes, I’m at least going to try.
I think what I’m most proud of when it comes to my work, is just the progression I see in it. A friend of mine and I always say “Simple is hard to do well”, and I feel like I can look at some of my newer work and like the simplicity in it. I think I’ve come to the realization that not every shot has to be the greatest shot I’ve ever done. However, it can still be done well!
As far as what sets me apart?? Honestly, I’m not really sure. There are soooo many great photographers out there that I look up to. And while I’m trying to still develop my own unique style and voice, I know I’m just a mosaic of my influences. I will say that I always try and leave the people I shoot with in a happier place than when we first started the shoot. Meaning, there’s a lot going on in the world, and you never really know what people are going through personally. So, if I can allow them to escape reality for a little bit and we just have a good time creating, that’s what I’ll try and do. We get to create for a living! And while I take my job very seriously and when there are deadlines and things need to be done quickly and well, maybe I’ll be a little more serious. But I still want the people around me to have a good time. So, let’s throw on some music, and have fun!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Just that I appreciate you checking out my work. And feel free to reach out to me if you’d like to set up a shoot, have any questions, or grab a coffee.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Cameronmichael8.com
- Instagram: Cameronmichael8
- LinkedIn: Cameron Dantley
