Today we’d like to introduce you to Dali Ma.
Dali, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My first step as a fashion photographer was a sales person in a camera store, my first part-time job. Back then I was always wondering why people would carry those big and chunky cameras around when there are much cheaper and portable ones around. The job really changed my entire view on this, especially when seeing how every single precious moment could be captured perfectly with DSLRs.
I got my first DSLR, when I got enough money to pay for it (I might actually have borrowed 50 pounds from friends) just to cover it. It was a Nikon D90 and boy did it change my life. I was still in Oxford, England, and I would carry around it with me literally at all times just because it was so much fun capturing anything.
Later when I came to US. I began doing trade projects with models, and building up my portfolio. More and more people were asking me for commercial fashion shoots as time went by. Now I’m taking it as my brand, as a way of expressing myself, my feelings, as well as my admiration for the beauty of fashion.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been smooth, since there are so much to learn. And you once in a while run into drought on locations, models, or inspirations. But It’s good, when that happens, to give myself a little break, step back and examine what I’ve done and see what I can improve upon that. Even though I haven’t experience too much of a setback yet, it hasn’t been smooth, but it’s definitely been rewarding.
Please tell us about Phoenix Aperture.
My photography is named Phoenix Aperture. It’s my personal branding. I work mainly in fashion, and I enjoy the edgy and extravagancy of high fashion, putting people and styles in different scenarios to create an almost surreal feeling. I’m known for my colours, my composition, my positioning of models, and my concepts.
I’m most proud of having worked with so many great talents in this field, models, make-up artists, hair stylists, etc. It’s been such an honour working with them and learning from them on every project.
I think every photographer has their unique eyes and goals. I would never settle for mediocrity. I care about my images and that’s why I’m always trying to get the best shot possible. Even though the results may not be ideal every single time, but I try to learn from every project I’ve done and hopefully improve.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would’ve started earlier 🙂
Pricing:
- $600 Personal Portfolio Session
- $900 Short Commercial Fashion Shoot
- $2000 Major Commercial Fashion Shoot
- $2000 Wedding Day
- $1500 Engagement Photos
Contact Info:
- Website: www.phoenixaperture.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoenix_dali/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phoenixaperture/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Phoenix_Dali
Image Credit:
Dali Ma at Phoenix Aperture
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