Rising Stars: Meet Danielle Spires

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Spires.

Hi Danielle, 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?
When I started out shooting pet portraits, I already had a decade of fine art experience under my belt. It was a natural progression for me to work with pets, as they’ve been so important to me my whole life. I found such an ease to this Victorian-esque stoic portraiture, and adding a little dark humor to it all makes everyone feel in on the joke. Now I have a huge variety of backdrops and sets that families and their cats and dogs (and any other pet) shoot with, emulating midcentury modern, Victorian portraits and 90’s kitschy double exposures.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The pandemic put my business at a standstill when I felt like I was gaining enough momentum to move to a full-time studio shooter. I had to be patient, and the clients are trickling back in. I also learned I need to diversify and start to work on a more passive income in case these things happen.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in a certain look: pointedly stoic poses, crisp, stylized sets and an underpinning of humor. From my retro double exposures to my draped satin backdrops with ornate chairs, I want the look to be timeless (or possibly of a specific decade). I’d like to think what I’m known for is a very chill, warm and inviting environment which is welcoming to everyone and every animal. I’m often emailed for last minute photoshoots for animals that will be passing away soon, and the whole process becomes a therapeutic experience. The clients and I work together to achieve a goal and spend time with their best friend while giving them a gorgeous keepsake they’ll treasure forever.

Any big plans?
I will be doing some popups in a couple of cities this year! Seattle and Portland in the summer, and possibly Denver in the fall time. I’m trying to find ways to move forward with photography and shoot some of my longtime friends and clients while being cognizant of Covid and keeping everyone safe.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.daniellespires.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/catpartypetportraits
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniellespiresphotography/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/catpartyletsgo
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@catpartyletsgo

Image Credits:
Danielle Spires Photography