This day in age it seems like anyone can be a photographer. In truth, they can! With smartphone technology, fun apps, and affordable DSLRs most people are capable of some beautiful images. But being a professional photographer requires a little more work; late night editing sessions, far too much personal branding/marketing, and endless hours spent pouring over social media is quite cumbersome… but most of us have a solid reason for doing what we do.
Me? I’m your typical extrovert. After taking the Myers-Briggs personality test, my personal definition of Hell would look something like this “ESFP – You are stuck in a room by yourself for the rest of eternity.”
True story.
I always knew I needed a career working with people. I vacillated between medicine and education, debating the pros and cons of a hospital versus a classroom but could never really find the gumption to follow through with either. Perhaps it is because while both are incredibly noble causes, they lacked the outright creativity I’ve come to need. That coupled with my desire to work directly with people made photography even more appealing. I LOVE the fact that being a professional photographer means I get to share important milestones with my clients.
In the past, I hated being on the other side of the camera which I think gives me more empathy now that I’m working with clients. I understand the anxiety, and work extra hard to make them feel comfortable and laugh. Some of my favorite images are candid moments when a client bursts out laughing at something ridiculous I’ve said, I always try to share at least one of those candid captures.
Whether it is a high school graduation, an engagement, a wedding, a new baby, or a family reunion I am so thankful that people trust me to capture these incredible moments. By maintaining relationships with clients (who quickly become friends), I often get to witness more than one of these special events… and that is why I do what I do. Nothing, and I mean, NOTHING makes me happier than sharing photos with people of the most exciting points in their lives!
Denali Johnson Photography 