“Dream Job” Career Feature // DFinney Photography

I have been missing the “Dream Job” series! It’s one of my favorite series on The Feisty House, and I’m so glad that we have another talented business-lady to be inspired by today: Danielle Finney of DFinney Photography. I didn’t become acquainted with Danielle and her work until after I left DC, but that’s the beauty of social media. After following Danielle and her lovely natural light photography on Instagram, I started following her on Twitter. I was so inspired by Danielle’s work, but also by the professional and consistent way she was able to promote her business online. I just knew she’d be an amazing woman to have on The Feisty House.

How did you get started in photography? How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

My interest in photography came about really because of digital art. I loved making things on the computer and I got into editing other people’s photos for fun… then I figured maybe I should take my own to edit! Things were every primitive at first because I was taking photos with the sole purpose of editing them and had no interest in (photography) for a living. The more I did it though, the more I realized I really liked it. I always said I didn’t want my own business because I would stop enjoying it if I had to do (something I loved) for money, but an opportunity presented itself and I took it! I was laid off late 2009, and I had been doing more with my photography on the side while I was still working full-time, so when I was laid off, the timing was perfect! The plan initially was just to do a little more with it until I found another position, but it kept me busy so I stuck with it and got the ball rolling

What were you doing before you launched DFinney Photography and Design?

I was doing administrative work for about 3 years. I worked for a software company initially and then an investment firm. Prior to that, I’d interned (still doing administrative work) at a few government agencies. So I feel like I had more than enough experience to know that the office environment wasn’t for me (lol). Although I liked that I always had different things to do and the fact that I helped lots of people/departments, it still wasn’t the best environment for me as a creative.

How did you make the transition to entrepreneur?

It kind of happened by accident. When I got laid off, I didn’t have a plan for starting my own business. I just kind of worked at it slowly and then realized hey this may work. I looked at a lot of other successful photography businesses to see how they were doing things and kind of took elements from each and came up with my own way of doing things, that kept being refined over time as I saw what worked and what didn’t.

How did you fund your business in the beginning? How long was it until you started seeing a profit?

Fortunately I didn’t have too many out of pocket expenses earlier. When I began my business I was able to use my brother’s photography equipment because he was into photography as well. All marketing I did was via social media so that was free and any out of pocket expense I had was very minimal- maybe for flyers and business cards, things like that. Since I did all my design work, I was able to also keep costs down that way because I didn’t have to hire a designer.

What do you enjoy the most about owning your own business?

The freedom and the true satisfaction that I am able to make a living doing what I love. That in itself is such a beautiful feeling that I reflect on often. I’m so thankful for my friends, family, and clients who make this possible.

What do you enjoy the least about owning your own business?

The fact that you are responsible for everything. Everything. I wear so many hats… hats I didn’t even know existed until I started my own business (lol). It’s definitely a struggle especially early on when you’re not making enough to hire help, yet you don’t always have time to do everything that needs to get done. And if you don’t do it, it won’t get done. So there are lots of late nights.

Was there ever a point when you wanted to give up?

I can honestly say there hasn’t. Although there have been times where money’s been slow (I always think of Kanye’s line “now the money comin’ slow, but a least… slow motion better than no mo”) because it’s so accurate. But even with that being the case, I don’t ever remember a time when I wanted to quit. If something wasn’t working, I (addressed) it and tried to find what could be done better.

How have you gotten the word out about DFinney Photography?

Social media and word of mouth! Happy clients are the best advertisement, and I have wonderful clients (and some people who haven’t actually worked with me yet) who tell their friends, family, and colleagues about me. I appreciate every single one of them!

How did you establish your social media presence?

Honestly, just by sharing good work. One of my “big breaks” was photographing Mae “Natural Chica” in 2012. Her photos gained so much attention, and as a result I was asked to participate in a natural hair show hosted by Koils by Nature… which then put me in touch with other fellow natural haired ladies who I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. I have also had a few photo sessions featured on Munaluchi Bride and United With Love. Those features and connections have helped greatly!

What’s a typical day like for you?

My typical work day consists of a little bit of everything but mostly computer work. Editing photos, blogging, designing marketing material, sharing photos via social media, and client correspondence. I also strive to make time for continuing to improve specific aspects of my photography skills and creative methods.

What’s been the most amazing moment for DFinney Photography thus far?

I don’t know that I’ve just had ONE amazing moment. There have been many; also I’m incredibly indecisive and it takes me forever to make decisions! So I’ll (just) say that what is consistently amazing is working with clients who don’t think they photograph well, or who are unsure of themselves. When they trust me and end up loving their photos, there’s no feeling like it. Helping others to see just how beautiful they are–that’s amazing.

What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?

Stick with it. You don’t get great overnight so don’t get discouraged when you see someone else’s work and it looks better than yours- there will always be someone better. But instead of letting it intimidate you, let it inspire you and push you to learn/grow that much more. I think the most valuable thing in anything is to love what you do. I am in my 5th year at this professionally and I’ve learned tons of lessons during that time, but it always comes back to your passion. If you’re passionate about photography it will keep you inspired, push you to try new ideas, and always strive to improve. And if you don’t feel that way about photography that’s okay- maybe that just means you still haven’t found what your true passion is yet.

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For more of Danielle’s stunning photography and to learn about her fantastic mentoring and photo sessions, visit her blog and her Facebook page.

The post “Dream Job” Career Feature // DFinney Photography appeared first on The Feisty House | A Lifestyle Blog.