Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Smith.
Dana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been taking pictures since I can remember. As young as 10 years old, I remember having a camera. My parents bought me a Polaroid Camera and would go through so much film taking pictures. From disposable cameras and even when digital cameras came out, I had one. In high school, I enrolled in Video Productions and I fell in love with that aspect of media. I took it all four years of high school.
I also joined the video ministry at church where I further honed my skills, becoming the only female to fully master operating the jib crane. I’ve been tasked to record numerous weddings and I’ve recorded some big names in Gospel and in R&B. I’ve worked on some music videos for some Gospel Artists. In 2016, my family and I moved to Hawaii. It was there that I picked up my camera and focused on photography. I started Clicks and Captions Photography, LLC in March of 2018. I started picking up clients almost as soon as I opened up for business.
I moved back to Jacksonville in June of 2018 and I didn’t promote myself as much as I knew I could. I picked up a few gigs. A wedding here, a family photoshoot there, it wasn’t consistent. I did this for 3 years. For 2022, I decided to shake things up. I created a website, I began showing up on social media more. I’ve had more bookings this quarter than I have had in a whole year. I’m truly happy for this space I’m in right now.
I was scared to put myself out there, in fear that I wouldn’t measure up to some of the photographers that I follow. I had to remind myself that they too had to start somewhere. They just didn’t become great, they worked at it. I’ll continue to work on it as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This road has not been an easy one at all.
I found myself overanalyzing my work, and comparing myself to others. I felt frustrated when I couldn’t book any clients. This social media algorithm is one I had trouble figuring out. I wondered why my posts would get lost among others. Not feeling like I was getting support from from my family and friends when it came to spreading the word about my business
I’m still not big on posting on social media consistently, however, I’m getting better and it has been garnering business. For me, word of mouth still seems to work well. I’ve been booked based on recommendations.
I know the road won’t be a smooth one, but I’m learning to navigate through the twists and turns and finding that sometimes a detour is just what I need to get to my destination.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a photographer. I enjoy looking through my lens and finding things that I wouldn’t normally see. I’m still finding my niche in this field. I’ve done weddings, headshots, family portraits, and maternity. I love different aspects of each, and I wish I could continue to do them all, but I know I need to focus on one, maybe two and build my brand off of those.
I am most proud of my growth. I look back at sessions I’ve done from 3 years ago, and even from a year ago and I can see growth. I can see how I’ve taken the things that I’ve learned and applied them to the next session. I can see growth in how I manipulate lights, how I frame my shots, and even in how I edit photos. I’m not where I want to be, I don’t think I’ll ever be in a place where I can say, this is it, I’m good right here. I always want to be in a place where I am continuously learning, always working to perfect my craft.
What sets me apart from others is simple, I’m me. While I do the same thing as other photographers, the experience is totally different. I don’t spend much time with others in my profession so I don’t know them personally. What I can tell you is that I strive to make each client experience one that they will remember. An experience that is unique because they are unique.
I want my clients to look at their photographs and remember the time they had creating those memories. I don’t try to emulate others, because I am not a clone, I am my own person, my creativity is different from others and if you are coming to me for your portraits, it’s because you value my work, and what I create and you’re not looking to try and have me emulate someone else.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Patience is key. Stay in the mindset to always learn.
Do not compare yourself to anyone else. We’re all on a different journey and our path is different. That’s what makes us unique. I wish someone would’ve told me about all of these different booking sites, email leads, and these funnels!
I’m still navigating my way through that part, but eventually, I will master that as well.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@clicksandcaptions.com
- Website: clicksandcaptions.com
- Instagram: @clicksncaptions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clicksncaptions.dsmith
Image Credits
Dana Smith of Clicks and Captions Photography
