Embracing the Magic: Danielle's Journey into Fantasy Photography

Once upon a time, in the sun-soaked city of San Diego, a budding photographer named Danielle embarked on a journey that would lead her to a whimsical world of fantasy portraits. This isn't just any story—it's a tale of passion, reinvention, and a sprinkle of magic!

A Boring Start Turns Fantastical

It all began way back when Danielle was a freshman in high school, feeling that all-too-familiar boredom creep in. Teaming up with her best friend, they staged a spontaneous photoshoot, transforming a dull day into a vibrant memory. With a love for elaborate setups igniting in her, the seeds of fantasy photography were sown.

She took a photography class, but like most high school students, she didn’t exactly love it at first. After failing to connect with her instructor, fate stepped in. Her second attempt blossomed into something magical, and this time her teacher recognized her persistence and talent. With newfound inspiration, Danielle dove headfirst into learning the ins and outs of photography.

Reframing Her Nursing Dreams

After starting college with dreams of becoming a nurse, Danielle had a moment of clarity that would change her path forever. She switched gears and embraced her true calling—photography. Now, with a photo degree in hand, she was ready to create fantastical worlds where everyone could become part of a living fairy tale.

Social Media Sparks a Fantasy Revolution

The magic didn’t stop there. Danielle harnessed the power of social media, sharing her enchanting images on Facebook. The response? A resounding “How much do you charge for family pictures?” Before she knew it, her passion was evolving into a thriving business.

She jokes that she did things backwards. “I started out with creativity before dialing back into the business side of things.” For her, this totally worked, which goes to show that there’s no straight path to success.

While she still dabbles in non-fantasy work, Danielle is now ready to fully embrace her niche, focusing solely on the whimsical world of fantasy photography.

Crafting Enchanted Experiences

So, what does a typical fantasy shoot look like?

Danielle’s process is as magical as the photos she captures. It all starts with her ever-growing prop closet—a treasure trove of whimsical items that includes fairy wings and DIY creations like giant mushrooms! Her props range from Fairy Core to Hobbit Core, all designed to whisk her clients away to another realm.

Each shoot begins with inspiration. Danielle creates mood boards, often turning to Pinterest and her favorite movies for ideas. “Practical Magic” has recently influenced her Halloween-themed shoots, where creativity knows no bounds. She collaborates with her clients, sharing mood boards for feedback, ensuring their vision aligns with her magical ideas.

Preparation Magic

Danielle’s biggest lift is in prep. She flexes her creative muscles in the prep and build of the physical sets that bring her vision and her photo subjects’ wishes to reality.

Her flow looks like:

Prep:

• Scout out what she’s got in her bountiful prop closet, and see what’s missing for that ultimate fantasy vibe.
• Get crafty! Her viral fairy birthday party was a hit thanks to those giant mushrooms she whipped up. She loves to craft it up, versus purchasing ready-made items.
• Enlist friends and her helpful hubby to create the perfect set (usually in her own backyard…much closer to home)!
• Follow her instincts and let the magic flow into every detail, constantly pushing herself to think “what’s a bigger and bolder way to tell this story?”.

Behind the Lens

When the shoot day arrives, the magic is palpable. Friends come camera-ready, while Danielle works her makeup magic for other clients. With everything prepped, it’s time to shoot! She spends around two hours on each session, capturing the traditional shots while leaving plenty of time for spontaneous, “weird” moments. That’s where the true magic happens.

Danielle’s shooting style embraces natural light, adding little touches like LED backlights for extra glow. Her goal? To create a dynamic set where her photo subjects can feel part of the magic, rather than just posing in front of it.

Editing and Business Evolution

Post-shoot, Danielle’s editing process is swift and intuitive. She believes in capturing the magic in-camera rather than relying heavily on post-processing. While she adds some grain and color enhancements, most of the magic is already there.

Recently, Danielle has shaken up her business model thanks to Session, allowing clients to pick their favorite shots for editing. This shift has given her the freedom to focus on expanding her mini sessions while maintaining the essence of her fantasy work. Why spend so much time constructing an elaborate set to only use it once, minis are in her near future.

After a challenging year personally and professionally, Danielle is ready to rebuild and rebrand, leaning into what she loves most.

A New Chapter Awaits

As she embarks on this new chapter, Danielle is excited to make her fantasy portraits more accessible (with fantasy minis, it’s got a ring to it). Folks yearning for unforgettable moments can now step into her enchanting world. Whether it’s a fairy adventure, a spooky Halloween shoot, or a whimsical gathering of elves, Danielle’s creativity knows no bounds.

In the heart of San Diego, Danielle is creating magic one photo at a time, and her journey proves that sometimes, the most fantastic adventures come when you embrace your true passion.

Check out more of Danielle’s enchanting work on her Instagram and TikTok