Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Garcia.
Deanna, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
One of my fondest memories as a kid was going to the mall with my mom! Not only did we love to shop, we loved stopping for coffee to rest our feet and just people watch. As I would watch people moving, interacting and connecting with one another, I developed an eye for anticipating moments. These moments became clicks in my mind as if I were taking pictures. There’s just something about people connecting that always intrigued me (like watching movies). Flash forward to my twenties, while I didn’t get my college degree in Photography or the Arts, I was very much drawn to those continuing education classes in photography (back then using film). While I worked in the Mortgage industry for the most part of my young career, the desire to do something creative and so personally fulfilling really attracted me. For many years as I developed my skills, Photography served as just a creative outlet for me. But after having my three boys (now ages 11, 9, and 7), photography became a necessity and part of my everyday life! I felt I had a responsibility to make sure my kids have their memories preserved (unlike mine were) and our story (or legacy) accessible.
With the rising popularity of social media, I began sharing my pictures online. It was then that I started getting approached by other people to take their pictures. So after much encouragement from friends and family, Deanna G. Photography was born!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m primarily known for my fun, relaxed candid family sessions at outdoor and indoor locations using natural light. I shoot everything from Family, Couples, Newborn Lifestyle, Children and Seniors. As a momma of 3 boys, I also dabble in Sports Photography.
I specialize in Lifestyle Photography because I don’t like to pose but rather throw out fun prompts and gently guide my clients into interacting…organically! I always like to approach a session from the standpoint that the session isn’t about me. It’s about my clients and their connection and relationship with one another. So, I enter a session with little expectation. I like to rely on inspiration from ordinary moments; be it the kiddos are jumping on their bed or chasing each other down the beach…its those organic actions that I’m inspired to capture. Every family is unique and I seek to show that through their images.
I also started offering Personal Branding Photography (creating imagery for Influencers, Entrepreneurs and Bloggers). For me, this is right up my alley. As it’s a way more authentic take on boring headshots that lack in really showing who you are as a brand and what you can offer. It’s what I believe the market wants to see more of in business marketing and even in our personal lives on social media.
I like to take pictures that not only tell a story, but that evoke emotions like happiness, joy, and love. For these are the very things we need to keep each other healthy, motivated and inspired. And it is those things that connect us all.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
If I could give my best piece of advice to aspiring creatives, it would be to stop comparing yourself to the competition. There will always be someone out there that’s better than you who makes more money or does things just a little better…Great! They can serve as your mentors or your inspiration but not as a reminder of what you aren’t. Don’t fall trap to adjusting your uniqueness to fit someone else’s style. You are made to do things a little differently…through your eyes, with your own hands and your beautiful heart spilling into it. That’s what makes you special and unique! So stop gushing at those Instagram feeds and then beating yourself up afterwards because you aren’t quite where they are in business. God’s timing is perfect and you are right where you need to be.
Lessons I wish I would have learned quicker…..would be to learn to delegate. As a type A personality, I thought I can do everything myself. My attitude was if I wanted things done well, then I would just need to do it all myself. But trust me, this is a poor excuse for thinking you need to control everything. We all need each other and we’re not experts in everything! Learn to use other professionals in the field you need help. Like, find a web designer to design your website -don’t do it yourself. It will save you a ton of time, frustration and (in the end) money! Do hire another photographer to capture your headshots for your branding and marketing.. a smartphone isn’t high quality nor professional looking and trying to take your own pictures is a headache and a half (and no….selfies aren’t going to show the best you)!
Also, don’t dabble in too many different niches or social media platforms! Choose one niche in your field and do that really well so that you can then “specialize” there. Being a generalist will make it hard for you to attract the right clients and can lead to confusion about what you’re known for. Then I found focusing on 1-2 social media platforms to build my brand was better than trying to be on all of them. Spreading yourself too thin will cause you to lose focus and discourage consistency. Learning to get out of your own way is the first step to success!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find my work on Instagram, Facebook and Website/Blog.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deannagphotography.com
- Phone: (949) 290-8201
- Email: deannagphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/deannagphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/deannagphotography
Image Credit:
Personal Headshot: Taken by Sharon Kaye Photography Edited by Deanna G. Photography
All other Images by Deanna G. Photography
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