Today we’d like to introduce you to DG Kim.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From a Personal Escape to a Lifelong Passion. Life has a way of leading us to where we truly belong, sometimes through the most unexpected paths. For me, photography wasn’t just a passion—it was a form of healing.
After moving to San Diego, I found myself buried in work, eventually struggling with depression. In an effort to find joy again, I started reconnecting with the things I loved. That’s when I picked up my camera again. Photography had been a hobby of mine since 2003, but this time, it became something more.
San Diego’s stunning landscapes and vibrant energy made it the perfect place to explore photography. People here love capturing their special moments, and through a lucky encounter, I met a newborn and family photographer. I started tagging along on shoots, capturing those precious, fleeting moments of love and connection. And I absolutely fell in love with it.
Unlike my previous career in sales, where price negotiations and post-sale complaints were constant battles, photography was different. Here, I was capturing joy, not selling a product. Instead of arguments over pricing, I was met with smiles, gratitude, and genuine happiness when delivering photos. Seeing people cherish the memories I captured was incredibly fulfilling, and I knew—this is what I wanted to do.
So, I took the leap and poured my heart into photography.
About Damda Photography
Damda Photography was born from my passion to preserve life’s most beautiful, raw, and genuine moments. “Damda” means “to contain” in Korean, and that’s exactly what I strive to do—to capture and hold onto the emotions, stories, and love that make each moment unique.
My goal is simple: to create natural, heartfelt images that speak to the heart, allowing you to relive those precious moments for years to come. Whether it’s family, newborn, or portrait photography, I’m dedicated to crafting photos that reflect the true essence of your most meaningful experiences.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and it’s still a work in progress. Is there anything in life that’s truly easy? One of the biggest challenges I face is finding new clients. It’s something I’m constantly working on, and I’m always looking for new ways to connect with people who would benefit from my work.
We’ve been impressed with Damda Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Damda Photography specializes in Family, Newborn, and Portrait photography. We offer customized sessions that can take place at the clients’ locations, adding a personal touch to every shoot. We prioritize convenience and client feedback, always striving to deliver the highest quality images. When it comes to shooting, I focus on adapting to the situation and creating a natural, relaxed atmosphere. For example, when working with children, I prefer to make the shoot feel like a fun playtime, capturing their pure and natural moments. It’s important to encourage them to feel comfortable and enjoy the process, allowing me to capture their true selves.
Additionally, I continuously check with clients during the shoot to ensure we’re capturing the moments they envision. I aim to bring their vision to life, paying close attention to every detail to ensure their satisfaction.
I invest a lot of time in photo editing. For example, after a family session, I typically shoot around 600-700 photos, from which I carefully select and edit them. This process includes fine-tuning colors, adjusting skin tones, and making detailed adjustments to backgrounds and people in the frame. Every photo is meticulously edited to ensure the highest quality, and I dedicate the necessary time to make sure every image reflects the client’s satisfaction.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think others may have better advice on finding a mentor or networking, but my case is a bit unique. My approach was simple: if you want something, go for it. If you’re curious about something, ask. I didn’t find my mentor through online groups or photographer meetups. When I developed an interest in photography, I happened to meet a photographer by chance, and I simply asked them questions. That led to a connection, and that’s how everything started for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.damdaphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damdaphotography/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/damda-photography-san-diego
