Today we’d like to introduce you to Donald Darling
Hi Donald, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Jamaica, but raised in Hartford CT, a place known more for its lack than its abundance. After high school, I went on to attend Howard University – The Mecca – where I discovered a love for art and media. I was exposed to a different level of artistry in D.C., and absorbed that urban beauty, which I carried with me after I graduated college. I worked in corporate America by day, but by night, I started a second career as a street photographer in Philly, uncovering art within the grittiness of the somewhat cold landscape. I took photos of everything I found interesting, and to teach me the importance of always finding that “perfect” shot, I then learned how to capture images with a film camera. Ultimately, I expanded my work to portraits, fine art, and landscapes, which became a huge focus once I moved to Southern California. I love to capture moments in time, because I love the magic of freezing a memory people can go back to and relive over and over again. My favorite shots are those that are taken in their natural element, candid and untarnished by anything artificial or over-planned. I’m now based in Oceanside, CA, where I continue to share my true love and passion for photography with the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are obstacles with everything in life and while my path to becoming a photographer (in practice) was fairly smooth, the actual business of photography has definitely posed some challenges. I started out shooting on the east coast and the subject matter was different, the environment was different, and I think the market for this type of artwork was different. Moving here to SoCal forced me to get out of my comfort zone and learn to shoot different types of subject matter. I was a street photographer when I moved here. The landscape is different here so I had to learn some new styles. The market for photography here is quite saturated so there are challenges with figuring out how to stand out among the thousands of other photographers. When it comes to buying art; it’s also a seemingly harder sell here. For the first 8-9 years of my photography career, I was single with no kids. Now I have a family and that also comes with challenges around time management and priorities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
By day, I’m a Senior IT Manager at a large company. Technology is a passion of mine and I’m blessed to be able to keep that constant in my life and be able to provide for my loved ones. I’ve been with my current company for 20 years. Photography is also a very strong passion of mine and it’s what keeps me grounded and helps to lessen some of the stress that can come from corporate life.
As far as what I’m most proud of; I would say that I’m proud to be able to capture moments in time and almost freeze them with my camera. I’m proud of some of the recognition that I’ve received in this field. I’ve showcased work in a number of cities, I’ve shown work at large events like Art Basel, I’ve had work published, I’ve been able to create amazing art and memories for friends. I’ve had my artwork displayed and shared with the world in many different ways. All of that makes me extremely proud.
I think what sets me apart from others is my eye. Starting out in street photography trains you to view the world in an unscripted way. You have a brief moment to capture something and then that moment is gone. Everything there is candid so it forces you to pay attention differently to detail. I take that mindset into whatever I’m creating at the time.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
When it comes to the practice of photography, I give most credit to my brother Laron. He’s the one that taught me the basics of photography (composition, lighting, the mechanics, the principles of getting things right in camera and not leaning on post production software) and laid the foundation for how I shoot. I was lucky to work beside him from the start. My mom. She supports everything I do and she instilled this work ethic in me and taught me to strive for perfection. My wife is probably my biggest fan. She’s often time my biggest promoter as well. I’m good at what I do, but I don’t love to talk about it, but she does. She will tell every and anyone about my work. I have a great group of friends that have all either promoted my work, bought my work, invested in my work, or hired me to capture their special moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.donalddarling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghostgonewild
