Meet Trailblazer Danielle Gaytan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Gaytan.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always loved taking pictures. I love how pictures capture emotion, and can just freeze a moment. I also really love how when you look at an old picture you can almost relive it. As a kid, I would take pictures all the time, of family and friends. I would practice and practice. I took a photography course in college, which taught me camera settings and the basics in Photoshop and Lightroom. It took a while for me to get my name out there, and to develop my style. But I never gave up. I am still learning, and still growing. But I am loving every step of the way.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Bringing up my photography business has been a struggle for a very long time. I have always dreamed of being a photographer and capturing beautiful photos for people, but I could never catch a good audience. I would try so many times, but always get discouraged and give up. It just kept happening over and over. I would beat myself up constantly making myself believe that it was all in my head, that I actually wasn’t good at taking photos. But I just kept taking pictures, because I loved it. I started to not care if others loved my work because I did. I got inspired to try again, but this time, I didn’t give up. I kept posting, I kept asking people to go on shoots. My photography account still isn’t the most popular, but it is growing and I have never been so happy. This has been a dream of mine pretty much all my life. It is just so exciting that people like my work was as much as I do, especially since I’ve put so much work into it.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a photographer in Mesa, but would love to travel to wherever needed! I shoot pretty much anything and everything! Portraits, seniors, maternity, family, couples, engagements, bridals, weddings, babies, fresh 48, styled shoots, product shoots. If you need photos don’t hesitate to ask, my prices are low since I am still learning. I love capturing happy, candid moments. I work hard to make you comfortable because the shoot is about YOU, not about me. I am always open to your ideas and your inspiration. I work hard to give you photos that you love, so I am always willing to change my editing style to make the photos perfect for you. I edit quick, so you get your photos quick… sometimes, within the same day! I am a stay at home mom, so my schedule is very open!

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I think the person who really sparked my love for photos was my mom. Ever since we were babies, she was always snapping pictures of us. As a kid, it was so annoying! But now, I am so grateful because I love looking back through those photos. I have always loved having beautiful photos of myself to share with my family and friends, so I think that is why I love being able to provide those to others.

Pricing:

• Mini shoots (30 minutes) $30
• Full shoot (1 hour) $50
• Family shoot (3+ people) $60+
• Lots of more services, you can find them on my Instagram page @dandelion_photo_

Contact Info:

• Phone: 4809800443
• Email: daniellegaytanaz@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dandelion_photo_ 

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