Dana Cole is a mother to an 18-year-old daughter, a wife to her husband of 10 years and a Photographer. She began her photography journey back in 2005 while living in Dallas, Texas. After getting a camera as a gift, she began taking pictures of her daughter and family. She then began photographing friends who asked, and within 3 months, she had her first client. The creative side of photography is something Dana knew early on that she had a knack for and something that came easy for her in her work. She spent lots of time practicing and trying to perfect this craft. She photographed many genres during this time. Portraits (family, kids, babies, pets, etc.), weddings, bridals and events. She wasn't yet sure what really made her happy and what she really wanted to focus on and specialize in. 
In 2009, Dana married her now husband and moved her entire life and career of being a photographer, to Oslo, Norway. 'Completely having to start over from scratch is not easy.' It took her 2.5 years to get the ball rolling again with having a profitable business in a new country, but she did not give up and got it done! She began getting her network up and running as well as finding her true passion and genres in which she wanted to focus her photography.

 Dana's genres of focus and what she currently specializes in are Commercial Beauty/Fashion, Portrait and Product Photography. 

'I find I am truly happy with where my work is currently and where it is headed!'

For more inspiration from Dana:

Instagram | Facebook | Website

Here is Dana, Unraveled…

What inspired your art?

Everything around me inspires me. I can see a color and want to create an entire shoot around it. Or, see an object such as a flower, and can get very inspired to do a 5 look shoot from that. The World really is full of inspiration. 

What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens?

For the longest time, I have used my Canon 5d Mark 2, but I recently updated this month to the Canon 5d Mark 2. I absolutely love the Canon brand. My 2 favorite lenses I use for all shoots are the Canon 100mm L and the Canon 24-105mm L

What other ways do you express your creativity?

I also like to style some of my personal shoots and I make headpieces and accessories for them at times as well. An excellent way to get more creative!

How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

I give my kiddo a hug. Relax in my bed and watch Youtube videos or play games on my Ipad. I find those two things very de-stressing.  :)

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

I have a very eclectic music taste. So it can range from hip hop to rock to oldies.
My favorite current band at the moment is 'The Internet'

What is your favorite book?

The would still have to be The Outsiders

Name one movie that inspires you.

Hmm. Hands down, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!

How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?

I take a few days or a week and re-collect my thoughts. Look at some books and websites I like and tell myself all will be fine. So far so good.

What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?

Definitely moving from one continent to another and starting my entire business over. 
It was very tough, but I got through it and have grown stronger and more determined from it.

Who is one of your favorite photographers?

Kristian Schuller is my all time fave. Also Patrick Demarchlier, Mert and Marcus, Steven Meisel and Ellen Von Unwerth.