Danielle is a portrait and wedding photographer who taught herself how to use a camera in 2012 when she had her second child, in an attempt to document her children as they grew. Her and her husband purchased and remodeled a 120 year old building, 3 years ago so Danielle could have a studio close to their home but also so they could help preserve the historical buildings in their hometown. She has 4 kids, 2 dogs, 3 cats, chickens, a lot of bees and a growing number of horses. She married her high school sweetheart and they are raising their family on a small farm in rural Kansas. Danielle's favorite thing to photograph are the little moments in life, that most families wouldn't think to photograph. Bath times, playing in the garden, waiting in the car for school to let out, jumping on the trampoline in the middle of summer and family camping trips, to name a few.

Congratulations to Danielle for becoming an Unraveled Expert Artist! We are entranced by Danielle’s magical use of light and her ability to capture mundane moments in magnificent ways. Her work exemplifies freedom and hope . It is wild and honest and untamed.

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Here is Danielle, Unraveled…

What inspired your art?

I think about the art that I would want for myself and my family and I try and create it for my clients. Growing up, we didn't have family pictures taken and that always made me sad. I don't want my children to grow up without ever seeing images of themselves, so I tend to go a little overboard with capturing images of them. I love finding beautiful light in every location. Whether that is in my home, at a session, or while driving around running errands. I also love color. I love bold bright colors and I try to incorporate it in my sessions as much as possible.

What other ways do you express your creativity?

I love painting, coloring, drawing, decorating and arts and crafts. I don't do nearly enough of any of these things but they definitely make my heart happy when I find the time. I also love DIY furniture projects! Making old pieces new again.

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

Normally it involves a glass of wine and binge watching shows with my husband, haha but I also love working out, jogging and hanging out with my horses. I could literally sit and watch my horses all day and that would be the perfect day.

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

I listen to a Pandora station that is a mixture of country, pop and rap. I love listening to music and I have to have it playing while I work.

What is your favorite book?

Not necessarily a favorite book but I love anything by Wally Lamb. I have read quite a few of his novels and I find it hard to put them down.

Name one movie that inspires you.

I wish I had a better response to this one but I don't really watch movies. Well I do occasionally but I am not really inspired by them. I don't even have a favorite.

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

Juggling work and family is something that I have had difficulties with, since the get go. I was as stay at home mom prior to starting my photography journey and once I started photography, I tried to work from home with little kids running around. Some can make that balance work but I am not one of those people. I was finding myself struggling with work deadlines but more importantly, I was not the best mom that I could be. I would become really snappy with my kids and I knew that I needed to make some changes. So, I bought a studio and came up with a schedule that worked at the time. As time passes, I am slowly adding more work hours and days to my schedule. I still struggle a little with juggling everything though. My husband is in the military and since I own my own business and technically my schedule is more flexible then his, if the sitter isn't available or someone is sick (thank you winter) then I am the one who misses out on work. When you have 4 kids that take turns getting sick throughout the fall/winter, I tend to miss more work then I like.

Who is one of your favorite photographers?

Theresa Sherron Photography is an artist that I just discovered. I am definitely crushing on her work!

How do you handle selfdoubt or creative slumps?

Personal photography projects help me with creative slumps. Sometimes I get tired of creating art for others and I just need to create something for myself. There isn't any stress involved that way. I can practice techniques and if it doesn't work out the way I planned, then it's not a big deal. Handling self doubt is not something that comes naturally to me and I still struggle with it. There was a time where I went thru and unfollowed local photographers because I was always comparing myself and it was taking a toll on my mental health. I have now gotten to a point in my career where when I see things that start making me doubt who I am as an artist, I look to see if I can find away to improve myself. There is always room for improvement no matter how long you have been in the game and I feel like when you are doubting yourself, it's the perfect time to evaluate how we can do things better.

What is your favorite course or lesson at unraveled?

I loved the Powerful Posing with Twyla Jones.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

I love vegetables on my pizza. Give me all of the onions, olives and mushrooms!

What is your most favorite kind of light and why?

Such a hard question! I love natural window light. It's really less about the light and more about the shadows and mood that can be created with it though.