Today we’d like to introduce you to Danny Rodas.
Danny, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I learned early on that pictures were more than just a frozen moment in time. As a kid, my parents used to share their photo albums with my brothers and me. Their explanations went beyond storytelling. For a split second with every description, I could tell they were reliving the special moment that each photo showed. I was amazed by the power of a single photo and knew that I wanted to capture moments in a way that would bring back such vivid memories.
While growing up, I was labeled as the family photographer. It wasn’t until I began working full-time that I was able to get a DSLR camera. I was so deeply involved that I even attended seminars about lighting and framing my subject. YouTube University was my best friend for new methods of editing and setups. This was my passion and I was determined to master it. I invested a lot of time making sure I settings were just right, I enjoyed every moment of this learning process.
After the workday was when I’d practice what I learned. Automotive photography was my first love and seeing the sunset reflecting off the lines of my sports car was great content to post to social media. Friends began to request that I take pictures of their cars too, and before long I was shooting five days a week. Soon enough, I agreed to take a step out my comfort zone and try out portrait photography. People are the most dynamic beings on this planet and I want to capture their stories in my lens.
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think I would have stuck around if it were easy. Where’s the fun in that?! Photography challenges me, and I love it. One of the biggest struggles is being able to allocate time towards my craft. I work full time and am finishing up my Bachelor’s degree, but I still shoot four times a week in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and find the time to edit my sessions. Time is precious because there never seems to be enough of it, but Eric Thomas put it best when he said, “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.” The improvements I see with each shot keep me going, and I am forever grateful to each person who has fully supported me each step of the way. Also, I cannot give the models I work with enough credit. They are amazing!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a freelance photographer within the Dallas/Fort Worth area with a home studio in Rowlett, TX. DRO Images has experience in all forms of photography from portraits, weddings, family events, engagements, headshots, and even automotive. However, I’m currently expanding my portfolio with more editorial images. They require a greater sense of innovative creativity so that I may convey a message in a single image. Regardless of the job, you can always expect to have fun on set. I pride myself in being able to make a connection with each of my clients in a way that sets me apart from others. Laughter is good for the soul, and key to getting the right shot.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We are living in a social media photo era that is constantly evolving, with generations of users craving immediate content. People are more involved in the art of photography because they have a device at their fingertips and can edit, or add filters, in real time. Photographers, like myself, have spent countless hours practicing composition and editing to achieve the “perfect” shot. Now, anyone with the right app can manipulate an image with similar parameters. There are some limitations on a cell phone versus a computer, but the basics are there and you can still end up with a photo of amazing quality. I anticipate that technology to become more sophisticated over time and even normalize the use of artificial intelligence in the photography industry. Some cell phones already allow for voice control to take a photo. I wouldn’t be surprised if DSLR cameras eventually follow a similar trend. I guess we’ll see what the future has in store for us. Meanwhile, I’ll keep capturing memories one moment at a time.
Contact Info:
- Email: bookdroimages@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dro_images
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DROimages
- Other: www.rawartists.org/droimages
Image Credit:
Mika McCroan, Annie Casadiego, Mikayla Hernandez, Michelle Fernandez, Audrey Gonzales, Esmeralda, Rosa, Ryan Rae, Kevin & Brittany Williams
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