Today we’d like to introduce you to Danika Dobson.
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 been a photography nerd, but I was not always a skilled photographer. When I was a kiddo, I developed a fascination with National Geographic; the stories and lives they detail in combination with the powerful portraits of people always stopped me in my tracks. I could see a story in the eyes of those strangers and wanted nothing more than to be able to connect with them. So, I started collecting National Geographic magazines and haven’t stopped since. Antique cameras, especially Polaroids, have always intrigued me and I have a small collection of about 20 of them. Childhood was essentially me crushing on the art of photography, and I took film photos from elementary to high school on a Polaroid or my mom’s Kodak. However, after high school the creative part of my brain just shut down for a while. I was in art in high school and enjoyed drawing and mixed media projects, but I completely lost my artistic drive.
I let life overwhelm me and spent 2010 to 2015 trying to navigate my early 20s. I made a lot of bad choices, but I somehow managed to graduate from The University of North Texas at Dallas with a degree in Early Childhood Education in December 2015. Leading up to graduation, I drank way too much, did not budget enough, and was utterly lost even after graduating. I was unhappy and knew that wasn’t going to change unless my time was spent doing something I loved and/or spent making a positive impact in the world somehow. Cue buying a used DSLR Nikon D3100, quitting my bartending gig, and accepting a seasonal forestry position based in Durango, Colorado. I needed to make a change, and I figured some forced time in Mother Nature could only help my situation. All of these choices turned out to be pivotal in getting me to where I am today. On my days off in Colorado, I would take pictures of basically anything I could from deer to people to the night sky. I came back to Dallas in October 2016 and started to entertain the idea of pursuing photography as a career (something I once said I would never do).
Fast forward to today, and my business Home Sweet Road Photography is officially open. I was not sure what area of photography I wanted to specialize in, but I think when you love something enough, the right people, vibes, ideas, etc… Will come to you naturally. For me, my favorite thing to help capture is a woman’s natural and raw beauty through self-love boudoir sessions, births, and creative portraiture. I recently started accepting small weddings and elopements as well, so I’m pumped to see how that venture unfolds in the future.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Generally speaking, yes. The main struggle I face is that I am passionate about art, photography, people, and connection but do not necessarily love the title of “business owner”. I am accepting this role and diving in; I do not have any other jobs besides babysitting from time to time, so trying to learn how to handle and market myself in such a saturated field has been interesting. My anxiety holds me back more than it should, but I am working daily to face this battle as well.
You could be the DaVinci of photography, but clueless about finances, sales, websites, etc. There have already been many hard lessons learned about the business side of things, and I have nothing but pride regarding the creative aspect of my work. I will say that I have learned not everybody is going to enjoy or support my work and ventures 100% of the time, and that is okay because I may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but my art can always be somebody’s shot of whiskey.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Home Sweet Road Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
As of now, Home Sweet Road Photography is solely a photography business, but I hope to eventually expand and be able to promote self-love, sisterhood, and body positivity. I shoot with a digital camera, but often provide Polaroid images during a session and prints are available if desired. In the future, I want to continue shooting raw and stripped down boudoir. I am not against pearls, heels, and red lipstick but I absolutely love watching clients fall in love with their most natural, bare selves.
I like to be as transparent as possible with my clients and collaboration partners, and this often leads to leaving a session or event feeling like I made a new friend or several. I don’t like to pose people if possible and love just letting people be themselves and capturing how powerful that really is. Oh, if you want to do a boudoir shoot, just do it. Do it now. Do it for you. And no, you absolutely do NOT need to work out some before booking a boudoir experience with somebody.
I want to see your “you”. I want to connect with my clients because if we are spending 1.5+ hours together, we might as well get along! I am an awkward turtle if somebody else is taking my photo (self-portraits all day!) so I understand not wanting a camera in your face, but I also know how powerful it is to look back at your wedding photos and see a family member who is no longer with us or to get a boudoir album in and feel like a damn queen after looking at the photos. On a day to day basis, client feedback definitely keeps me encouraged to continue down this path. I cannot explain how surreal it is for somebody to tell you that you helped get them on the road to loving themselves again.
What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.
Well, I haven’t been asked this in a while. Elementary to high school, I was a pretty average student. I was a smarty pants, teacher’s pet, but also in art club and decent in athletics. I cared most about my grades and reputation, and I honestly feel so far away from that girl now. I am only 26, but things have changed so much.
Growing up, I had a problem of never being satisfied and always wanted to be on-the-go. My mom would probably say I still have those problems, and it might be a bit true. However, I will never regret a last minute road trip or adventure of any sort.
The world has always been overwhelmingly beautiful and tragic to me, and I’ve always felt connected to the paths I cross and people I meet. As a child, I was extremely sensitive. I am sensitive still, but in a much more constructive way. I could not handle my emotions as a child, but as an adult I have found some power in my sensitivity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.homesweetroadphotos.com
- Email: Danika@homesweetroadphotos.com
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