Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Robertson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Danielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am an Interiors and Architectural Photographer. My work takes me to homes all over Boston, the South Shore and Cape Cod. I collaborate with interior designers, builders and realtors to create marketing and portfolio images. I love being on location, exploring homes, and searching for the details which help me compose a story. Ultimately, I’m photographing everything which makes a house feel like a unique home. I pay attention to how rooms are utilized, how they connect to each other through architecture, and how the design elements make it all come together.
My journey to a photography business started a few months after my first child was born, in 2009. I was a Senior Art Director for a publishing company in Boston. When I returned to work after maternity leave, I was laid off (along with a large group of people).
That was the turning point. After 12 years in graphic design and art direction, I was suddenly forced to re-evaluate my goals; to contemplate change. I decided to pursue my love of photography and passion for home design. From a creative stand-point, the transition was natural: I had spent many years designing books and magazines for architects and designers, and art directing photo shoots. I had hired many professional photographers, and knew the business, and what it takes to make a great shot.
For a few years, I freelanced as both art director and photographer, and in 2014 I finally found the confidence to call myself a full-time Photographer. Now, I can honestly say I adore my job.
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?
Initially, I struggled with the learning curve, even though I had taken pictures for 20 years (and was the “in-house photographer” in former jobs). I didn’t have the technical training and experience of a professional photographer—not even close. I had a good eye for composition, styling and light, but otherwise felt like an amateur. So, I took classes, practiced every day, and watched a lot of videos. I look back at photos from a few years ago and can see some mistakes, and I’m sure in another few years I will find flaws in my current work. But that is the wonderful thing about photography: I am constantly learning and improving. It’s a never-ending art form.
As a working mother, it’s never a smooth road when trying to juggle a full-time job with three children. Luckily, I have the flexibility to make my own schedule, and the time-frame for my shoots varies greatly.
Aside from that, I have the usual struggles for any freelance creative… We all want good clients, good work, and to get paid!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Although I occasionally photograph people/portraits, my specialty is Interiors and Architecture.
95% of my work comes from Interior Designers, Builders and Realtors. They hire me to create compelling images of their clients’ homes for marketing, sales, or portfolio purposes.
No matter what type of home—or client—I arrive to every shoot with the same amount of enthusiasm and intention.
However, I realize that each project varies, so communication is key to understanding my client’s goals. For instance, knowing the vast difference between real estate and interior design photography; from the preparation, equipment, time-frame, compositions, attention to detail, and post-processing. Designers typically hire me weeks in advance, which allows time to discuss the project and scout the location. Real estate is more last minute, with a quicker delivery. I can spend an entire day styling and shooting two rooms with a designer, while in real estate I can photograph two homes in the same time frame…
What sets me apart from others? My former career as an Art Director and Graphic Designer, and my passion for interior design. My clients know I am able to conceptualize, style and compose a shot. I understand marketing and how to communicate their vision. Most importantly, I know that collaboration is what truly makes a great shot.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been highly sensitive, an extroverted introvert, and honest (to a fault).
When I was little, my mom called me the Princess, from the ‘Princess and the Pea’, due to my ability to notice (and feel) every detail of my surroundings, my clothes, etc. I have since discovered that most creative people are highly sensitive, but since I didn’t have a creative focus during my school years, it wasn’t necessarily fun for me in middle school and high school. However, I did manage to have friends, run track, and do ballet—before eventually discovering art and photography.
I got my first real camera in high school, and started photographing everything around me. Getting film developed was an event, and seeing the prints somehow confirmed the existence of those little details that only I would notice (and most people seemed to overlook). In 11th grade, I was an exchange student and took my camera to France… That was when I truly fell in love with photography.
Contact Info:
- Address: Scituate, MA
- Website: https://robertson.smugmug.com/
- Phone: 617-455-5050
- Email: drobertsonphoto@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Gale Michaud Interiors
Shoreline Builders
Susan Corson Designs
The Erector Set Architects
Good Life New England
Kevin Lewis
William Raveis Cohasset
Janet Koelsch
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
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