Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Chudolij.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In high school I was known for my photography. I used the money I received from my Sweet 16 to buy my first digital SLR camera, a Canon Rebel XS, and I carried it with me everywhere. I never used “auto,” but instead, went straight for manual mode and taught myself how to choose exposure through trial and error. Like most beginners, I photographed everything- flowers, my cats, sunsets- but I found my calling in portraiture when I shot my friends’ senior pictures. I fell in love with showcasing my subject’s personality and beauty in an organic, genuine way with my images.
Cut to college. During my sophomore year at Boston University, I realized (when I was neck-deep in a statistics class that I was failing) that marine science just wasn’t for me and that I was definitely not going to be the next Jacques Cousteau. I switched majors to photojournalism and thrived. It was during the last two years of school that I decided I wanted a career as a photographic portrait artist. So I went after it.
While I studied for my degrees, I worked tirelessly on creating my DC Photography Boston brand. I read photo blogs and books, rode the train home every weekend for my first client shoots, and attended workshops with photographers from around the country whose work I admired. That’s what’s gotten me to where I am now- every year I continue to attend conferences and educate myself on what’s new and upcoming in my industry. I’ve built a boutique photography business with a modern, edgy, fashion-based senior portraiture niche that I’m extremely proud of- but that I’ll never be satisfied with. I consider my brand founded, but never established.
Has it been a smooth road?
My parents are very traditional in most ways, including their mindset on the ideal pathway to a career (high school, college, maybe more college, and then work for someone). Both of my parents worked in healthcare and definitely wanted me to choose a career in science. Any time I brought up my interest in becoming a photographer, the idea was basically laughed-off because they insisted I wouldn’t be able to support myself financially. Thankfully, I chose to listen to the many friends and family who were my own personal cheerleaders. My parents have since become much more supportive because they know this is what truly makes me feel fulfilled and happy.
Another big struggle has been standing out in a sea of photographers. When everyone and their uncle has a “fancy camera,” it can feel overwhelming trying to make your clients hear your message over everyone else’s shouting. It’s tempting to doubt yourself or your work and take it personally when your schedule isn’t completely booked out, but I’ve learned that staying true to your brand and showing consistency will attract your target clients like a magnet.
Also, doing taxes sucks.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the DC Photography Boston story. Tell us more about the business.
DC Photography Boston is a boutique portrait photography studio. I shoot high school senior portraits, alter ego sessions, model portfolios, and weddings. Alter ego shoots are creative sessions for my seniors. Together, my senior client and I create a character, complete with a name that embodies a part of his or her personality that they don’t show very often. Alter ego sessions are my absolute favorite photo shoots and they’re what I’m really known for since no one else offers anything like it.
I’m proud of the fact that I’ve cultivated a brand that is an extension of myself. My images are modern and timeless with just a bit of edginess. My client experience is second-to-none and completely unique. I take pride in creating an unforgettable day for my seniors- something they will think back to as a highlight of their year. Grabbing ice cream in between locations and catching a concert at the end of a shoot are totally normal for my sessions and I love it.
I truly believe that it’s the little things that make me stand out. Knowing everyone’s name in a bridal party so that you can direct a specific bridesmaid by her name instead of “hey you” isn’t that hard, but not many people do it. That’s why I do.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I’ve already seen a change in how the general public values print photography, which is awesome. I think now people are noticing how they can take a million photos on their phone, but if they don’t print any of them, what good are they? All of my work is created for the purpose of becoming artwork in someone’s home. Lately, I haven’t had to educate my clients so extensively on the value of seeing their images in print, hanging on their walls. Hopefully, this one isn’t a trend, but a positive change in thinking.
I also really love that photographs are becoming less staged and more candid. This applies to everything from weddings to portraits. I haven’t had to shoot stiff table shots at a wedding in ages and my portrait clients, both seniors and families, want more natural-looking images of themselves. Families are happy to put that image of their kids pitching a fit on their holiday card because it’s real, not photos hopped. The best thing is that my senior girls are learning that everyone has flaws and that they don’t need to be airbrushed and liquefied to look beautiful. They’re already perfect.
Pricing:
- My most popular senior package is the Ultimate, which has a $400 sitting fee and $999 minimum purchase. This includes 3 hours of shoot time, 4 outfits, up to 3 locations, professional hair and makeup application, and a yearbook image if allowed by the school.
- Alter ego sessions can be added on for $300.
- Most of my wedding couples invest between $4000 and $6000. This can include an engagement shoot, full-day coverage, a shareable image gallery, crystal USB with edited images, wall art, and custom-designed heirloom albums.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dcphotographyboston.com
- Phone: 508-789-9915
- Email: danielle@dcphotographyboston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle_ariadne/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DCPhotographyBoston/
- Other: vimeo.com/171352247
Image Credit:
All images taken by Danielle Chudolij of DC Photography Boston.
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