Meet Daryn Minster | Photographer & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daryn Minster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daryn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
At the start of high school I knew I had a passion for photography. When I reached junior year, I met my digital photography teacher Kimberly Fleming- little did I know she was going to change my life. She pushed me to start photographing people, something I was hesitant to do at first. After my first shoot with a couple friends and a backdrop, I knew this passion of mine was not going to be just a hobby for long. I shot as many people as I could that year until my first paid shoot for one of my friend’s senior pictures. I was so thankful that someone trusted me with that special day. After talking with other professional photographers, I felt confident enough to put together a price sheet and begin to operate as a business. I started an Instagram, learned how to promote myself, and also not take any less than what I deserved. The second that I realized I could turn a passion into a business I never looked back. I’ve had so much support from my family, friends, teachers, and creatives on social media, and I could not be more thankful because I owe them a lot! Starting your own business can be scary, but is one of the most rewarding experiences. I get to hold myself accountable for my own success while also seeing myself grow.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I find inspiration from people and faces. Being able to capture someone’s spirit is such a rewarding and unique experience. I get the ability to bring someone to life in pictures and the chance to get to know each and every client/muse. I love working with all ages, genders, and races to create diverse and inclusive art that appeals to everyone. Growing up in a small town where diversity lacked definitely pushed me to move away to a bigger town and university to where I could represent all people. I find that my art sets me apart from others because of the emotions it contains- whether it’s joy or anger or sadness each series makes an impact on the viewer- usually an emotion that they can relate to. It’s been a long journey and took hard work to be where I am today, but the things I have accomplished before twenty years old have made me extremely proud. Sometimes I feel the pressure to be at the top and always having creative ideas but I have learned that it’s okay to be right where you are and take each day at a time. People are always going to have great ideas and stunning photographs but at the end of the day it’s not a competition and it’s better to aim for quality over quantity. As my favorite poet Rupi Kaur once said, ” You have only scratched the surface of what you’re capable of. There are decades of victories ahead of you.” My message to the world and especially young creators would be that if you have a dream go for it- if you have found a passion that makes you happy take that, turn it into a way of life and never look back. Art is just as important as any other career.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m currently a sophomore at the University of Georgia in Athens but also spend a lot of time in Atlanta! If I was showing a friend around Athens, I would love to take them to a UGA football game and explore the nightlife. Athens has amazing restaurants like The Place, South Kitchen + Bar, and Mama’s Boy. Later that night I would definitely recommend going out to a couple bars such as Centro, Silver Dollar, and Magnolias. If I were taking a friend to Atlanta, I would make a stop at Ponce City to walk around, take pictures and get something to eat. Atlanta also has amazing artistic spots to visit such as the High Museum, Krog Street Tunnel, and Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. The nightlife is also fun with places like Johnny’s hideaway and Veranda.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my amazing photography teacher in high school Kimberly Fleming for pushing me to be where I am today, the incredible photo teachers at The University of Georgia where I attend ( Stephen Scheer and Marni Shindelman), and Alec Weeks, my talented friend who submitted me to be featured as well. I owe it to you all- thank you.

Instagram: @daryn.photography and daryn_minster

Other: email: darynminster1@gmail.com

Image Credits
Models: Kaitlyn Kelly, Krista Shirley, Sophia Bradley, Zac Alden, Jimi Adedoyin, Lucia Bauza, and Quentin Fernander.