Meet Dani Jayden | Photographer and Actress

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

Hi Dani, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had always been super into photography and everyone always told me I had an eye for it. But then I got married and had kids and never got around to making anything of my passion for picture taking. Then on Christmas 2017 I lost my 4th child 16 weeks into pregnancy and had a horrific experience through the delivery. Her loss became my purpose. From there, I realized my closure would be in giving other families what I didn’t get… the only professional images of and with their deceased or fatally ill child that they would ever be able to get. It became my mission to become good enough and gain enough knowledge to become a photographer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. A year to the day of her death, I got my acceptance letter. I would never have had the courage to start my own business if it hadn’t been for that experience. I have since become a single mom to my 4 young children and my business has been the biggest blessing for us all.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I absolutely love getting to tell peoples stories through images. My focus in a session isn’t just to take some pretty, posed pictures. It is to capture memories, fun, laughter, and the love shared within each family. No session is ever the same and I cater each session to the personalities of each individual family member. There is always tons of laughter and fun, I want to create an experience you’ll remember and not just deliver pretty pictures.

Truly, persistence and passion is what keeps me going. As with anything, there are rough days, days I’m tired and just don’t feel like picking up my camera… but somehow every time I walk away after a session, I always feel so fulfilled and happy. I never walk away from a session without a huge smile on my face. Getting to meet new people and hear their stories is truly humbling. There is nothing like watching families and kids grow year after year.

I would want the world to know that I am just like everyone else. I have my own story that led me to want to share others stories. My business wasn’t built to make money… It was started purely out of love and the unrelenting feeling I had a gift to share with others that would help me bring healing to others while finding healing within myself.

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’d probably take her to downtown Nashville to have lunch and listen to music. Rippy’s is pretty awesome! I’d follow that up with rock climbing at Climb Nashville and Go Karting in Music City. I love adventure, so I would definitely be dragging everyone out on some type of adventure. I also love hiking so Fall Creek Falls or Stillhouse Hollow Falls would definitely be on my list. Playing in a waterfall is totally up my alley!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, the amazing organization, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. Most importantly, my “tribe”.. specifically my best friend and her family who took me in, has provided me with unconditional love and kindness, and gave me a safe place to land through tragedy. My boyfriend and his family for showing us all true love and acceptance and always supporting me. And to everyone who has encouraged me and supported me throughout my journey.

Website: www.danijaydenphotography.com

Instagram: Danijaydenphotography

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/danijaydenphotography

Image Credits
Dani Jayden Photography