Meet Dannieka Cuttino | Producer, Videographer , Photographer

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

Hi Dannieka, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I decided to pursue an artistic /creative career because I believe that it is my purpose. As an adolescent, I would always use my artistic ability to create something like designing clothes, taking pictures, editing videos and doing DIY’s. While matriculating through college and switching my major from Sports Management to Mass Communication and working in the TV Department, I realized that I could turn my artistic ability as a photographer and turn it into a career. While working as a creative I then realized how many people I inspire and motivate through my work of art and that continues to push me to do what I love.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started SheTheCamera, LLC formerly known as DC Photography in 2015 after graduating undergrad in 2014. I always wanted to own a business, but I had no idea that business would be videography and photography. I was taking pictures and making creative videos because it was fun and it was what made me happy. After showing my work to my family and friends they started booking me and I didn’t even have a business. I then realize it’s time to take my passion to the next level and capitalize off of it.

I started off doing family, events and sports photography, I also tapped into fashion photography as well and eventually I rebranded to brand, creative, lifestyle and headshot photography.

In the beginning I was only doing photos. At the end of 2015 when I started film school, I then added videography to my services because I realized I could have capitalized off of that talent as well. That’s when I changed my name to SheTheCamera because I now do more than photos.
On my journey I challenged myself to try different type of photography, creative videos, effects and so much more, & I’d get joy when clients challenged me to do something I’ve never done before and out of the box.

Starting my business was not easy at all. I’ve failed so many times, I wanted to give up, I had really slow days, weeks and months, but I kept going because I also had good days weeks and months, and I loved what I was doing and that is how I got to where I am now. To maintain my business I’ve done a lot of research. Shoutout to Google and Youtube University, they really helped me scale my business and enhance my quality.
The biggest lesson I learned as a business owner is to stay consistent. Consistency can take you places sometimes talent can’t. & It’s important to trust the process and believe in you and your work of art. Be Confident!!!!
With my brand SheTheCamera my ultimate goal has always been to provide a fun memorable experience and make my clients feel important and beautiful. I always try to create the vibe during shoots, based off of each of my clients personality and likes so that it will be an experience they would never forget and so that they can remember SheTheCamera for their next shoot.
I’m a storyteller, so every shoot I create a story within the final product, rather its using photos or videos to create that story. Each shoot has a message and each shoot allows me to help my clients create the story that they want to create. It’s like manifesting.

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?
When my friends come visit me I always show them a good time and here is how it looks. So, I love to eat so the first thing we are doing is going to brunch. Atlanta has the best choices of Black Owned restaurants to choose from like Fin and Feathers, Lily’s, Toast on Lenox, The Hive, Escobar and its so much other to choose from; and we’d enjoy a good brunch with bottomless mimosa and music. I’d also take them to places like the High Art Museum, Trap Museum, Aquarium something like relaxing but interesting. I’d also take them to do something adventurous like horse back riding, hiking in stone mountain, skating at Cascade or I Fly. And if it’s a concert during that time, we will definitely hit up a concert.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I’d like to give a shoutout to God, because though all of my obstacles, the struggles, the days when I wanted to give up he always found a way to provide for me and reassure that I am doing what I need to be doing and because of him I never lacked from anything. Second, I’d like to give a shoutout to my MOM, Florencia Cuttino for her support, words of encouragement, prayers and investing in me and my passion. She never questioned whatever it was that I wanted to do and she always supported my creative career no question asked. Third, I’d like to give a shoutout to my tribe who supported me , pushed me, encouraged me, cried with me, created with me I appreciate them whole heartedly. Last, I’d like to give a shoutout to every black and brown creative who are continuously paving the way for the next generation, you are all inspiration.

Website: www.shethecamera.com

Instagram: shethecamera

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danniekacuttino/

Twitter: dannikaii

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shethecamera

Image Credits
Hellzshotit Photography