Meet Danielle Hamlett | Photographer

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

Hi Danielle, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My senior year of high school, I bought I nikon d3200 w2ith the very first paycheck I got from my first job. I loved taking pictures but honestly just wanted to look more professional with a bigger camera. I brought that camera everywhere with me taking photos and videos of anything I could. I moved out for college and joined a sorority where I ran the chapter YouTube channel and took photos for our social media. In the spring, a sister asked if I’d be interested in taking some her of graduation photos which I of course said yes. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur so I thought this would be the perfect first step. The name was one of my best friends’ ideas after his normal routine of walking into my room just to get water. “If you could name my photography business what would it be?” without hesitation he answered “DaniCaptures”. I hated it but couldn’t think of anything better so it stayed.

Due the the pandemic, I moved home to Long Beach in 2020 and decided to relaunch DaniCaptures. I advertised as much as I could the first few months and was able to get in a few headshots and some family photos. When graduation season came around I got a few messages from friends in both the Bay Area as well as Southern California so I would to schedule monthly trips to accommodate to as many people as I could. Today, I solely focus on photography specializing in portraits and special events. In the future, I hope to be able to shoot for a graduate at each California State University. There are 23 and I’m currently at 6!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m still very early into my photography career so I’m nowhere near where I’d like to be, professionally. Right now, I enjoy making others feel welcome in front of the camera and expanding my knowledge of this medium. At DaniCaptures, it’s my goal to have my clients love their photos from front to back meaning they love every aspect of their photo from consultation to the final gallery. Behind a great photo, has to be an even better connection between the photographer and the subject which is why I pride myself on mental health and communication. During my consultations, I cannot stress enough how important your mental health is. If you’re not in the right headspace on the day of your session, I guarantee you will not enjoy the final product. Overall, I want all my clients to know that the camera isn’t their enemy and to trust my capability of showing them just how stunning they are!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As an LBC native I got the best spots in town to check out!

Breakfast
Eggs Etc.
Brite Spot Mexican Grill
Bake & Broil

Brunch
The 908
Georgia’s (Soul Food)
George’s Greek Cafe

Lunch:
Marketplace Grill & Cafe
EJ’s Pub & Grill
La Super Birria

Dinner
The 4th Amendment-Pizza/Bar
Bai Plu Thai and Sushi
La Creperie Café

Dessert:
The Pie Bar
Handel’s Ice Cream
The Funnel House

Bars:
Shannon’s at the Top
Ballast Point
Panama Joe’s
Joe Jost’s

Hang Out Spots:
Pine Ave.
The Promenade
Second Street
2nd and PCH
The LBX

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I could thank anyone who has ever even looked at a photo of mine I would. There are so many people I am grateful for educating, listening to, and investing in myself and DaniCaptures. There are a few people in particular that I’d like to thank in particular

-My Sisters Tri Sigma E.A- I didn’t think too much about joining a sorority but it was by far the best decision I ever made because it has connected me with many great individuals. My business would not be up and running if it wasn’t for a sister asking if I would take her graduation photos my first year and for years after. Even after graduating 3 years ago, I still have sisters rooting for me, sending me resources to use, and booking sessions. I’m very grateful to have joined such a great chapter

-One of my best friends, Daisy -thank you for always being down to model and for being honest about my work. I know I’m capable of being great because of you!

-The Tavarez Family- for being my first clients when I relaunched DaniCaptures 2 years ago. Thank you for taking a chance with me!

– My Dad: For all of the books on how to be a better business owner. I’ve learned a lot of resourceful information and have gained a better mindset!

Website: danicaptures.com

Instagram: instgram.com/_danicaptures

Facebook: facebook.com/danicaptures