Meet Darryl Moore | Owner of Phocused by Darryl Photography – #imphocusedman

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

Hi Darryl, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks. A tremendous read and one I’d recommend you reread yearly. The basis of the book talks about conquering HIDDEN fears and taking life to the next level. Little did I know what was in store when I read this book. There aren’t too many books that serve as a mirror but this one was. Causing me to truly take an in-depth look at how I was conducting myself as it pertained to business, family…life!

Early in the book the author throws a haymaker that rings true in our society: “Many of our fears are based on the workings of the ego, that part of us that’s focused on getting recognition and protecting us from social ostracism.” I reread that line 10 times, underlined it, and highlighted it. That was just the beginning.

Clearly identifying my “Upper limit problem(s)” and dealing with it head on. This book strongly urged me to take a look at the self-inflicted stumbling blocks that I thought were life barriers and realize that I could affect change positively for my life. Since completing the book, my outlook, mindset, and progress have been for the better. Do I slip up occasionally in my thoughts? I sure do, but that’s when I pick the book up and read a chapter to get me back on track. Once you’ve gained that knowledge it feels awkward trying to allow myself to fall back into that trap.

Great book. Check it out for yourself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As far back as I can remember, my family has always captured memories. My dad had the old-school VHS camera and would capture our family virtually all the time. Birthdays, school assemblies, playground adventures…you name it, it’s probably on a VHS in the closet somewhere today.

I feel that had an impact on my desire to capture and preserve memories at an early age. My first camera was a Vivitar 700 that my parents let me use. Taking pics of friends, my action figures, and family were some of the first of my photographic experiences. I graduated to having my first Polaroid camera, and from there it became addictive. As I grew older, my desire to get better and shoot more increased.

The throwaway camera boom hit during my high school years and that’s where I remember snapping a ton of images. Funny enough, I never joined the yearbook committee with all of the images I captured. To this day, if an old classmate asks about a particular situation, I’m able to pull up an image for reference. I head off to college and I’m taking my point-and-shoot camera with me. Deja-vu. Once again, I’m the guy capturing memories throughout my college experience and holding on to countless moments.

So let’s fast forward a few years. It’s 2010 and my wife saw a used Nikon display model at Sam’s club that she purchased for me. “You’re taking pictures all the time. Perhaps you could turn this into a business”. That was the push that I needed. Now you have to understand that at that moment, I didn’t magically open a studio or operate with top-of-the-line equipment. It was just me and my camera. You know the one with the cool blur effect. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. For the next 4 years, I’d work at my craft. Mind you, there were plenty of trial and error moments, but that’s the amazing thing about photography. You’re not going to get it right all the time. Don’t believe me? Ask me to dig in the crates for some of my early work.

Phocused by Darryl Photography was created in 2014. That was an amazing accomplishment. Wow. Entrepreneurship. In my family, that hadn’t been done before and it was rightfully celebrated. Over the years I worked hard to develop the style that works for me. I use artificial light and lots of it, if possible. You’ll see me show up with a wagon full of equipment that I plan to use to make your images have that POP. That’s what separates me from others. The ability to create a clean, well-lit, and impactful piece of artwork that you can be proud of for years.

A few years back I came up with the hashtag #imphocusedman. It’s the session sign-off where you’ll find clients saying it with such enthusiasm during a quick video review. It’s the experience I create that makes booking worthwhile. When working with me, creating an atmosphere of comfort and ease is key to capturing you authentically. If you feel great, chances are, your photographic experience will be great as well.

Last year I began mentoring sessions with photographers as it pertains to lighting and camera basics. #LitwithPBD was born to assist those that may be fearful of using artificial light with their work. I always say have a backup plan for your backup plan. If, as a photographer, you don’t have a clear understanding of lighting, I want to help you get there. I’ve heard too many horror stories where due to a lack of knowledge of using light, the creative had to reschedule, or delivered subpar imagery to the client. That shouldn’t be the case and I’ve made a point to educate when asked how to get better with lighting. I’ve had nothing but positive feedback and will continue to offer that to the photography community.

This journey has been rewarding. With 8 years of “official” service, but way beyond that in years of experience, I know that Phocused by Darryl Photography has so much in store. I’ve just got to remain #phocused.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my friends come to town for the weekend, food is the first priority. We’re going to grab a plate from Sweet’s Turkey BBQ & Catering which has the best turkey BBQ, period. After enjoying a meal, chances are we’ll visit Boxcar Bar + Arcade for a nostalgic gaming experience. After a few hours of pinball, air hockey, and classic arcade games, it’s time to head to Bensboyz Restaurant where soul food is king! From the fried fish to the turkey meatloaf to their lemonade, you’ll leave full and satisfied.

The next day we’re starting off our morning with brunch at Scrambled. Delicious pancakes with irresistible sides will have you asking for more, although you probably can’t eat anymore. We’d head out to Grandover Resort & Spa to play a round of golf to work those calories off. To complete the weekend, we’d catch one of the award-winning shows at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost a huge shout out to my family. My wife, Tekecia, essentially gave me the push to pursue photography as a business. I appreciate her support. My son Jaiven has been the in-house model since he was an infant. Trying new lighting setups with him can work a child’s patience but he’s been a trooper. What started as ice cream as payment has evolved to $5, $10, and $20 bills now. Can you blame him?

Thank you to my sister, my parents, and in-laws who have always been there and supportive of my business. Your encouragement behind the scenes has been nothing short of dynamic.

Ellie McKinney, Toni Shaw, and Tory Bass have been solid rocks for me since the inception of my photographic journey. Early on, it was intimidating to speak to others in the industry for assistance, but you all were always available. I know I may have missed some but thank you William Nixon for your assistance with sessions and being great listener.

Website: www.pbdphoto.com

Instagram: @phocusedbydarryl

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/phocused-by-darryl-photography/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhocusedbyDarryl