Meet Keea Daniel-Lance | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Keea Daniel-Lance and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keea, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business for two reasons. The first reason is a more personal reason. I was adopted when I was three years old along with 3 other siblings. When we were adopted, we did not have any photos of us before we were all placed in foster care. Due to not having any photos before the age of three, I have always had a camera in my hand and taken photos to capture memories. Capturing memories now that I have my own family is very important to me and it pushed me to start my business. I have also always enjoyed photography and experimented with it growing up.

The second reason I started my business was to reach families who couldn’t afford the higher end photo sessions. I was a single mom of two children for a long time. The only place I could afford to go for photos was Walmart. They had a 9.99 package where you get a small package of the very fist image they took. I always wanted more photos and more set ups, but I just couldn’t afford it. So I wanted to offer quality photography at a price everyone could afford.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I offer studio and on location photography for pretty much all aspects of your life. I offer photography for engagements, weddings, maternity, newborns, milestones, children, seniors, and events.

I want my clients to leave a session feeling like they are family. I love being able to watch families grow and change and be a part of that process. Most of my clients become good friends of mine. I take pride in helping others and building people up and being an encouragement to everyone I meet.

I want my art to tell a story. YOUR story. A story that will be told for years to come to generation to come. When my kids complain about all the photos I take, I remind them that later on in life when I’m gone, they won’t remember how annoying it was to them for me to take all these photos. They will remember the event that the photo captured and all the feelings and emotions that come with it. Take the photos, be in the photos, because one day that and the memory will be all that’s left.

I am always excited to continue to learn, grown and improve my skill. Every year I invest in continuing education and safety training to perfect my art. I love how photography lets you be creative and tell a story.

I am where I am today in my business because of my love for photography, training, sweat, perseverance, determination and the support of my faith, family, friends and mentors. Photography is a hard industry. There are so many photographers out there that it has been hard at times to keep going. I think that if you truly love something and have a gift and talent for it, that you can succeed at it. With a little bit of hard work you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

One of the hardest lessons to learn in the photography industry is to focus on you and your brand and your art and not everyone else’s. Trends will come and go, photographers will come and go and some will help you along your journey and some will want to tear you down. Take constructive criticism and learn and grow from it but don’t let it stop you. Never stop learning and growing and trying new things.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Gainesville Georgia is such a cute little town. I love our sense of togetherness and tight knit community. We would definitely have to spend some time on the lake during the summer, there are always so many things to do. You can boat, swim or go to Lake Lanier Islands Beach and Water Park. I love visiting the downtown square. There are so many unique events, places to shop, eat and spend time with friends and family. We even have our own Brewery called Tap It Gainesville Growlers. I’d love it if we could catch the towns chicken parade/festival. Not many people know this, but Gainesville is the poultry capital of the world and our little town celebrates it. I would also want to go explore in nature. We have some gorgeous mountain views and hiking trails. The Elachee Nature Center is a wonderful place to do both of those things. We could also visit the 1996 olympic rowing venue and go kayaking. Some of our local parks have installed kayak rental stations too. We can’t forget the Gainesville Farmers Market either. Its a great way to support other small businesses and farms and get some yummy fruits, veggie and sweet treats as well. For the history buff we also have several museums to visit around town. For the artsy ones we also have an art tour and council and also a local theater alliance that has performances. Since we are so close to Atlanta (a suberb), I’d suggest visiting the Georgia Aquarium, The Mall Of Georgia or the World of Coke. No trip would be complete without a shopping spree to the outlet malls either.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A lot of people have helped me along my business journey. My family, friends, neighbors and my faith. But, I would like to thank Michael Robertson for taking me under his wing and mentoring me. Mr. Mike, as my family calls him was my very fist photography instructor. I completed the professional photography program that UNG-Gainesville offers. Mr. Mike went above and beyond in and out of the classroom to help me (and others) learn and grow as a photographer. Through all that time, he has now become family.

Website: www.keearachellephotography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/keea_rachelle_photography

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