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

Hi Yolanda, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
My business has taught me that you can never learn enough about your craft. I’m always studying magazines, YouTube videos and other photographers. I love seeing how other photographers and film makers create and process color, shadows and light. I’m very inquisitive. I take little pieces from those I admire and incorporate them. It keeps me fresh and on my toes.
 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It isn’t easy being a business owner. You are the CEO, CFO and COO of your own business. I’m realizing more and more that I can’t give my very best in this business if I’m not taking a moment for some self-care. It’s nothing for me to put on my walking shoes now and just walk the neighborhood or ride my bike or spend time in meditation to remove the clutter from my mind so I can always have the room I need to simply create. The number one lesson I’ve learned is that family comes first. I wouldn’t be where I am without the love and support of my children. They are always cheering me on and supporting me. No matter how busy I get, they keep me grounded. They make me feel like I can do anything. Every rainstorm ends with a beautiful rainbow of colors and that’s how I like to view everything that comes my way. I’m a woman of many layers and like most people, I’m still learning so much. The Brown Eye Photography isn’t just about being a photographer with brown eyes, it’s about those eyes teaching the art of a great photograph and hopefully the art of staying connected with those you love in those photographs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in the city of Atlanta is a cultural experience on so many levels. We’d have to hit Little Five Points. It’s a diversity melting pot of people. I love the vibe and access to many different shops and culture. The Vortex is a definite for a great burger with a laid back atmosphere. We’d have to go to the Georgia Aquarium. The marine life in that place is simple breathtaking. We would definitely hit Centennial Olympic park so we could jump on the SkyView ferris wheel to view the city of Atlanta after we’ve toured the CNN Studio. Then the Porsche Center in Hapeville has an amazing restaurant on the roof. You can watch the planes fly in while eating amazing food. East Atlanta Village is a definite must for more delicious food and shopping and we can’t forget the Ponce City Market. That place has so many amazing shops and people are so friendly and welcoming. It’s too much to choose from living in Atlanta but these are a few that came to mind.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely have to give a shoutout to LaJoy Cox of LaJoy Photography LLC. When I decided to take my love for photography to the next level, I reached out to so many other photographers just for advice and input and no one wanted to help without charging me an arm, leg and a foot. They were not very pleasant and very evasive with any question I had. When I came across LaJoy, I was sure I’d get the same feedback but it was just opposite. She was very welcoming, helpful and genuine. She was raw and uncut with her feedback and very willing to just tell me truth without tearing me down. She wanted me to succeed without even truly knowing me. That went a long way with me and we’ve been thick as thieves ever since we met. She’s now apart of my spirit and we’ve adopted each other as family. She is an impeccable photographer with a heart of gold.

Website: www.thebrowneyephotos.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrowneyephotography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrowneyephotography/

Image Credits
All photos are from The Brown Eye Photography

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