Today we’d like to introduce you to D’Angelo Connell.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a full-time entrepreneur now, but that wasn’t always the plan.
For years, I worked a series of jobs that didn’t feed me any real sense of purpose — and the pay wasn’t satisfying either. The most recent was just under six years at the Post Office. It was stable. It was consistent. But I kept asking myself, Is this it? Is this how I live and die?
I wasn’t living. I was existing.
That feeling of “there has to be more” wouldn’t leave me alone. I needed something that felt like growth, not just survival. I also knew one thing for sure — I didn’t want to go back to school. A traditional four-year path wasn’t calling me. I wanted something I could build in real time, where effort directly translated into progress.
In 2019, I had a realization: photography didn’t require a four-year degree. It required skill, vision, discipline, the right gear, and proper training. So I invested in the gear. I lived on YouTube and Google. I practiced relentlessly — nights, weekends, anytime I could. I treated it like an apprenticeship I built for myself.
Then 2022 happened.
I was on leave after getting COVID. Truthfully, I was well enough to return to work. But I felt something shift. It felt like a window — a moment of decision. Instead of going back, I used that time to seriously build my photography business. I treated it like I had no other option, because in reality, staying in a life that felt unfulfilled was more terrifying than stepping into the unknown.
On September 1st, 2022, I resigned.
I’ve been a full-time photographer and entrepreneur ever since.
Today, much of what I do centers around building relationships with companies and organizations that understand the value of strong visual execution. I work as a creative partner to teams that take visual consistency, execution standards, and brand integrity seriously.
My role isn’t just to take pictures. It’s to develop strategic digital assets that extend the life of their events, clarify their message, and generate sustained, on-brand attention long after the moment has passed.
I used to deliver packages.
Now I help organizations deliver impact — visually, strategically, and with intention.
And I haven’t looked back.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey hasn’t been effortless.
One of the biggest challenges hasn’t been learning photography — it’s been building relationships with professionals and businesses that truly value what I provide.
In a world where cameras are accessible to everyone, many assume anyone with a lens can “get the job done.” And technically, maybe they can.
But there’s a difference between taking photos… and creating intentional images designed to elevate a brand, communicate a clear message, and resonate with a specific audience.
The real work has been connecting with decision-makers who understand that distinction — who see visuals not as an expense, but as an investment in perception, positioning, and long-term credibility.
That’s where I thrive.
When I partner with organizations that value execution standards and brand integrity, the results speak for themselves. The visuals don’t just document moments — they extend them. They reinforce identity. They create leverage.
And those are the relationships I continue to build.
We’ve been impressed with D’Angelo Connell Photography , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
D’Angelo Connell Photography is a strategic visual media brand focused on helping organizations and professionals show up with clarity, consistency, and authority. I specialize in corporate events, headshots, sports, and branded content, producing intentional imagery designed to align with a company’s positioning and long-term goals. What sets me apart is my approach — I don’t simply document moments, I create digital assets that support messaging, strengthen perception, and extend the life of an event or campaign well beyond the day it happens. I’m known for professionalism, strong execution standards, and an ability to anticipate moments others might miss. Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation I’ve built around integrity and consistency — clients know they can trust both the experience and the outcome. At its core, my brand stands for elevated visuals with purpose, not just aesthetics, but strategy-backed imagery that works as hard as the organizations I partner with.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One thing that’s worked well for me is approaching mentorship and networking with intention, not desperation. Instead of asking, “What can you do for me?” I try to lead with curiosity and value — asking thoughtful questions, studying how people think, and looking for ways I can contribute first. A mentor doesn’t always come in the form of someone who formally takes you under their wing. Sometimes it’s someone you observe closely, learn from consistently, and build rapport with over time. I’ve found that showing up consistently — at events, on LinkedIn, in professional circles — and following up thoughtfully goes a long way. Most meaningful relationships didn’t happen overnight; they started with simple conversations and were nurtured through professionalism, respect, and follow-through. Networking isn’t about collecting contacts — it’s about building trust. When people see that you take your craft seriously and move with integrity, the right relationships tend to develop naturally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dcthesnapper.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcthesnapper/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcthesnapper/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcthesnapper/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dangeloconnell
