Today we’d like to introduce you to Danny Hicks.
Hi Danny, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My photography journey started when my mother gave me a film camera back in 1987 before a family vacation to Disney World. My mom loved taking photos, and since we have very few of her due to her being behind the camera, to me this is a way to be closer to her as we lost her to cancer in 2006. I switched from doing photography as a hobby to a profession in 2014 & joined some Memphis photography groups as there were none in my area at the time.
I networked with many of the models and photographers in Memphis which led me to work with some of the most talented people in the area. The photographers in the group helped with my technical photography questions and along the way, some became great mentors. I learned early that one of the benefits of being an hour from the Memphis photography world was that I was insulated from a lot of the drama in the area.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wish I could say it has been a smooth road but unfortunately, there have been struggles and rough spots along the way. Between some minor medical issues, I’ve had friends and family say that they support me and my business but don’t promote the business or ask me to help with their events or projects.
But the worst was when Covid hit which took the extra funds I’d planned to use to expand and hire an assistant & do some upgrading on equipment, that made me do a reevaluation and sent me back to square one with my brand.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m known for doing more realistic photography or photography with limited photo edits. Too many photographers rely on AI & filters were I prefer more practical camera shots.
My biggest accomplishments have been getting published, but the best was winning first place in a local photography competition. I found out after that one of the judges was a photography teacher at our local college, and the photo that won was of a model with a masquerade mask on. One of the organizers told me the judge said that it was the way I captured the model’s eyes through the mask in the photo as I’d taken the photo to where her eyes stood out. As someone who hadn’t gone to college or taken any photography courses, this made it more special.
I try to build a meaningful relationship with my clients and models to ensure that they have a positive and enjoyable experience throughout the entire process and hopefully become repeat clients or muse for future projects.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Being in school with my friends. After school, we all went in different directions as life took us and with our busy schedules it’s had to keep up with events sometimes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dhpma.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dhp_ma
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/dhphotoma
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@dhpma
Image Credits
RoseHelen Zafe; Mad Hatter & Alice, Models: Max Witherington & Mia Murchison; Kimberly Bowie; Holly Wilson; Lena Janelle; and Kimberly Spencer
