I was sent this interview about my business and it is also posted on my website. A little about me and what I do

Interview with Dayna Shulack


Q: When did you decide photography was the profession for you? What made you decide it was time to start your business?

A: I have always been into the arts, since a very young age. I have been making photos since I was a child and I have always loved it. For a time I got away from the camera and concentrated on other areas but when I had my daughter Kaia, I picked up the camera again and ran with it. A few months after my daughter was born, a friend had asked me to take some photos of her while pregnant with her first child. The photos produced from that shoot were the deciding factor to start the business.


Q: What does photography mean to you?

A: Photography means so much to me. It is my creative release, it is my passion. My camera is an extension of my soul. Most importantly, it means that I am able to create images that will be passed down for years to come, moving memories from one generation to another. That is amazing to me.

Q: Describe the feeling you get when you have a satisfied client.

A: There is no greater feeling for me than to see tears in the eyes of a mother looking at a portrait I’ve made of their child or when a bride gets her wedding album and tells me that it’s like re-living the day all over again. It is like a high for me, to know that I have captured these moments in time that will forever bring joy to the client. It is a feeling second only to the first time I laid eyes on my daughter.


Q: Do you have any formal training regarding photography?

A: I do not. All of my knowledge has come from my dedication to the art of photography. I have spent numerous years researching, experimenting and educating myself. I am a firm believer that while the technicalities of photography can be taught to any student, the eye, the talent and the passion for it cannot be taught to anyone. It’s something that isn’t only in my heart, but in my blood as my grandfather, Bruce Harding, shot for the prestigious National Geographic for over 3 decades.


Q: Who are some of your influences? Your favorite photographers?

A. My influences come from those around me. My family, my friends, my amazing clients. I am inspired by both traditional beauty and non conventional beauty. I am drawn to personalities rather than physical appearances as it is much more of a rewarding challenge to capture a personality than just a posed face.
Some of my favorite photographers are other artists in the same “boat” as I am in . The hard working, small business owners who still have the passion for the art. Of course there are some of the big names that I look up to immensely, such as Sally Mann and David LaChapelle. One of my newest favorites I’ve been following is Anastasia Chernyavsky.


Q: Do you ever have photographer’s block and how do you deal with it?

A: Like any other artist on the face of the Earth, I have gone through creative slumps. The worst I ever experienced was a few years back. I shot three weddings in three days in three different states and I hardly touched my camera for six months after that. It took me nearly two years to 100% regain my passion and creativity. I didn’t deal with it well at all. In fact, I almost hung up the business altogether. I made the decision to upgrade all of my equipment, new camera, new lenses, new computer and lighting and thankfully, that investment was worth its weight in gold.



Q: Did you learn how to avoid another block from that experience?

A: I did. I have learned to not over-burden myself with work. I only take on a certain number of small jobs per week and large jobs (weddings and portfolios) per month as to keep from burning out that creative light. I have found it to be very helpful and it also ensures that all of my clients get the very best quality from every single shoot.


Q: What kind of assignments/subjects are you most attracted to?

A: Being a mother, children fascinate me. Their moods and expressions are forever, and rather quickly, changing. They offer a challenge and challenges excite me. I’ve worked with so many children, each of them unique, beautiful and special all in their own way. Some are little hams for the camera and love to show off. Others are very quiet and shy and I’ve spent many hours coaxing the shy ones from their shells all while keeping the images I make of them a true representation of their personalities.
I also love doing maternity portraits. There is nothing quite like the glow and the love in the face and posture of a mother to be. Simply beautiful.


Q: What made you decide to offer workshops to the public? Has it been successful for you?

A: For many years I have had many people come to me with photography and post-edit questions. In the past few years it has been suggested to me by friends and family that I should offer this service. I have just recently started advertising public workshops and it has not only been successful, but extremely rewarding. I love seeing a student get excited about their work and I love seeing the look on the face of a student when something I have taught them has clicked into place for them. As an example, I took one of my students, Kate, outdoors in the Maine wilderness for her weekly lesson. We were delightfully surprised to run across a beautiful and quite friendly Blue Heron. The excitement in the air was amazing and watching her put her lessons into action was so fulfilling and exciting to see. It is such a feeling of accomplishment not only for the student, but for me, when the workshop has ended and you can send your student off with a solid knowledge and understanding for what you have taught them. And of course following their work post-workshop and watching them continue to learn and improve puts a smile on any teachers face!


Q: Is steady business difficult to sustain in such a small town like Lovell?

A: Surprisingly, no. I think it is easier living and running a business in a smaller town. I have barely invested any money into advertising, which is a huge financial relief, due to the “talk of the town”. I would comfortably say that 90% of my incoming business has been through word of mouth. I think any business can sustain itself in any town so long as you produce quality work at a price the public can afford along with great customer relations and not being afraid to talk to your clients.


Q: Has the struggle of today’s economy hurt your business?

A: On the contrary, the failing economy has actually helped my business in ways I could have never imagined. Over the past 2 years or so I have noticed more and more clients coming to me during the holiday seasons than ever have before. I strongly believe (and know from quite a few clients sharing this with me) that consumers are looking for something more personal for their hard earned dollars. Instead of going out and buying some electronic device or knick knack to place on a shelf to collect dust, people are more interested in giving a gift that will last a lifetime. They want something unique and personalized. There is nothing more personal and unique than professional photos of their families and friends.
I’ve also reduced my prices to fit in with the economy. I offer discounts to those who refer their friends and family to me. I offer discounts to high school seniors who get a group of friends together for their yearbook portraits. It saves time, money and gas all while turning what normally would be a normal portrait session into a relaxed and fun experience for not only them, but me!


Q: Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?

A: I hope to be right where I am now, only with a larger studio in a more convenient location. I strive to continue learning and experimenting with new technologies and techniques. I hope to be in a place with my work where I am pleased, as I am now, but not completely satisfied. I think when an artist feels completely satisfied with their work, the passion and interest in learning more fades considerably. I hope to always be a small town artist with big dreams and aspirations.


Q: Is there anyone in particular that you would like to thank or mention for your success?

A: Don’t we all have people that have helped us get where we are? I have many I would like to thank and recognize, starting with my daughter Kaia. She has inspired me to see the world in a whole new light. She pushes me to be not only a better artist, but a better person. If it weren’t for her I wouldn’t have the patience to work with as many children as I do. My mother has been an amazing force in my life. She has never sugarcoated anything for me and it has taught me how to take criticism and turn it into inspiration. My grandmother has backed me, supported my ideas and dreams and has always been there to lend an ear or a hand when things get crazy. And of course, I would like to thank Mrs. Sarah Stoffregen for kicking my business into full gear back in 2004. Without her, Dayna Shulack Photography would not be here today.
There are many other friends, clients and family that have supported me and been there for me through the ups and downs and every single of them are invaluable to me.