Today we’d like to introduce you to Darcy Graf.
Hi Darcy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always loved the visual arts-photography in particular. My mom used to create beautiful photo albums of our childhood and I loved the emotions and experience of reliving such wonderful moments. In high school, I started photographing with my dad’s old film Nikon. I developed my own images in a dark room and it was such a powerful tool for me to tell a story-I just fell in love! No path in life is linear so I took some time away from the camera to explore other roads but when I had my children, I knew that I had to document as many beautiful moments of their lives as possible. I started shooting professionally after a while because telling someone’s story, capturing a moment in time, gives me such JOY. To know that we will always have these beautiful and authentic moments to look back on, to feel those emotions again, is such a beautiful gift and I wanted to share it with as many people as possible. To this day, my goal every time I pick up the camera is to tell someone’s story in an authentic and beautiful way. I am honored to be the storyteller for so many amazing people.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The moment you set a goal in life, a challenge or obstacle will show right up. However, if you know your purpose-your WHY-and you feel it deep in your soul, it will drive you to overcome any challenge. This is true with any goal and any obstacle. I am a mother of two and run multiple businesses (a martial arts school and fitness facility with my husband) so one of the biggest challenges is TIME and managing it all. I know any mom out there can relate that there just aren’t enough hours in the day or days in the week to get it all done! I’d say one of my constant challenges is finding the right balance between it all. It’s a work in progress but photography is so important to me and what I’ve tried to do is find ways for me to incorporate it into my family’s life so that it’s not something I do in isolation. For example, I am a volunteer photographer for The Gold Hope Project. They provide portrait sessions for pediatric cancer patients. My children come with me to those sessions to assist and help bring joy and happiness to the families we serve.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a couples and family portrait photographer based in Miami but I do travel quite often. I seek to authentically tell your story. I want you to FEEL things when you look at the images we took together. I do this by connecting with my clients and learning as much as possible about them before a shoot or event. When we are at the shoot, I try to make it the most beautiful experience possible-not just another photoshoot where you stand and look at the camera awkwardly the whole time. I want the EXPERIENCE to be like your most amazing day together as a family or couple so I can capture your genuine emotions for each other. So I can tell YOUR story. Not just take pretty pictures.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
It is SO important to find those in your industry who inspire you! I have been so fortunate to find amazing artists who I have connected with and who have helped me grow so much! It’s crazy to say but Instagram is really such an amazing community to connect with others. Especially now when physical events are less frequent.
In terms of networking, I’d say that if you provide an exceptional experience for your clients, they will RAVE about you. They will send you clients that align with your style and appreciate your approach.
Contact Info:
- Email: darcyngraf@gmail.com
- Website: www.darcygrafphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darcygrafphoto/
