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.
My love story with photography began in a high school darkroom. My dad had given me his Nikon camera and I absolutely loved photography from the moment I held that camera in my hands. It was a way to tell a story without words and create lasting art.
Later in life, I’d come to appreciate the true gift that photography gave in the form of crystalizing a moment, but when I first started, I truly loved it for the storytelling it offered. No path in life is linear, and though I took some time off from shooting after college, photography was never far. I worked at advertising and marketing agencies and helped guide my clients in their visuals and branding.
After my children were born, I picked the camera back up and never looked back. I couldn’t stand not being able to relive their toothless grins and chubby thighs. And man, am I grateful that I did!
Photography has given me so much, and now it gives me the ability to give the gift of priceless memories to my clients.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
I think it’s safe to say that for most small businesses, a tremendous challenge that I faced was during the pandemic. The way you have done business for years is now out the door and somehow, you have to find a way to serve your clients in a meaningful way.
All event and wedding photography suffered greatly during this time but I found that social distancing required my services in different ways. Since people were not celebrating at birthday parties, it was even more important than ever to have birthday portraits done. Since travel was out of the question, maternity and newborn photos were now critical to share with family and friends.
It was almost like people needed proof of life during those tough times, so I saw that the need for my services was there but manifested differently. This is just one example of a time that pivoting was necessary but I know it won’t be the last. This is why it’s so important to me to always focus on personal growth so that I can anticipate change and flex when it’s necessary.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
The sun on your face, quiet moments, windswept embraces, and moments that bring you to tears. All the JOY, all the LOVE, all the THINGS.
That’s what I want you to FEEL when you look back on the moments we captured together. I am an emotive lifestyle family and couples photographer. I’m a storyteller. As a wife and mother, I have learned that THE LITTLE THINGS, THE LITTLE MOMENTS, THEY AREN’T LITTLE. They are the VERY fabric of life.
My goal is to offer so much more than just pretty pictures. I seek to offer my clients a tremendous experience from start to finish, with the end goal being photographs that make you feel.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’m lucky enough to have learned at a young age that how you treat people and your relationships is critical. I’d say that the most important pillar of my business is the level of service I provide to my clients.
I want them to know they are my TOP priority, and I will do absolutely anything I can to make their experience as amazing as possible. I believe the quality of my relationships with my clients helps us overcome any other challenge we may face during the process as a TEAM!
I can’t stress enough how important it is to maintain great relationships with your clients!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.darcygrafphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darcygrafphoto/
Image Credits
Darcy Graf Photography
