Meet Destynie Clemons | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Destynie Clemons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Destynie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been intrigued by the arts but never found my niche until college when I bought a nice camera to initially take good photos of my freelance makeup clients that I worked with on weekends. I went to college for Fashion Marketing which I loved but after graduating and working in corporate world for literally 6 months, I knew I sitting in a 9-5 would be the death of me. Though I was thankful for the experience, it was enough to drive me and take my hobby of photography more serious and turn it into a full time job. I find such a freedom in getting to create on MY terms. It truly is a dream job!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The first thing I knew how to do before photography was love and connect with people. I could talk to a brick wall for hours if someone let me. I use this to my advantage as many of the people I work with have very little experience in front of the camera. I try to constantly connect, chat and direct them the entire time so that their photos look as natural as possible. I like to capture real emotions and actions from people vs. a pose that doesn’t feel comfortable to them. Being a good photographer is one thing but to be successful you HAVE to know how to work well with all types of people and figure out a way to connect with them. I think this has helped me get to where I am today! I genuinely have so much fun during my sessions and want my clients to leave feeling like they just hung out with a friend.

It definitely was not easy turning a hobby into a full time job. The hardest part was balancing my full time horrid corporate job and my growing business. It gets to a point where you can’t give 100% to both and the jump into full time business owner is SCARY. I listened to about 100 million podcasts about the do’s and don’ts of entrepreneurship whilst sitting at my desk job dreaming about the day I could make the switch. You eventually just have to trust that things will work out! And if they don’t, there’s always going to be another job out there for you.

Your business will reflect the work you put into it! It took me 2 years into photography to go full time which I realize is pretty early. I worked many 60+ hour weeks balancing both gigs to get me there. Also, don’t keep yourself in a box! I like having different income sources. Besides photography, I freelance 1-2 social media clients at a time where I can use my marketing background and my photography skills. This ensures stable income every month which allows me to not panic if it’s a slow month.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know, it’s work hard but don’t take life too seriously. I learned this from my dad who was a hard working entrepreneur but never failed to make someone laugh and enjoy life. I learned from him that most people’s opinions of you simply do not matter and do what makes you happy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would probably start by taking them to my favorite local restaurant (lol) PF Changs. You just can’t beat it. Then we would go do all the fun things in DFW like a Rangers Game, Six Flags, Fort Worth Stockyards and maybe take a gander in Bishop Arts District.

I live close to the lake so we would for sure be spending a lot of time there and enjoying Texas beautiful summers!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I was interning in college, my boss Ashley Boucher (personal stylist) was the first person to recognize my talent and pushed me to pursue photography. She constantly encouraged me, critiqued me and really gave me the push I needed! Honestly if it wasn’t for her I don’t know if I would have ever taken photography as seriously.

Website: Destyniepaige.com

Instagram: @destyniepaigephotography

Facebook: Destynie Paige Photography

Image Credits
Destynie Paige Photography