Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Kozlevchar.
Hi Dawn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As far back as I can remember, I have been drawn to creative work. It captivates me. I am impressed by the talent and ability of others and I thoroughly enjoy the diverse means of expression and the unique items that are produced. Photography, in particular, is something that I gravitated toward because it not only displays a moment in time but also delivers a keen message and generates feelings within the viewer upon seeing a given image. (Did you know it takes only 13 milliseconds for the human brain to process an image? That’s equivalent to 60,000 times faster than words. Visuals are powerful!)
Since I’ve been in a corporate environment for decades, I understand the importance of marketing and business principles. As I worked in the Communications division and closely with graphic designers, I was ignited by the use of imagery in various applications. I decided to pursue further education at the New York Institute of Photography to learn the fundamentals of professional photography and apply them to my chosen genre. Personal Branding Photography is the ideal means for me to continue being creative through the specialized planning and execution of a photo session as I assist clients in effectively promoting their business with intentional images. It goes far beyond the typical headshot and brings viewers into the entrepreneur’s world. I began building my portfolio with pictures that I had taken of friends who are small business owners and then expanded my services publicly. I also participated in a multi-faceted 6-month personal branding photography mentorship program that catapulted me into action as well as provided me with a wealth of information in operating my business and providing a favorable customer experience.
At this time, I am focused on networking, collaborations and exchanges, marketing, and, of course, connecting with small business owners to best serve them with dynamic images. I also continue to remain active in the branding photography community to stay current and I look forward to additional opportunities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In offering personal branding photography services, I discovered that it can require further explanation because it is a recent strategy method for small business owners. I take the time to describe the usage, benefits, and advantages of having an inventory of personalized images (versus stock photos). In turn, entrepreneurs are motivated as they better understand the value of what is presented to their customers – and are able to attract new ones – with high-end imagery. Featuring a business in authentic and alluring ways is truly a pleasure for me as it supports entrepreneurial
I have encountered typical challenges as a start-up business and continue to maneuver my way around obstacles. Oftentimes, I learn as I go and make adjustments where necessary. (Imperfect action is better than none at all.) It is helpful to interact with other entrepreneurs, even in different industries, to discuss relatable topics and share information that can assist in problem-solving and decision-making situations. I become enriched and inspired as I spend more time in the presence of others, whether it’s clients, peers, community or through connections. I also experience greater awareness and appreciation for their devotion, ingenuity, tactics, and overall enthusiasm.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dawned Images?
I serve entrepreneurs with creative and compelling images in a concentrated effort to uplevel their business, declare their unique position in the marketplace, and reach set goals. Through the use of personal branding photography techniques, I am able to capture specifics and reveal more about a business owner and their offering by honing in on their “who, what, where, when, why, and how” (and beyond with personal interests…at their discretion) with the main objective of visual storytelling. This provides clarity and strength in what the business offers and the brand image, allows people to have a better understanding of given details, and acts as a significant form of expression and communication. The process, albeit a deep-dive exercise into the vision, mission, purpose, and intricacies of a business, guides us in designing a successful personal branding photo session that highlights and demonstrates various aspects that ultimately provide greater insight and encourage action by viewers. As I conduct the shoot, it usually turns into a playful session and we enjoy the creative activity together. My clients soon recognize a positive difference in the manner in which they are represented and respected, their confidence level rises and an extended audience is reached as they utilize social media platforms and various marketing tools to incorporate their personal branding photos.
Since I have an innate eye for detail, there is a meticulous nature to the images I produce through focused intention and key compositional elements. While I am considered a fresh photographer in the industry, I pride myself on the fact that I have substantial business experience, I know first-hand what it means to provide quality customer service and I am passionate about supporting others and their endeavor by generating purposeful images that are authentic, interesting and empowering. The two signature packages I offer – “Unleash Your Potential” and “Amplify Your Purpose” – have been constructed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs as to where they are now and where they want to go in the near future with the influential use of personal branding photos. I also encourage business owners to consider planning for extended exposure and annual promotion, in which I can customize a branding photography package that allows for increased consistency and improved interaction with their audience.
There’s so much satisfaction that takes place when I am able to work closely with my client to showcase their business, witness improvements, and know that the ‘domino effect’ has taken place as the end-user has a good experience as well. Dawned Images was created because I believe there is an abundance of talent and products/services to be shared among one another and my personal contribution is to feature entrepreneurs in their best light with remarkable photographs.
What does success mean to you?
Success, in my opinion, is doing exactly what fulfills one’s spirit and also provides a benefit to others. It is made up of a set of accomplishments that have been achieved through pure desire and determination. Each step I take, whether it’s solid or perhaps a bit uncertain at first, fuels my mission. Often, success is not something that is measured per se; rather, it is the knowingness and satisfaction that exists from the actions that are completed along the way to reach a specific goal. As we offer our expertise to others in a genuine manner, we utilize the connective force that can result in many favorable returns. Success is experienced when we are joyful in the process and able to anticipate as well as embrace all avenues for growth. As an entrepreneur, I also consider being successful very much a state of mind in which positivity, acceptance, and faith are key factors that come into play more often than not.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dawnedimages.com
- Instagram: @dawned_images
- Facebook: dawned images
