Today we’d like to introduce you to Dyonna Smith.
Hi Dyonna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
As far back as I can recall, I’ve been intrigued by the arts. As an adolescent, I was actively involved in band, choir, dance, gymnastics, and cheer.
Photography became a hobby in high school over 20 years ago. I didn’t have the epiphany to pursue it as a career until my early thirties. Up until that point, I had been a wife to my husband, Anson Smith, a mom to the most amazing and gifted children: Arron, Chez, Aspen, Anson Jr., and Jamison, and a full-time manager in healthcare. Although I was able to work my way up the corporate ladder, I did not feel fulfilled working for someone else. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and desired more.
I purchased my very first DSLR camera over 6 years. With plenty of practice on friends and family and some online training, I eventually gained the confidence to officially announce my Photography endeavors to the world – Dyonna James Photography, LLC, Established 2017. At that point, photography was a part-time gig for me on the weekends. It gave me the freedom to create and earn extra income for my family.
In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, I was laid off from my full-time job, which propelled me to pursue my dreams of becoming a full-time photographer. I began teaching myself studio lighting and renting local spaces to practice and book sessions. It was an overwhelming journey of shooting weddings, senior sessions, events, families. Ultimately, I’ve honed in my passion to Luxury Maternity Portraits.
At DJP, we are dedicated to guiding our clients through a luxury portrait experience, from shaping their vision with an introductory questionnaire to helping them decide on their favorite one-of-a-kind images from the photo session.
Today, I am a self-taught full-time photographer and the co-owner of Smith Studios, conveniently located in Downtown Columbus, OH. I am grateful to share the space with another talented photographer, Josh Smith, who has in many ways been a mentor and awesome studio mate!
A special thank you to my family, friends, clients, and social media followers for their engagement and referrals. Could not do any of this without them!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are plenty of uncertainties being a full-time entrepreneur. It has certainly be an overwhelmingly journey.
Some months, I have a full schedule of phone consultations, shooting, and editing. Then suddenly bookings drastically slow down. With photography being my only stream of income, this can certainly bring on a lot of unwelcome stress.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a full-time photographer at Dyonna James Photography, LLC
I specialize in Luxury Maternity and Motherhood portraits. Recently, I’ve curated a Maternity Client Closet. A client closet is a curated collection of clothing that photographers have available for complimentary use during a photo session. This enhances their client experience and takes away some of the stress of preparing for their photo session.
I also provide a list of local and professional makeup artist to book for their photoshoot.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dyonnajamesphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dyonnajamesphotography
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Dyonnajphotography
Image Credits
Dyonna James Photography, LLC
