​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Do you shoot with multiple cameras – if so, is there one in particular that you prefer to use or oftentimes drawn to? Or Which type of camera do you use for your shoots- and why do you use this particular camera?

Hello! My name is Daariyon Gardner and I live in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I am 24 years old and work with a Nikon D7000 I use this camera because it's basic, simple, pretty resistant against falls and weather, and for lack of financial upgrades. When preparing for a shoot I attempt to get into the minds of whom I am shooting, Understanding why they have the specific theme, what it means to them, the importance, etc. 

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

​

​

How do you creatively prepare for a new shoot? What inspires you while shooting?
What inspires me is the ability to make memories for someone else, to see their smiles and the happiness I can assist in bringing forth.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

How much of your photography work is commissioned rather than personal projects you work on? Has your photography work reached the point where it’s bringing in a steady income?

I maintain more commissioned shoots over personal projects; I would say for every 3 paid shoots I am able to do 1 personal project.

 

At this moment in my life photography is not bringing me a stable and steady income, I believe this is due to the city in which I reside and the inability to find like-minded creatives, Yet I still strive to become satisfied with my work and showing others my work to gain a name for myself.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

And at what point did you realize that photography could be a legitimate source of income for yourself? How far into your career was it?

I realized that photography could be a legitimate source of income about 2 years into my 4-year photography life. I have 7 images to show that I have done this month (Aug.2020), Most have been portrait style but I have added around 4 nature/ landscape images. 

 

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Thank you for your time and this opportunity, 

Daariyon Gardner

​

​

​

​

​