Today we’d like to introduce you to Daphne Ratliff.
Hi Daphne, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Growing up, I was always surrounded by photography; I came from a family that loves to have family photos pretty much everywhere in the house. It’s always fun to visit family so you can stare for hours at all the pictures on the walls. So, from a pretty young age and being the family’s baby, the youngest of three girls, I was surrounded by cameras. Around the age of ten or eleven was when I started taking photography seriously.
I would take my mom’s point-and-shoot camera and go outside to take pictures of everything; my favorite thing to take photos of was wildflowers. Skip forward a few years, and I am in college at Savannah College of Arts and Design, studying to become a Documentary Photographer. When I was applying to college, no one thought I would even get into this school, and I decided to prove them wrong. That was when I moved to Savannah, Georgia, where I am thriving. In my first year of college, I was forced out of my comfort zone by assignments in my photography classes. I also joined clubs and found a church in my area that I loved.
These two places opened up many doors for me; for Independent Presbyterian Church, the before mentioned church, I was able to do a gallery wall in the kitchen of the Admin building. Being in RUF, a club at my college, there are always people willing to be models and people who need a photographer. Putting myself out of my comfort zone and shooting for my dreams is how I came to be where I am today. I am planning to get my freelance business started and off the ground this year.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Many people tried to drag me down and tell me that I would never make it in my desired field because it was art and not a common core 9 to 5 job. Even my advisors in high school tried to change my career path to suit their needs, but I resisted because I knew what I wanted to achieve in life.
In the small coal town that I grew up in, everyone had a small mindset, and they were satisfied with what was right in front of them. However, I wanted to get out and see the world. To achieve success, I worked hard to get myself out of areas that didn’t feel the need to adapt and grow with changing times. Instead, I found a place that would encourage and support me without looking down on me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For my career, I am currently a freelance photographer, while doubling as a student. I specialize in nature photography and cityscapes. I am most known for my Square Exploration images. However, I am most proud of the photo of the Savannah Theatre at night. Unlike stressing or being overwhelmed by the project deadlines, what sets me apart from others is the attitude I bring to the table.
I accept the limitations placed upon me to give my best to my client. Along with being happy-go-lucky, I am kind and generous with my time, so I am willing to work with my client to achieve the best results possible.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I love to be inspired by others. So, if I can get my hands on any book related to photography, I will read it. The most recent book of inspiration was Humans by Brandon Stanton; it was inspiring to see his process and how he went about talking to people from around the world.
Another thing that helps me do my best in life is listening to music. Music helps me envision my creative processes and ideas as well as calm and relax when that is needed as well. One other thing that inspires me is to follow other creatives online and see what they create.
Pricing:
- Baseline photoshoot $150
- Full Package w/ prints $300
- Small Package $75
- Medium Package $200
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://dratli21.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daffys.photography/
Image Credits
Isabella Direnzo
