Meet Danielle Elaina | Model-Photographer

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

Hi Danielle, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana and a lot of the rich culture has impacted who I am today. The city is filled with vibrant colors as well as personalities of the people who live there. I was always inspired by how beautiful my people are which led me to start taking pictures of people. There’s a story behind every face.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As someone who is in a content-creation based community the pressure to constantly create takes a toll on a lot of people, including myself. I often get mental blocks as to what direction I want to move in next and sometimes I don’t put any work out for a while until the time is right. Succumbing to that pressure to make good or viral content can be emotionally debilitating and I want to let other creatives know that it’s ok to take a break. Focusing on ourselves and our own desires is what aids in what we put out. If we aren’t being true to ourselves, our audience will pick up on that. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay true to my art and take breaks when I need to.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m not a traditional tour guide in the least bit. If I’m going to take a friend somewhere, I’m taking them to significant places with stories behind them. A lot of people think of the French Quarter, and Bourbon street when they think of New Orleans. A lot of creatives gravitate towards trendy photography spots near Poydras. However, that isn’t the heart of New Orleans. The most interesting and fun places are rooted in black culture in New Orleans. I would suggest visiting Studio Be by Brandan Odums or Sweet Soulfood (vegan). I find those businesses and places to be most interesting because of all of the hard work and love that is put into creating a safe space for black people in New Orleans.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother. She has been my biggest supporter my entire life and in some ways the muse behind my modeling and photography. She’s a very beautiful person on the inside and out. Since I was a child she was the beauty standard that I always wanted to obtain as an adult. The way she has helped so many people in New Orleans through the Education and Welfare system has inspired me to capture the full story behind each person in my photography whether it be a smile or a fierce smize. A lot of my outfit choices for modeling have something to do with my mom. I always loved the way she dressed when she was my age even if she isn’t necessarily fond of it I try to modernize my looks with an old school vibe. I wouldn’t be known as a model or photographer without her. Whether she was dropping me off and picking me up at shoot locations or helping me get ready for shoots. Her constant support means the world to me and she’s my everything so this shoutout is for her. I love you mom.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellelaina/

Image Credits
Keone Glover Marian Ramos Daniel Grey Enrique Corpuz Alexis Interiano