Meet Dahlia Hamandi | Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Dahlia, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the people around me. Everyone has their own unique story to tell, and I love to try and capture that in my portraits. Sometimes I get stuck thinking about the people I see or stumble across in this world because I get wrapped up in the fact that they have their own lives, friends, families, hobbies, and the list goes on. Yes, this may be me having an existential crisis, but the world is just such a large place, and it just stumps me every time. Portraits help me stay grounded and get a better grasp on these strangers who I’m just merely observing or passing in the street. My goal is to try and share these individuals’ stories and unique beauty through my lens.

Most of my photos are also inspired by the world of fashion and fashion photography. I love that the viewer of a fashion photography portrait is just instantly drawn to the subject. It’s a very dramatic and bold type of photography that I have fallen head over heels for. It creates an instant attraction between the subject and the viewer.

My love for fashion and love for portraits has been one of the biggest inspirations in my work. These two notions work together seamlessly to create compelling, dynamic images that showcase the subject’s story and beauty.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a digital and film photographer in the Washington, D.C. area. Photography is currently my side hustle, but I’m hoping one day it will be the full-time gig! Last year, I was lucky enough to have my work published in The Air Magazine. It was such an inspiring shoot filled with collaborative work amongst amazing women in the creative industry. Everyone worked diligently to ensure that the images were perfect. I’m so glad I was able to photograph that shoot because the final product was breathtaking. That shoot showed me how important it is to work alongside people who have the same drive and passion for their art as you. From the model, to the MUA, to the hairstylist, everyone collaborated in such an uplifting way. I’m excited to do more collaborative projects like this in the future!

This industry isn’t easy. I’m still trying to overcome the hurdles of making this my full-time career. I think the biggest piece of advice I have to offer is to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Reach out to other creatives to collaborate, and you’ll be surprised at the beautiful work that follows as a result.

My brand is authentic representation of how I portray the world and the people within it. The energy models bring to my shoots is what I will capture through my lens. My goal is to portray each subject’s true self and beauty.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live right outside Washington, D.C., so I would definitely want to show them around the city! I love visiting estates in the city, so I would start with Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown. Maybe grab some Falafel Inc., and sit by the Potomac River, eating our falafel sandwiches and feeding the ducks. Next I would head to Artechouse. The exhibits are always changing, and I love how immersive and interactive the experience is. Lastly, I would finish the day by visiting the US Botanical Gardens. It’s so peaceful there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends are my greatest supporters. They know how hard it is to launch a career as a creative, yet they all constantly show nothing but encouragement and support. My personal hype people! I’m so grateful for them all!

Website: https://www.dahliahamandi.com

Instagram: @photosbydahlia

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dahlia-hamandi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photosbydahlia