Meet Daniele Serrano | Photographer

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

Hi Daniele, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Although I rarely give up on anything, there were times in my life I had to give up. I am a hard worker, problem solver, make it happen kind of girl. I will stay up countless nights thinking of ways to make something work (I do my best thinking at night, when there are no distractions). When I do give up on something, it is usually because I have exhausted all means and realized I did all I could or when something stops bringing me joy. When I did give up on something, I didn’t feel like I failed because I know how much work, effort, love I put into it. That applies to both work and relationships.

There are never regrets, only lessons learned or experiences that were necessary to bring me to where I am today. Without giving up on something, I could not have started something else that brought me more joy, fulfilment and success.
Every job I quit, every relationship I left, brought me to a new place that was better than the previous. I firmly believe that when you put all you have into something, and it still doesn’t work, that is the Universe pushing you in another direction. One that is meant for you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always loved photography. It’s been a long time passion ever since I was a teenager. My Dad was an amateur photographer and gifted me an old Nikon film camera when I was 15. That camera went everywhere with me, until it was stolen. Then life happened, marriage, kids and money was always short… and so I put that passion away. It was a long time before I picked up a camera again, a gift from my mom. Shortly after, my little sister passed away, in April of 2020, in the beginning of the Covid shutdown. Her death was tragic, and she died at home over two weeks of hospice care, provided mostly by Mom and myself. The trauma and grief we experienced those days made me very depressed and photography was the only thing that helped. I couldn’t put my camera down.
I began to offer portrait sessions and have not stopped since.

I love photographing people, especially kids. It has not been an easy road, with so much to learn, and I always feel like I am still just beginning. In a world of computers, digital cameras, editing…. I constantly look for information and ways to learn.

I am self-taught, most of my skills were acquired by watching YouTube videos, attending photography seminars/conventions and trial and error. I purchased necessary equipment over the last two years with money earned from my sessions. It hasn’t been easy. But nothing in life is.

I am a business owner for years now, so I know how to discipline myself when it comes to purchases and try to purchase only necessary equipment (a very difficult task when you are a photographer). Customer service comes easy to me and I feel that is the key to my success. You are not going to be able to please everyone, but the way you handle things with a customer when they are not satisfied with your work speaks volumes, and you will perhaps have a chance to try again, do better. It also pushes you to become better at your craft, to learn from your mistakes.

I am not satisfied with my skills yet. I don’t think I will ever be. I constantly feel like I can do better, and look for ways to do just that. That is what keeps things exciting.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Connecticut, but we travel quite a bit. My favorite places to spend time so far are Fort Lauderdale/Florida, Canada and Ireland. I love the people, I love how laid-back people are in the South as well as in Canada and Ireland. I live in New England, people always seem to be in a hurry here.

I am not a fan of the cold, so Florida makes me happy. My children and grandkids live there, so we enjoy the restaurants and beaches quite a bit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are three people who I would like to thank for where I am today with my work. My mother. Sheila, who believed in me enough to gift me my first camera, one I would have not purchased on my own. Then, once I had my camera, I had to learn how to use it and a good friend, Adam, gave me all the tips I needed to begin my journey. He showed me where to go for equipment, brought me to my first conference/class, where I began to really learn important things.

My husband, who supported me through this journey, helped me buy necessary equipment and took care of things when I was away pursuing photography.
I also had lots of friends and family who patiently allowed me to practice on them. I love them for that.

Website: danieleserrano.com

Instagram: @danielekserrano

Linkedin: Daniele K Serrano

Facebook: Daniele K Serrano Photography