Damien is a portrait photographer in Norfolk, Va. He is passionate about technical proficiency, and believes that’s what sets his work apart. He purposes to exercise creativity through experimenting with creative lighting and striking compositions. Damien stands for both creativity and excellence! He is dedicated to go the extra mile not only during the shoot, but also throughout the editing process.
He is a master of his craft whose journey in photography was sparked by a simple moment. “I was around 12 years old, and my dad wanted a picture with Ashley in front of the fireplace. When I took it, there was too much headspace. He suggested I adjust the angle, and when I did, I was struck by the transformation. That’s when it hit me – I’m a photographer.” From then on he thought about composition every time he took a photo.
Eventually Damien joined the Navy. On his second deployment he decided to invest in a camera. That’s when a friend in Spain introduced him to shutter drag. It created a hunger to want to learn more. YouTube became Damien’s go-to, shaping much of his early learning. Flash photography grabbed his attention, and he saw there was so much more you could do to create a better photo.
His portfolio blossomed with diverse projects, from branding campaigns to weddings. One that stood out was a project he did with Goorin Bros on the “Dean The Barber” campaign. Damien is also a barber. When he got hired on at Colleywood Cuts https://www.colleywoodcuts.com he began collaborating with the owner of the shop often.
One thing that set’s Damien apart as a photographer is the editing process. He’s also a professional retoucher. What inspired this was coming across Brandon Wolfe’s work. Brandon had a unique editing style making the color and the lights work well together. Damien started honing in on his skills and lighting techniques. In 2020 he began utilizing photoshop despite feeling intimidated by it, exploring processes like dodge and burn, color grading, and frequency separation. It completely changed his work flow and he discovered his signature style!
When asked what he prefers to shoot, he reveals a deep love for portrait photography. “Portraits evoke raw emotions,” he explains. “They provoke introspection, leaving a lingering question mark in the viewer’s mind.”
For Damien, photography is more than just a profession – it’s a conduit for personal growth and connection. “It’s a reminder of that day with my dad,” he reflects. “His affirmation meant everything to me. And when others acknowledge my work, it takes me back to that moment.”
Technical proficiency, he asserts, is the bedrock of creative expression. “Understanding the rules allows you to break them purposefully,” he emphasizes. “It’s about transcending boundaries to craft narratives creatively and excellently that resonate. Once it’s technically mastered, creative expression is limitless. You can only step outside the lines if you understand why the lines where there to begin with. If you can’t comprehend why you are doing what you are doing, you shouldn’t expect others to comprehend the emotion you’re attempting to invoke or the story you want to be told.”
Whether you require promotional photos for music, modeling, business, social media, etc, Damien has a highly proficient approach with a dramatic style that will ensure your distinctive presence. He specializes in the studio, but also isn’t limited to that.
Looking for a photographer in Norfolk, Va? You can book with Damien here https://dnastudios.art/studio-portraits/
Want to learn more about DNA Studios? Connect with us! https://dnastudios.art/contact/
