We recently connected with Anthony Daniels and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Anthony with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I get my work ethic from my mother. I’ve seen her work relentlessly, primarily in management positions through out her life. I pattern my work ethic after her but I am intentional in making sure I rest and have some time for myself. I translate my work ethic with how I take photos. I heavily enjoy taking photos at events such as birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, anniversaries, etc. and I make sure I try to capture every memorable moment as possible.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hello, My name is Anthony Daniels and I am a photographer in Georgia. I was born in Pittsburgh, PA and moved to Georgia in July 2002. Looking back, I realized I always had an interested in taking photos, making videos, even recording audio with my Talk Boy toy as a 5 year old. I specifically began photography when I bought my first camera in 2017 (Canon user here) and it grew from there. I found a joy in taking pictures at events because I love capturing moments where the people didn’t know I capture until after they see the photos. I’ve been told countless times, “Oh wow, I didn’t know you were even there!” I love hearing that because I believe that’s part of my job. Capturing the moments when you were laughing with a family member at the family reunion, or joking with your friend at the party, or in your element dancing to a song at an event, brings me joy.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Patience. One thing I learned is to be patient with myself because I know I’ll learn whatever I’m putting my hands to. But I need to be patient when I mess up or the photo didn’t come out like I wanted.
2. Ask questions. I have to admin, this one is hard for me because I feel as though I can learn something on my own without asking questions. How wrong I am! I learned to ask those who have been doing this longer than me or dare I say it, who may be even more talented than me. There’s no shame in asking questions. I found the hardest thing is finding the people who are willing to answer without thinking I want to take their position. All I want to do is learn as much I possibly can to improve my work.
3. Do it again. I have had the privilege to take pictures for various churches and events over the years. I’ve gotten better by simply doing the thing I want to master, take pictures. I decided to do it again but try new angles, more abstract photos, try something I saw in another picture.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The one obstacle I have is doubting myself. I can get told by many how good my work is but I always feel it’s not good enough like others. I believe in improving my work but I have a difficult time being satisfied with my work now. Sometimes I doubt the work I’m doing is any good and I compare myself with others. I think “my work isn’t good.”
The way I’m overcoming this is simple. I think to myself, “if people are seeing my work and booking me, then obviously I’m doing something right.” I have to make a conscious decision and declare, I belong in the room too.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instanta3
