We recently connected with Cameron Dantley and have shared our conversation below.
Cameron, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Where does my confidence come from? That’s a great question— and honestly, I believe it’s rooted in a few key sources.
First, my incredible support system. I was lucky to grow up in a loving family where my parents cheered me and my siblings on, even when we were clumsily fumbling through new hobbies. They were always the first to say, “Good job!”—even when our efforts needed more practice, haha. That unconditional encouragement taught me that I’m loved, flaws and all—which laid the foundation for genuine self-esteem and confidence.
Second, dedication. Confidence isn’t an innate gift for me—it’s something I build by doing the work. The more I practice (in this case, photography), the more natural it feels. I’m always testing new ideas, watching YouTube tutorials, learning techniques, and then rushing off to try them. It’s that constant loop of learning and applying that helps me grow.
Finally, a simple yet profound reminder I once read: “No one knows what they’re doing. We’re all just figuring it out.” That truth felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. Realizing that everyone, even the people who seem confident, are just navigating their own “it” gave me permission to experiment, to stumble—and to keep going until I figure it out.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a commercial photographer based in San Francisco, specializing in fitness and activewear. My journey with photography started back in Chicago, right around when Instagram was taking off. There was this huge “iPhone-only” movement—I’d spend hours walking the city with friends, climbing rooftops just to capture new angles of the skyline or architectural details nobody else had posted yet. Those were the roots of what I love doing now.
After my wife, Drea, and I moved to San Francisco, I wanted to shift my focus creatively. Fitness had always interested me since college, and through friends in the SF trainer scene I got the chance to try some fitness-style shoots. I told one friend, “If these turn out terrible, I’ll own it and thank you for your time. But if you like them, you can do what you want with them.” She liked what I made—and that opened the door into the world I now work in.
Since then I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with incredible brands like Apple, Lululemon, Puma, NASM (The National Academy of Sports Medicine), Actively Black, Barry’s Bootcamp, Rumble Boxing, and others. What I love most about this work isn’t just the shoots—it’s the people I’ve met, the friendships formed, and watching everyone I work with grow (including myself). I feel truly grateful for every opportunity to do what I do.
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?
Here’s what I believe have been the three most important qualities in succeeding as a photographer: being kind, staying curious, and putting in the work.
Be kind.
You could be jaw‑droppingly talented, but if you’re difficult to work with, people won’t want to collaborate. As a photographer, unless you’re shooting solo landscapes or interiors, you’ll be working with crew, models, clients, and often under pressure. How you treat people, how you communicate, especially in challenging moments, matters a lot. Kindness goes further than you think.
Stay curious.
Creativity thrives when you’re paying attention. Watch movies, read magazines, explore art, study lighting, composition, color – absorb what’s around you. For example, a while back I was watching the Netflix show Ripley, and the strength of the compositions really struck me – everything from patterns, framing, leading lines, balance and rule of thirds. It pushed me to become much more intentional with my compositions. Even just walking down a street, you start to notice things that ‘trigger’ ideas — but only if you’re observing. It takes time to cultivate that habit, but once it’s there, it becomes part of how you see the world.
Do the work.
There’s a scripture that says “faith without works is dead” — that hit me hard when I thought about what I want my photography career to become. Having dreams and goals is essential, but unless you put in the grind, you won’t be ready when big opportunities come. I want to shoot for brands like Nike or Adidas, but if I never practice, test new lighting techniques, study people who already do campaigns like those, or push beyond what feels comfortable, I won’t know how to deliver when asked.
Sometimes it’s tempting to get comfortable with “my style” or “what I know,” but if you want different work, you’ll have to do different things to get there. Studio shoots, new collaborators, varied lighting – they all make you more capable.
Advice for folks just starting out: Have fun — really make sure you do. This industry is tough, and there will be bumps. But creating, learning, and doing it alongside people you like? That’s what you’ll look back on and remember. Let that enjoyment fuel you, even when it gets hard.
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?
One of my biggest challenges is not getting discouraged when people ghost me. Because I don’t have an agent, I’m the one reaching out to brands and agencies all the time. I understand the people I email are busy and have a lot going on—but when I don’t hear back, it really stings. I want to be persistent, but I also don’t want to feel like a nuisance. Finding that balance can be hard.
You have to go after what you want, and unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), there’s no blueprint for this career. Everyone’s path is different. It’s tough to stay positive when things move slowly. In the meantime, I grab a friend or another model for test shoots and keep pushing forward. I constantly remind myself: “All it takes is one shot to change everything.” That perspective keeps me going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cameronmichael8.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameronmichael8/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-dantley-825a06229/
Image Credits
I own the rights to all of these images, so we’re all good!
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
