Meet Dwayne Adams

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dwayne Adams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dwayne, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Navigating spaces where I’m often the only one who looks like me has been a recurring theme throughout my life, both personally and professionally. As a Sacramento photographer specializing in maternity and newborn photography, I’ve had to carve my path by turning what could be seen as obstacles into powerful opportunities.

Coming from a background as a Registered Nurse and a US Air Force veteran, I’ve been trained to adapt, excel under pressure, and connect with people from all walks of life. These experiences have honed my ability to engage with clients on a deep, personal level, which is critical in photography, especially in the intimate realms of maternity, newborn, and boudoir sessions. My background in nursing taught me the importance of empathy and patience, which helps me connect with expectant mothers and families who may feel vulnerable or anxious during a photoshoot. I understand their emotions, and I strive to create a safe, comfortable environment where they can feel at ease.

Transitioning from a career in nursing and the military to becoming a full-time photographer was not without its challenges. I faced moments of doubt, but these experiences taught me resilience and the value of pursuing a passion. The journey wasn’t just about learning new skills; it was about finding a way to merge my love for art with my desire to serve others, ultimately leading me to the world of fine art photography.

Being a male in a female-driven industry, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from fitting into a mold but from embracing what makes me different. I approach each session with sensitivity and understanding, ensuring that my clients feel seen, heard, and celebrated. This unique perspective allows me to create images that resonate with the authenticity and emotion of their journey.

As an African American photographer, I’m proud to bring my heritage and experiences into my work. It’s not just about capturing moments; it’s about telling stories that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience. This lens has allowed me to connect with a broader audience, fostering trust and building relationships that transcend superficial differences.

Ultimately, being the “only one in the room” has empowered me to offer something distinctive in a crowded market. It’s a challenge, but it’s also a privilege—one that has driven me to continually innovate, connect, and succeed in ways that are uniquely my own.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At DNA Premium Portraits, I specialize in capturing the beauty and essence of life’s most precious moments through Sacramento maternity & newborn photography, as well as boudoir photography. What makes my work as a Sacramento photographer truly exciting is the opportunity to transform everyday experiences into extraordinary works of art that my clients can cherish forever.

Fine art has often been associated with the elite—something exclusive and out of reach for the average person. But I believe that everyone deserves to have a piece of art that tells their unique story, something that brings warmth, emotion, and beauty into their homes. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to make fine art photography accessible to a broader audience in the Sacramento area, without compromising on quality or experience.

What sets DNA Premium Portraits apart is not just our commitment to beautiful photography, but also our background. I bring a unique blend of empathy, precision, and dedication to every session.

One of the ways I do this is through our $1,300 studio credit giveaway promotion. This initiative allows more families to experience the joy of owning custom fine art without the barrier of high costs. It’s not just about giving away sessions; it’s about democratizing art and allowing people from all walks of life to see themselves and their loved ones reflected in beautiful, museum-quality pieces that they can proudly display in their homes.

Beyond this, what truly excites me about my work is the personal connection I build with each client. Photography, especially in the intimate settings of maternity and newborn sessions, is more than just a click of a shutter. It’s about trust, understanding, and the ability to make clients feel comfortable and confident. These relationships are the heart of what I do, and they’re what make each piece of art I create truly special.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding the reach of DNA Premium Portraits, continuing to break down the barriers between fine art and the everyday person. Whether it’s through innovative promotions, new services, or simply refining the art of storytelling through photography, my goal remains the same: to provide everyone the opportunity to own something beautiful, personal, and timeless.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey as a Sacramento photographer, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: resilience, empathy, and the ability to continually learn and adapt.

Resilience has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and creative work. There are times when things don’t go as planned—whether it’s a challenging project, a difficult client, or unexpected setbacks. What has kept me moving forward is the ability to bounce back, to see obstacles as opportunities for growth, and to stay committed to my vision even when the road gets tough. My advice to those starting out is to build your resilience by embracing challenges rather than avoiding them. Every setback is a chance to learn and grow stronger.

Empathy is another key quality that has shaped my work, particularly in photography. Being able to connect with clients on an emotional level, to understand their fears, desires, and stories, is what allows me to create images that truly resonate. Empathy isn’t just about being kind; it’s about listening, observing, and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. For those new to their journey, I suggest cultivating empathy by engaging deeply with the people you serve, whether it’s through direct conversation, active listening, or simply being present and attentive.

Finally, the ability to continually learn and adapt has been essential in staying relevant and innovative. The world of photography—and business in general—is always evolving. Techniques, technologies, and client expectations change, and those who thrive are the ones who never stop learning. For anyone early in their career, my advice is to stay curious and open-minded. Seek out new knowledge, experiment with new approaches, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The willingness to learn and adapt is what will keep you ahead of the curve and allow you to bring fresh, creative ideas to your work.

In summary, resilience, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning have been the cornerstones of my journey. By developing these qualities, anyone can build a strong foundation for success in any field.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely, I’m always open to collaborating with individuals and organizations who share a passion for creating meaningful, impactful art. As a Sacramento photographer, I believe that working together can lead to something truly special, especially in a community as vibrant and diverse as Sacramento.

I’m particularly interested in collaborating with:

Local Artists and Designers: Whether you’re a painter, interior designer, or any kind of visual artist, I’m excited about finding ways to blend our talents to create unique, one-of-a-kind art pieces that resonate with our clients. Imagine combining fine art photography with custom design elements that elevate the final product into something truly extraordinary.

Boutique Retailers and Businesses: I’m looking to partner with local boutiques, baby and maternity stores, OBGYN’s and other businesses that cater to families and expectant mothers. Together, we can create cross-promotional opportunities that benefit both our clients and our businesses, whether it’s through events, joint marketing efforts, gallery or in-store displays.

Community Organizations: I’m passionate about giving back to the community and would love to work with organizations that support families, veterans, or underserved communities. Whether it’s through photography workshops, fundraising efforts, or providing art to those who might not otherwise have access, I’m eager to explore how we can make a positive impact together.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding the reach of DNA Premium Portraits, continuing to break down the barriers between fine art and the everyday person. Whether it’s through innovative promotions or refining the art of storytelling, my goal remains to provide everyone the opportunity to own something beautiful, personal, and timeless.

EXCLUSIVE Offer for BoldJourney Readers: As a thank you for your support, book any full-priced session and receive a FREE 30-minute mini-session—perfect for a family portrait, branding, or headshot. This limited-time offer is exclusively for BoldJourney readers!

“We Believe in Giving Back” Contest: To honor the incredible service of Nurses, Doctors, and Veterans, I’m offering a chance to win a FREE full photography session. To enter, share this article on your social media, tag @DNAPremiumPortraits, and mention a Nurse, Doctor, or Veteran who deserves recognition.

We believe in giving back to those who give so much. Help us spread the word and celebrate these heroes!

If you’re looking for a Sacramento maternity photographer or Sacramento newborn photographer who can capture the beauty of your family’s story, I’d love to connect with you! Visit www.DNAPremiumPortraits.com or www.SacramentoMaternityPhotography.com to see more of our work and book your session today.
Thank you for your time!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

DNA Premium Portraits

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