Who's in the Crew? - Spotlight on Daniella Monestime

NAME: Daniella Monestime - https://www.dmpheadshots.com/
https://headshotcrew.com/dmpheadshots

WHERE DO YOU LIVE? I live in Brooklyn, NY but grew up in Montreal, QC. I'm Haitian born French.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHOOTING HEADSHOTS? I've been seriously shooting headshots since 2018, the year I decided to go full-time with my business and quit my daytime job. I love to sit with a "person" in front of my camera so I'm a portrait photographer. My goal, when I have someone in front of my camera, is to capture their true essence whether it's for a contemporary portrait or a headshot/branding image or a creative session.

WHAT IS YOUR LIGHTING SETUP FOR HEADSHOTS? I use the parallel setup taught by Pedro, using strobes but I so want to buy Peter's constant lights kit.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER PH AND THE HSC? I've been with the Headshot Crew since 2015. Wow! I'm a little embarrassed to say that I'm still not an associate. I am determined to make 2020 the year that I join this elite group, but even if I'm not an associate, I get so much out of the group and that's why I' still around. I love the camaraderie and the no-nonsense way of constructive criticism found here unlike so many groups where everyone is eager to tell you how great your shot it. I did not go to college for photography so this is my higher learning opportunity.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO JOIN THE CREW AFTER YOU FOUND IT? As soon as I found out about Peter, I looked him up on Google and immediately signed up for HSC. I really love his modern clean style.

TELL US ABOUT THE SPACE YOU SHOOT IN. DO YOU OWN IT, RENT IT OR LIVE IN IT? My studio is a boutique home studio. I feel very privileged that I was able to create an oasis for my clients. My space has a bathroom as well as a make-up station. Having my studio at home allows me to always be on time. ;)

WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD NEVER GUESS ABOUT YOU? People would never guess that I'm a proud grandma. Yes, it runs in the family....we all look much younger than we are.

WHAT'S ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOU? Now that's a good question! Everything, lol. I want people to know that I am a caring woman and my goal is to make them feel comfortable in front of the camera. We all need to exist in photos!