Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Troglen.
Hi Dana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My photography journey first started on a trip to Lanikai Beach, located on Oahu’s windward coast in Kailua in 2010. My cousin was living there at the time and we went to visit him. I was a young, single mother, my oldest daughter was two and my mother gave me a point + shoot camera to take along. Hawaii made a picture perfect backdrop to take photos of my little girl and the more I posted, the more friends + family were encouraging my talent on social media.
Growing up, I spent all my summers in the Pocono mountains with my Nana and she was always camera happy. I definitely inherited my love of taking photos from her. She had a 35mm film camera and I still love the memory of dropping film off at the local drugstore and going to pick it back up a few days later. I now also own my own vintage, 35mm film camera which I love.
In 2013, I worked as a photography assistant to a photographer outside of Nashville and taught myself the in’s + out’s of editing while playing around on Lightroom. I was also in marketing at the time and that helped a lot when it came to building my own business.
In 2016, I had my second daughter. At that time, I was in a horrible marriage and became a stay at home mom. Having been a full time, working single mother, always working multiple jobs, trying to finish college, trying to pursue a career behind the scenes in the music industry prior to getting married, the transition to staying home was incredibly difficult for me. One day, I decided to pick up the camera that I had been using to take photos of my children and host a day of Easter mini sessions in our backyard. I created a set, took photos of my oldest daughter and a few of her friends to promote them and after that, my photography journey immediately took off. I started building a clientele and I was able to put money back, get a divorce and start over. My Mini sessions mixed with my creative sets really helped me make a decent amount of money to put a down payment on a rental home.
Once on my own, I was embracing photography full time, as it allowed me the time I needed to raise two little girls on my own, create my own schedule and it was very quick money. Of course, it required significant amount of time editing, planning, setting up shoots, etc. But, it was allowing me to provide for my girls and be available to them more than any corporate job could. And I loved (love) what I was doing so that combined with marketing background was a win / win for success.
Over the last 8 years, I went from charging $75 for mini sessions to becoming a successful travel photographer, working for a travel + event magazine. I travel all over the country and out of it and it’s always an amazing experience. I’ve had a studio in town for the last few years that has allowed me to pursue a more editorial, studio style, host creative mini sessions and have a creative space of my own. Being a full time single mom while pursuing and balancing a full time photography career certainly has it’s challenges. But double the rewards being my own boss and being available to my daughters.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth ride. As I mentioned in the answer to the previous question, it has it’s challenges.
As the only parent in the home, I’m always needed. There are nights were my baby girl wants a story or wants to cuddle with momma, but the editing deadlines are still there. There are no sick days, no “PTO” or office hours. If I’m not booking sessions, I’m not making an income. I spend dozens of hours editing, running a household, showing up to all their activities, playing the role of both parents 90% of the time, managing a studio, and all three of our schedules. I don’t have family in Tennessee and only a very small support system locally so it gets a little trying at times.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in Lifestyle, Creative Portrait Photography + Film, including Boudoir, Maternity, Branding, Senior, Lifestyle Travel + Event Photography. I also offer videography and 35mm film photos as an add on to sessions.
I love to travel. I especially love it out West. I’m a mountains + desert girl through + through. In the past year, photography related, I’ve traveled to Palm Springs, San Antonio, Boise, Tucson, The Bahamas, Dallas, Orlando, Iowa, and more. In the fall, I’ll be traveling to Cabo and New Orleans for the magazine and I’m especially excited to be heading to Iceland this month for a personal trip. I’ll definitely have my camera for that!
Each winter, I host Santa mini sessions that are a client favorite. They sell out every year and I always strive to have a unique and creative set. We’ve done Vintage Living Room, Around the Campfire, Baking Cookies, a Pink Camper and this year will be a colorful, pastel palette with all the Anthro vibes.
I also created a Hippie Mini Session set that I’ve successfully booked out for the last three years. I source everything from local flea markets, estate sales and spend months prior picking out all the perfect pieces. I spend hours creating mood + inspo boards, styling guides, etc. I’m also known for my Studio Boudoir work and have women from all over travel to my studio for a Boudoir Experience. I work with a lot of Brides to create albums for wedding day gifts, anniversary gifts or simply because you want some bad ass photos of yourself.
Photography is a saturated market, especially after Covid. However, what I love about that most, there’s literally someone for everyone. Different editing styles, different price points, shooting methods, lighting preferences. I have clients that go to other photographers if they’re hosting a really cool mini session or want to support someone they know getting started. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Of course, I love when my clients keep coming back and choosing me. But I also understand that some days I love Whole Foods and some days I want to go to Trader Joes.
I could say I’m proud of a certain piece of work I’ve captured, and I certainly have favorite photos I’ve taken, but what I’m most proud of is going from a divorced single mom of two, living in a new town, no friend circle, renting a 600sq ft, 2 bdrm apartment, post divorce, to buying my first home for my girls and I, all thanks to my photography career.
As a photographer, I bring a blend of creativity, experience, and intention to everything I do. My work is rooted in authenticity. I’ve always followed my own path in all things, staying true to a style that’s uniquely mine: a mix of western grit and a free spirited, hippie soul. I don’t follow trends. I don’t try to keep up with others. I create spaces where real connection and individuality can shine.
I’m especially meticulous in my editing because I believe the final image should reflect both the moment and the story behind it. Whether I’m curating an eclectic mini session set or capturing moments for the magazine, I strive to bring my best to everything I do.
What truly sets me apart, though, is not just the look of my work, it’s the energy I bring. I believe in community over competition, seeing others win, and in uplifting others while staying grounded in my own vision. My sessions are creative, comfortable, and one-of-a-kind because I believe photography should feel as real and rare as the people in front of the lens.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My number one supporter is my Mother. Her support, her leadership, her hustle, her drive, her perseverance and ability to overcome and make things happen are unmatched.
My girls because being a photographers child is not easy. If you know, you know! When I need a model, a test shot, an advertising photo, etc. They wear the outfits, they smile through the posing guidance and most importantly, they understand to the best of their ability that momma has to be behind a computer a lot and I don’t work regular hours.
My clients. Without them, their recommending me, their sharing of my posts and engaging, booking, re-booking, their understanding, their grace, their support, mentioning me in a room I’m not in, it’s unwavering and means the world to me.
My best friends who are always there for me to cry, to vent about stresses, who encourage me daily!
Pricing:
- see website
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wanderingmaverickphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wanderingmaverickphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WanderingMaverickPhoto/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-troglen-70330a73/
