Get To Know… Authentic

I am thrilled to be able to introduce you to photographer/designer, Darla, from Authentic! She is an amazing artist that I have admired for many many years. Her photos and her designs have inspired me from the moment I first saw her work of my friends’ wedding. Her work is “take your breath away” kind of work.

It has been such a blessing to have Darla in my life over the past few years. I first officially met her about 3 years ago when I did one of her photography workshops. AMAZING. I recommend that all photographers do her workshops if and when she offers them! Since then, we’ve had several photoshoots together (Darla did mine and Will’s bridal session…. LOVE). We’ve had several coffee dates and “watch Disney movies while we edit” dates. We’ve also had a few get togethers with both of our families. It’s just been great to get to know this fabulous woman over the years.  I am proud to call her my friend and I can’t wait for you to Get To Know her!!

A little bit about Darla:

“I’ve been shooting weddings and other sessions for about 6 years now. I’m always learning new things and finding my way to new places in this business. It’s challenging and fun all at the same time. My absolute favorite thing about shooting weddings is the friendships that we make along the way. The relationships that we have with our couples, I honestly believe, is the foundation of how the best photos happen. Business will always be personal to me. I love it that way.

A little about me: I am many things and I want to be so many things. Haha. I am a wife to the most amazing man who loves me like crazy no matter what! I am a mom to two boys who always keep us on our toes. I am a creative to the core. I am a photographer, designer, an idea machine, a dreamer, an aspiring songwriter, a lover of God. I love to bake, I love to be outside, I love being active, I want to surf…. the list could go on and on.

If I don’t already know you, I hope that I get the chance to meet you. Whether you need a personal logo for your wedding day or fresh branding for your small business, I can design just for you. I received my degree in Graphic Design from UA Huntsville with a special focus on Logo Design. I have designed for a plethora of businesses over the course of 8 years and I am proud to offer this service under the AUTHENTIC umbrella.”

How long have you been designing?

Well, about 12 years I guess. My degree is actually in graphic design (Graduated in Dec ’04).

When did you first realize that you wanted to design for a living?

When I was in college, I had big work plans for after graduation. I was already married as I finished my last year or so of school and we found out we were pregnant with Journey (SURPRISE). I had Journey 2 months after I graduated so that kinda altered my “job” plans. That’s where photography entered the picture.

How would you describe your style?

That’s hard to answer in one way. I try to take my client’s style/ideas and add my creative edge to that so it varies from client to client.

What are some of the products you offer? 

Just about anything that can be printed, I can design for you: save-the-dates, invitations, guest sign-in posters, programs, logos, business cards, etc… The list can go on forever.

Do you have a favorite design/product?

I actually have some ideas for a guest book that will be coming soon. I’m pretty excited about it :)

You are not only a designer, but you are also an amazing photographer. What do you love about being a photographer?

I love showing someone how I see them and I really ask God to show me how to see someone through His eyes, so I guess the answer to your question is that I love being able to give my clients a glimpse of how God sees them: beautiful, fun, totally themselves and full of joy, etc. 

What is your favorite part of your job as a designer (or photographer)?

I love creating something from a blank canvas/idea to something beautiful. 

In your opinion, why should someone consider hiring a professional like yourself for their design needs?

Speaking in terms of weddings, the money you spend on an invitation should be spent on something that is TOTALLY YOU. Also, if you have something with a photo designed into the piece, your friends/family will not throw it in the trash! Money well spent :)

I have seen alot about BINSD (Beauty Is Not Skin Deep) on your website. Can you tell us a little bit more about what that is?

BINSD is about helping girls (ages 15-30something) discover who they are and love the person that they find. It allows me to take them through a day of inner and outer “makeovers.” The finale of the day is a high fashion shoot intended to alter their looks and turn them into editorial models. It’s pretty much to prove that anybody can be magazine worthy with extreme hair, makeup and some intense post processing! :)

What are your hopes and dreams for your business in the next 5 years?

WOW, loaded question!

I would like to expand on my BINSD project. 

I want to be doing some photography for young artists/musicians.

I want to get my hands into some creative video work. 

I want to do some missions projects with organizations like www.stellasvoice.com.

Now for some fun “Get to know you” questions:

Coffee or Tea?: 

Coffee

Describe yourself in 1 word:

Creative

Guilty Pleasure:

Marathons of America’s Next Top Model

Favorite Color:

Orange

Favorite Movie/TV show:

All 3 Narnia Movies

What do you like to do in your free time?

Play guitar and song writing

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Dark Chocolate

Stripes or Polka Dots?

Stripes

Favorite quote/bible verse or both:

“To live a creative life, we must lose the fear of being wrong. ” -joseph pearse

“…Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us and RUN WITH ENDURANCE the race that is set in front of us. Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12:1-2

If you would like to learn more about Darla’s work, you can check out her website www.beautyisnotskindeep.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter (@AuthenticDarla)!