It’s a pleasure to meet you
Your Photographer: Danika (she/they)
Howdy! You found me (& I am so glad). My name is Danika, and I am 33 (Capricorn Sun, Aquarius Rising, Libra Moon- if you’re into that sort of thing). I am currently based in Denton and offering photography to the North Texas area. I often fuse kink, nature, and nostalgia into my work. I am disabled and chronically ill, queer, neurodivergent and non-binary; my work has a soft empowering gaze that aims to challenge the typical male gaze seen in a lot of boudoir and intimate imagery. I strive to center pleasure and body acceptance through portraits.
A bit more~
I do what I can to meet people where they are at when we work together. While we make photo magic, I’ll always do my best to accommodate needs and restrictions. I have a bachelor’s degree in special education and am mindful of access and sensory needs during photo sessions. I check in regarding comfort levels, if you need breaks, to drink water, if the lighting is okay, and more. As a self described trauma rage baby, working with me comes with a trauma aware approach. I understand it can be scary to be vulnerable in front of a camera, and I strive to create a comfortable setting for clients and encourage an environment where even if you are struggling to love your body, we will work together towards body acceptance in your portraits. We are worthy of being photographed during all stages of our lives, even the seasons where we may want to hide.
Things to note~
I have been taking pictures of myself, others, and nature since I was a kid, but professionally since 2016. I am open to working with people from many walks of life; I hope that all who want to work with me can find themselves represented in my body of work. With that in mind, I think I do my best work with clients who are aligned with me in terms of celebrating queer and trans lives, are mindful of disability and chronic illness, accepting of sex work, ethical non-monogamy/polyamory, kink and fetish lifestyles, and affirming for all body types and gender identities. I do not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, fat-phobia, anti sex work talk, or ableism in my studio or at my sessions. You may see me wearing a medical face mask when we work together, this is due to being a recent thyroid cancer survivor and being disabled and chronically ill. Photo sessions are a collaborative experience that can foster beautiful memories for both client and photographer, and I am always open to learning more while we work together.
My work has been published and featured by Bedroom Besties, Thin Line Fest, Speedbump Lil D at the Queer Camera Club gallery, Sour Magazine, Texas Inked Magazine, ANTIFRAGILE: Issue Two “Taste”, WTFemme!? Podcast, SensuElle Podcast, & many local zines. Past Denton clients include: Friends with Benefits, Glitterbomb Denton, WTFemme!? Productions, The ReVamp, Big Dangly Earrings, Spiderweb Salon, Other Peoples’ Energy, Omnimorph, Ace of Skates, Hale Baskin Entertainment, Salty Lady Burlesque, and many friends from North Texas. I’ve participated in art shows and galleries in Denver, Colorado and the North Texas area.
Check out my print shop!
Your Photographer & Local Weirdo
XOXO, Danika
