I’m Danika, Your SF Bay Area Photographer

No, this was definitely not on my radar (or so I thought) as a kid. When I was really little, I actually wanted to be a firefighter like my dad, but as I got older, I never quite knew what I wanted to do. Photography began to pique my interest in high school when I started taking classes though. However, I thought the only way I could ever incorporate it into my career was to become a photo teacher at a school. Now, when I look back at my childhood, I recall how excited I was every single time I would go to Costco with my mom to pick up our newly developed roll of film. I can also remember the first couple portrait I ever captured — of my parents at the beach on their anniversary — still framed.

When photo was still a side hustle, it was the creativity and pure enjoyment of the art that inspired me to stick with it. There was never really a question about it since it has always been something I love so much. However, what (actually, who) inspired me to take the leap of faith and become a full-time photographer was my oldest son. It was January of 2020 and I was three months pregnant with him. The moment felt right to give it my all because it was the only way I would maximize my time with my baby — forever thankful for this choice. On the hard days of business (because yes, those still happen sometimes), it is the overjoyed and appreciative words from my clients that truly keep me going. I’ve been blessed with the absolute best community through photography and love the friendships I’ve built along the way.

I love to travel, so this is a tough one. I would say Hawaii, Italy, Greece, and Japan. Other locations in California that I have wanted to book weddings at include San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbra, Disneyland, and San Diego.

Either a Photo Membership or an Adventure Day. The memberships are perfect for families who want to capture a whole year of life and all its milestones. Whereas, an Adventure Day is such a fun and natural way to document your family doing something together that you actually love (think family fun day), without the pressure of a formal session with coordinated outfits. Both are designed to create timeless photographs that are truly meaningful. However, in this chapter of my story, I’d invest in the Adventure Day. It would be a lot more casual and enjoyable with my two little boys!

This might sound funny, but growing up, I loved to people watch. I think humans are so incredibly fascinating for so many reasons. And until now, I honestly never realized that this is kind of what I get to do as a photographer. There is something so beautiful about watching people relax into their own moments, forgetting that my camera is even there. It’s the couples bursting into laughter on the dance floor, surrounded by loved ones or the way young children fit so perfectly into their parent’s arms. And the hands, there are so many stories to be told when photographing touch. These are the kind of photos that will matter most, years from now. And for me, they are the most fulfilling to capture, knowing you’ll look back and feel exactly how you did when you lived that moment in real time. It’s entirely captivating.