Explore the art of finding yourself with Toronto-based photographer Dani Ayee in this installment of Shutterstock Presents: Artist Series.
Shutterstock Presents: Artist Series is a video series highlighting creative artists on Shutterstock’s marketplace. Today we’re introducing Toronto-based photographer and blogger Dani Lyn Ayee, who creates diverse lifestyle content for Shutterstock Custom as well as her independent freelance clients.
Dani Lyn Ayee for Shutterstock Custom
As an artist, Dani didn’t start her creative career as a photographer. First, she had stints in beauty and fashion school, two passions that she pursued with the goal of being able to create and tell unique stories through her art. Unfortunately, both beauty and fashion school weren’t exactly what this creative had in mind.
“There wasn’t a ton of women of color in the media for me to look up to. There was actually a very small handful of people like me,” says Dani. “I think the reason I really wanted to be in fashion was because I was trying to fit in.”
This is Dani’s story.
Discovering her voice through photography
As artists, we search for a medium that allows us to express ourselves fully and tell our individual truth. For Dani, that discovery happened after she found photography. Now, the accomplished freelance photographer and Shutterstock Custom contributor creates images with a focus on showing the beauty of a true and diverse, representative world.
Dani Lyn Ayee for Shutterstock Custom
“I felt like I would have more power in the position of being the photographer. Being the creator, and being the director of my own story,” says Dani.
Creating diverse images that tell stories
In Dani’s work, she predominantly shoots portraits, product shots, and lifestyle images. She works with models of all ages, gender identities, ethnicities, and styles to create images that inspire her, and hopefully inspire others.
“I love the way that photography makes people feel empowered, that you don’t need to look a certain way to be photographed.”
Get inspired by Dani’s story and learn why she prioritizes providing diversity in her images, and wants to encourage others to do the same. Stay tuned as we release a tip video from Dani next week. In the next video, learn how she networks and grows her community through photography. In the meantime, shop this behind-the-scenes footage from our time with Dani in Toronto.
Get inspired by these Shutterstock contributor stories:
- Artist Series with Offset Illustrator Yevgenia Nayberg
- Taking Authentic Photos with India-Based Contributor Chhagan Shelare
- 10 Landscape Photographers on Capturing the Beauty of Brazil
- Artist Series with Food Photographer Joanie Simon
- YouTube Sensation Nicole Glass Shares Her Stock Photo Secrets