Dominic Stewart is a freelance commercial photographer, visual content creator, and content marketer based in Toronto. In this interview, we spoke to him about how he works with global destinations and businesses to help grow their brands through engaging visual content and compelling stories.
Q1: What does photography mean to you? And what made you decide to start a photography business?
To me, photography means endless creativity and freedom. I’ve always loved taking photos for as long as I can remember, but I never considered pursuing it in a professional capacity. At one point, I realized I needed to be honest with myself and acknowledge that maybe working in a traditional office environment wasn’t a part of my long term goals.
Everything changed one day after a dinner with my best friend. I told her I wanted to realize my passion and do everything I could to make it a reality. The first thing she suggested to me was photography, and all of a sudden everything made sense: I wanted a job that would allow me to be creative, travel, get my hands dirty, and work with many different types of people. Photography checked all of those boxes.
Q2: What do you remember about the initial days of this idea, and the first few challenges you had to tackle?
I remember feeling excited, overwhelmed, and intimidated all at once. I worked full-time, so finding the time to learn and practice photography was a challenge. Also, buying all the gear required to pursue professional photography doesn’t come cheap. Thankfully, I have a supportive partner who enabled me to pursue my passion and made it all possible.
Q3: What has been your biggest success or earliest win with your business?
My first client was an international human rights organization. I think that’s one of my earliest wins because I knew I was lending my skills to a noble cause that would have a positive impact on people’s lives.
Q4: What do you love about being your own boss?
Freedom and flexibility. I love being able to make my own decisions and being able to set my own direction. The level of autonomy is truly refreshing, and exciting.
Q5: What is your approach to stand out from other photography businesses?
First and foremost, I want potential clients to know that I’m so much more than just a photographer. I bring a breadth of experience from my time working for large tech companies to powerful political offices. I can offer clients social media strategy assistance as well as communications and marketing help through visual content creation and storytelling. When clients hire me as a photographer, they’re also hiring an advisor and strategist all-in-one.
Q6: Where can people find you? (website & social media handles)
Website: www.dominicstewart.com
Instagram: domstewart_
Twitter: @DomStewart
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