Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Nunez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I went to college at 18 with the intention of becoming an art therapist. I earned a BFA and minored in psychology. I always loved the principles behind behavior. I still do!
I began my masters program in art therapy after I got my bachelor’s but ultimately decided it wasn’t the path that was meant for me. I knew I wanted a career that would make a big impact on others so I gave medical school a try, but it wasn’t my path either.
Once I started my photography business, it was clear this is the career that has always been meant for me. No doubts in my mind. Sometimes I think back to the concepts I learned in art school; the concepts that seemed so insignificant when I was young. And suddenly, it all makes sense. I feel an immense amount of gratitude towards my professors who challenged me, inspired me, and told me the truth even when I didn’t want to hear it.
Being part of the art community was the first time I felt like I had a true family. It’s a community of people who understand and accept my quirks. There’s something about being an artist that makes people a little weird and different, but in a good way. Being different used to feel like a curse when I was young, but it blossomed into something beautiful as an adult. What a gift that I am able to use that transformation to build an amazing career.
Now I get to encourage and inspire other women. It’s the best job ever!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. I was very focused on becoming an art therapist from the time I was 14 years old. It’s what I thought I’d do all the way up until I was 22 and in grad school for art therapy. Then I felt a calling to become a doctor which led me down a path to complete all the science courses I needed as well as take the MCAT and apply for medical schools. I got in to medical school but quickly realized it wasn’t the career for me. I’m an artist and art is the only thing that will ever truly make me feel whole. Photography is my creative outlet but also a way for me to connect with so many incredible women. Being a photographer is my dream job.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in boudoir and maternity boudoir. My mission is to inspire, support and encourage other women. I also enjoy working with other female owned businesses. I sometimes do branding sessions with women owned businesses. I also offer sessions called empowerment sessions. Women get to come to the studio, get their hair and makeup done and dress up in some of the gorgeous dresses in my client closet. Not everyone is comfortable with being photographed in lingerie and that’s ok! I’m very proud to say that I’ve finally built my own custom boudoir studio in Orlando. It has been a dream of mine for many years. I’m excited to welcome new clients here. I think what sets me apart most is my attention to detail. I prefer to work in a natural light studio. I have a very moody style that my clients love. Playing with light and shadows is a big part of my style. I also love to make custom sets in my studio space. I constantly move furniture around and create different backgrounds for each client.
What makes you happy?
Creating art often. I love that my photography career allows me to print my work and have it displayed in the home of my clients. And I especially love how much joy my work brings to so many other women.
Pricing:
- Session fees start at $299
- Most clients spend between $1500-2500 on their session.
- I’m a full service studio. I edit and also print the photos through my studio.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.distractionphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/distractionphoto
