Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Plasencia.
Hi Daniel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been drawn to cameras for as long as I can remember. I grew up in South Florida in the 90’s. My dad was always a photography enthusiast since before the digital photography era. We had season tickets to the Florida Panthers. I fondly remember my dad bringing his camera with rolls of film and a long telephoto lens to every game and photographing the players as they zoomed around the ice. He would then enlarge 8 x 10 prints of the photos. After each hockey game, we would wait for the players outside of the arena as they exited, and hoped to get the players’ to autograph the photos that he took. I didn’t know it then, but observing this creative process planted the seed that would spark my passion for photography!
During college, I had a part-time job and saved up money to buy a small point-and-shoot camera (Yes, the little cameras that are popular again today!). I would bring that camera out to parties, trips, and outings with friends and candidly document all of the real unfiltered moments unfolding before me. While I didn’t fully understand the technical side of photography yet, I simply enjoyed the concept of being able to freeze a slice of time and document special moments with friends. This inspired me to bring my camera on a family trip to Europe in 2005 and learn the basics of photography, such as exposure, lighting, etc.
Later, in 2012, I purchased my first DSLR camera and I was hooked! There is no feeling like looking through a viewfinder and seeing the world through the lens. I would walk around my neighborhood and take photos of anything that interested me, whether a tree bathed in golden light, some graffiti, or just exciting shapes and shadows. I suddenly found everyday objects fascinating to photograph! This eventually inspired my love of documentary street photography and walking around the city with my camera. Ironically, at first, I didn’t want any people in my frame and would actively avoid having people in the shot. I would be that guy standing with a camera at a tourist attraction waiting for it to be completely empty to get “the perfect shot.” But, that all changed when I started asking family and friends to pose in front of my camera for portraits. It has brought me such joy to capture those special moments for them. Now, as a portrait photographer, I find people fascinating to photograph!
In October 2021, Daniel Plasencia Photography was established, specializing in lifestyle portraits and professional headshots. Today, Daniel Plasencia Photography is based in Windermere, Florida and serves Central Florida and the Greater Orlando area. My business continues to grow year after year. In fact, I just had my busiest year ever in 2025! I’m so grateful to all those that have supported me and my business throughout the years, making it possible for me to fulfill my dreams, and allowing me to serve my community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like anything in life, my photography journey hasn’t been a smooth road. I constantly struggle with self-doubt and impostor syndrome, even if I don’t outwardly show it. Despite client and peer feedback having been overwhelmingly positive throughout my career, I often feel as if my work isn’t good enough for me. I think part of the reason for that is that I’m a perfectionist and constantly need my work to be perfect in my own eyes. Being on social media has also been a struggle because it is hard to resist the need to compare my own work to others. Also, learning how to pose clients and interact with them was challenging for me early on, although I have now become skilled at it. I’m an introvert by nature, so photographing people has truly made me come out of my shell and be more open with people. This allows my subjects to feel more comfortable with me and in front of my camera. Also, search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing are not the most fun, but they are necessary for businesses to thrive today. Overall, I find marketing much more complex and time-consuming than the actual photography itself. However, despite all of these challenges, I’ve experienced so much positivity and growth in my business, and I cannot picture myself doing anything else!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a portrait photographer specializing in lifestyle portrait photography for individuals, couples, and families. Lifestyle portraits differ somewhat from traditional portraits in that I seek to capture people as authentically as possible for the camera and in their natural environments. This also means I focus more on capturing candid interactions than rigidly posed photos. I also don’t overly pose my clients. I give them basic prompts or ideas and let them execute poses however they feel most comfortable, making some adjustments as necessary. Often, I’ll customize the shoot based on a client’s personality and maybe even have the session at their favorite location. I also offer studio portraits, but there’s nothing like an outdoor shoot in nature or the city. I’m proud of my laid-back approach, natural editing style, and open client communication. A portrait session doesn’t have to be stressful. It should be a fun and memorable experience! I aim to allow my clients to be authentic and let their true personalities shine through. I bring that kind of fun and light-hearted energy to all of my photoshoots. I also, love working with kids and getting their personalities to shine in the photos!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love about Orlando is the fun and laid-back side of it and the lifestyle. It’s such a great place for families. I live here with my wife and 2 kids. There is always so much fun stuff to do. We literally live where people vacation. I love being able to visit a theme park whenever I want, without having to stay the entire day. It’s great to feel like a tourist in your own city. I also love being able to drive to the beach for the day. Cocoa Beach is my favorite! Additionally, you’re never more than a short drive away from nature and open green spaces.
As for what I like least about Orlando, I don’t particularly enjoy being downtown. I think Downtown Orlando has a lot of potential. Walking around there currently, it feels like a ghost town with abandoned, boarded up restaurants/bars, and deserted streets. It would be amazing to see a revitalized and vibrant Downtown Orlando with more shops, restaurants, cafe’s, and green spaces like they’ve done in other cities.
Overall though, Orlando is truly a magical place and I wouldn’t want to call anywhere else home!
Pricing:
- One-hour individual portrait, headshot, or graduation session starting at $299 includes a digital online gallery with 20 edited high-resolution images.
- A one-hour family portrait, engagement, or couple’s session for $349 includes a digital online gallery with 40 edited high-resolution images.
- 20-30 minute outdoor mini-sessions starting at $199. Includes a digital online gallery with 10 edited high-resolution images.
- Embark on your wedding journey with our packages starting at $2,500. These packages include a digital online gallery with 500 edited high-resolution images. And the best part? They can be customized to perfectly suit your unique wedding day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dplasenciaphotography.com
- Instagram: @d.plasenciaphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DL6k85jti/
