Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniella Koontz.
Hi Daniella, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Daniella Koontz, a wedding and portrait photographer based in Central Florida. I’ve been photographing professionally for over 20 years, and I specialize in everything from traditional weddings to the wonderfully offbeat and unconventional. Whether it’s a cozy backyard ceremony or a full-on sci-fi themed celebration, I love capturing the moments that really reflect who people are.
Inclusivity, body positivity, and making sure everyone feels seen and celebrated are at the heart of what I do. My work has been featured in places like a traveling exhibit by the Smithsonian and even has been seen on TV on SyFy’s Face Off.
My newest venture has been with my best friend and long time fellow photographer. Together we’ve created a podcast helping people planning their wedding!
When I’m not behind the camera or recording our podcast, I’m enjoying time with my family. I’m a mom of four, a museum enthusiast, and I love spending time exploring Central Florida, creating art, and doing crafts with my kids. Photography is my passion, but storytelling is really what drives everything I do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—it’s been a journey with plenty of ups and downs. I started my business before social media really took off, so a lot of my early growth came from word-of-mouth and hustling at local events. I’ve worn just about every hat imaginable—marketing, editing, client management, bookkeeping—while also raising four kids. That balancing act hasn’t always been easy.
There were definitely times I felt like I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously—especially since I wasn’t following the traditional path or backed by a big budget. But over time, I came to realize that my down-to-earth approach, my quirks, and my genuine way of connecting with people were actually my strengths. That authenticity is what draws the right clients to me—they’re not just hiring a photographer, they’re inviting someone they feel comfortable with into a really personal moment.
I’ve also done a lot of personal growth around inclusivity and accessibility. Learning how to better serve a diverse range of clients including those with disabilities, for example, has been eye-opening and humbling. It’s an ongoing process, but it’s made my work more intentional and impactful.
As you know, we’re big fans of Koontz Photography & Offbeat On Point. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Along with photographing weddings and portraits, I co-host a podcast called Offbeat On Point with my friend Jenn Ross. We’re both photographers, but more importantly, we’re two people who’ve seen a lot of behind-the-scenes chaos, joy, and realness that comes with planning a wedding—and we wanted to create a space where we could talk about it all honestly.
Jenn’s one of those people who just gets it. She’s funny, compassionate, and sees beauty in people and moments that others might miss. Our conversations on the podcast are kind of like the ones we have after a wedding—unfiltered, supportive, and filled with laughter. We talk about everything from what makes a vendor actually worth hiring to the emotional weight of planning a big life event, especially when you’re trying to do things your own way.
What I love about Offbeat On Point is that it isn’t just about advice—it’s about making people feel less alone in the process. We’re not here to tell anyone how their wedding should look. We’re here to remind folks that their story matters, and their day should reflect them. And honestly, that’s the same approach I bring into my photography work—making space for people to feel seen, celebrated, and fully themselves.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
There’s absolutely no way I could’ve done any of this alone. I’ve been really fortunate to have a mix of mentors, peers, clients, and communities who’ve supported me at different points in my journey.
Early on I wasn’t a member of the photography organizations that I’m currently a member of. The PPA (Professional Photographers of America), FPP (Florida Professional Photographers), and the PPCF (Professional Photographers of Central Florida) have been invaluable for my continued growth. The education, networking, and honest feedback I’ve received have helped me refine my craft and stay inspired. Surrounding myself with people who genuinely want to see each other succeed has made a huge difference. I really wish that I had joined earlier in my career, and if anyone is thinking about starting a photography career, or if you are on the fence about joining, come to an event and see for yourself!
Groups like Wedding Venue Map and Offbeat Wed have also played a big role in my journey. As a verified vendor with both, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with other like-minded vendors, venues, and couples who really value authenticity, creativity, and inclusivity. Being part of those communities has helped me reach people who are looking for something a little different—and who I genuinely connect with, both personally and creatively.
And of course, my podcast co-host Jenn has been a major part of this journey. She’s someone who truly understands the heart behind what we do. We’ve walked through so many of the same highs and lows in this industry, and having someone who just gets it has been incredibly grounding. She keeps me laughing when things get chaotic, challenges me creatively, and is always there with encouragement when I need it most. Working alongside someone who shares the same values and passion for honest storytelling has made the ride so much more meaningful.
But above all, it’s my clients who’ve been the real cheerleaders. Their trust, their stories, and their willingness to be vulnerable in front of my camera are what keep me going. I don’t take that lightly—it’s the reason I do what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.KoontzPhotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koontzphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KoontzPhotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/koontzphotography/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@koontzphotography8264
- Other: https://www.OffbeatOnPoint.com
