Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Trabucco.
Hi Dana, 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?
My journey with photography began in 2010, but I’ve been creating since I was six years old—drawing iridescent fish and selling them for $5 apiece. I’ve always known I wanted to be an artist. I picked up my first DSLR in 2010, photography things of interest but never diving into capturing people until 2013. A person approached me about photographing their wedding. I was taken back because my portfolio consisted of projects and not people. So I started diving into photographing anyone and everyone that was willing to get in front of the camera. In 2015, I took a leap of faith and dived into photographing weddings and lifestyle photography full time. My business began to grow rapidly in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and was photographing 15 weddings a year plus lifestyle sessions. I loved it but was never truly happy in Pennsylvania. In 2019 my husband and I decided to move our family to Orlando, Florida. I slowly started to rebuild my business but focused more on the lifestyle side of things with having two small children. Fast forward to 2025 and I am an active lifestyle photographer in the Orlando community but craving the details and connection that couples and weddings bring. I am currently building the wedding side of my business back up and truly loving it.
Photography is more than just taking pictures (in my opinion), it’s really about preserving the moments that define someone’s story, imperfect or perfect. One person once described me as someone that has a knack for capturing life’s little moments that others barely notice, and since then, it has really stuck with me. I have a deep love for golden light, real connection, and the beauty found in everyday moments. Today, my camera is the tool I use to tell stories of togetherness, joy, and love.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is never smooth. Like all things my business has ebbed and flowed. Just like a writer who gets writers block, I sometimes get photo block, but I work through it by trying new techniques and taking myself out of my everyday norm. When I feel a lack of creativity I change up my gear which makes me get out of my comfort zone. It sometimes can be hard to build a business in such a creative area but I have to focus on what makes me unique and special.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My photography career is rooted in storytelling and capturing life’s in-between moments. I love capturing authentic moments that make life real, not the posed fake moments that don’t tell a families story. I also love the details. Like I said before, someone once told me I have a knack for capturing life’s little moments that others barely notice, and since I was told that, it has been my mantra to champion myself and my work. I strive to connect with my clients, get them out of their shell and trust the process. Because of this I received a Couple’s Choice Award in 2019 from Wedding Wire.
I am most proud of capturing moments of families that the family comes back to me and says I can’t believe you got that photo of our family, I just love it. When I first picked up my camera in 2010 I took classes at the Torpedo Factory and my Professor really focused on getting the image right in the camera first, and not to do too much post processing. I carry this through every session I do. I am always in Manual mode, adjust the light and settings in real time so I do all the serious work upfront. When I take my photos into LightRoom they are nearly ready to go with minor touches here and there.
How do you think about luck?
I have the ‘bad luck’ of saying yes to too many things. This year I am focusing on saying yes to less and focusing on my passion for photography. Because of this dedication, so many wonderful opportunities have presented themselves to me. From branded work to helping businesses grow themselves visually on social media to booking out of state weddings, I am seeing the hard work of staying focused paying off. I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out what my gift is to the world, and here it has been in my hands my whole life. Now that I believe I found the gift God gave me to share with the world, he has lit a path to happiness and fulfillment that I didn’t see before.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danatrabuccostudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danatrabuccostudios/
Image Credits
Dana Trabucco Studios LLC
