Meet Charlyn Dahilig | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlyn Dahilig and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlyn, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
What has truly helped me is setting an alarm for 6am and using the time from 6a-7a for reading and journaling. It starts my day in routine and provides consistency that helps slowly wake my mind and spirit up to start the day. I provide a built in day where I can sign out of work completely (Tuesdays) and also designate my Thursdays as my ‘admin’ day where I create contracts and respond to all emails. Doing so helps me organize my days and methodically create a timeline for editing. It is amazing when you give yourself an hour after waking up and setting a time every night where you set your phone down at night to disassociate from everything in the outside world!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have truly evolved throughout the years as a photographer. My most distinguished change has come from 2020. I started to approach street photography and move towards a more documenting and journalistic approach. I wanted my audience to see things for exactly what they are– beauty and pain. It was hard moving from the norm as typical ‘wedding photographer’ to creating something outside of a couple. I walked alongside others in marches and I was able to give voice to those who felt they weren’t being heard. I also loved bringing light and love to the everyday things that people tend to overlook. I am back to shooting weddings but I am more intentional with my couples. I love getting to know them before the photoshoot or event so I can better catch them as someone who genuinely cares and adores them. I don’t believe in staged and more so lean into the candid and it always wins with my clients!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I haven’t been in Philly long but I love coming to things with a new perspective! I have really enjoyed the city skylines from Sunset Social where you can grab great food and drinks and watch an outdoor movie! I love boutique shops and quality food so roaming Sansom St. or the Gayborhood has the perfect little nooks and crannies.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I love to credit my business partner and best friend, Ciara of The New Mixx. We always support one another and challenge each other to level up. It is so helpful to surround myself with other creatives who have the hustle mentality as well as a person who appreciates wellness of a healthy and sound mind.

Website: charlynphotography.com

Instagram: @charlyn.photography

Facebook: facebook.com/charlyndphotography