Meet Daisy Dorado | Photographer

Allowing people (clients) to look back at memories through photographs in the moment or years later is what makes me happy. As cliche as it may sound, experiencing loss at a young age nudged me to really focus on capturing those memories with my loved ones on a personal level, which later transpired into me capturing other people’s memories.

In a saturated industry, it’s important to get a grasp of the real reason why you do it as apposed to focusing on the likes on social media. I’m extremely proud of having my work published in a couple of magazines. I recently converted a bedroom in my home into a studio and I’m very excited to see what I can create. I initially *became* interested in photography at a young age, I lost a friend when we were 16 and I quickly realized the importance of photographs; you see, the time I wanted to take a picture with him and decided not to because my hair was messy ended up being the last time I saw him. I began my photography business in 2012 and stopped for a few years, I recently dusted off my camera when I made the decision to leave my 9-5 as a banker*. Back in 2012, I lacked confidence and even a business plan, I have been fortunate enough to come across some amazing people that have helped me grow into the photographer I am today. I’d be lying if I said it’s been nothing but flowers and rainbows, but just like in any line of work, some people can be very discouraging by simply considering you competition when we all have the gift of seeing everything so differently. I’ve learned that it’s best to surround yourself with positive people who are humble in order for you to continue to pour into the industry to be the person you searched for when you began. If there’s anything anyone can get from this, it’d be: just take the picture; I promise the last thing your loved ones will care about will be your messy hair in the event of your absence.

I consider myself laid back so I’d definitely be the friend to seek a more serene scene. With that being said, our first stop would hands down be for coffee and DeGino coffee inside Screws & Sparkles in Buckeye*! From there, we’d walk over to Cafe 25:35 for some delicious breakfast! I love lounging around listening to the sound of water, so I’d most likely want to explore Verrado’s Main Street or South Lake Park in Estrella. Lunch would have to be at The Farm at South Mountain for some delicious sandwiches and salads! I personally think it’s always coffee o’ clock, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we headed to Enroute Coffee afterwards. Dinner would probably be at Tin Top Bar & Grill in Tonopah or Roof Top Bar & Grill in Buckeye.

Throughout the years, I’ve come across plenty of photographers, however, this second time around has been unlike the first. Although I have encountered professionals unwilling to encourage or mentor, I can name off a few who have absolutely changed the entire game for me in the best way possible. Kayleen of Kayleen Marie Photography is an absolute delight that agreed to meet me solely on the basis of ‘picking each other’s brains’ and have since formed an amazing friendship. Robyn of Robyn Rene* Photography has encouraged and taught me so many things within the time we had lunch together, she even inspired me to convert a room in my home into a studio after seeing hers in person! Jess of J Bojorquez had me fan-girling when she reached out to see if I was interested in attending a shootout she was hosting; of course I went and she was the absolute sweetest in person!