Meet Denise Carmichael | Photographer & Mom

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

Hi Denise, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
As a parent, we always want our children to go big with their dreams. We inform them doctors and lawyers make the most money. We make them think money is what they should aim for; when in reality, it’s your heart you should follow. I was often told, “Oh, Photography isn’t a real career. You cant make a real profit from it” and yet here I am, making small strides, sure, but happier than ever in my decision. I don’t want my children to face the same obstacles as I did. I want them to follow their passions, their heart and know that a career can be made from those dreams. Someone’s reality is real because someone dreamed it once.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I don’t necessarily think I have overcome challenges to get to where I am at; it’s more of learning to work along side the challenges. There will always be obstacles that challenge us, but it’s truly all about keeping a positive mind set (which we all know can be extremely difficult at times). I always tell myself “if it’s too easy to be true, it probably isn’t real” and I keep that in mind with my business. Nothing in life is easy, but we can’t just stop working towards what we love and makes us happy. I look at my path as the candles that light our path; in between each candle there is a moment of darkness, but we never lose sight of where we are going. I want people to know that they’re a part of my path as I am a part of theirs. I believe everything happens for a reason and every photograph I capture isn’t just a photograph. It’s a moment in time for all of us, your story now becomes a part of mine and I strive to capture the best of your lives in that moment!

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?
Oh my gosh, how does someone in Arizona even start with this! For the food lovers I would start in downtown Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. For the nature lovers, while there is a lot of great hiking in the Phoenix area I don’t suggest doing those activities in the summer. It’s simply way too hot and an unexperienced hiker would not have a good time and could lead to serious injuries. For the hikers, I’d say head North; Sedona and Flagstaff or even Payson and the White Mountains. I’m the worst when it comes to an itinerary because I like what I know and I have a tendency of going to the same places. For example, in Sedona I either go to The Hideaway House or Oaxaca for food. I don’t deny that other places may be delicious as well, but these two just hit the spot every time! In Flagstaff, I love Grimaldis Pizza, Bun Huggers, Karma Sushi and 1899. Again, I know there is more good food out there, but these places are my favorite hands down! Back to Hiking though, Sedona has a ton of phenomenal views and hiking for even better views. Crescent Moon Ranch, Devils Bridge, Seven Sacred Ponds and so many more. Flagstaff too, Buffalo Park is stunning, Aspen Corner and Snowbowl is a huge tourist attraction as well. Specially in the winter for snowboarding and skiing. Payson is also a great place, just north of it you have the epic hike to Water Wheel and the White Mountains. Start with all the fishing at the Mogollon Rim. The fun is endless!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I know I couldn’t be where I am today without the love and support from my parents and my husband. The people who truly do not put me down when I hit rough patches in my career. They know just how happy Photography makes me! I have a handful of supporters as well, people who always indulge in my creative mind and trust the process. Clients that come back for life mile stones and trust me to capture these special moments for them. For these people I am eternally grateful. I wouldn’t be able to do this without my people.

x

Website: www.deniseana.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/deniseana

Facebook: www.facebook.com/deniseanaphotography