Photo by Pete Daum at Vestrahorn Mountain, Iceland Baby!
Hello! It’s me, Dani. While I enjoy my career, I’m a creative spirit who loves playing with her camera. It’s my pleasure to share with you my digital images – Welcome!
When I’m not shooting photos, I’m helping burned-out professionals to reclaim their lives by prioritizing their wellbeing over work. I’m a former fundraiser and burnout survivor, and I recreated my career and founded Primavera Strategies for Wellbeing. Today I’m a bestselling author, coach, and speaker.
Why Pink Raven Studio?
Previously as a photographer, I enjoyed agricultural landscapes. Now, my focus has shifted to art, spirit, and stones. I cherish the mysterious ways of crows and ravens, and today, Pink Raven Studio represents this transformation in my work. Of course, she is pink rather than black, because she’s delighting in her own creative freedom.
Tell me more about the book you wrote.
I wrote Work Comes Third: Eradicating Burnout in Overwhelmed Leaders and Weary Employees. I share my own descent to burnout, and I also share everything I learned as a coach to help boost our resilience and enjoy greater fulfillment.
You may be interested to know that I wrote an entire chapter on the importance of indulging in our creative passions. I describe my love affair with photography, the ups and downs (the horse bite in Iceland and eventually the healing) and ultimately, how taking photos restored my soul after I’d burned out.
You can learn more about my book, by clicking here.
What inspires you?
I have been told my photographs have a “painterly” quality, and I’m able to create this because I’m inspired by ethereal landscapes, such as the Mendocino Coast or the Salish Sea. I am equally inspired by forgotten spaces, once occupied by people but now without the human touch. These spaces may evoke feelings of loss, or even a quiet hope, and from their melancholy and desire arises an unexpected beauty.
Tell me more about the Four Directions. Why are they important?
Some understand the importance of Calling in the Four Directions at the beginning of our prayers and rituals. When we do this, we connect to the energies of the East, South, West, and North.
Consider the seasonal calendar. For example, the East represents spring and new beginnings. The South embodies summer and growth, while the West celebrates autumn and harvest. The North signifies winter and communion.
Likewise, when calling in the directions, consider the stages of life. The East denotes birth, the South – adolescence; the West – adulthood; and the North – elders and those who have gone before us.
May you use my photos to connect with the rhythms of nature, honor the blessings of the seasons, and ask for help with healing. I hope you feel grounded and authentic. Your intent matters, and calling in the directions looks different for each of us.
After you have summoned these powerful energies for good, continue with your ritual. Then, release the spirits and say farewell.
Do you use AI? Are these your own photos?
These photos are my own, taken by me with my camera on various adventures. Then I download them into my computer and I use Photoshop to play with the images further. I do not use AI, ever, to make the images I’m sharing with you. While Photoshop now has an AI tool, I don’t use it on my photos.
Likewise, I didn’t use AI when writing my book. It’s my own creative effort. AI is being developed using the copyrighted works of authors, without their permission or compensation. I’m committed to helping create a world where artists and authors are appreciated for their human and creative effort.
Tell me about your camera gear.
I use several cameras, ranging from the one in my cell phone to the full-frame Canon 6D. I am neither a camera snob nor a technical junkie. I believe people can take striking photographs with modest equipment (but having nice toys sure is fun!)
What awards have you won?
In 2015, Yolo Arts in California selected me as one of four artists to participate in their Artful Plate Project. They received a generous grant allowing them to celebrate local artists, restaurants, and the bounty of our farms.
One of my photos was selected to be printed on collectible dinner plates! My limited-edition plates were sold at a local restaurant, and Yolo Arts received the proceeds.
What was extra fun for me? Learning to play with circles instead of rectangles with photography. It softens the photo and adds visual interest.
I also was delighted to win the People’s Choice Award for my photograph, “Ghost Trees” at Art Farm 2015, an event for Yolo Arts.
My photograph, “Mendocino Zen,” won an Honorable Mention in 2011 as part of the Visions 12th Annual Juried Photography Show at Sacramento Fine Arts Center.
In addition, I have participated in multiple solo, duo, and group exhibitions
Can I purchase your prints?
I am available for art sales and shows, and I’d love to work with you.
Do you take commercial requests?
Definitely. Many of my photos are available for commercial requests, for use in a variety of media.
How can I contact you?
Whether it be for a commercial request, partnership, or advertising, you can contact me at:
dani@PinkRaven.Studio