FilmingLifer | Danielle Blewitt
Danielle Blewitt is a family & newborn photographer based in Pittsburgh who specialises in creating keepsake films for families. Danielle is also one of our valued FilmingLifers here at the FilmingLife® Academy + Network
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a mom of two little ones, a wife and a dreamer. I have always loved the creative arts and it wasn't until my daughter was born 6 years ago that I got into photography. Photography has been a creative outlet that has given me the ability to slow down life and document the memories I so badly want to remember with my family.
I started my business last summer after learning how to create films and I wanted to share this special keepsake with other families. I am a Pittsburgh Family and Newborn photographer that specializes in creating keepsake films for families.
Tell us about the kind of photography & films you create
Photography started as a hobby, grew into a passion and is now so much more. My love and passion for photography grew exponentially when I came across the world of filmmaking. When I realized I could capture little voices, tiny interactions and see my children in motion, I knew this was something special that had to be shared. I launched my business so that I could share these films with other families.
I am a lifestyle photographer and filmmaker. I love capturing the little in-between moments that help tell a story. It's always the small stuff that tends to fade in our memories so I try to record those. I specialize in families and newborns. I prefer a very classic and timeless edit and I often gravitate towards color and light when I'm picking my favorite images or clips.
How did you first get started in photography?
I was the typical mom with a camera. I learned photography when my daughter was born and very quickly grew to love it. A few years ago I began working with families here and there. It was at that time that a good friend asked me to photograph the birth of her son and maybe "record a little video too". I was so honored with the opportunity that I went all in studying birth photography. In my research, I came across Courtney Holmes's work and was introduced to the world of filmmaking for families. My mind was blown - and my world was changed.
What made you decide to learn video? What was your motivation?
After discovering Courtney’s films & family filmmaking while researching for the birth, I purchased Courtney’s Creative Live class, signed up for my first keepsake challenge and within 9 days I had my very first family film done.
I was moved with emotion watching some of Courtney’s films but when I watched my own family...I knew this was going to be a life-changer for me. I know that sounds dramatic but I was hooked! I was able to create a beautiful birth story for my friend that still brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it.
Family Films were brand new to Pittsburgh and as a marketer (in my corporate life) I knew I wanted to be the first person to offer them in Pittsburgh. I launched my business just a few short months later specializing in films. When I say filmmaking was a life changer for me -- I really mean it! I had a very promising first 6 months in business and made a big life decision to walk away from my corporate job to pursue photography full time.
Just recently I decided to bring together my love for photography and my love for marketing. I created a free resource for professional photographers (www.danielleblewitt.com). I share free weekly tips to help photographers market their business with confidence and clarity and really help them design a photography business they love.
What was your biggest challenge when you first started learning video and how did you overcome it?
Learning to hit and hold focus was the toughest obstacle when it came to shooting. I shoot pretty wide open when I'm taking photos but quickly realized I needed to shut down my aperture a little more for film. This was more forgiving in helping me hit my focus early on. I accepted that it was going to take time and practice to get used to manually focusing and it's still a learning process for me.
Did you find it a challenge to educate clients on the value of films, how were they first received by clients?
One of the biggest challenges was getting the films in front of people. They were all new in Pittsburgh and I often heard "I've never seen anything like this before" when I would share a film. As exciting as that was to hear, it also meant big hurdles in generating interest for something so new. I did a few strategic portfolio-building projects for a discount or free depending on the audience I thought I would reach. This was extremely helpful and from there I was able to not only build my portfolio, get the hands-on practice I needed but also reach a whole new audience.
As a mom of two little ones, I'm very passionate about these films personally. I know how much they mean to me so I find it really easy to talk about them with other families. Because films are pricey, I know they are not for everyone -- but there are families that do want them. I can only take on one or two films a month and that is about the rate at which I am currently booking them. For me, it's a perfect balance at the moment.
Tell us about your favourite film and why it's special to you
Oh my goodness this is a loaded question!! I love the first film I created. I went all in and bought the most emotional song, shot the film over the Easter holiday and perhaps the nostalgia of it makes it one of my favorites. I remember editing the film and I was only 15 seconds in before it would bring me to tears. I had to walk away and take a break from editing because it was making me so emotional! I knew at that point how special these films would be to me. This was my first film though so the clips do not change on the beat, I missed focus for most of the film and just made all sorts of rookie mistakes but it is still so special to me. {See the film below}
Once I got a little better technically, I love a film I did over a family vacation last summer. I usually make a few personal family films each season to document life. I really enjoy watching this film particularly because it brings back all the memories as I recall them from our vacation. I feel like I'm back in the moment when I watch this and I hope it does the same for my kids.
Professionally speaking, I have a few favorites as well (shocking!). The full birth story that was shot over multiple sessions is very special and powerful although it was only the 2nd film I ever did so it has its share of rookie mistakes too!
I was also invited by a family to document their IVF journey to have their 2nd child. Their story was amazing and still gives me chills. This film challenged me to document what was happening but also tell a bigger story. I shot the film over multiple sessions that spanned 6 months. I had to combine both current footage along with home videos and pictures that the mom has saved from years ago. The story was powerful and emotional and had an amazing ending. I titled it "A Story of Hope" and it truly was that. {See the film above}
What is your best piece of advice for those just getting started with films?
Invest the time you need in practicing. Learning to stabilize, focus, edit and more takes a lot of time. The only real way to get better is by practicing over and over again.
Do not get discouraged and do not compare yourself to someone else that is further along in their journey. Use their films as inspiration instead. And I love when Courtney says "progress over perfection." I use this tip for so many things in life because it is really true!
See more of Danielle’s work via her website - www.danielleblewittphotography.com - and social media - IG: @danielleblewittphotography. You can also check out Danielle’s education for photographers here -www.danielleblewitt.com/.
