I know that may make me sound flaky. Maybe you don’t believe that I actually walked out of a great job with amazing coworkers with nothing lined up, but– my friends– this was a long time coming and I did it once before. I’ve worked in the hedge fund world for the past ten years. I’ve filled many roles on the Operations team. I worked for the best of the best, companies that made a killing, had stable growth and the best of everything. Still, I was unhappy and unsatisfied. Year after year, I gave them my all, but I really wasn’t getting much back beyond a paycheck.
About a year ago, I had a plan. I was going to quit my job and start a photography business. I quickly chickened out of that! Let’s face it, photographers are a dime a dozen and I needed health benefits. It’s just me, no safety net to fall back on, so I talked myself into staying. My coworkers were amazing and a huge reason why I stayed as long as I did – 6 years! I voiced my unhappiness to my bosses, and they tried their hardest to get me to a good place. Still, I was unhappy. In late February, I had enough. I just couldn’t imagine doing this for one more second. The long commutes and the horrible weather just pushed me over the edge. As great as the hedge fund world is, it is also extremely demanding, and I just didn’t have any more to give. I can’t explain it, but I just couldn’t stay there for another second. I tried to talk myself out of resigning, and so did some of my friends, but it was like I was being pulled. I sat my bosses down and explained to them that I needed a change and I was willing to work with them to find a replacement as I searched for a new beginning.
Shortly after I handed in my resignation, my mother became ill with a life threatening infection. She was on a respirator, unresponsive and my entire world, as I knew it, was crashing down. How could this be happening? Working after resigning is always hard, but let’s just say that it was nearly impossible to work while my mom was in the hospital. I spent most of my time with her-trading shifts with my sisters and trying to give my Dad a much needed break (one he was reluctant to take). As they were administering the last rites to my mother, I just knew that she would make it out of all of this. I just had faith that this wasn’t it for her. I knew it the way I knew that I had to resign. It was a gut feeling she was going to be ok, she had to be. Maybe I was in denial. I couldn’t cry. I didn’t want to talk to anyone about it. I was clearly in survival mode.
A few days later she started to respond, and she has made a miraculous recovery. It was a long road filled with hospital stays and surgeries. I’ve spent the past few months helping her recovery on an 8am -6pm basis. She was my new job and one of the best jobs I ever had in my life. She is an amazing woman and an inspiration to many. While she was recovering, I decided that life is too short and I was going to take the chance on photography and chasing my own dream. I know that if it doesn’t work out, I have a great resume and will eventually get a job again. I know that is a bold statement and I hope I don’t have to eat my words! There are plenty of people out of work, overly qualified and still unemployed, but I just believe this will all work out.
This brings me here – to my new blog. I am so excited to officially launch DCP! I plan on focusing on newborns and young children. I really enjoy photographing the essence of children by capturing their spirit. My love is those un-posed shots that really capture your child. I’ve kept my pricing reasonable. I am also trying to be fair and give myself a real chance at being successful (I also need to pay my overhead expenses). I upgraded all my equipment in the past few months, and I’ve taken some workshops to brush up on my skills. I promise you this– I will do what I have always done in every job I had, I will give you everything I have!
Anyone who books a session in July will receive the following as part of my kick off: 10%off (prints only) and no print minimum!
If you just started your second trimester, please contact me to book your newborn session and receive a complimentary maternity mini-session free (location on Staten Island for maternity only). Newborn photos will be done in your home.
I am not currently taking Christmas appointments so check back in August for my Christmas special!
You can book your session by clicking on the Contact tab or emailing dcrowleyphotos@gmail.com. I will respond to all inquiries within 48hours.
xo,
Dana Crowley
PHOTOGRAPHER!!! (Don’t you love my new title? I do!!!)
Click on the Portfolio tab to see some more of my recent work! Here are my favorite little lovies.
Marisa says
Soooooooooooooooo excited for you mama! I am proud of you and can not wait to see you become the success you were meant to be!
Cynthia says
Congratulations!!! Live your dream and enjoy the ride!!
Cynthia says
Live your dream and enjoy the ride!!
Erica says
Dana (boss lady)..first I have to say you were my greatest boss while working at the hedge fund. How this just brought tears to my eyes, I learn something new about you all the time. I’m so excited for you. As I read this, I remembered every single moment when you worked like crazy. I’m so lost for words on how happy I am that you are following your dreams and are finally living for You! Best wishes. P.s..look forward on working with you again, Aspen is 7 months 🙂