Inspiring Conversations with Donnie Simmons of DASimmons Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donnie Simmons

Hi Donnie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Throughout my life, I have enjoyed photography. It has taken me outside to explore the amazing world around me. I grew up in the foothills of North Carolina and spent most of my childhood in the woods and on the rivers and lakes around my area. I have always had a restless spirit and knew there was way more to experience out there than in my little corner of North Carolina. So after high school, I enlisted in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic and spent the next 23 years in various parts of the world. Through the camera lens, I was able to meet many interesting people and see wonderful places I may not have otherwise. Eventually, in 2015, life brought me to Michigan, which is where I now call home.

Until two years ago I considered myself a hobbyist, taking mostly landscapes and street photos. Then in 2022, I took advantage of an opportunity to start doing real estate photography. Working as an Independent Contractor, with a Real Estate Photography Franchise here in Michigan allowed me to learn some of the ins and outs of this genre of photography. In June of this year, my bride Karyn and I decided to start working for ourselves and started our own photography business.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am grateful for the opportunity I had to work with the real estate photography franchise. However, if I had to do it again, I would not choose that route as a way into real estate photography. I would pursue a path of finding a person to work with and shadow outside of the area you are in. Going the Independent contractor with a franchise route, took away the freedom you have as a business owner. The franchise business was all about the number of photo gigs/jobs they could get, with no regard for travel distance or time frames between jobs. Needless to say, it was very hectic at times and I felt like a puppet on a string.

Owning your own business is both rewarding and frightening. It is now on our shoulders to create relationships with Real Estate agents and find jobs. But having the freedom to work with whom we choose and take the jobs we choose makes it all worth it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about DASimmons Photography?
At DASimmons Photography, we service Northwestern Lower Michigan, primarily in and around the Traverse City area.

We specialize in all aspects of real estate media; architecture, commercial, and residential. Incorporating certified drone work, social media reels, and videos into our list of services has greatly opened up potential opportunities. Our clients appreciate our eye for detail and our willingness to work with them to get the best images of their properties. We edit all photos and videos we capture in-house, so our clients receive quick turnaround on their shoots.

Even though it is my name on the business, it’s a team effort and this business only works with the assistance of my amazing bride. She brings talents to the table that I am lacking and works with the clients, giving suggestions and helping to arrange decor for the best possible images.

Even though real estate work is our primary business, we still really enjoy just getting out with our cameras, putting the drone in the air, and capturing the beauty of Northern Michigan.

What makes you happy?
Spending time with my wife, children, grandchildren, and family. Exploring Michigan and the land around us. Tending to our little homestead in Northern Michigan. Capturing the beauty around us with our cameras.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://dasimmonsphotography.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: @dasimmonsphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566325025839