Dina Konovalov

Photographer/Creative Director/Coach

www.dinakphotography.com

5 years

My studio is in Norwood, Ma and I also travel to jobs as needed. I love my space in a beautiful old mill and can't get enough of open space and amazing natural light I have access to. My studio is truly filled with my creative energy and is my second home.

I've been a photographer for over 20 years now and one of the few that actually went to college to become one. Although I did a lot of side gigs and jobs when starting out, I always knew and worked hard towards making photography my main business. Today I specialize in commercial, personal brand and fashion photography.

My definition of success keeps re-inventing or re-written as I grow older and (hopefully) wiser. Today, I feel that having respect and confidence in yourself and what you do is one of the most important signs that you're getting there. If you value yourself and your work, clients will too. That leads to trust and more quality work. I also believe that success is not only defined by what you do but who you are to others around you. If I can be my best version for my kids, family, friends and clients and share positive energy - I feel accomplished.

As an artist with no business training, it took lots of trial and error to understand how to structure my business while still staying creative. On a personal level, I've been living with Chron's disease for over 12 years now and there is not one week where I don't have to think or deal with my condition but I never let it show, ruin my work or let down my clients.

There were times in my business where I had to deal with recession, closing down a business with a partner that was toxic, starting from scratch few times and more. When sh*t hits the fan, I like to take a pause to re-compose and then get pro-active. I hate sitting there waiting to stuff to happen. If you want anything in life, you have to make it yourself. Doing, always makes me feel better and, eventually, pays off and takes you back to good days.

It can get lonely as an entrepreneur to run a business by yourself. Having a group of supportive women who are also a great resource and understand the struggles, is huge. In BBW group I feel understood, seen and heard. I love meeting people face-to-face too so having intimate dinner opportunities to do so is amazing!

By now, I have a few 'covers' under my photographic belt and it feels amazing each time BUT you never forget your first. Seeing your work in a main magazine and/or on a cover - is each photographer's little success story.

I'm the girl you'll find at the rock concert trying to get to the first row while dancing unapologetically . I am also a ``Jewish mother`` to amazing two boys with deep family values. I love art, theater and have been on stage numerous times while fighting stage fright. I love to gather family and friends and plan fun parties. Traveling and Cape Cod and David Beckham are my weakness. I'm very passionate about things I believe in and like to question things I don't. I say it like it is and hate fake talk, friends and filters. I'm an introvert and only let a few close friends really close to me. I love my job and changing people's perspective while lifting them up. I stay authentic 100% of the time and value same in people.

I listen. Besides perfecting my posing and lighting skills, I have a gift of making people feel at ease and that lets me capture not only what the person looks like but their ESSENCE and WHO they are. I've proven countless people wrong who thought they were not photogenic and gave confidence to (thousands?) clients which brought them success.

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