As the poet Maya Angelou said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I believe this wholeheartedly and that’s why my goal is to create a safe space for you to feel comfortable during your photo session. I’m here to help you feel seen, heard, and valued throughout the process. If you’re nervous to be photographed, you’re not alone. I believe that a photo session is about so much more than just getting you to look good. It's about helping you to feel good and creating an environment where I can capture images that truly reflect who you are. My sessions are laid-back and fun. You’ll get incredible images and I’m here to guide you along the way!
My deepest passion lies in portrait photography. I also love capturing special moments for couples and families and I offer packages for headshots, corporate events, and behind-the-scenes work.
I'm a Denver native, however, Nashville stole my heart in 2011 when my husband and I moved here with our sweet fur-baby, Daisy, to pursue creative lifestyles. I'm a sucker for a sense of humor and believe life is better when we work together.
I would be so pleased to discuss how we can bring your photography project to life!
Thank you for considering a session with me!
Testimonials
(...cue Serious blushing!)
“It’s always special when Danielle Shields gets a chance to work with clients on a lifestyle photo shoot. They invite her into their lives to capture intimate moments with family and friends. Shields makes personal connections with her clients to build comfort. It’s the secret to how her pictures always highlight authentic moments and emotions between her subjects. Her sessions are always laid-back so that you won’t be nervous and can be your natural self. Each photo shoot is a collaborative effort. Shields brings lots of creative ideas and listens to the clients on the kinds of shots they want. As a result, she always brings out the best in her clients.”
“Danielle Shields understands the need to switch up tactics depending on the image you’re trying to convey. To that end, she might allow for a little blur along the edge of a picture or drag the shutter a bit to suggest a sense of motion or mystery. She might give a photo a stark black-and-white treatment when she wants to draw out the rawness of the subject. Or, perhaps she’ll utilize in-vogue color choices and post-processing techniques when she needs things to look more current and fashionable. She’s an all-around talent with a formidable adaptability, which makes her one of the best Nashville portrait photographers.”
“Danielle is amazing. She makes it fun to have your picture taken. She listens to your vision and what you want to come across on camera and then she makes it happen. Her COVID-19 precautions made me feel safe while filming outdoors. She asked for permission before making adjustments. As a darker skin Black woman, I am often worried how a photographer will capture me on camera. I did not have to worry with Danielle. She made sure that I was seen beautifully. No lightening issues. No looking like a shadow. I looked like a million bucks. She took her time to get it right. I am very impressed with my photos. I cannot wait to use them. Book Danielle and you will not regret it.”
~Jackie D.
"Danielle is extraordinarily easy to work with and she has a positive energy that is contagious. She is so fun and makes you feel incredibly at ease. Danielle took professional head shots for me, as well as our engagement photos. She has a way of navigating the "shoot" without making you feel like you are taking pictures...it's natural, it's easy, it's fun. And of course, as any good photographer does, she has an eye to capture the moments you want to remember without being intrusive.”
~ Candace W.
"Danielle was an absolute dream to work with! As a former therapist, she just gets it--the insecurities, body image issues, and general awkwardness of having another human being take photographs of you. She made the entire process super fun! And I love how she captured my personality in her shots."
~ Kate D.
"Danielle has been my go-to photographer for over two years. She has such a great eye and always surprises me with her ability to capture the true essence of the person or subject matter in her photos. Her ability to make me feel comfortable in front of the camera is a true gift."
~ Sarah S.
"Incredibly talented photographer with a fun-loving personality! Danielle makes you feel so comfortable and beautiful in photo sessions and always finds the best places to shoot! You'll not only be more than pleased with your photos, but you'll have a blast shooting with her. She makes you feel like her best friend!"
~ Anne B.
"We had an incredible experience with Danielle when she came to take our family photo. We are a HUGE group of 18 family members, with ages ranging from 2 to 65 yrs old. Danielle was engaging and made everyone feel very comfortable and kept things running smoothly, despite the token toddler meltdown by my niece. Not an easy feat, I assure you."
~ Stephanie M.
"Danielle is a warm, talented professional who will put you at ease. She has a natural gift for finding your best assets, a unique perspective, and the perfect shot- all while she makes you feel like an old friend. Danielle went ABOVE AND BEYOND to capture all that I had in mind for my artist photos AND surprised me with her own innovative concepts. Even before I received the proofs- I felt SURE I'd made a good decision to hire Danielle because she made me feel so confident, seen, heard, and validated. ....And THEN the gorgeous photos came! I immediately purchased a gift certificate for my co-writer to get studio shots with Danielle, too. (Which he also loved.) Couldn't be more pleased with this investment."
~Sara T.
Danielle’s care, passion and ability to help me see the beauty in myself will always be so powerful. During a time when it wasn't always easy for me to access it for myself, Danielle helped me see myself in an authentic, powerful, and beautiful light through her photos and I will always be so grateful for those gifts. Her vision and artistry during our times working together has been truly inspiring for me through my own journey of healing, self-love and self-acceptance!
~Michelle L.