My Journey: From UK IT Desk to Czech Portrait Mastery
In March 2013, I followed a daring dream: leaving a secure IT job in London to chase portrait photography in the Czech Republic as an Englishman without the language or a safety net. It was a leap of faith, but deep down, it felt like destiny calling. With my wife Eva as my voice and our 3 month old daughter Amy as my inspiration, I let my passion and images speak for me.
“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” – Napoleon Hill
No backups, no Plan B I poured my soul into mastering light, colors, styling, and authentic connections. Practicing on Amy, we styled shoots that anchored my emerging vision. By month six, clients flooded in, leading to our first studio; by year’s end, over 120 sessions. My excitement shone through every shoot, bridging language barriers and turning strangers into loyal fans.
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair
Through 13 years of triumphs and trials pandemics, economic storms, and cultural shifts I’ve forged a resilient system: efficient, creative, and foolproof for delivering breathtaking results time after time. This isn’t just survival; it’s thriving on pure passion.
“I think good dreaming is what leads to good photographs.” – Wayne Miller
If I can build an empire from scratch in a foreign land, imagine what you can achieve with your vision. Let’s ignite yours together. Daniel Venter
Clifton Yaney –
Great tutorial! Of the 90 minute lesson, the first third is about everything that happens before the first shot is taken: Location, how the surrounding features play a huge role in indirect lighting, some thoughts on posing and direction, lens choice (and the different characteristics of different lenses in the same situation), etc. Maybe the most complete tutorial he’s offered yet. Great job.
Cynthia Armstrong –
I have learned so much from each of Daniel’s tutorials I have watched. This one is just as amazing. I love that he shows the location and how the light works there , then goes to posing and then editing. All wonderful. Thank you Daniel.
Daniel Venter –
Hello Cynthia! Thank you so much for the amazing feedback! Did you nativate through the Posing section?
Cynthia Armstrong –
In response to your question, I watch every bit of the tutorials I have chosen so far , I take notes and sometimes I go back and watch a segment again if it pertains to a photo shoot I am doing. I will be doing a a photo shoot similar to this one this week, just not a vintage car. I will be looking for that “special light” situation to take the photos in. Thanks again.
Anne H –
I love learning from you and the process from start to finish.