Photographer Danielle Webster

Our series Talk Shop is a career and style profile featuring personalities from various industries. They are shot on location in Cherry Creek sometimes wearing clothing from stores in the area. Esther Lee Leach interviews Danielle Webster in Cherry Creek. Danielle wears clothing from her closet.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ESTHER LEE LEACH

Esther Lee Leach: Tell us about how you made your way to Denver?

Danielle Webster: I grew up in Texas, raised on oldies and hip-hop, and was ingrained with a deep passion for travel. I graduated from UNT with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and Photography and Marketing. I spent a few years moving around until I landed in Denver.

ELL: How did you become a photographer?

DW: Actually it was a combination of pop culture and curiosity in upcoming technology . I was 16 and my best friend at the time took me to Walmart at 9pm to buy our first matching digital cameras (only 3 MGP) and I started experimenting with conceptual photoshoots with my sister. At the time ‘America’s Next Top Model’ was in its first few seasons, so my sister and I would put together photoshoots in which she would do the makeup and outfit, and I would style and photograph. I also took senior portraits for kids in school, as well as photos to use for Myspace (lol). I didn’t really know what to study in college but everyone told me I had a knack for photography so that’s what I did.

ELL: How would you describe your style?

DW: I’d say my style is full of feeling and color. It’s raw, evokes emotion, and has a vintage quality about it.

ELL: You love shopping in vintage stores. Any advice for finding great pieces?

DW: It definitely helps to go out with an idea of the look you’re trying to create so that you’re not overwhelmed, or buy everything you see. I also like to try stores a little outside the city that might have more selection and not as picked through.

ELL: Where do you find your style inspiration?

DW: I get inspiration from the music I listen to, my closest most fashionable friends, inspiring trends from the past, and from my own brand.

ELL: Who are your favorite photographers?

DW: I love William Eggleston, a 70’s ‘Americana’ photographer who had a knack for shooting in the moment, and capturing natural color schemes. I also love Corrine Day.

ELL: What are your three favorite places to shop for clothing in Denver?

DW: Good Will, Goldmine Vintage, and the internet.

ELL: Do you think Denver has a style language like New York or Paris? What is it?

DW: I think Denver is definitely starting to develop a style. I see a lot of yoga pants, plaid shirts, and overall ‘hiking chic’ happening; and I’d lie if I said it doesn’t catch up to all of us sometimes. However, as a person who’s lived elsewhere and has seen the city’s fashion  evolve, I think Denver is elevating itself. We are incorporating more upscale, fun statement pieces while still keeping an overall casual look. Queen city also loves it’s color.

ELL: What are your five favorite pieces from your closet?

DW: Ideally I’d say all my favorite pieces are among my earrings and rings because I am a jewelry queen, but a good pair of gold hoops should be any woman’s staple piece. I have a blue velvet dress that I got on my 27th birthday and it’s done me well. In the winter I have a pink, fuzzy sweater that goes with anything and everything and I abuse that fact. My sequin shirt(s) are not only a staple of my closet, but my personality: if it’s not shiny AF it’s not enough. Last, but certainly not least, my Wu Tang shirt –‘nuff said.

ELL: Do you have any items in your closet that you regret buying? Why?

DW: “Buyer’s remorse? Oh God no! Nothing like that.” – Clueless 

Danielle Webster: @electriclady_shoots

In this week’s 24 Questions, Danielle Webster gets personal.