A PHOTOGRAPHER who quit a career in the fitness industry to focus on his dream job is celebrating winning a national award.
Darren Powell, who gave up his managerial role to become a freelance photographer, recently picked up the Business Success Recognition Awards for Freelancer of the Year for his business Everybody Smile Photography during a ceremony celebrating entrepreneurial success.
Darren, who has lived in Warwick all his life, said: “I originally wanted something that would give me more flexible working, and just as importantly to have a job I was totally passionate about.
“Documentary photography was something I had always loved from doing lots of travelling, I had always been passionate about taking photos that would give me lots
of memories. So it made sense to follow that path. I much prefer delivering natural photos over staged ones, and this style of photography can be adapted to fit into weddings, families, events and corporate work. In fact more people now want a more natural approach to photography.”
Everybody Smile Photography saw a rise in demand for its Vlog My Wedding video service during lockdown which involved guests in the special day at a time when strict Covid restrictions meant they could not attend in person.
The newest part of the business was launched this year in the form of Darren’s Everybody Smile Photobooths.
The 46 year-old said: “This was added due to the popularity of photobooths but with a poor end product. We have found away to deliver professional standard photography through a bespoke design photobooth.”