Photographer Spotlight: D.J. Claxton Photography
September 23, 2024 • News
CJC: How did you get started with your photography business and how did that lead into the book cover industry?
DC: I’ve always loved photography. My dad always had a 35 mm film camera. It was just a hobby though. It wasn’t until my friend, Sandy Jones, got me hooked on reading again. I noticed the more I read, so many covers were exactly the same. Going to book signing events and seeing three and four different authors with the exact same covers. And then reading books where the character descriptions were different. It drove me crazy.
I picked up the camera, decided I would learn to take photos that told stories. I wanted to be able to give authors an alternative to the stock images available. The more I learned about photography, the more the “hobby” turned into a “business”; and it didn’t feel like work. It helps me to relax and enjoy. Photography is my creative space.
I met Jay Crownover and her PA, Melissa Shank, at a book signing. Melissa contacted me and asked if I could help them. They needed a custom photoshoot. I decided it was now or never, called a model that I had met, drove to Alabama, and took photos in 32 degrees in an abandoned office building. Jay and Melissa, both loved it. My first cover – Recovered – is still one of my favorites.
And I don’t just shoot for the book cover industry. I work with a lot of the fashion models from Florida, Colorado, Kentucky, Alabama, and here in Tennessee. I’ve been published in several magazines, and a photo of Tammie Smith (both a fashion and book cover model) was displayed on a New York City Billboard.
The models I have worked with are all unique and diverse, and I’m proud of each and every one of them.
CJC: Is there a photo shoot concept/theme you have never done and have always wanted to?
DC: SEVERAL! I would love to do a light-painting photoshoot – think Eric Pare; an underwater mermaid photoshoot – since I can’t swim, I’m still figuring out the logistics; and I love to do a slow shutter speed street photoshoot – I’m still learning!
I would LOVE to learn to work with a drone, and create videos to go with the photos. And I’d love to do a photoshoot in a closed prison. I’m thinking about contacting Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary to do a theme shoot.
CJC: Are there any business learnings you have acquired over the years that you wish you had known at the beginning? What advice would you give your former self?
DC: Business wise – contracts and releases! Whether it is with models or clients. You have got to be able to protect yourself.
Advice I would give to my former self – have self-confidence – in your work, in your voice, in your vision, in yourself! And don’t let someone tell you that you can’t do it. It doesn’t matter your age, do it!
When I first started, I was taking photos outside, with natural light. But the studio lights called to me. The creative lighting, the colors, the themes, controlling the light.
In Tennessee, the weather can be unpredictable. My husband helped me convert the garage into a semi-studio. And I love it! With my property, surrounding neighbors, the garage studio, and close by studios, I am able to work inside and outside with some fabulous backgrounds.
CJC: If you could travel anywhere in the world for a photo shoot, where would you go and why?
DC: New Zealand or Scotland – I love the castles. Can you imagine a beautiful fairy or fae in front of a castle? Or standing inside – a warrior with a sword? I tend to love to create photos with my wings, swords, and knives.
CJC: What is something most people don’t know or might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m pretty much an open book. I’ve been married to my love for 36 years. I grew up in a musical family, and married a musician. He’s old country, and I’m heavy metal. I’m the mother to two boys, and the grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren.
Photography will be my full-time when I retire.
CJC: When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your downtime?
DC: Downtime? What is that? Photography is my downtime. I work full-time as an HR Director, and it is stressful! If my photography paid me as much as my regular job, I’d quit – I won’t lie. I love my job, but photography is my career.
Honestly, me and my husband compare our calendar and try to plan small vacations. I love staying busy, it keeps my mind going.
And READING! A LOT OF READING!
CJC: Do you ever experience a creative block and how do you overcome it?
DC: Not necessarily a creative block, but if I feel stressed, and no scheduled models, I participate in a themed group shoot. Usually a small one – 5 or 6 photographers and 10 models. No pressure, new contacts, new locations, and creative themes.
CJC: What do you find to be the most rewarding and challenging part of your business and what hurdles have you overcome while striving towards your goals?
DC: Photography for me is fun, and I enjoy creating images that I feel like tell stories. And that is the secret. Every photo I take, I write a story in my head. My favorite line is “We’re going to try it, and if it doesn’t work, then it doesn’t work.”
I go to as many book signing events as I can, which I love because I’m always reading. I can’t tell you how much it makes me smile when I introduce myself to author, or a reader, or a model at a book event and they say “I know you!” or “I follow you”. I feel honored.
I think the hardest part of the business is getting my name out there. Being able to get my photos seen by authors who are willing to take a chance on me. This goes for attracting models to work with.
When I first started, I had no clue how to go about getting a model to work with me. Now, my galleries are growing, and I continue to meet some of the best models (men and women) in the business.
Another challenge for me, was finding my style. When I first started, I think I was trying to compare my work with others. I now have my own style. Most of the photos that I post, are straight from the camera, very little edits.
CJC: Are there any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
DC: This industry is one of the most open and loving industries there is. And I do feel like it is a family. I hope my photos bring people joy. I want them to be inspired if they see one of my photos. I want them to see a story in the photos.
I’ve met so many wonderful people in this book world, and I have learned so much – from writing (yes, Theresa Hissong, I am still writing that book), to photography. Thank you, Christopher, for supporting this industry. Your work is fantastic!
CJC: Thank you so much Donya for being available for this interview. I enjoyed getting to know you better during the process.
Stay up to date with all of Donya’s latest work here.
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