Do you have a passion for photography?

Or would you like to be able to take high quality photos of your family?

Or maybe you just want to step up your Instagram game and learn how to take pictures that pop?

I get it.

This topic is really important to me because having knowledge of what makes a great photo

has actually helped me build my business and it's something I continue to take an interest

in.

My guest today is very talented and I really loved getting to work with her over the years.

Her name is Valerie Darling.

She is one of the country's top wedding photographers and also shoots lifestyle and fashion photos.

Her photography career actually stemmed from a passion for social activism.

At 24, she co-founded an art-based program for foster children in South Central LA and

it was during this time that she picked up a camera to document her work and she found

her calling.

She has recently launched her own agency, Darling Collective, consisting of a team of talented

associate photographers she's trained over the years.

She is also an educator who hosts photography workshop retreats.

Her work has been in S Weekly, Elle, Martha Stewart and more and today she's going to share

her best tips and tricks with you.

The way I like to shoot is very lifestyle.

I definitely want to get that Christmas card, clean, classic shot but I think it's really

important to capture what's naturally happening because as soon as you try to force, it's

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