Name: Dan Hawk
Current Job: Dan Hawk Photography, LLC
Current Place: Portland, Oregon
Hometown: A small town in Southern Oregon called Myrtle Point
Age: 45
What I wanted to be when I grew up: A Fighter Pilot
College degree: BS in Music from Western Oregon University
What do you love about what you do?
In previous careers, I was either selling a product or service that was intended to fit a lot of different types for customers, which meant it wasn’t the perfect fit for most. When I started my photography career, that was one thing I decided I would leave behind and as a result, every client gets a product that is custom to tailored to their needs.
What is the biggest challenge?
Marketing and networking require very different skills sets than creating photographs. It’s a tricky balance to swap between these two jobs.
Have you ever lost a job?
Not really. I’ve parted ways with a couple different employers when the fit wasn’t right though.
What motivates you?
There’s definitely a connection for me in seeing ideas communicated clearly. Making photo that help tell a story and create new connections is a big motivator for me.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I think the standard answer is usually related to some missed opportunity, but that’s just an exercise in hindsight and what-ifs. Instead, I would tell myself to stop looking for the easy way to get ahead. The way you become someone who is wise is by doing the hard work.
Connect with dan@danhawk.com.