Today we’d like to introduce you to Domenica Ripa.
Hi Domenica; please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I created my love of photography by documenting parts of my life growing up that others took for granted. I was the friend or family member who captured moments of Sunday dinner or small-town adventures with friends. These photographs are so important to me because of how drastically my life has changed. I moved 13 hours away from that small town I once called home. I grieved the loss of family members that I loved so very much. I’ve grown up with friends who became sisters and watched them get married. Relieving a treasured moment is a blessing, which was why I started D.R.Photos.
I went to college at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina and studied film and digital photography. I spent hours in the darkroom developing my images and watching the magic appear in front of my eyes. This sparked a drive that I didn’t even know I had! This is where I focused on how to shoot and what makes an image memorable. I had to present my senior showcase within my photography class to graduate in my senior year. I decided to capture what I go through as a woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. I was extremely vulnerable, but I told my story and educated the class with a collection of images that I took to help other women battling the same disease. The room was silent while viewing my images; some people were even emotional. This was when I realized I could have an impactful voice with my art. I then started creating other fine art collections that would help others not feel as alone and boost self-esteem.
Fast forward to 2020- The pandemic hit, and I lost my job due to budget cuts. I was stuck. I had no idea what to do with my life. With my free time, I decided to dust off my camera, which has not been used since graduating college in 2017 and started fueling my passion again. I began to feel like I had a purpose that I didn’t have before. I started my business during the pandemic and slowly but surely learned the business and improved my skills. I showed up every day and worked hard to become better than I was yesterday. I would watch YouTube videos, reach out to other photographers, study the business/marketing aspect, and practice as much as possible. Word of mouth became my best friend, and I started capturing families on vacation and senior photos. From there, I do all different types of photography. I am a small business today, as it is just me, but I am excited for the journey ahead with D.R.Photos!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have had many struggles with D.R.Photos that I have faced along the way. The hardest one I have overcome would be comparing myself to other photographers by looking through social media. I have learned that social media should be used with intent. To learn more poses, gain inspiration, and follow other photographers for help. Never to be used as a weapon against our art. This is where comparison starts, and self-doubt lives. When other photographers come across my page, they aren’t intimidated but inspired.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets me apart is that I love capturing important moments in others’ lives and creating art where I can express myself. I have a bold, contrasty style that captures emotions, not just poses. I love connecting with my clients and their families while highlighting the elements that make them unique. When you look at my photos, you don’t just see a pretty face; you see an entire personality.
I am proud of my concept body of work on PCOS because I have helped many women understand that they are not alone. “Internal Cycle” is a body of work representing women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and the constant battles associated with the disease. As a woman, I have struggled significantly with the acceptance of having this disease and feared the way it has shaped me as a person. We live in a society where we rely heavily on gender beauty norms that constantly shape our view of what makes a woman’s body beautiful. Having PCOS, I am out of the beauty range because the symptoms include hair loss, facial hair, bloating, weight gain, severe anxiety, and infertility. I used myself as the subject to “glorify” and define a natural beauty that shows me in my most vulnerable state. Throughout the series, I explore symbolism and femininity to communicate and encompass the female identity and what is stripped from my daily life as a woman.
What were you like growing up?
I am originally from a small town in Upstate New York, where I became obsessed with everything Harry Potter-related and delicious pizza! I may be a bit quirky, but I am the most caring person ever. Growing up reticent and shy, my parents enrolled me in cheerleading. Little did they know I would stick with it till I graduated High School and joined an All-Star team. This is where I met my best friends, who turned into family. My favorite pastime was enjoying a Horror film at the movie theatre. I am a scary movie buff, and I think that’s why I love doing my styled Halloween shoots. I would have my 2 best friends sleep over almost every weekend and have bonfires, pool days, and lots of family time. I come from a large Italian family. I grew up with my grandparents down the street from me and a handful of cousins in the same area. We would spend every Sunday dinner together as a family. My dad made his homemade sauce, and we spent the entire day together. I would take photos of my cousins and grandparents when we were together to keep these memories alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: drphotosmb.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.r._photo_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/d.r.photosphotography/
Image Credits
D.R.Photos
