Photography Info
Frequently Asked Questions
A short list of questions that Donjay is commonly asked about his photography.
What kind of camera gear do you use?
I've primarily been shooting with Sony cameras since around 2015. I've tried a bunch of their bodies and lenses over the years, with the my current key pieces being:
• Sony a9 body
• Sony G-Master 16-35mm lens
• Sonnar Zeiss 55mm lens
• Sony G-Master 100-400mm lens
My go-to setup is the Sony a9 with the 16-35mm G-Master lens. Those wide angles allow me to take in more of the background of the scene, which is conducive to my style. And the a9's processor is lightning fast, which reduces buffer times and ensures I don't miss a shot.
I'm a model, how can I arrange a shoot with you?
Feel free to reach out through the Contact form on my site, and don’t forget to include a link to your Instagram. While my schedule is pretty full, I'm always open to hearing from new people, even if I can't commit to every project. It never hurts to ask, and I look forward to connecting!
Do you do TFP (Trade For Print / Time For Pics)?
I often collaborate with models on a TFP basis when I feel inspired by a potential project. While I do have standard rates for my work, I'm always open to creating something unique when there's a great connection or artistic vision. For me, it's about creating meaningful art and building mutually rewarding partnerships.
Do you shoot senior portraits?
I used to photograph senior portraits years ago when I worked with a company that specialized in them. However, these days I’ve chosen to focus my work in other areas and no longer work with minors. So, in most cases, I won't be able to take on senior photo sessions.
Can I hire you to photograph my wedding?
While I’ve photographed a few weddings in the past, it's not a specialty I pursue. I believe it's best to leave weddings to photographers who are dedicated to capturing those moments. If you’re set on having me, please note that my rates will be significantly higher than most wedding photographers—around three times the going rate. That said, I recommend exploring some of the amazing professionals who focus specifically on weddings, as they’ll be better suited for the occasion.
Interview Questions & Answers
A small collection of questions that Donjay has been asked during various interviews.
How did your interest in photography begin?
My interest in photography began in high school, where I was immediately fascinated by the craft. I took photography electives and learned the basics of black-and-white film photography, including developing my own negatives. After school, I shot professionally for a while, doing senior portraits and school photos. However, it wasn’t until Instagram launched in 2010 that my creativity truly took off. Going on adventures with friends and exploring new areas gave me endless opportunities to experiment and refine my composition skills.
What would you say your own personal photography style is?
I like creating "scenes" with my photography that feel like single frames from a movie, and that prompt viewers to subconsciously imagine the rest of the story. The photo's narrative doesn’t have to be specific—it can simply evoke a mood or emotion—but I love when people find something in my photos that sparks their imagination. To achieve this, I often position the subject within the frame so they're surrounded by expansive skies or striking landscapes. This allows the environment and the model to share the spotlight, blending fashion and landscape photography, and creating dreamlike images.
Are there any photographers you look up to for inspiration?
I admire many photographers, but I’ve never intentionally tried to emulate any specific one. My inspiration comes more from artistic styles than individual photographers. For instance, Minimalism was a significant influence early on, and it’s still evident in my work today. I aim to keep my compositions clean, focusing on only the most essential elements in the frame.
Do other styles of art (such as music and dance) inspire your pictures in any way?
I’m naturally creative and curious, so I approach everything as art. I don’t directly draw inspiration from music for my photography, as I channel that energy into the music I create. However, dance definitely influences my work with models. Some of the most striking poses come from dance-like movements, and many of the models I work with have a dance background, bringing fluidity and grace to their poses and the overall shoot.
How do you prepare for a shoot? For example, when taking pictures in nature, how do you prepare for the different weather patterns that might take place?
When planning a shoot, I consider the direction of the sun, the time of day, and the natural backgrounds the location offers. I also ensure that the model brings clothing that complements the surroundings. However, my overall philosophy is to "show up and see what happens." Conditions often don’t go as planned, so I keep an open mind and aim to capture the most creative shots with whatever I’m presented with on the day of the shoot.
What tips do you have for beginner photographers?
Early on, I started shooting with just an iPhone, and I found that this limitation in gear was actually a great advantage. It pushed me to focus on developing an eye for interesting compositions rather than getting caught up in technical details. My advice for beginner photographers is to take a similar approach: set aside the technical aspects for now and concentrate on finding unique ways to express your vision. Advanced gear and technical skills will come with time, but the most important thing at the start is training your eye to create compelling images.
Explore Donjay's Photography
Fine Art
People in Places
Minimalist Architecture
