Hi Deni, it’s so lovely talking to you! First of all, could you introduce yourself to our readers? Who are you, where do you come from, where do you live now? Tell us a little bit about your personal background!
I’m Deni Storm (@denstorm on IG). I grew up in Arizona and California, and moved to a charming little town in Wisconsin in 2002. I have 4 kids, 3 cats, a sweet pup and too many plants to count.
What do you do for a living? When did you discover photography for yourself?
I fell in love with photography in college, and never really looked back. Now I’m a portrait photographer with my own studio, specializing in high school seniors, families, and headshots. I also host workshops where I teach people to use their cameras and take great, creative photos. I feel so lucky to be able to work and play in a medium that I love.
You seem to like giving objects new life by reimagining them which make your pictures so colorful and fun to look at! How did you develop your style?
I committed to taking and posting a photo every single day and kept up with that for several years. That gave me the opportunity to experiment and find my voice in my photos. I play around with objects and try to see what else they look like. Mostly, I try to make myself laugh. I figure if I’m smiling, others will, too!
What inspires you and why?
Oh gosh. So much. Sometimes it’s something silly my kids say, or some little joke I think of, or the shape of a fruit at the grocery store. And, of course, I’m so inspired by the great variety of talent on Instagram.
Can you tell us something about your creation process? How do you come up with your ideas? How do you edit your pictures?
I just play. I try to make whatever I’m working with interesting or amusing. If it makes me laugh, then I go with it. I also love to create projects. Every December I have a Christmas tree project (#my_month_of_holiday_cheer), in February, it’s hearts (#my_month_of_love_songs), and I also have a #magic_tap series where anything can come out of a faucet. My editing process is pretty simple... I edit my photos first in Lightroom—to clean them up and crop them—then I finish them in VSCO, to punch up the colors.
What do you like most when working with inanimate objects?
I love that they can be anything! Just about everything can have beauty and be interesting.
How and why did you start using Instagram as a platform to share your photography?
I saw a prompt on a blog that I was following and thought “that sounds fun!”. I took a random photo of a chair and shadows. I got 12 likes and thought that was amazing! My photos could get visibility, and I was able to get feedback to see what was working and what wasn’t. Then I found groups that put up daily prompts and I was hooked.
Are there any special messages you try to convey through your pictures?
Every one of my photos starts with an idea or concept. I try to keep things current and positive. Mostly, I like to make people laugh or think.
Do you have a favorite photograph which you have created and shared? Can you tell us the story behind it?
My daughter has fabulous red hair, and it’s a great prop. One time I was playing with it and it started to look like a tree. So, I had her lay down on a blue background and I cut some little birds out of black paper and put them on the “branches”. It was simple and lovely, and it was her.
How do you feel about your Instagram community? Do they inspire you a lot? Have you been able to meet some people?
I love my Instagram community! I’m inspired by them daily! I have friends all over the world whom I never would have met if it weren’t for Instagram. I was also able to be a part of a mobile photography exhibit put on by Josh Johnson and @jjcommunity.
Could you name some of your favorite Instagrammers who inspire you?
I’ve done some fun collaborations with @j9mcc. @picturingjuj always makes me smile, as does @hanni.baumgardner. And I’m always amazed by the perfect designs of @kmsalvagedesign!
Do you like sending and receiving postcards?
Who doesn’t?! Postcards are a perfect way to brighten someone’s day!
Did you know Pickmotion before we started our collaboration? If yes, how did you become aware of us?
I hadn’t heard of Pickmotion until you reached out to me. It’s been a wonderful collaboration to be a part of!
Would you like to share a little story or anecdote with us? Feel free to tell us anything!
I’m sure living with a conceptual photographer can’t be easy. You never know what you will find...bugs, paint, honey on everything, and googly eyes everywhere! I’m so grateful my family is accommodating. They have been painted and have had countless things stuck to their faces. I couldn’t make all of these images without their support!
Don't these pictures make you smile too? Share the happiness with your loved ones and find these and even more fun motifs by @denstorm in our online shop.
