Hi, I'm
Danielle Colter
Hey there! I’m Danielle Colter, a photographer who believes that the best shots happen when you’re relaxed and in the moment. I love going with the flow, capturing the unexpected, and exploring new, fun ideas to create one-of-a-kind images. Whether it’s a spontaneous adventure or a quiet, thoughtful shoot, I’m all about making the experience as unique and laid-back as possible. If you’re looking for photos that feel as real and effortless as they are beautiful, I’m your person!
How it started
At just 19 years old, I was active duty in the US Army working as a helicopter mechanic and crew chief. I got married, had a baby, and deployed to Iraq all within 1.5 years of graduating high school.
Deploying was one of the hardest things I ever went through in my entire life. Why?
My baby, my firstborn, was only 7 month old when I left her.
When I came back a year later, my sweet girl didn't even know who I was.
She would cry as if I was a stranger. It took weeks for her to be comfortable with me holding her.
"My first camera was a deployment survival gift to myself"
Taking pictures of my baby helped heal our relationship and allowed me to focus on every detail of her growing up
From there it grew into taking pictures of my friends and family. I fell in love with trying to take pictures of how I saw the world. I was always trying to show different perspectives and finding interesting details that someone may not notice. My skills grew. My love grew.
And after a decade of hobby photography, I started my first official photography business.
TACOM Photography was my first business, established in 2021. At the time I really struggled with my confidence and worth. I didn't trust that I was "good enough" to be a paid photographer. And that is where the business name came from Take A Chance On Me Photography.
Since then I have learned SOOOO much about myself and about photography. I outgrew the business that started it all. But without that first leap of faith, I wouldn't be where I am today and TACOM Photography will always have a special place in my heart.
Colter & Co Photography and Events is a huge stepping stone for me and my business and allows me to mix so many things that I love- photography, people, fun, laughter, and socialization. And this is only just the beginning.
A little more about me...
- I'm a mom of 5 (with a 21 year age gap from oldest to youngest)
- We have 3 dogs, 2 cats and 9 backyard chickens
- I tell everyone I'm too young to drink coffee and beer but really I just don't like either ;)
- I'm very passionate about the environment, especially reducing plastic waste
- I don't like to read but love binging true crime TV shows
- I'm a night owl and don't like getting up early in the morning
- I dream of taking my work internationally and photographing all around the world
