Meet Diana Sciacca | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana Sciacca and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diana, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
At the beginning of my photography business, I had little to no work life balance. I was scheduling anywhere from 10-15 shoots a week. It feels crazy to admit to that amount, but it’s the truth. I was virtually dragging myself into the ground and didn’t really realize it until my health, both physical and mental, forced me to realize it. I was constantly stressed and anxious. Always trying to move things around in my schedule to accommodate new & old clients while neglecting myself along the way. I took every single opportunity that was offered to me. It was a whirlwind. I don’t regret the hustle, at all. I’m very grateful. It got me to where I am today, but it also taught me the very important lesson of rest:

If I can’t give the best version of myself to my clients, then what am I doing?

I remember this when I am spread thin. There are times where I fall into my old ways of nonstop hustling and grinding. And yes, there are still some days where I schedule 3 shoots in one day – we’re still a work in progress – but now, I know and require myself to include a few editing/post production days afterwards, in addition to my own down time.

I think a lot of people struggle with work/life balance. With social media, you see the best versions of everyone. How hard they work. How much money they’re making. All the new things they’re buying. Etc. Etc. It’s exhausting. You start to feel guilty for taking time away from your job, your craft. You begin to feel like you’re behind, or you’re not working hard enough. You feel selfish for taking an hour to work out or get a massage. But, as hard as it is as a perfectionist, I’ve learned to lean into this discomfort of slowing down, and truly getting the rest I crave to ensure I can give the absolute best to my clients and to my art.

It’s a necessity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve loved photography ever since I was a little girl. It’s always been my passion. Growing up, I never thought I could make a living by being a photographer, so I initially went into social media/marketing after college. I quickly learned that photography was not something I was willing to give up over another job. I knew I had to do whatever I could to make it my career. So I did!

I quit my social media job and dove head first into starting my own photography business. I shot everything from portraits, to food, to events. As I continued to shoot for my own clients, I looked for an additional, steady job as a photographer and that’s when I found Hale Productions. I learned so much during my time there. It was crucial to my growth as a photographer and business owner.

I pride myself in making time stand still for my clients. I want them to exude joy when they see the images I take of them. I want to bring them right back to the happiness or excitement or whatever it was they were feeling in that moment when I hit my shutter.

Being a photographer is actually my dream job, and I am so thankful to all my clients who have turned friends, for continuing to support me in my art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A few of my favorite things to do in San Diego:

– Get fish sandwiches to-go from El Pescador in La Jolla & enjoy them at Windansea.
– Hike Torrey Pines State Park
– Enjoy a night out for dinner in Little Italy: Little Italy Food Hall, Barbusa, Bencotto, Ironside.
– Explore other beaches like Santa Cruz Beach in OB, Scripps Pier, or Moonlight Beach in Encinitas
– Walk the boardwalk in Mission Beach with a breakfast burrito and coffee
– Explore the bars and shops in North Park: Pigment, ShopGood, 619 Spirits, Working Class, The Office, & so many more.
– Have a picnic at Morely Field/Bird Park or Balboa Park.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My therapist has been extremely supportive as I continue to work on my work/life balance. I’ve learned so much from my sessions, and I truly don’t think I’d be as mentally strong as I am today without the help of therapy.

My boyfriend, Cory, who continually supports and encourages me every. single. day. He has been such a rock for me day in and day out. He is always there to offer advice, listen, or encourage me to keep going.

My friend, Lorena, who is currently going through the struggles of a work/life balance. We’ve made a pact to include one weekly walk together to get away from our computers, work, emails, all of it, and be present with each other.

Website: www.dianarosephoto.com

Instagram: @dianarosephoto