Hello!
My name is La Donna. I am a photographer who services central Pennsylvania and beyond.
I provide true to color, documentary style images that tell a story, frozen in time by my camera.
Below, you will find an in depth anecdote depicting the meaning behind the business name, as well as photos that showcase the history of my photo taking journey.
Hello there! I'm La Donna. The sole owner, operator, and photographer here at Darkes Documentary Company. Before I dive into the fun things, I hope you will allow me to be sappy for just a moment.
Darkes Documentary Co. is not just a photography service, but an embodiment of my heart, soul and passion. "Darkes" is the last name I've inherited from my high school sweetheart-turned-husband, Colton.
Darkes Documentary Co. holds so much in store, and more to come. From digital photography now, to hopefully film and instant prints one day soon.
I learned from a very young age that no matter what, time will pass. Whether we want it to or not, the days will come and go, memories will fade and what isn't remembered by those passing through can and will eventually vanish forever.
This concept hit me increasingly hard as the years passed that my father was not by my side. As I grew up, turning 8, 12, 16, then 18, having my first baby, turning 21, having my second baby... life pressed on. And, as each year passed, the ache of having such few physical memories of the short time I did have with my father deepened.
This concept holds true to anyone and anything, that time will pass. My desire to photograph people, events, nature... it all comes from a deep understanding that one day, photos will be all we have left. The deepest of emotions are felt when my clients experience their happiest days and I am there to capture all the best and most intimate moments.
I spent years upon years in search of what I was meant to do, who I was meant to be. That search nearly ended when I became a mom at just 20 years old to the sweetest baby girl. Well, I eventually began searching again. I knew what my two options were, but neither seemed to be real or beneficial enough to provide for me and my family. The dream seemed too far out of reach, either way.
As time went on, I went on, too. I gave birth to my son 19 months after my daughter, I moved back home, I picked up gardening and let photography take a step back. I was still using my camera, but much less. Hell, I had a newborn and 19 month old toddler to care for (as well as a garden, and a special little kitty named Skyla.)
I married the love of my life the month after my son was born. Six whole years of loving the same man endlessly turned into a lifelong promise (as if it wasn't to begin with.) But, life continued on, as it does so well.
Months passed, and my now husband was leaving for U.S. Navy basic training. I was alone, I was scared, I was not prepared. I only had my babies and support from my noticeably small circle of family and friends for the foreseeable future.
Though, I did still have my camera. I dusted her off and began to book free photoshoots to make what felt like a never-ending 3 month nightmare finally come to an end. I booked all kinds of sessions - fresh 48, maternity, portraits, hell I even photographed a WEDDING for free!
Eventually, my husband did return home. And, with his return home, soon after came my 23rd birthday. When he asked what I wanted for my birthday, I couldn't have asked for anything besides a new camera! With a new camera in one hand, and my husbands fingers intertwined in the other, I took the necessary steps to begin dedicating myself fully to this business.
I have been absolutely enthralled by photography for about 13 years. A photo of mine from around 2012 or 2013 can be seen above, though please forgive the cringe-worthy "watermark" and horrendous quality of this years old screenshot. I began photographing nature and my friends with just my phone, then I started exploring with my mom's Kodak EasyShare.
Regardless of my lack of knowledge when it came to operating the camera, I held onto that little guy for years. This photo was taken early one dewy morning in 2017, with the same camera from years past. No, I did not know what I was doing... but I was having fun.
Fastforward a few years to 2020, I was somehow turning 18! My eldest sister gifted me the best thing a girl like me could ask for... no, not a car, or even just a few hundred dollars. She handed me a box which held my first DSLR camera, a Canon 4000D. I remember loving that thing with all I had in me, and boy, did it help guide me through even my worst days. One of my favorite pictures to date can be seen above, which is surprising, given it is one of the very first photos I took with this camera.
Now, I used this camera nearly every day from the day I opened the box until I upgraded to a new camera body in December of 2024. That's a month shy of 5 years! I pride myself in knowing that this well loved camera has since been gifted to another aspiring photographer and dear friend of mine. Above is one of my last photos taken with this camera, and notably, one I am also very proud of.
Now, fast forward to December of 2024. My birthday was rapidly approaching, and my husband had been asking what I would want for my 23rd trip around the sun. How could I ask for anything other than a new camera? We went and toured our local Best Buy, and on a whim, bought me a Canon R10. This body was a whole new world to me. A mirrorless, crop sensor camera with super fast focus, lightweight feel and sleek design. An example of one of the first photo sessions I shot with said camera can be viewed above.
Well, after hyper-fixating on camera knowledge and know-how, just a few months later I was blessed enough to upgrade camera bodies again. I opted for the Canon R6 Mark II body with the same Canon 50mm F/1.8 lens that was originally purchased alongside my Canon R10.
An example of my first works with the Canon R6 Mark II can be viewed above.
My current setup is my DREAM setup! Canon R6 Mark II (thanks to the hubby,) and numerous lenses, namely a Tamron SP 24-70 F/2.8 (many thanks to my godmums Michelle & Nicole!)
Above is one of my most recent works, utilizing both an upgraded body and lens.