Meet Danielle Uhl, Photographer of Underexposed® | Colorado Photographer
It all started with a pin-hole, handmade camera…
Who would have thought that over 18 years later, I’d have an 11-year old business that’s taken me globally and (I’m sure at this point) hundreds-of-thousands of photos later?
I’m Danielle — Photographer & Owner of Underexposed®
Whether you’re new to me or you’ve been in front of my lens before, I want to re-introduce myself and what Underexposed® is all about.
I’m not just another photographer — and it’s not just another pretty picture.
Let’s dive in!
Where It All Started
At 16, I remember walking into my Photography 101 classroom for the first time — a wiff of chemicals hit me as I swung the door open. The table tops were slightly sticky, as were the floors. It took me a solid minute to realize my teacher, as she was propped up, sitting on the counter, one leg folded underneath her as she talked with, I assume, were my fellow classmates. This wasn’t a regular classroom — it was a studio, and the artist was in fact, my teacher.
Before we even touched our new-to-us cameras or boxes of film, she had us hand-make our own cameras.
‘You can make a camera?!” I wondered silently.
I remember so vividly taking my newly made pinhole camera outside the side-entrance of our school. I didn’t go out front, or where ever it was that all of my classmates went — it was just me and this contraption of a “camera,” and instructions to capture our first picture.
It wasn’t until developing this first image, it hit me. I couldn’t believe how a box with some tape, paper, and photopaper could actually take a photo!
To fast-forward, let’s just say that, after that day, there were many other lunches and classes ditched to spend more lost-time in the darkroom with my iPod shuffle in my ears, burning, dodging, and developing for days! I was hooked.
Learn more about How to Make a Pinhole Camera here - wikiHow. (Not my photo.)
Starting Underexposed® Photography
Multiple photography classes, business school, and my first digital camera that traveled with me everywhere, little did I know, this was just the beginning.
One afternoon, while editing some photos of a hike I enjoyed by myself early that morning, I had a crazy idea pop into my head…
What if I started a photography business and did this more? Clearly I love doing this — the past two hours served as proof as I edited without even realizing any time had gone by.
So, as any good millenial would do, I hopped on Facebook and shared a post about my crazy idea.
Showered with support, I decided to go for it! Within a few days, I had my first client.
The name came to me easily — honestly, I don’t know how it happened. So much of my work through my photography classes, I focused on capturing unique perspectives and angles, real moments, and compelling images that felt like the had a secret. I wanted to “Expose the Underexposed.”
And so the name (and company) was born.
Underexposed® Photography
Over the past 11 years, I’ve had the honor of photographing nearly every type of photography — families, seniors, babies and maternity, weddings and events, branding and headshots, concert and performance, boudoir, cosplay, empowerment sessions, ashes release ceremonies and memorials, pets, real estate, and probably more I’m forgetting. And I’m so grateful for using my creative passion to document the memories for my incredible clients over the years!
While based as a Colorado Photographer, I’ve also photographed sessions in California, Illinois, Iowa, and Wyoming. In 2018, I was also hired to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada and Helsinki, Finland to photograph the Karaoke World Championship National USA Finals and World Finals, featuring singers from 20 countries.
Today, while I still shoot a little bit of everything, Underexposed® specializes in Branding & Event Photography, especially in tricky low-light settings — this is where we thrive!
Giving Back
Underexposed® is way more than just pretty pictures. We’re here to do good where we can and give back to our community.
For the past three years, Underexposed® has volunteered to photograph National Adoption Day with Arapahoe County. National Adoption Day celebrates how courts and communities come together to finalize thousands of adoptions of children in the foster care system all over the U.S.
In 2024, Underexposed® became an official Foster Friendly Business through Colorado Kids Belong, providing families in the foster community discounted sessions.
In 2023, Underexposed® joined the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce as an official ally member. We are proud to be an LGBTQ Ally, welcoming and supporting all identities, cultures, abilities, and genders. We also partner with the Center on Colfax to be a part of their official Resource Directory for the LGBTQ community.
Underexposed® has also donated photography sessions and volunteered services for multiple causes and organizations over the years, including Drifter’s Hearts of Hope, local Schools, and various fundraisers.
Get to Know Your Photographer
Now for the fun stuff!
I am not the photographer who shoots 100+ weddings or 200+ sessions per year — I am selective with my clients, shoots, and creativity. Weddings especially, are limited to no more than 5 per year, because of how I want to dedicate my time and creativity to capturing them and their unique story — not just another wedding.
Online Business Management & Strategies
In addition to photography (in tandem with business and branding photography), I also have another business, Online Business Management & Strategies, where I help support small businesses with coaching, services, and tools to help start and grow their business! (This is perfect for the solo-entrepreneur who needs photos and a website to launch their business, and a bit of coaching while we work together — like a one-stop-shop!)
I’m the wife of a talented, full-time musician, Scott Uhl (check out his infamous YouTube Channel) and fur-mama to our two doggies (Caley and Zoey) and three turtles (Zeus, Hercules, and Poseidon). My little family is the light of my life — and we are possibly the most creative household you know!
My little family!
I’m also a professional singer — I like to call my alter-ego-by-night. I’ve gotten to play multiple events, weddings, parties, as well as travel to SO MANY cool places to sing and perform, including Vegas, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Wyoming, New Mexico, Cancun, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos, the Bahamas, and more.
Coffee and chocolate are my love language.
I love to travel and explore new places.
Yes, I’m tall — I’m 6’1".
In my free time, I enjoy writing, painting, cooking, cuddling with our puppies, and gardening (in the Summer at least).
What I'm Loving Right Now
I still love and shoot with my trusted Nikon D750s — I tried mirrorless and it just can’t compare yet!
Highly enjoying Writing & Reading on Substack (seriously, F*** social media) — follow me here.
My new weighted blanket — If you need me, that’s where I’ll be!
I’m retraining myself to live more slowly — check out this book, Slow Productivity.
I neeeeeeeeed my daily dose of sunshine — otherwise I get grumpy, just ask my husband.
This year, in addition to my clients, my goal is to take more photos for me — for fun and of our little family memories! (Like these ones below of our girls swimming!)
This is Zoey — aka our little Princess
This is Caley — aka the best begger you’ll ever meet
Ready to Book Your Photography Session?
If you’re ready to book your photography session, let’s chat!
Whether you’re a…
High School Senior in Denver graduating,
Parent wanting to document Family Portraits,
Couple announcing an Engagement,
Couple celebrating an upcoming Wedding or Elopement,
Someone commemorating a special Event,
Small Business Owner or Professional looking for Branding Photography
Together, we’ll design a custom photography session to fit YOU!
Do you have a location in mind or click here if you need photoshoot location ideas.
Underexposed® is proud to be an LGBTQ Ally and Foster Friendly Business, so all identities, cultures, abilities & genders are welcome and supported.
Disclaimer: This newsletter contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my coffee drinking or camera toy fund if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra. It’s a win for everyone, really.
