Michel | Washington, DC Lifestyle Photographer

Happy Wednesday beautiful people!

How have you guys been? I have been on the move this month and haven’t had a chance to check in! 

This has probably been my busiest Spring season ever and the Summer is kicking off with a bang as well, but I will be taking it easy come July :)

So… what do I have to share with you guys today? A beautiful session with my love Michel! I first met her last year when she booked a fall mini session. Things started out a little timidly as she expressed that she was nervous because she didn’t really take pictures, but by the end of the session she was so relaxed and radiant! It was absolutely beautiful.

I was really happy when she reached out this year for a full session to document her quarter of a century milestone :) Her goal was to do something completely natural and simple… she wanted the session to showcase self-acceptance. Accepting and loving herself just as she is. When she told me that I couldn’t wait to photograph her! I’d recently done a similar session with Andrew so I completely got where she was coming from.

The day of her session came and it turned out wonderfully. Michel has a beautiful spirit and I think these photos reflect that very nicely :)

If you’re interested in a session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me and schedule yours today! Currently booking: July & August 2014. 

Dorinne | Washington, DC Senior Photographer

And last but certainly not least today, we have my dear Dori.

I’ve known Dorinne for I don’t know how many years and it has been amazing watching her grow  and mature into a beautiful woman before my very eyes. I feel like an old lady saying this, but i’m not lol. Dori is one of my good girlfriends and is definitely like family to me so I was so happy to photograph this important occasion for her.

This lovely lady graduated from the University of Maryland- where I briefly attended back in 2006- but SHE graduated lol.

Check out my faves from her session! And prepare yourself because she is giving all types of natural fierceness- it’s like she doesn’t even try! She makes me sick lol.

If you’re interested in a session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me and schedule yours today! Currently booking: July & August 2014. 

Harriet | Washington, DC Senior Photographer

Next up? Harriet!

Harriet is actually Regina’s roommate and also a fellow Stephenson University graduate! She learned of Regina’s session with me and wanted to book one for herself! I love when things like that happen :)

We had a great time during her session! Here are a few of my faves:

Can I tell you how happy it made me that there was a green wall in the vicinity and her school color is green? Just made my day!

So pretty :)

I don’t officially offer design services anymore, but I do offer photo based designs from your photo session including announcements, invitations, and/or thank you cards. Here’s a look at Harriet’s graduation announcement design! 

If you’re interested in a session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me and schedule yours today! Currently booking: July & August 2014.

Regina | Washington, DC Senior Photographer

Happy Wednesday! Today is unofficially Senior Day on the blog because I have three lovely senior sessions to share with you :)

First up is Regina!

Regina’s sister Desiree has been a long time client of mine so I was super happy to work with Regina this time to take her senior pictures! 

Regina graduated last month from Stephenson University with a degree in Psychology and is ready to take on the world! 

Love this shot :)

Peace out school! Lol

So I don’t officially offer design services anymore, but I do offer photo based designs from your photo session including announcements, invitations, and/or thank you cards. Here’s a look at Regina’s double-sided graduation announcement design!

If you’re interested in a session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me and schedule yours today! Currently booking: July & August 2014.

Tips & Tricks? | Photography FAQ

A rare late night post :) I just posted this on Facebook, but then figured it should probably be on the blog so here it is.

Photo by Tosha Francis of The Captured Life

Often I’m asked if I have any photography tips and tricks to share… that’s kind of like asking a chef if they have any cooking tips to share. Yes, there are tips and tricks, but it’s SUCH a huge topic filled with so many nuances that this “tips and tricks” statement kind of gets to me lol. 

I know folks don’t mean any harm, but there are so many different ways to go about learning and perfecting YOUR photography that I never feel right indulging this statement. What level of understanding do you have of basic photography already? Do you understand what the exposure triangle is? Do you know why a DSLR is called a DSLR? Are you interested in taking better pictures or do you not know how to take pictures at all? I could tell you to always make sure you focus on the eyes, but what if you don’t want to pursue portrait photography? What if you want to get creative with your compositions and not focus on the eyes? What if you don’t even know how to use the focus points on your camera? What if your camera doesn’t have focus points?

Lol clearly you see there are a lot of facets to this thing and this hasn’t even scratched the surface! I love teaching, but I love teaching with direction. I don’t like talking just to talk. I like providing specific assistance and actionable steps that you can implement right away.

So I guess I say all this to say that although I would love to help everyone with their photography questions, it’s not always possible. I encourage every photographer that I mentor to be an advocate for their own education. Don’t wait for information to be handed to you. Research and try to find out things on your own. This is not to say that you shouldn’t ask for help when you need it, but don’t be so dependent on help and direction that you lose your own voice. Photography, just like any other artistic endeavor, is all about personal expression and the best photographers are those that are truly doing what they love. 

Just my 2 cents… or 3 ;)

-Danni