Chicago Group Mentoring [July 17] | Washington, DC Photography Instructor

Next up for today? Chicago! :D

This one brings back so many great memories! Well not that all of my sessions don’t, but I especially loved this one because I got to work with my family :) My extended fam Kayla & Steve came down from Grand Rapids for the Chicago session and we had so much fun!

Also: All of this color?! I can’t take the awesomeness lol

We had such a great mix of personalities, skill levels, and experience that it made for a really enjoyable session.

First up, headshots for my cousins Kayla & Steve! A husband and wife photography team :)

This picture makes me so happy! I love how bright we all are ^_^

Next up Aleka & Morgan! Aleka is also a Michigan photographer and Morgan is here in Chicago :)

So what did the mentees think of the day? Hear from one in her own words:

“If I had to put my experience with DFinney in one word it would be Amazing! It is clear that Danielle is dedicated to her passion and it not only shows in her work it show is her mentoring sessions. Danielle was well organized and willing to answer every question. My headshots from the session literally brought me to tears of joy!”
-Aleka Thrash

If you’re interested in participating in the next group mentor session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me today! View more information on the photographer education options offered here!

DC Group Mentor Session [July 12] | Washington, DC Photography Instructor

Happy Monday! It’s really starting to feel like Fall around here and I don’t think I’m ready :( I’m probably even less ready because I’ve been hearing how bad this winter is supposed to be and I don’t want any part of that lol.

So let’s not think about that lol. There are so many exciting things to share with you guys this week, but I’m going to start off continuing from last week’s group session recap, I have a couple more to share with you guys today :)

Back in July I got together with these lovely ladies for the second DC mentor session and we had a wonderful time! I love how the feel of each of these sessions is different and while we cover the same core items, the day is tailored to the specific needs of everyone.

“As a previous client, I experienced first hand Danni’s commitment to outstanding customer-focused service, her attention to every detail and most importantly, the high quality of her photographic images. When I decided that it was time to take my photography to the next level, there was no question that Danni was someone who could help me not only to improve the quality of my photography, but also to advance my business goals. I feel that her workshop hit the mark on both counts!

The mentoring experience was great from start to finish! I was very impressed by Danni’s openness and willingness to share a wealth of detailed information in addition to allowing us a peek "behind the curtain” of her business, if you will. She was very encouraging to all of us in support of our business goals, and offered practical, real life pieces of advice tailored to the needs of the group.“
-Stacy Brodie-Dull

"This session with Danielle was an awesome experience. She really helped me have a better understanding of exposure and shooting with natural light. I am thankful for the time and knowledge she has shared.”
-Kim Wilson

We had a random passerby hop in one of Kim’s shots lol. I love the randomness of DC sometimes ;)

“After reading about Danielle’s journey towards becoming an experienced photographer, finding a photography niche she truly loved and excelled at, and seeing the great work she has produced so far, I knew she would be a great resource and instructor to help me reach the next level in my own work. 

The mentoring experience was phenomenal. Danielle presented herself as a knowledgeable photographer, and engaging and patient instructor who is honest about her own journey, strengths and weaknesses. I love that she makes the session participants feel at ease and encourages them to ask questions, try new techniques and share their thoughts on the fundamentals of good photography.”
-Crystal Davis

One of my absolute favorite mentor session images ^_^ I’m normally not able to get in a real (non-selfie) photo with them, so I LOVED how this one turned out :)

If you’re interested in participating in the next group mentor session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me today! View more information on the photographer education options offered here!

Atlanta Group Mentor Session [June 7] | Washington, DC Photography Instructor

Happy Wednesday and welcome to October!

I can’t even believe I just typed that! Where oh where has this year gone?

I’m in the airport now heading to New Orleans for the next group mentor session and it just occurred to me that I’m actually behind on blogging the summer sessions! So let’s remedy that, shall we? :)

In June, I traveled to Atlanta for two group mentor sessions and minis we had SUCH a great time!

This post is for the second mentor session, you can check out the first day here. Although it rained the first day, the weather was perfect for day 2- although quite hot lol.

For the the first portion of the session, we went through the workbook where mentees learned about the different kinds of light, how to find the best light, what to do with your subject once you find the light, my method for achieving the correct exposure each time, why white balance is important, good tips for posing and composition, and much much more :)

Then we headed out to practice what we just learned and take headshots!

Back for the last portion of the session where we edit! I went over my workflow and demonstrated exactly what I do to my images to achieve my signature “DFinney” look :) This is not to encourage replica work, but to show how to use Lightroom and Photoshop to simply fine-tune your images (since they should be coming out of the camera looking pretty close to what you want them to).

So what did the mentees think of the day? Hear from them in their words:

“I anticipated my mentor session with DFinney for quite a while! I loved everything about it: the way Danielle shared ways to make shooting easier, the ease & simplicity of the hands-on instruction was amazing. She accommodated photographers of all skill levels and made everyone feel comfortable & learn skills to enhance their craft. My session was what I expected and more! I cannot wait to implement the instruction from my mentor session, into my own work.”
-Cassandra Davis

“I was beyond excited when Danielle released the dates for her Atlanta Mentor Sessions and she did NOT disappoint. The day flowed flawlessly and was filled with lots of hands on instructions and laughs. I loved the interaction with Danielle and the group. Everything that was once complicated for me suddenly became simple. I walked away with more knowledge and more faith in myself to take my photography skills to the next level. I am grateful for the experience and it is one that I will cherish and take with me always. Thank you, Danielle for being such an inspiration!”
-Merical Lewis

If you’re interested in participating in the next group mentor session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me today! View more information on the photographer education options offered here!

Autumn in the City | Fall Mini Special

Happy Monday loves!

TODAY is the day you get in on the action- Fall Mini Sessions are here! 

Those who signed up for our mailing list got exclusive access to book last week- a full 3 days before anyone else- and as a result, half of the spots are gone! So there are just 4 remaining slots between the two days.

Now is your chance to grab one while you still can!

Mini Sessions are $275 and include the following:

• Pre-consult to ensure your photo session will be just what you want! 
• Professional makeup application for 1 
• 30 min photo session for up to 4 people 
• 1 outfit 
• Custom editing of the best 10-15 images selected by the photographer 
• 1 mounted 5x7 print 
• Private digital proof gallery for ordering

All prints and digital negatives are sold a la carte.

To make sure everyone looks as fabulous as can be- makeup will be included in the session fee! That way you save a bit because it would be an additional $25 if you paid for makeup separately. You can expect the same flawless look for your photos that you see on my site because you’ll be working with my favorite makeup artists :) 
______

To take advantage of this special mini session offer, you must be located in (or willing to travel to) Washington, DC. Your session must be booked no later than October 22, 2014 for a session to be photographed on November 1st or 2nd. All mini sessions will be photographed at an awesome location in the city!

All set and ready to book your session? 
EMAIL ME to snag your spot!! 

DON’T DELAY! These spots will go quickly and once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Lots of people have been asking about them, so I know the remaining spots are going to go quick!

Have additional questions?

Please view the FAQ section and if you have a question that is not answered there, please feel free to email me: danielle@dfinneyphoto.com.

 

I look forward to working with you, I look forward to creating beautiful things with you :)

-Danni

My Love Affair with Live Music | Music Monday

Happy Monday loves!

So before I post details about the Fall Minis, I wanted to share something new with you guys! A brand new blog feature- Music Monday! (clearly I like alliteration lol).

I got the idea from a comment on my instagram last week where I shared a new artist that I’d been listening to and a few folks loved her! So… Since music is very important to me, I figured I’d share more of that part of my life with you guys :)

I absolutely love music. All different genres… and I can’t tell you how much I love LIVE music. I’ve been going to live shows ever since I was little because my dad is a bass player and I have fond memories of going to see him perform at different restaurants and events :) So maybe that’s where this all stems from? Lol either way… I started attending live shows myself when I got older and had my own money to buy tickets lol.

I remember my very first concert was in 2007 I believe? I saw Jill Scott with my sister and we were in the 5th row! Now I already loved Jill Scott but after that show? <3 My love for that woman knew no bounds lol.

Well that got the ball rolling, and in the years since… I’ve been to see all of these wonderful artists:

                

I used to be able to say “so and so” was the best live performer, but honestly after going to so many great shows, I can’t even begin to quantify the experience of each. I simply appreciate the awesomeness of each and remember it fondly :)

So this concludes my very first Music Monday! I plan to make this a monthly feature so let me know what you thought and if you’ll be checking it out in the months to come :)

Fall Mini deets are up next!

-Danni