Giveaway | Something BIG! [CLOSED]

UPDATE 10/13:

Thank you guys sooooo much for participating and making this a truly awesome giveaway! I was so emotional last week reading the blog comments when I announced the giveaway and then randomly selecting winners today made me so sad and happy at the same time. I wish I could extend myself to all of you, I truly do. (I even picked 2 extra names because I actually have space at the venue for 12) So while I’m bummed for those of you who didn’t win, knowing that this small gesture will help a few makes me very happy. I am beyond thankful for your support over the years and I look forward to sharing more with you in the years to come :) The winners have been emailed and they are @nicolemondestinphotography @fotomephoto @rubyellaphoto @mosaicbymg @debonaire_20 @sarahmazza @stylistkailaj @jayshep5 @aprilrboller Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who participated and shared this giveaway!!

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So! What is this “something big” I’ve been teasing you about?

Last month, DFinney Photography’s official 5 year anniversary passed with little fanfare. Though I’d planned to do something really big, life got in the way and I never did. I actually don’t have a specific September date for my anniversary, I just use that month as a marker because I remember that I was laid off in September 2009 just before my 22nd birthday.

Last year I was so eager to reach a “5” milestone that I actually held a 5 year giveaway, but it was actually in celebration of beginning year 5 and not completing it lol. So! Here we are at the close of year 5 as I begin another and I have SO MANY reasons to be thankful.

The past two years have been nothing short of amazing. That’s such an overused word, but I really have no other way to describe it! This teaching thing has taken on a true life of its own and though it’s been a dream of mine, I would have never thought that I would be traveling for work. For ME! I actually thought I wanted to be a meeting planner like one of my girlfriends so I could travel to different places like her. But now, all these years later, thanks to the magic of social media, I am able to on my terms!

Well, reaching an official milestone like this deserves something big… And that something big is:

> > > > I AM GIFTING THE NATURAL LIGHT WORKSHOP TO YOU! < < < <

Yes, you read correctly… ALL seats to the workshop will be absolutely FREE!

Those who have secured their seats already will be issued refunds and the remaining seats will be won by means of the largest giveaway I have ever done!

10 seats… at $495 each! So this is kind of a 5 year, $5k giveaway!

That’s pretty big right?! Worth the hype!? ;) Lol

I understand that everyone can’t afford the investment required to work with me, so this a gesture to say a HUGE thank you for supporting me over the past 5 years! So many of you have been both active and inactive supporters, but you are appreciated just the same.

WORKSHOP DETAILS
This opportunity is open to anyone! You don’t have to be a professional photographer to enter this giveaway. You simply need to semi-know how to operate your own DSLR camera and have an interest in natural light photography. That’s it!

However, this workshop is not for someone just taking their camera out of the box. It’s geared more towards those with an intermediate level understanding of their camera (those who at the very least have played around with the different modes and don’t JUST shoot in auto :)

You must be in (or willing to travel to) Washington, DC for the workshop to be held on October 18, 2014. Full details for the workshop are viewable here. It is a full day workshop and meals are included. Please do not enter if you are not absolutely certain you can attend.

Tired of reading and want to win already?! Lol

HERE’S HOW TO ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A SEAT:
1. Simply leave a comment below sharing what winning a seat to the workshop would mean to you!

BONUS ENTRIES:
2. Follow @dfinneyphoto on instagram & twitter
3. Post your best selfie with your camera on instagram and hastag #dfinney5kgiveaway (your account must be public to be visible)
4. Share this blog post on your favorite social media platform(s) and mention @dfinneyphoto 

You can do one or all of the above for a chance to win, but it’s recommended to do all 4 (because why wouldn’t you want all the chances you can get to win a seat?!)

The winners will be chosen at random from the comments left on this blog post. For every bonus entry completed, that will be counted as an extra comment for you. Leaving multiple comments does not increase your chances of winning. Winners will be chosen and announced on Monday, October 13, 2014 so you have one week!

I can’t wait to work with all of you! And some of whom would not have been able to attend if it weren’t for the giveaway! I truly look forward to helping you improve your natural light photography skills!

Looking forward to reading your comments :)

-Danielle

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 :) 
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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