Chicago 101 Group Session [May 21] | Chicago, IL Photography Instructor

Happy Mentor Monday!

I hope everyone is doing well on this beautiful Monday afternoon! I’m dealing with a cold myself but I AM feeling a little better than I have been these past couple days (thanks to Esberitox!) so I’m counting that as a definite win :)

In May I had the pleasure of teaching a super fun 101 session in Chicago! I had such a great time with this group and even after a last minute model change and quick styling job by me, we made it work! The weather was perfect, light was amazing, and our model? Simply wonderful! Tameka has one of the most infectious smiles ever! Check out her photos :) 

Photo by Moon Reflections Photography

Hear directly from the attendees on their experience: 

“Coming in, I didn’t know what to expect. I just knew for sure I had to be there. I really enjoyed the fact that the workshop was conducted in a small group setting. I feel like this created a comfortable environment where everyone was able to openly discuss the topics or struggles they were having. Danni was so warm and open and really demonstrated that she is truly gifted and knowledgeable. She was really engaged with us and was truly a blessing. As for my finished product, I was AMAZED. I called it having an ‘eyegasm’!”
-Tara M

“Simply put: WOW. Her knowledge and ability to instruct the technical aspect of photography has already increased my knowledge and confidence in my own photography one hundred fold. She was clear, patient, and even while creating a casual and relaxed learning environment, she was a consummate professional. I’ll definitely make sure to take the 102 Session :)”
-Rob W

Awww! You guys make my heart rejoice ^_^ Thank you soo much for the kind words! I look forward to working with you both the next time I’m in Chicago for the 102!

If you would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself and participate in the next group mentor session, check out full details here, including upcoming cities and dates, and email me today if you’re interested in attending or scheduling your own one-on-one session!

Kristian | Washington, DC Headshot Photographer

Next up? Kristian!

You may remember her face from our fab engagement session last September! This time we linked up to take headshots and business promo photos for her new practice- Resilient Child Therapy Institute, LLC! 

Headshots are some of my favorite things to do because they DON’T have to be cut and dry- just as with lifestyle photos, your headshots should absolutely show your personality in a warm and inviting manner- otherwise how else will potential clients want to do business with you? lol

Well I’m happy to say that we were able to do just that with Kristian :) Check out a few faves from her mini headshot session!

If you’re interested in booking a session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me and schedule yours today! Currently booking: August and September 2015.

Pamela | Washington, DC Headshot Photographer

Happy Thursday loves!

Coming to you this afternoon from Charlotte! Just arrived this morning to do a mentor session tomorrow :) But for now? I have a few headshot sessions to share with you!

First up is Pamela! 

Pamela is a children’s art and play therapist and wanted updated headshots as well as photos of her therapy space for use on her website! 

I really enjoyed learning more about her field and capturing Pamela’s warm personality during her mini headshot session! Here are a few faves :)

What are these? Rain sticks! Handmade by Pamela for use in therapy for children with anxiety and/or sensory issues. She takes such care in crafting these, it was beautiful watching her in her creative zone!

If you’re interested in booking a session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me and schedule yours today! Currently booking: August and September 2015.

Superwoman [Pt 1.] | Truthy Tuesday

Happy Tuesday loves!

It is soo overwhelmingly hot outside! Now that we have one truth out of the way, let’s get into today’s Truthy Tuesday lol. Definitely a topic I’ve been meaning to write about for some time, but finding the time to do so has been the struggle :)

Like most businesses, many people don’t get a chance to peek behind the scenes, and for a good reason: there is usually a lot going on. 

I have A LOT going on.

In addition to planning (for both photo and mentoring sessions), traveling, instructing, photographing, invoicing, emailing, marketing, etc, I literally lay my eyes on hundreds, sometimes thousands, of images weekly to select the best of the best, and then edit them (think HOURS in front of the computer) o_0 

For as long as I can remember I’ve always had a lot on my plate. And I’m not entirely sure when I decided to become Superwoman sans the super powers! “Need me to do this?” Sure. “Need me to go someplace?” No problem. “Need me to restore, photograph, and catalog ancient artifacts?” On my way! lol

I love helping people, so I know part of me is always going to be disappointed when I can help someone, but simply can’t because of limited time and energy. I don’t say all this for sympathy, I know this is the life I chose and I’m eternally grateful for having both the ability and support to have made a career out of it!

It’s just that sometimes it can all be a bit… overwhelming. I’m putting this out there because not only as a photographer and entrepreneur, but as a human being, I know I’m not alone.

It’s hard admitting that you don’t have it all together and that you can’t handle everything- especially when the world praises that ideal. It’s easy to get caught up in that kind of thinking to feel that “I should be able to to 100 things! And do them well!” Well I’m here to tell you that’s a load of crap lol. Less is more and I am working to bring that philosophy more into my business model for the years to come. 

I know the “quick solution” to some is an assistant, but truthfully it’s not that quick. Duties need to be assigned, proper training needs to take place, and trust needs to be established. Not only that, but truthfully, it’s deeper than that- for me. The thought of an assistant gives me slight anxiety because I am SO used to doing everything myself. I’m also very OCD at times and quite particular about how things are done. This is not to say that I don’t need one- I’m on the road, just not there yet ;) 

There were some tough adjustments I had to make and opportunities I had to decline not only to preserve my energy, but also my peace of mind. This year has taught me that in many instances, between traveling, I really have to slow down and take things one day at a time. Sometimes even a moment at a time just to keep my resting heart rate somewhat normal lol. 

So… I’m not sure completely where I’m going with this, but I guess I’m just putting it out there. I believe you follow me for my clarity and transparency and well… there you have it! 

I have soo much to say on this topic (clearly as you see by the length of this post lol), but there will also be a part 2 :) I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic as well! Leave a comment and let me know what you thought!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

-Danni

DC 102 Group Session [May 9] | Washington, DC Photography Instructor

*peeks in* So I didn’t intend for part 2 to be so late, but hey- I’m showing some love for the night crowd lol!

Next up? 102! It was a great day with Ruby & Martin as we went into depth on how they can best get their businesses to the next level! Plus- new headshots! This was especially important for Martin as we kept messing with him about his (then) current headshot.

He gave me permission to share the top photo, but this super clearly emphasizes the point of why a great headshot is important. The top didn’t convey at all how warm Martin’s personality is! So I was super glad we were able to remedy that with some new photos for him and Ruby (creator of Brown Girl with a Camera) as well :)

Hear from Martin on his two-day mentoring experience!

“My workshop experience was fantastic. Danielle has a real gift in teaching. There were different levels of experience at the workshop and Danielle had no problem making sure that everyone learned what we needed and no one felt out of place or too advanced for the class. It was a joy to work with the other attendees and share in everyone’s aha moments.

They say that it’s the skill of the photographer and not the camera that makes a good photo and Danielle proceed to show us how true this statement really is. She shared with us her personal style of arriving at the proper exposure and white balance constantly in any situation. This was not only a game changer for me it was also a money saver because I learned I didn’t need any of the gadgets I had my eye on. The post-processing blew me away! Danielle makes everything seems so effortless. I learned that all I really need for an awesome photo shoot is my camera and a maybe a stepladder!“

-Martin Johnson

You have no idea how happy this makes me! I am super glad you found the classes to be so easy to follow and informative! And I have really been enjoying the wonderful work you’ve been producing :)

If you would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself and participate in the next group mentor session, check out full details here, including upcoming cities and dates, and email me today if you’re interested in attending!