Tiffany | Washington, DC Natural Light Photography Mentor

Happy Thursday!

Guess who managed to get a blog up in the morning today? :)

Putting this post together made me so happy because it’s full of great pictures, great memories, and great people. Right before I left for the Blink Conference in November, I had an amazing mentor session with Tiffany!

I’ve known Tiffany for a few years now and I was really excited when she told me she was ready to book her session. She saved up and made it happen! :)

We met over coffee and talked about tons of stuff… and I kinda changed her world when I explained my shooting process lol. After that we headed out to try out her new skills! These are a few of my favorites from her “test” shots :)

Seeing her eyes light up as she realized she CAN get the camera to see things as she does, was an amazing feeling! I also took her headshots as we were doing a little location scouting for the practice session with our models.

So then our beautiful couple arrives for their shoot aaaaaand this happens :(

I had a mini freak out because I dropped my camera and it landed lens first (on the ground you see pictured above) that destroyed my lens. My beloved 50/1.4 that I use 95% of the time when I shoot! I am sooo thankful for these guys. Everyone stayed calm and more importantly she shoots Nikon so I was able to share her 50/1.8 for our shoot with Courtney & Donnell (who were awesome models by the way :)

Are they not the most adorable couple ever? And their personalities are just as beautiful as they are :) I think I have to make a separate post just for them lol.

Here are a few words from Tiffany about her mentoring experience:

“Danni. what an incredible young woman! My experience with DFinney Photography was EVERYTHING!!! She gave me so much more than I expected, but most importantly, she shared QUALITY information with me that has dramatically cut time off of my post production process! As well as several "ah ha” moments that gave me back the confidence that I personally had lost over the years of fading in and out of my craft. No fluff, just straight facts and hands on information. A little bit of general, but mostly filled with knowledge that I was lacking in my personal progression. Words can’t express how appreciative I am for this opportunity to have a one on one with a like minded creative being. A wise investment indeed! For anyone considering formal education, but you’re just not sure about a formal setting, a one-on-one just might be the way for you to go as well.“

This was a fun recap :)

If you’d like to book a mentor session, EMAIL ME today to secure a 2014 session at the current 2013 rates! 2014 rates will go into effect beginning December 10, so make sure you take advantage of the Cyber Week deals while they’re still in effect!

‘Til next time,

-Danni

Blink Conference Recap | Washington, DC Lifestyle Photographer

Happy Wednesday!

I’ll get it together one day and actually have my blogs ready to go in the mornings like I plan, but until then… you can probably expect them in the afternoons lol.

I hope your day (and week) has been going well so far! I have a photo-packed post for you today so get ready for tons of pictures :)

A little over one month ago, I was in Nashville for the first annual Blink Conference! This was my first photography conference period AND my first time speaking at a conference so believe me when I tell you I was NERVOUS! I am super thankful to Ike & Tash for the opportunity and honored that they even thought of me!

A few days before I left, I was finalizing my presentation and packing up everything I needed!

I’m not sure what possessed us to do so, but Natarsha and I booked a 6:30a Friday flight to Nashville… So of course I didn’t get any sleep the night before because I’m a chronic procrastinator - _- Since we were headed west, we weren’t able to watch the sunrise but the skies were beautiful nonetheless :)

Once in Nashville, we drove to the hotel and met up with a couple of our fellow Blink attendees for breakfast! After that it was time for a serious nap lol.

DAY 1 FRIDAY 

Friday night was the mixer! I had such a good time meeting everyone and chatting with some of long-time admired creatives like Audrey Woulard, Alejandra Vidal, and Joshua Dawain. I was also super excited to meet all of my photographer friends from facebook and social media in real life :)

DAY 2 SATURDAY 

Saturday was the full day of workshops. The line up was Ike & Tash, Alejandra Vidal, Joshua Dawain, Audrey Woulard, Dawn Davis, and Zach & Jody. So much great information was shared and tons of goodies were given away! I unfortunately didn’t get pictures of them all, but here are all of the amazing sponsors: Black River Imaging, Photographer’s Edit, Colorvale Actions, Munaluchi Bride, Ike and Tash, The Music Bed, Shower Me Chic, Photo Pantz, Social Print Studio, Site House, Photography Blogsites, Sync Seniors, Rachel Brenke- The Lawtog and Senior Style Guide!

After a full day of learning, I opted for a low key dinner so I could prep for my presentation on Sunday. Sidenote: How amazing is it that Panera has a drive thru?? Lol I know you’ve probably seen it before if you live elsewhere, but in DC we don’t have them. I love Panera so it was a pretty big deal lol. If we had a drive-thru, I’d probably be there even more than I am now.

DAY 3 SUNDAY

Sunday was the big day! I was soo nervous lol. But ready to get things going :) Jeremy helped me set up and I was all ready to go! 

The presentation went well and I could finally relax!! I got lots of positive feedback so that made me feel much better about things and so did my post-presentation pep talk with Tasha :) Quick chill out in the lounge as things were wrapping up and then picture time with my DC peeps before we headed home!

Our Nashville weekend was soo much fun! But just as tiring as it was fun- probably because I didn’t get any sleep before I left lol. All in all I had a great time learning from some of the best in my industry and getting to know my e-photog friends better :) I can’t wait to see what Ike and Tash have in store for Blink in the years to come and I’m soo proud of them for putting together such a wonderful conference! 

Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend Blink 2014, but for those of you that are, you will definitely be in for many surprises and have a great time learning!

PS: For an even more awesome Blink Recap, please do yourself a favor and head on over to Terri’s Blog! Although I had it, I didn’t pull my real camera out all weekend, so she definitely has a better recap than mine lol.

That’s it for today! Let me know what you guys thought of the recap :)

-Danielle

2014 DFinney Workshops | Effective Branding [SOLD OUT]

UPDATE: 2/4: There are no more remaining seats for this workshop. New dates will be announced soon!
_____

Happy Tuesday loves!

I’m super super excited to share this with you guys! If you’re following on social media, you know it’s been talked about and I’m so excited to share the official announcement for the first DFinney Workshop of 2014!

On February 22nd, we will meet at an awesome location in Washington, DC (finalizing the venue :) for a half-day branding workshop!

What will it include?

• Pre-workshop exercises so that you are prepared for what will be covered
• A fun and interactive branding presentation
• Personal brand critiques for all attendees
• Branding workbook
• Breakfast & snacks will be provided as well!

You will walk away with concrete steps you can take to improve or create a brand that is effective and truly you!

Aaaand… as promised, we’re going to keep the Cyber Monday deals rolling! 

If you secure your workshop spot between now and next Monday, December 9, you will receive $50 off!

I can’t tell you how excited I am about doing a bit more teaching so that I can finally be a true help to folks- putting together a more structured way to help fellow photographers :)

So what can you expect from the workshop?

I had a chance to get a bit of feedback from a couple folks who attended my branding workshop at the Blink Conference, and here’s what they had to say:

“I thought your presentation was great! You were clear and and your instruction awesome. You answered questions that everyone assumes we know. Like the definition of branding & how to build trust and credibility… You were and are an amazing woman. THANK YOU!”
-Tiffany Fleming

“I started photography back in 2011.  At that time I didn’t put much thought into branding.  I was about "what looks pretty”.  This led to multiple purchases… blogs templates, new website templates, logos… if there was something pretty on Etsy I had to have it!  While attending BLINK and DFinney Photography’s workshop I learned so much that will help further my business and cut down on all those unnecessary purchases…most importantly I found ME.  I am MY brand and now my blog, social media and website reflect that!“
-Katrina Amburgey

”I really learned a great deal from your workshop! Had I not received the wonderfully honest feedback from you, I would have continued shooting aimlessly and not sticking to the message that I want people to get from my business! Thank you for the info that finally gave me some much needed DIRECTION!!“
-Quiana Wright

So what’s next? EMAIL ME (danielle@dfinneyphoto.com) if you’d like to snag your seat while it’s $50 off!

I look forward to working with you guys :)

-Danni

Cyber Monday | Washington, DC Lifestyle Photographer

Happy Monday!

It’s back to work after a nice long weekend, but IT’S CYBER MONDAY!! So that should makeup for things, right? Lol. I’ll be doing a bit of shopping myself today, and I also have some goodies for you!

This is a first! High-resolution digital files are one of the most expensive items to purchase, but from now until next Monday, you can purchase the digital files from any 2012 or 2013 session for 50% OFF!

Simply shoot me an email (danielle@dfinneyphoto.com) if you’re interested in purchasing the digital files from your session and I’ll get you taken care of. All files will be delivered digitally and you will be able to download and use your images right away!

Didn’t have a chance to work with me in 2012 or 2013? Not to worry, I have something for you too :)

From now until next Monday, you have the chance to book a 2014 headshot or mentor session at the current 2013 rates! 2014 pricing will be in effect beginning December 10th.

Aaaand… I have another surprise for those interested in the upcoming 2014 DFinney Workshops but I will save that for tomorrow :) I’m extending Cyber Monday to Cyber Week lol.

Stay close! Lots more awesomeness is coming your way tomorrow!!

Have a great day guys!

-Danni

Sydney's Story | Washington, DC LIfestyle Photographer

Happy Wednesday loves!

Today I want to share a bit of a personal story with you… about the strongest 9 month old I’ve ever met :)

Earlier this year, one of my former elementary school classmates, Paris, gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Sydney!

I loved keeping up with her via instagram and seeing her smiling face :) I then learned that she had been diagnosed with cancer at just 6 months old!

Despite her diagnosis and treatment, I was moved by the fact that Sydney always had a smile on her face and I know her pleasant disposition is helping her loved ones get through this tough time.

Let’s meet this beautiful and strong little girl, Sydney!

As told by her mom, Paris:

“I had a wonderful pregnancy and near effortless delivery. Syd was born on January 30, 2013 a healthy 7 pounds 1 oz. She has always been a joyful and sprited baby, smiling since we brought her home!

When she was 6 months we noticed her belly was a bit firm and she had developed a dark mark under her eye. We scheduled a check up with her primary care physician and after being seen, Syd was immediately sent to Children’s National Medical Center. She underwent several tests and was later diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma.

Sydney has a cancerous tumor in her abdomen and the cancer had spread to her liver and into her bone marrow. She was classified as intermediate risk which luckily means she could be treated as an outpatient. This diagnosis was a lot to take in. We were devastated. The pain associated with having a sick child hurts deeper than any physical pain I’ve ever experienced.

A couple of weeks after diagnosis, Sydney began her first round of chemo. Throughout this ordeal she has undergone several procedures, surgeries, and tests. She undergoes chemotherapy every 3 weeks and takes medication weekly to keep her vitals under control. Syd continues to reach and exceed all milestones! Still very bright and is always smiling. We call her Goldie or Blondie because she has beautiful blonde hair like her grandma "Meta” whom she’s named after (middle name). The chemo has caused most of her hair to fall out but shes still as gorgeous as ever.

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that affects infants and children worldwide. It’s not genetic or caused by environmental factors. I encourage you to become aware and support. Today Sydney is doing well and is still undergoing treatment, but if you ask her, she’s just enjoying life :)“

After becoming aware of Sydney’s story, my heart truly went out to the family and I had to share her story. I know firsthand how difficult it is when a close family member has cancer as my dad fought prostate cancer a few years back… I can only imagine how much more it is to deal with when it’s a baby!

Despite all of the procedures, surgeries, and tests, Sydney is able to smile through it all! Truly showing the strength she possesses, even at such a young age. I had such a fun time photographing Syd and fell in love with her infectious smile and beautiful bright eyes!

Although Syd has shown remarkable strength, there is more that needs to be done. Due to the high cost of cancer treatments, a small family can’t afford to cover it all, but a community can. Paris is a part of the DFinney community and we are a family so let’s show her our support!

If you would like to make a donation (no amount is too small) to help Sydney with her cancer treatment it would be greatly appreciated. Lets help raise awareness of Neuroblastoma and share Sydney’s story with your family and friends. This family needs your help and you can play a vital role in aiding Sydney fight this cancer. If you’re able to make a donation please visit: http://www.gofundme.com/3vcsu0

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Sydney better and I look forward to seeing her grow and photographing her again the years to come!

-Danni