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

Natasha & Kenny | Alexandria, VA Maternity Photographer

Continuing with the catch-up posting, here is Natasha & Kenny’s maternity session!

These two were the lovely models for my mentor session with Yolonda and they were such troopers. It was a random frigid day in late March, but they stuck it out for their mini session and it resulted in beautiful photos to remember this time in their lives ;)

And guess what? They had their beautiful baby boy the VERY next day! Ahead of schedule but healthy as can be (I secretly think he wanted in on the photo action) lol.

Here are a few faves from their maternity session:

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.

Yolonda | Alexandria, VA Natural Light Photography Mentor

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! This weather is FINALLY cooperating and giving us beautiful days to enjoy :) I have soo much catching up to do with posting sessions to the blog and I plan to catch up a bit this week so keep checking back for newness EVERY day- especially Wednesday, I think I’ve made that unofficial Senior Day on the blog because I’m going to share 4 senior sessions!

But right now? It’s all about Yolonda!

Yolonda and I got together on a crazy cold afternoon in March for her session, but she has such a warm spirit, we didn’t even mind the cold ;) Ok, we definitely DID mind the cold, but she does have a warm spirit lol. 

Our initial session had to be rescheduled because of snow… one of the last major snowfalls we had fell just before we were supposed to meet :( But thankfully we were able to reschedule and we had a great time! I can’t explain how much I enjoy getting together with fellow creatives and helping them simplify their photography lives- Yolonda’s session was no different :) I really enjoyed hearing about her photography goals, philosophy, vision, chatting with her about family and business… It was a very encouraging session for us both. Yolonda has such a beautiful personality and it shines through brilliantly in her work.

Here are a few faves from Yolonda’s headshot session:

Then we got together with our lovely models Natasha & Kenny to take a few maternity photos. Their session ended up being a mini due to the cold! They were troopers but we didn’t want to keep them out too long :)

I think I’ll give them their own post for their mini session :)

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

“My experience with Danielle was delightful. I had a great time and left her feeling clearer and more confident about my photo work. From our first online communications to finally meeting in-person, I found her to be professional and thorough as well as endearing and cool. She seemed to be thinking of everything, and I loved that. It made me feel safe to entrust my money, time and creativity with her. Before 1/3 of the day was over I had already learned so much! I’ve been photographing professionally for about 4 years. Danni related patiently and attentively with me from our first contact through to our wrap-up and departure to access my personal goals and then equip me with simple theories and actionable steps to elevate my current work; provide tips for more focused professional and creative endeavors both now and into the future; and drastically simplify my overall workflow, freeing me up to shoot even better photos straight-out-of-the-camera more and edit less. Money and time well spent. I would take advantage of other instructional offerings from Danielle and encourage photographers at any level to do the same.”

Also check out her recap on her blog! 

If you’re interested in booking a one-on-one mentor session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me today to secure your date! Currently booking: August & September 2014.

Le Quan | Washington, DC Lifestyle Photographer

Happy Tuesday loves!

I hope everyone enjoyed their extended weekend! The weather was absolutely beautiful and if even you didn’t have plans, the weather was enough to make you happy :) 

Things have been super busy lately so I’m going to try and catch up a bit on some blogging this week… First up today is Le Quan!

We got together for her session back in April on a semi-warm day (back when winter still wouldn’t let go) and had a great session. Le Quan mentioned that she began following me about a year ago and made it a goal to shoot with me! I was so honored and happy that she followed through and we got to work together :)

I love these “just because” sessions because we can make them whatever we want! Le Quan wanted to capture a few things with her session: the feel of DC (as a native Washingtonian), her 5 year seminary journey in a non-traditional way, documenting her breast cancer journey, and her personality of course! I think we did a wonderful job bringing each of those elements to life :)

Just last week Le Quan underwent a breast cancer procedure and I’m happy to share that the surgery went well! Sending more positive vibes her way and praying she makes a speedy recovery!

Check out Le Quan’s session here:

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. 

What's In Your Camera Bag | Photography FAQ

Happy Monday guys!

Last week was probably the most I’ve posted on this blog in a while lol. But I’m going to try and keep up (not that many posts!) but I do have lots to share with you :) Guess what’s back today? Photography FAQ! 

I came across this amazing site a couple months ago and spent way too much time there.

It is full of amazing work from great photographers where you get to see exactly what they use to bring to life their various projects! I’m always impressed when photographers are able to produce a striking image with just a few items. 

This site gave me an idea to do one of my own, but then I forgot lol. Then I received Maryam’s message and it was perfect timing :) So here’s our Photography FAQ for the day! 

“I keep seeing posts about different photogs and "what’s in their bag” and I would like to know what’s in Danni's camera bag! So Danni what’s in your bag and why is that your equipment of choice?“

-Maryam

I absolutely love this question Maryam because I love sharing how little you need to make a great portrait :)

Here’s what I take for portrait sessions:
Kelly Moore Posey Bag
Nikon D700 + Scarf camera strap (via Etsy)
Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Sigma 35mm f/1.4
Step ladder

My recent love is my 35/1.4… The 50/1.4 used to be my go-to fave, but I fell in love with the 35 when I needed to get my 50 serviced and now I think I may use them both equally. Initially I used my 50 almost 95% of the time, but since I’ve been using my 35 more, I am IN LOVE! In my head I used to always complain that I wanted to get more of the scene without having to be so far away and the 35 lets me do that beautifully, while still maintaining the beautiful background blur (I hate the word bokeh lol). So that’s it! Just my cam and the 35 & 50 lenses. And my trusty ladder/step stool. 

Here’s what I take for weddings:
Kelly Moore B-Hobo Bag
Nikon D700 + Scarf camera strap (via Etsy)
Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Sigma 35mm f/1.4
Nikon 85mm f/3.5
Nikon SB-900 Speedlight
Step ladder

And my brother Adrian shoots with the following:
Nikon D700
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
Nikon 135mm f/2.8
Nikon SB-900 Speedlight

I pretty much use the same thing but with just a couple additions. As you see, I’m a fan of fixed lenses and my brother shoots with the zoom. The last wedding I shot, I almost shot the whole thing with my 35! Previously it would have been with the 50. For weddings I bring my macro lens for the ring shots only and my 20mm f/1.8 (not pictured) in case I want to do any creative wide angle shots but generally they just take up space because I rarely switch lenses. I also use the speedlight for weddings, but only when necessary because I don’t like flash… mostly because I don’t understand it honestly lol. I’m learning though, with the help of my brother :) Which is why shooting weddings with him is the only way I’ll do a wedding.

That’s it for today! 

I hope you guys found this helpful :)

-Danni