2022 Recap | Part 1

Before we get too deep into the new year, I have to give my 2022 clients some shine!

I didn’t get a chance to do many client features in real time last year, so I’m going to do a two part recap and eventually share some full galleries as well; there are just too many gems to sit on a hard drive somewhere!

The first half of 2022 was FULL of brand sessions! There were a few family and graduation sessions sprinkled in as well, but we had such a great time creating together 🧡

“My experience with DFinney Photography was just that- a whole entire experience! Her process has both finesse and years of experience woven all throughout. She gives advice on everything from how selecting the proper undergarments can affect your photos, to reminders on not forgetting to eat the morning of so that your energy stays up! She really has come across almost every scenario and in turn, uses what she's learned to help better her client's experience. Until you are a client, you only see the finished product, but once you book, you truly understand that her consistent high quality photos are no accident.”

-Vanessa Atuboyedia

“From start to finish, the process is fun, organized, exciting, and professional. Danielle is welcoming and reassuring. Her help was priceless and necessary for my outfit selection, and at the shoot, she even gave me tips for styling my hair for the best on-camera "lewks." The makeup artist was friendly and talented and did a great job. The shoot itself was playful and easygoing and we really had a ball. Above all else, the photos are amazing! I've been in public relations for over 20 years and I book a LOT of photographers for clients, usually accompanying them to shoots. This was the most fun, calm, organized, professional shoot I've ever been on and the best part was that it was for ME. I can't say enough good things about my DFinney Photography experience!”

-LiRon Anderson-Bell

“Danielle’s images are clean, crisp and timeless- exactly what I wanted for my branding. I have my own insecurities about being in front of the camera, and even though I tell my clients to relax, I have the same feelings that they do. Danielle helped keep me calm, gave me clear instructions, and just made the experience just amazing. I trusted her completely.”

-Samantha Davis

“I knew that I wanted a Black women to capture my 50th Birthday milestone because it's was important to have someone safe to capture this very special life event, and I knew DFinney would be the perfect match. I had the BEST experience. I felt cared for and valued.”

-Racquel Bruton

“I never felt like I photographed well partly because I'm a little shy and awkward...lol. But working with DFinney was easy, fun, and relaxing. She put me at ease from the very beginning and I enjoyed every moment of the experience.”

-Melissa DeShields

“Danielle was fantastic and very personable to work with! I was nervous about having to pose and look professional, but Danielle did a great job of helping me feel at ease by making everything very natural, giving good prompts, and engaging me in conversation.”

-Hannah Wang

“I found my experience with DFinney Photography to be absolutely amazing, from start to finish! The level of detail and communication was not only thorough, but it relaxed me about the process as well. It is abundantly clear that Danielle put time and thought into her client experience. During the session itself, Danielle impressed me with her ability to bring my natural light and confidence out. She encouraged me to simply be myself and more importantly, ENJOY myself. I felt beautiful and Danielle brought that confidence out in the most magical way.”

-Cherise Bernard

“My experience was great! From start to finish, her communication was everything and you can tell this is her passion. She over delivered. I have been telling so many people about Danielle. This was my favorite photo shoot thus far!”

-Lacresia Williams

“Danielle has a vision and just gets it every time! Sometimes I don’t know exactly what I want to get out of each shot but when I see the end results I’m beyond pleased!! I’ll continue to use DFinney Photography to capture all of my special moments.”

-April Van Overbeek

You see all these beautiful people! 😍

It was such a joy to create with them, and I’d love the opportunity to bring your photos to life too!

Books for Q1 are closed, but priority access for Q2 (Spring) opens on February 28!

Booking is done via waitlist so when you click the link above, you’ll receive an email with next steps 🧡

Thanks for checking out today’s post, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and let me know what you thought of our recap!

-Danni

2021 Part 3: Recap

Hey friend!

I’m so excited to get back to the blog after a few months… I kind of don’t know where to begin because I have so much I want to share!

In true Danni fashion though, I have to do things in order, so before I can get to all of the amazingness that has happened in the first half of 2022, I need to finish the 2021 recap!

Yep, the one I said wouldn’t take me 6 months… and it didn’t! It actually took seven 😂

I’m not too mad though because the timing works out- the 2022 Q4 calendar is set to open at the end of next month, so what better way to get ready for fall than with a recap from last Q4! My power of rationalization is top notch lol.

Below you’ll find photos from each of my fall 2021 sessions and you’ll hear directly from these beautiful people re: their DFinney experience 🤎

“The DFinney experience is like NO other. For someone that gets nervous in front of camera, Danielle has a knack for making you comfortable and landing the perfect shots. She has a very creative eye and the ability to bring your vision to life. I hated that the session ended, but the experience lasts forever! “

-Valerie McDonald

“Shooting with Danni is so much fun! It feels like two friends just shooting the breeze and Danni brings such a peace and ease with her that shooting is super effortless and comfortable. I’m so grateful to work with her because she is always on top of it. When it comes to the reminders, the outfit selection and assistance, it’s second to none! The entire experience from start to finish literally feels like luxury. I feel like I am being supported and taken care of from make up to all of the nuances that I may not always think about when it comes to shooting. Danni surpasses all of my expectations every single time.”

-Maya Johnson

“I was absolutely blown away by Danielle's website and the quality of her work. The booking and session reminders were extremely helpful. I'm not sure I would have had a successful session without the great guidance. I had reservations because of a recent weight gain but I was honest with Danielle and she put me at ease, and made feel comfortable. I appreciate her down to earth nature, she wasn't robotic. She was fully engaged and I enjoyed seeing her creative juices flow :) I had SO MUCH FUN shooting with Danielle!”

-Alleathea Perkins

“I was quite impressed with my overall experience. Danielle was a pleasure to meet and work with; she set me at ease without having to try too hard as I typically don't enjoy taking pictures at all!”

-Leslie Marant

“From booking to delivery of my final images, service and communication were top-notch. The process was simple and definitely put me at ease going into my very first photo shoot ever! It was clear to me that I was going to be handled with care and consideration. I knew right away that making this investment into myself and my business with Danielle was going to be worth it. [The day of the shoot], I was anxious, but I knew what to expect because of the planning guides and clear communication. Danielle is fun, lighthearted, personable, and a true expert on her artistry. I had an amazing time, and I was so in love with the images, I just had to extend my package to get more!”

-Joscelyn Reed

“My experience with DFinney Photography was seamless, professional, and exceptional from start to finish. Danielle ensured that we were well-prepped for every stage of the session and provided photos tailored to my family's specific needs, including a more relaxed session for my son who is autistic and accommodating my preference for more documentary-style images. I am thrilled at how our images turned out and I can't wait to hire her again for our next photo session.”

-Leslie Kershaw

“Danielle is one of the best photographers I’ve ever seen, but especially when it comes to photographing POC. I really appreciate the detailed breakdown of what to expect and how to prepare for our session. Having a makeup artist as part of our package is such a huge relief for me as I’m not used to doing makeup on myself, so I love having someone professional to help me look my best. I also appreciate that Danni helps to coordinate outfits with the location. She handles everything so thoroughly, and I love that! I also feel that her personality is so laid back, so we feel very comfortable and relaxed during the shoot.”

-Lisa Stevenson

“Everything about my experience was above and beyond. I’ve worked with several photographers throughout my 17 years as an entrepreneur and never have I been able to see how the systems are in place to ensure a successful shoot. Danielle has literally thought about everything and it gives you a sense of comfort in knowing that she’s already a step ahead of you in helping you to make key decisions. On the day of the shoot I was so at ease in her presence, I loved how she made sure that she was getting the shot her eye envisioned, and the result was absolutely amazing. She did such a good job with the photos that I was compelled to purchase double what I originally expected to buy. I’m just glad that I had the coin to invest in my brand because her pictures knocked it out of the park!”

-Samara Stone

“This is our third time working with Danni and the experience is always professional, fun and comfortable. She’s personable and approaches each session with such ease that you almost forget that you’re in the middle of a photo-shoot. The experience is so natural that even my five year old engages without getting antsy. We’ve literally enjoyed every time we’ve worked with Danni and the pictures are always AMAZING!!!”

-Michelle Williams

Sooo good, right! This is bringing back some sweet memories because honestly, much of 2021 was a blur for me. It was a year filled with lots of adjustments and much of it was spent in autopilot, so compiling this made me reflect a bit and brought to mind a few really nice moments 🧡

So what’s next? Lots!

Now that I’ve officially completed the 2021 recap, I have so many things to share with you! Some really good books and TV shows, playlists, art, home organization, and of course client photos- a little of everything!

Thanks for checking out today’s post! Leave a comment and let me know what you thought! P.S. Thanks also for hanging with me and being patient with my here and there blogging :)

Until next time,

-Danni

2021 Part 2: Recap

2021 is alllmost out the door!

I gotta be honest though, I’d be lying if I said I was looking forward to the new year… not because I want 2021 to hang around! But mostly because this whole living in a pandemic thing is really really hard.

Despite the challenges that these past 2 years have brought us, I am grateful for all of the good things that have happened during that timeframe as well. It’s just such a strange thing to be simultaneously grieving several (ongoing) losses while at the same time trying to navigate daily life and infuse joy in moments where you can.

Truthfully, that’s what makes me enjoy what I do so much more- because even if for just those couple of hours that we’re together, my clients and I are able to carve out a few light and joyful moments, and we really need that.

Today I’m sharing Part 2 of the 2021 recap- my Q3 sessions! I decided to split up the second half of the year because it would have been a massive undertaking otherwise and I’m trying to simplify where I can lol.

Check out some of what we captured this past summer & hear from my clients directly re: their DFinney experience 💚

I’m so grateful to work with Danni because the entire experience from start to finish literally feels like luxury. I feel like I am being supported and taken care of from make up to all of the nuances that I may not always think about when it comes to shooting. Danni surpasses all of my expectations every single time!

-Maya Johnson

I've worked with Danni for brand photos as well as several times to capture my family, and the work that she puts in on the front end really makes all of the difference. I always walk into every session confident that not only that we're going to have some amazing photos but that we are going to have a great time. Every session with Danni exceeds our last! She has a easiness about her that's disarming, it promotes an atmosphere were we can relax and just enjoy the experience.

-Tykesha Burton

It was a wonderful experience! Danielle thought of everything and prepared you along the way. Leading up to the shoot, Danielle provided tips for things I should do, previewed my outfit, and provided options for shooting based on my needs and the look I was going for. I couldn't be more pleased. And the shoot... it was so much fun because she puts you at ease and hypes you up along the way! I was more relaxed than I had anticipated because of her prep work... and as a type A that is hard to come by :)

-TaWanna Berry

Danielle made the photo session feel like more of an experience and a treat. I know anyone who works with her will leave feeling special and like a queen because that is how I felt by the end of the day! She has such a personal touch to what she does while remaining professional at the same time. It was such a good experience.

-Rachelle McLeod

We really enjoyed our session, Danielle is very professional and laid back. She’s a great instructor and we felt extremely comfortable with her during our session. We LOVE our images!! Our experience was perfect, I would not change anything!

-Danielle Moore

An incredible experience from start to finish- from the initial planning and wardrobe selection to the day of the shoot, and receiving my photo gallery afterward. Everything about the process was seamless. Working with DFinney was an absolute joy! I highly recommend.

-Tiffany FitzGerald

Ok so… compiling this recap and reading everyone’s feedback together has me feeling a little emotional. I’ve always strived to provide a good experience for my clients, but it’s taken many years to get to the point where I am now. This was a year of many firsts for me (most were behind the scenes), but I can finally say that I’m happy with the experience I’ve created for my clients. So to have them echo those sentiments? 😭

Thank you 💚

The final 2021 recap (for Q4) will be coming soon-ish. I know better than to put an exact timeframe on it because it may come next week or in 8 weeks… but it’ll definitely be shared within the next 6 months lol.

If you’d like to work together in 2022, click here to add your name to the waitlist. Late Q1 dates will be available for booking (to the waitlist only) in a couple weeks, so that’s where you’ll want to be 🧡

Thanks for checking out today’s post! If you’re so inclined, I’d love to hear from you :) Leave a comment and let me know what you thought!

-Danni