April Showers.......

 I am so thankful to be a part of Fast Track NJ. If you're not familiar with Fast Track, check out the website,  here.  According to the site, They are communities of like-minded photographers who embrace the Fast Track Philosophy that we grow best as photographers (and as people) by helping and supporting each other. Because of this, we sometimes call these groups “FEO”s, which stands for: “For Each Other”. Groups are not led, they are facilitated. Our Groups are participatory  - so we are more like potlucks – everyone walks through the door with something to share with others.

The very talented Feuza Reis and Katie McKnight facilitated this amazing shootout which brought photographers, talented make-up artists and hair stylists, and models from Manhattan to PA over to Laurie House in Princeton. The Laurie House graciously gave over 30 photographers run of their beautiful Bed and Breakfast this past Tuesday.

In retrospect, I wish I had taken more behind-the-scenes images, but here are some of the talented folks who were there.

We were broken up into several groups, and each group had a faciliator. Each group took a turn shooting the models. The passing rain had us switching from the grounds outside to the guestrooms inside. At times we were running in the rain with our gear under our coats! The dark sky did not lend bright light into the inn, so we improvised with flash, windows and in some cases....recessed lights. Everyone took turns posing the models and encouraging one another, as we crammed into guest rooms and took aim with our cameras at the different models.

We are each required to provide 30 of our best images to the group. There are some extremely talented people in this group. I don't shoot weddings, but I was happy for the portrait experience, meeting new people, and having fun! My edits are finally finished and I hope my fellow photographers like my work {fingers crossed}. These will be my submissions to the group gallery.

I am very excited for the next shootout! There is talk of one on the beach and maybe one in NYC. Thanks again to everyone for making my first shootout such a cool experience!

Sweet Springtime

Finally, an appearance from Spring! We had an abnormally warm 80 degree day here in Northern New Jersey the other day. It was the perfect temperature for a scheduled session. This little girl was so well behaved and really just wanted to get into everything (especially the snacks that her parents brought with them!) It was fun following her around with my 50mm at Kittatinny Valley State Park in Andover, NJ.

Good Things Come in Threes!

Recently, a client sent me some photos she took of a gallery wrap trio that we collaborated on together to breathe some life into the wall space in her dining room. I couldn't be more happy with the final product! Check it out.....{and check out her precious little free spirit} If you would like to share some pictures of my work on your walls, send them my way!

Do You Have a Case of the Mondays? Spring Fever Sneak Peeks

Have you ever seen the film Office Space? If you have not seen it, then netflix it.....right now. It is hysterical. If you have seen it, then you remember the annoying peppy character who asks everyone on Monday morning if they have a "case of the Mondays." I used to work for a Fortune 500 firm and boy do I get that movie - and it happens to be totally hilarious.  If you have a "case of the Mondays", maybe this sneak peek from this past weekend's mini-sessions will help.

I am still editing proofs and I captured some beautiful portraits from each session. These happened to have been my personal favorites. Some are quirky, some are cute and some are just beautiful.

You are welcome to use these images on Facebook, but please do not crop out my logo in any way shape or form (even for profile photo thumbnails). Thank you for respecting my work!

I also want to thank you guys for keeping the park neat and tidy. After nine sessions I fully expected to be cleaning up at the end of the day. I always "leave no trace", but you guys rocked it! There was nothing to clean up!

{I am still planning summer mini-sessions at the beach this summer. I have yet to work out the details, but I am looking at a weekday in late June, after school is out. I will post news about these to Facebook}

Enjoy...................



Free as a bird.....



Peek-A-Boo - A very easygoing little girl.

My first session - these little guys were great!

Somebody wasn't feeling well......

This guy was very comfortable in front of the camera.

This was a little moment at the end of the session that I thought was so beautiful.

This little one just went with the flow....

This little one is going to be spoiled rotten by her older siblings.

I couldn't help myself! I had to end with a bang!

It's So Much Fun Turning One!

Whew! My mission has been completed with my first-ever mini sessions and I can't wait to post the sneak peeks. It's also my first-ever birthday............actually, it's Firefly Photography's First Birthday! Last April, I filed the business paperwork to touch off a pretty spectacular year for my new venture. I have been published in three magazines, selected for an art show, interviewed both in print and on the radio, and I have met so many cool people along the way. I am blessed to have relationships with both clients and other photographers who make my life just a little more fulfilling. So thank you all.

I have a little way of saying thanks to you for encouraging me and trusting me to create images of your precious children, while I grow as an artist and as a photographer. If you make a booking during my birthday month for a full session (from now until April 30th), mention this special, and you will receive a $50 print credit!  I feel very blessed to know you all. Thanks again,  Dana

Firefly Photography's Birthday!