Danielle’s Best of 2023 | South Denver Family Photographer
Last year flew by with lightning speed and until I reviewed my own personal photos, only then did I realize how much we had going on in 2023. We started with cheer trips, which continued into spring, our girls both celebrated their birthdays, we got a puppy (he’s cute, but mischievous), we said goodbye to elementary and middle school, we made an epic summer trip to Virginia with our good friends, and at the end of summer the girls both started new schools. We now have a freshman in High School and a new middle schooler. Since they are both continuing to cheer, one for High School and one for an All Star club, plus all the other school and social activities they do, I had no idea how much busier life would get (insert shocked face here). Many of you know that I made the decision to cut down my photography workload to 50% of what it was previously, and I’m so grateful I made that decision. It led to a productive year, but I wasn’t hanging on for dear life as I had been in previous years, haha! Anyway, enough about me…on to what you want to see - my 2023 clients. Enjoy!
Families with Little Kids
To my families with littles - you guys are the real MVPs! Unless you’ve had to prepare for (as a family) or shoot a session with little ones, you have no idea how challenging these sessions are to pull off. Our little friends under 4 years old have a mind of their own, and cooperating at family photo sessions is last on their priority list, haha…But somehow…we ALWAYS pull off something amazing that captures the reality of life with littles. Although my kids are not in this age group anymore, this is the group I started my business with and I will continue to be passionate about documenting families that are in this stage of life, no matter how much bribing we have to do, lol!
Families with Tweens and Teens
Half of these families I have captured for years and have seen their kids grow up right in front of my eyes (or should I say in front of my camera). I’m grateful for the opportunity to truly be their family photographer. During a fall session, one of the Dads told me, “Wow…this does get easier as the kids get older”. I said, yes, you just had to pay your dues when they were young and he laughed, but it’s true. If you can get through those early family sessions when the kids are really young, the sessions become less stressful and more enjoyable as they get older. Plus, by then your kids and I are basically best friends, lol!
Extended Family Sessions
Extended family sessions are some of my favorites because I get to meet everybody in the family - grandma and grandpa, auntie and uncle, and all the cousins! These sessions are always fun because everyone is in an awesome mood as they are spending time with family members they don’t get to see often. Fun fact, the extended family session with the snow was shot on a 20ish degree day right after Thanksgiving. It made for a gorgeous backdrop, but baby, it was coooolllddd outside!
Seniors
My Seniors…sigh…I am so proud of them. They are hard workers in the classroom, in their chosen sport, at their workplaces and volunteer assignments; and they are good, respectful humans that I enjoyed spending time with. I loved learning about all the experiences that make them who they are and their hopes and plans for the future. My goal is to showcase all their unique interests with a timeless look. In a few summers I will be experiencing this as a parent and I hope I can rise to this challenge.
Headshots
A good headshot makes an amazing first impression and its a necessity in today’s job and business market. When its time to update your headshots, please consider a professional photographer so you are putting your best foot forward when marketing yourself or your business. And as a side note, these sessions can be laid back and fun. The University of Denver crew uses their annual group headshot session as a team bonding activity and we have a great time every year!
Well, if you stuck around to the end, I appreciate you, lol….And if 2024 is your year for timeless, classic family photos, a memorable senior session, or updated headshots, you know where to find me (don’t call me, LOL…I don't answer the phone)…e-mail me this month at: makiaimages@gmail.com. We can chat about what season you want your session to be in and then I will walk you through the process so we can get started.
p.s. I have greatly reduced the number of sessions I can take on and have already booked clients for the most popular time frames this year, so don’t wait too long to reach out!