The Struggle...
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Model: Ogechi Photo: DFinney Photography Makeup: Denyelle D. Beauty
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Model: Leah Photo/Styling: DFinney Photography Makeup: Denyelle D. Beauty
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Model: Janelle Photo: DFinney Photography Makeup: Denyelle D. Beauty
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We’re Moving!
DFinney Photography now has a new blog home: http://www.dfinneyblog.co!
It can still be accessed via http://blog.dfinneyphoto.co/, it will just no longer link here. Tumblr was my blog home for the past 4 years, so it's a bittersweet switch. But one I'm proud of. Thank you to everyone who visited in the past, and I hope you'll still keep up with me at the new URL ❤
-Danni
NOLA 102 Group Session [November 21] | New Orleans, LA Photography Instructor
Am I really 8+ months behind on blogging my recaps? o_0
Gonna try and change that in the coming weeks so I can catch up on the late 2015 and early 2016 recaps :) So get ready for lots of beautiful photos!
First up is the recap from Session 102 in New Orleans this past November.
It was actually a pretty discouragingly rainy day but we made the best of it and found some great spots for Ashley and Reggie’s headshots. Once we made our way back inside, it was all business and I was able to help both Ashley and Reggie revamp their pricing, go over website adjustments, and much more!
Check out the photos from their headshot session!
If you would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself and participate in the next group mentor session, check out full details here! Travel dates are currently on hold, but I am still holding sessions here in DC. Interested? Email me today if you’re interested in attending the next group session on September 16 or scheduling your own one-on-one session!
Progress | Truthy Tuesday
Good Tuesday morning to you! And welcome to Summer ❤
It’s been awhile since I’ve done a Truthy Tuesday actually ON Tuesday, but today I finally managed to do so :) It’s been a rough 2016 for me so far, but I’m still here and some days, that is an accomplishment in and of itself!
Last week was one of the first weeks in a long time (6+ months) that I didn't feel acutely aware of my depression. I'm not sure what's making the difference (a combination of things that I've been trying to do differently, I'm sure), but I'm so thankful for the progress, no matter how small. This improved mental state even regenerated a little creativity that had been lost.
Having to re-learn this whole life thing is teaching me a lot. I’ve been a little quiet (or a lot quiet sometimes) during this time while I sort out things because it’s hard to be present in the world when you’re not even fully present within yourself. But I wanted to write today because number one, I had the energy to do so, and also because I really want to keep this mental health dialogue going.
You often see success stories of people who have “overcome” their depression or other mental health issue, but what got them there? What was it like on that road to being “better”? Everyone’s journey is different no doubt, but one thing is for sure, it is NOT an easy one.
What’s been helping me? Honestly I’m not 100% sure that I can pinpoint exact reason(s). But I have been trying to do several things differently. Awareness really does help. So I sincerely encourage you to get help if you think you may be suffering with any kind of mental illness. It’s amazing how many things we may do to unintentionally sabotage ourselves, just by simply being unaware. Since being made aware of how my brain works, it really has helped me to be more careful with what I feed it. Because I am more prone to negative spirals, I have begun to really pay attention to what triggers the shift to a negative mental space, and conversely, what helps me to feel better, if even for a moment.
One thing that I can say for sure that has helped (and this totally deserves its own post) is spending much less time on social media. For a highly sensitive person, already prone to depression, too much social media is the worse. Not only is it a time-waster, but in addition to the passage of time, I was feeding my brain with things that only made me feel worse.
You should be doing more. Why aren’t you doing xyz with your life. Why aren’t you working out. Why aren’t you eating healthy. That’s why you’re fat. Why are so xyz. You’re not good enough. You’re not good enough. You’re not good enough.
Writing that was hard, but that is exactly what was going on in my mind. So limiting the time I spend there, the amount of people I follow, eliminating certain platforms, and not joining others, has definitely helped. So if you notice my inactivity/non-responsiveness, there’s your reason why :)
There are so many articles out there with helpful tips for coping, but the fact remains that nothing is 100% effective across the board. Which sucks. There will always be an element of trial and error in everyone’s case and that’s where I am. Some things have been helpful, others have not. But I’m trying, and honestly, that is the most important thing. I haven’t given up and I’m thankful to my family and friends for their support.
I didn’t really have a true point to today’s post, I guess it was more of an update... There’s always so much more to talk about on this topic, but I need to stop making these posts novel length lol.
Please feel free to comment and let me know what has helped you if you are also coping with depression.
I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday ❤
-Danni
DFinney Photography | Giveaway May Week 4 [CLOSED]
Goood Monday morning to you! It’s a new week and the sun is (finally) shining here in DC! And what better way to celebrate the sun’s return than with oneee last giveaway for the month :)
Before I share this week’s prize, I just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has participated in the weekly giveaways since the month began! I really enjoyed seeing your photo entries each week!
So what’s the prize for this week? The biggest one this month: a mini session with DFinney Photography! ^_^
What can this be used for? Anything! Well, almost anything* :)
This is perfect if you would like updated family photos, photos of your adorable children, photos with you and your beau, or a just because session to celebrate YOU! This is a great opportunity to do so!
It’s been a pretty rainy spring, but I think we may FINALLY be turning a corner this week and I would love to get you in front of my camera :)
Would you like to win a mini session with DFinney Photography? Enter this week’s giveaway for your chance to win!
HERE’S HOW TO ENTER:
Leave a comment below- that’s it! (biggest giveaway of the month- easiest giveaway of the month ;)
BONUS ENTRY: On instagram, share of one of your favorite photos! Be sure to mention @dfinneyphoto and hashtag your photo with #dfinneymaygiveaway!
NOTE: Your instagram account must be public for your photo to be seen. Your photo doesn’t have to be taken with a DSLR camera, it just has to be one of your favorite photos- it could be a favorite photo that you’ve taken (of something/someone else) or one that has been taken of you!
*Mini session fee valued at $225. Giveaway not applicable to mentoring or standard session fees. No newborn or event photography. Photo session must take place within (in DC area) 2 months of winning.
I look forward to a photo-filled week with you and I look forward to announcing the winner at the end of the week!
Have a beautiful Monday ❤
-Danni
UPDATE (5/27): The winner for the 4th and final week is Luli Luatupu Archer Congratulations Luli! ✨ Thank you soooo much to everyone who participated, not only this week, but every week his month! I really enjoyed seeing your beautiful images and reading your touching comments on the blog ❤️ I hope you all have a beautiful weekend and a wonderful (unofficial) start to the summer season 💕
Dopeciety | Giveaway May Week 3 [CLOSED]
Happy Monday and welcome to Week THREE of Giveaway May! Can you believe this month is halfway over? Time has been moving, but unfortunately spring hasn’t really arrived here in DC yet. Between the 2+ weeks of rain, this crazy wind, and these fall-like temperatures, I know I’m not the only one ready for some real spring weather!
With that being said, the giveaway this week is something you’ll not be able to rock when the weather warms up, but when the temperatures are chilly too :)
What’s up for grabs this week? A tee from one of my favorite brands- Dopeciety! It’s no secret that I’m a fan of tees, but more than I love tees, I love conscientious brands and Dopeciety is just that!
My friend Denisio is an awesomely talented artist (and all around fabulous person :) created Dopeciety along with her partner Michael a couple years ago and it has been so wonderful watching their brand flourish over the years! The line initially began with tees featuring original artwork by Denisio, but has since expanded to include all kinds of amazing handmade designs by Denisio and sometimes collaborations with fellow designers.
I can’t say enough about how much I love this brand :) So I’m very thankful Denisio agreed to partner with me for this week’s giveaway and the winner gets a tee of their choice from Dopeciety’s awesome tee collection!
Would you like to win a Dopeciety tee? Enter this week’s giveaway for your chance to win!
HERE’S HOW TO ENTER:
1. Follow @dfinneyphoto on instagram 2. Follow @dopeciety on instagram 3. Share a photo of you in one of your favorite outfits! Be sure to mention @dfinneyphoto and hashtag your photo with #dfinneymaygiveaway!
NOTE: Your instagram account must be public for your photo to be seen. You are free to post more than one photo entry.
This week’s giveaway is not limited to just those in the DC area, so everyone is welcome to enter!
I look forward to a fashion-filled week with you and I can’t wait to see your photo entries for this week!
Have a lovely Monday ❤
-Danni
UPDATE (5/20): The winner for Week 3 is Martina (@chasingpavements on Instagram)! She won (her choice of) a tee from Dopeciety! Congratulations Martina! Shoot me an email (danielle@dfinneyphoto.co) and I'll get you linked up with Dopeciety!
Mental Health Month | Wellness Wednesday
Good Wednesday afternoon to you ❤
I’m stopping in to share something very important- May is Mental Health Month! If realized this sooner, I would have done my Giveaway May in June so that I could spend all month posting about mental health :) But, humans are entirely capable of doing two things at once so here we are lol.
I wanted to share with you a couple things that Mental Health America is doing this month and keep the conversation on mental health going! MHA is the country's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping all Americans live mentally healthier lives through advocacy, public education, and service.
One of the things I thought was really important to share is their partnership with Walgreens for a dedicated mental health “answer center” on its website! This new page will help connect people to MHA’s Online Screening Program— free, scientifically-based online screenings for a number of conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and others. How awesome is that! I think it’s a great first step for anyone who suspects they may be dealing with a mental health issue. You can find the free screening here: www.walgreens.com/mentalhealth.
In addition, MHA has launched the #mentalillnessfeelslike social media campaign where you are encouraged to share what mental illness looks like for you! I spent about 30 minutes earlier today going through posts and I was so moved. Not only is it helpful to see what others are going through, but it is also encouraging to know that you’re not alone.
Mental illness is so tricky because even though you “know” your brain is lying to you, you still believe it. It’s literally like fighting yourself FOR yourself. To me, mental illness feels like... feeling like I’m too much and not enough all at once.
I will end today by encouraging you to visit the new Walgreens screening page and check out the various #mentalillnessfeelslike galleries on instagram, facebook, twitter, and tumblr. It’s my hope that it will be enlightening to see how mental illness affects everyone differently (and similarly in some cases), to help those suffering with mental illness to feel a sense of community and support, to help bring understanding to commonly misunderstood disorders, and to try and break the stigma associated with mental illness.
I hope you have a pleasant Wednesday evening ❤
-Danni
Denyelle D. Beauty | Giveaway May Week 2 [CLOSED]
Happy Monday and welcome to Week 2 of Giveaway May!
What’s up for grabs this week? A makeover with my wonderful makeup artist- Denyelle of Denyelle D. Beauty! You’ve seen her beautiful work on my clients, now you get to have the Denyelle D. Beauty experience for yourself!
What can this be used for? Anything! Well, almost anything* :)
Maybe you have a date coming up that you want to look extra fancy for, your bridal or baby shower, a special event, photo shoot, or maybe even a nice “just because” pick me up!
Would you like to win a makeover by Denyelle D. Beauty? Enter this week’s giveaway for your chance to win!
HERE’S HOW TO ENTER:
1. Follow @dfinneyphoto on instagram 2. Follow @denyelledbeauty on instagram 3. Share a photo of what beauty means to you. Be sure to mention @dfinneyphoto and hashtag your photo with #dfinneymaygiveaway!
NOTE: Your instagram account must be public for your photo to be seen. Your photo doesn’t have to be taken with a DSLR camera, it just has to show what beauty looks like to you- that could be a photo of a loved one, flowers, the sunset, your children, a selfie, a lovely piece of artwork- anything! You are free to post more than one photo entry.
*Giveaway not applicable to bridal makeup or makeup mentoring. Makeover valued at $100 and must be redeemed within 3 months of winning.
I will be creating right along with you this month and I would love it if this giveaway can be interactive and encouraging so please don’t be shy! This week’s giveaway is limited to those in (or willing to travel to) the DC area for their makeover.
I look forward to a beauty-filled week with you and I can’t wait to see your photo entries for this week!
Have a lovely Monday ❤
-Danni
UPDATE (5/13): The winner for Week 2 is Cee Cee (@heavenly_one on Instagram)! She won a makeover with Denyelle D. Beauty! Congratulations Cee Cee! Shoot me an email (danielle@dfinneyphoto.co) and I'll get you linked up with Denyelle!
Imani Studio | Giveaway May Week One [CLOSED]
Happy Monday and welcome to May!
It’s been a rough start to the new year for me, but I know a couple things that always make me feel better- creating and doing things for other people, so this month, I’m combining the two :) And guess who benefits- you!
So here’s how it goes:
Every Monday this month, there will be a giveaway- of what you ask? Well you’ll have to come back each week to see :) And every Friday there will be a winner! How awesome is that?
I have teamed up with a few of my favorite fellow small business owners and I can’t wait to share some of my favorite things with you!
So without further ado, let’s checkout what’s up for grabs this week!
WIN a beautiful scarf camera strap from Imani Studio!
I have been complimented and asked so may times about where I got my camera strap from and Imani Studio is responsible for my fabulous strap! Kayla (owner of Imani Studio) was so kind to partner with me for this week’s giveaway and as a result the winner gets to choose their favorite strap to receive :)
Would you like to win one of her beautiful camera straps? Enter this week’s giveaway for your chance to win!
HERE’S HOW TO ENTER:
1. Follow @dfinneyphoto on instagram 2. Follow @kayla.naughton on instagram 3. Share a photo of what spring looks like to you. Be sure to hashtag your post with #dfinneymaygiveaway!
NOTE: Your instagram account has to be public for your photo to be seen. Your photo doesn’t have to be taken with a DSLR camera, it just has to show what spring looks like to you- that could mean flowers, pastel colors, extra daylight, allergies, the end of the school year- anything!
I will be creating right along with you this month and I would love it if this giveaway can be interactive and encouraging so please don’t be shy! This week’s giveaway is not limited to just those in the DC area, so everyone is welcome to enter!
I look forward to a fun month with you and I can’t wait to see your photo entries for this week’s giveaway!
Have a beautiful Monday ❤
-Danni
UPDATE (5/6): The winner for Week 1 is Bella Reese (@sunkissed722 on Instagram)! This is her beautiful photo entry- isn't it gorgeous! Congratulations Bella! Shoot me an email (danielle@dfinneyphoto.co) and I'll get you all set up on how to receive your beautiful new camera strap!
Models Needed + Giveaway May | News & Updates
It’s been a while since I’ve done a News & Updates post, and I have a few things to share sooo here we go!
Models Needed!
I am looking for one couple (married or engaged) for a photo session the afternoon of Friday 5/13!
Interested? Please view full details here and shoot me an email with a photo of you and your beau!
Know a couple who would be perfect for this? Please share this post with them!
Graduation Season
If you or someone you love is graduating this season, I would love to capture this momentous time for you! I am making mini sessions available to graduating seniors from May through July, so if you'd like to schedule yours, email me today!
Giveaway May!
What's this you ask? A little something I've been cooking up :)
I am partnering with a few of my favorite small business owners to bring you one giveaway every week in the month of May!
Of what you ask? Well you'll have to come back each week to see :)
Stay tuned on Monday, May 2 for the first giveaway!
Well, that’s it for today!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend
-Danni
Truthy Thursday | Don’t Stop Talking About It
Good Thursday afternoon to you ❤
It’s a gloomy day here in DC, but I’m trying to make the best of it :)
I wanted to drop in quickly with a follow-up to my post last month. I was so overwhelmed with the response it received! I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but I was touched by the personal stories that were shared with me and incredibly thankful that I am apart of such a wonderfully supportive community.
I have always been appreciative of really honest stories and articles regarding mental illness, as well as artists and public figures speaking on their personal struggles. Since my diagnoses earlier this year, that interest has more than doubled, because instead of just having an interest, I understand what it’s like.
We all know the stigma that mental illness has, so since I do have a very personal connection to it, I want to do my part of keeping the lines of communication open- in hopes that someone else can be helped to feel less weird about their mental illness or seek assistance in dealing with it.
I don’t always have the energy, the words, or even the desire to speak about what I’m going through WHEN I’m going through it, but I am thankful for women like Bunmi Laditan and Bassey Ikpi (to name 2 specifically) that are able to beautifully articulate this not-so-beautiful struggle. It is incredibly helpful to read their posts because not only am I able to understand where they’re coming from, I appreciate their sharing in the first place, and there’s an added benefit of knowing that you’re not alone in this. Some days that helps and some days it doesn’t lol.
But on that note (and the purpose for this post) I wanted to share some of the articles I’ve come across in the past few weeks that I’ve found really helpful. Hopefully you’ll find them helpful as well if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. If you’re not dealing with any of these issues yourself, I encourage you to read these articles anyway as it may help you understand a little what your friend or family member may be going through.
One of my favorite artists, I really appreciated this interview with Laura Mvula regarding her ongoing struggle with anxiety and panic attacks.
I appreciate Bassey Ikpi soo much for being such a vocal mental health advocate. Her writing is masterfully moving.
Though depression is a “common” issue, the symptoms aren’t always the same, nor is it easily described. I thought this was a very good article.
This really hit home. Victor Pope Jr is one of my favorite online comedians and I am so appreciative of him sharing his struggle with bipolar disorder. Especially when it comes to addressing the pressure of always having to be “on”.
So, this was my share for today... Maybe I should just shift to Truthy Thursday because I don’t remember the last time I actually posted a Truthy on Tuesday lol. I hope you’re able to check out these articles when you have a free moment and I thank you for being apart of this beautiful community ❤
-Danni
Mitchell Maternity | Washington, DC Maternity Photographer
Next up for today? The beautiful Mitchell Family!
Some of my absolute faves :) It has been a true honor to document their love and growing family for the past 4 years! This time, it was a family maternity session with their energetic soon-to-be big brother, Cam!
Just a few days after their session, Yasmin and Calvin welcomed their beautiful baby girl!
Check out my faves from their fun family maternity session :)
Are you expecting a new little one soon? If you’re interested in a maternity session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me and schedule yours today! Currently booking: May and June 2016.
Murray Maternity | Atlanta, GA Maternity Photographer
Happy Monday loves!
I have something special in the works for the month of May so I wanted to ramp up to that and revitalize my blog with some fun session recaps in preparation for that!
Since it’s Monday, I think we should do Maternity Monday! It’s been a while :)
First up? A wonderful session I had with my photog sis Kimberly and her husband! It is always a pleasure to work with fellow creatives and we had a great time together!
How adorable is this card Kim’s husband, Yohance created for their new year’s pregnancy announcement!
Despite the rainy day, we managed to capture some gorgeous images of this wonderful time in their lives (AND find a wall that matched them perfectly! lol) Just two weeks following our session, Kimberly & Yohance welcomed their beautiful baby girl!
Check out some of my faves from their fun mini maternity session
Are you expecting a new little one soon? If you’re interested in a maternity session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me and schedule yours today! Currently booking: May and June 2016.
Easterling Family | Washington, DC Family Photographer
Trying to jump back on the blogging bandwagon as I’ve been on an unintentional hiatus these past few months :)
We are now in the beautiful Spring season so I wanted to share my fun spring family session with The beautiful Easterling Family!
I had such a great time with this energetic bunch! I love when I’m able to capture kids just being their awesome little selves :)
Check out their fun spring mini session!
If you’re interested in a family session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me and schedule yours today! Currently booking: May and June 2016.