This story isn’t the easiest to write, but from it, some of the most raw, real and emotional work of mine emerged to the surface, and from it,  I feel the heartbeat of adoption can be heard.  Which all started with Jon and Courtney, being willing to out of humility and vulnerability, share their story…
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“It’s Going to be Really Hard” // Ann Arbor Lifestyle Photographer
So she was one of the moms that gave me a pep talk. Not a pep talk like, “oh you can do it, you’re going to be great” No, the honest -real life-mama-bear- pep talk. As we sat in pedicure chairs together, with a 38 week old babe still cookin’ in my belly, we talked about …
Cottonwood Barn Holiday Mini Sessions
I had such a blast partnering with Cottonwood Barn and Serradella Vintage  rentals for DMP’s Holiday Mini sessions this year! Thankfully, the weather cooperated, and all of our families had a blast! I love offering these around Christmas, since I am getting away from photographing families to solely focus on Weddings and engagements. It’s refreshing …
Cristin + Bobby + Three…
I’ve gotten away from blogging family sessions, because the past 2 years I have focused Dayna Mae Photography on marketing weddings + love shoots. But then there are families, like this one, who can’t be kept on our hard drives. They must be shared.. This session to me, went far beyond posing, lighting, and going …
What would you not give…
Last week, I had the privilege to attend a workshop (Jerry Ghionis)Â with a few dear friends in the industry . During the workshop, we learned technical things, but the technical aspect of the workshop was pushed aside as the last segment began. Or as Jerry said, I was moved to my “clarity moment.” “What is …
A Moment: isn’t that our job?
It’s tuesday afternoon about an hour before our session, and the forecast is calling for high winds, and 70% chance of rain. I called Jacque to see if she wanted to reschedule knowing that they would be bringing their newest addition and heart throb, 7 day old Camdyn,  to their outdoor session. “well, the boys are all showered, so why don’t …
Cherish {Father’s Day 2013}
“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure…” As the first father’s day with my daddy watching me from Heaven, I thought it would only be appropriate to dedicate a post to him and to encourage so many others out there who will be spending this father’s day, without their dad. I’d love for you …
Spice up Your Christmas Wrapping!
For Christmas this year Matt and I decided we wanted to “spice up” our wrapping per say with a fun idea that won’t break the bank! This is a super easy, and personal way to give that extra something that will set you apart at family gatherings! 😀 Simply wrap your gifts with the brown …
Hoban Family
It was so great seeing this beautiful family again. It’s always amazing seeing how much families can change and grow in just a year! 😀 So thankful for such awesome repeat clients. The weather, was one of the last gorgeous days we had before the leaves were all gone! Enjoy! blessings, dayna
Pecoraro Family
It has been way too long since I have blogged, and I’ve had SO many amazing families, seniors, and weddings this fall I need to get around to sharing! Finally, as my husband and our friend from California are up playing Mario brothers (yes, they are grown men) I am knocking down the first gorgeous family on …
Another beautiful family!
It was a beautiful day, but above 95 degrees outside, and you know, with little ones, that doesn’t always fly! Thankfully, we changed the session to right before sunset (and the kiddo’s bedtime) and I couldn’t be more thrilled! They were full of smiles, and Mr. Sun was lovin’ on us through most of the …
Brooklyn Marie – 3 weeks
Meet Brooklyn Marie, 3 weeks new. It was so amazing seeing Josh and Saunda as parents, as we have known each-other since middle school! And what a beautiful little baby girl they have.. They moved to Pittsburgh for a new oppurtunity for Josh’s job, so we were so glad they made the venture back to Michigan …
Alivia Jane
Little Miss Alivia, such a doll! This may have been my fastest newborn session ever, because she was so good (and mommy & matt were such a help, and daddy with Lukas!)Â Thanks Shannon & Shawn for letting me capture your darling little girl, I can’t wait to be apart of her growing up, and …
In memory of a special daddy; a pictures worth..
“Hi Carrie, it’s Dayna, I know it’s cold outside, but let’s plan on trying the session anyways so we don’t have to wait till later in the summer” “Okay, we will just bundle up, thanks! See you soon…..” You would think in April, it would be somewhat warm, right? Not this April.. It was two …
You better not pout, ‘better not cry….
Shannon and Shawn are expecting baby #2! It seems like just yesterday we were playing cards when Shannon’s water broke with Lukas.. Can’t wait to meet Baby Ward #2! Big brother, Lukas, can hardly wait to meet his baby sister! Best of luck Shannon & Shawn this Holiday season, as you anxiously await your newest …