Fun morning at the park with a spunky and fun 2 year old!

Milestone sessions continue to be one of my favorites!! We met at a local park one morning and I was already to have fun with a cute little 2 year old! Often times I like to pinch myself how can this possibly be work and actually get paid for this? That is the truth to life, love what you do and you will never "work" a day in your life. I am forever grateful to be given this talent and pass to others through the lens of my camera. 

I loved my time with this sweet little girl. We had fun running, chasing and looking for frogs in the ponds. Oh and we managed to get some fun pictures along the way. 

I am always booking milestone sessions. They can take place outside or in my home studio. Contact me today for more information.

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Simply Beautiful Newborn Session

I had the pleasure of this cute little guy to join me in my home studio today. He was so fun to photograph and the perfect little model. He also proved to be one of my best newborns thus far for sleeping for me;) Most people believe babies just sleep all the time and newborn photography should be easy peasy...Haha! I believe the opposite is true they can be challenge sometimes. But its the challenge and the rewards of getting that perfect tender shot that make everything worth while. That and I came up with a few tricks to help lull the babies back to sleep.

I am greatly enjoying this new adventure of Newborn Photography and even those at first I was hesitant and resistant it is proving to be my favorite..

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Beautiful in home session with a precious little lady

There is something so special about those first few months when your newborn is brought home. Everything is so very fresh, new, exciting and precious all wrapped up together. Its these little moments you wish you could stop time and soak it all in. It all happens so fast from the moment you bring them home you blink and they are riding their bike. This is why hitting the pause button with photography is so important for any new family. Doing the in home lifestyle photography sessions have become a new favorite of mine. These are not posed, unpractical and stiff images. More like natural, candid and breath taking is a better way to describe lifestyle photography. I had so much fun with the H family and their new baby girl. We were able to capture so many beautiful shots throughout the home while working on the baby's timetable. If you are considering newborn photography it is best to book prior to delivery. Please contact me for more information on my newborn packages.

A Celebration Headshot from Case Western

I was recently asked by a graduating Case Western Law Student for some head shot photography. She was proud of how far she has come and wanted to document the success. Yes! I was so excited to hear about this. That is what photography does. It freezes time for all these special moments in our life. Often times we get so caught up in the process and hustle/bustle of life and forget to enjoy/savor the moment. We met on a beautiful spring morning at the Cleveland Art Museum. It was perfect timing with spring in full bloom. Please contact me if interested in head shot photography in the greater Cleveland area. 

A Beautiful Newborn and Lifestyle in home Session.

You may have heard the term "Lifestyle Family Session", but never fully understood what that meant or what it entails. I was excited to announce my Newborn sessions now have the option of adding on the Lifestyle Session at a clients home. So what is a "Lifestyle Session"? The at-home lifestyle newborn sessions are about the connection and love that family members already have for this new life. During these sessions my goal is to capture the special moments with each family member and the baby as well as the family all together. The siblings are involved as well with the session. The benefits of having the session in your home is to allow the siblings to run and play while the "newborn posed" pictures are taking place. These sessions are at a much more relaxed-casual pace and often times the youngest member of the family (aka, the newborn) will dictate how the session runs.  The session is usually 2-3 hours in length depending on how sleepy the baby is in order to achieve the newborn poses. I usually like to start the session with the Newborn. It is best to keep the baby awake 2-3 hours and fed prior to my arrival. Once I arrive I prefer to begin with the newborn photos. These photos usually consist of props and the use of my beanbag. If the baby is not cooperating, no worries, we may move to the nursery with some candid mom and baby photos. Its a very laid back session, and we all go with the flow.  If the baby is still not quite ready for their individual pictures this is a great time to photograph the baby with mom, dad and incorporate the siblings. After those pictures are complete, I will go back to the newborn photos. My newborn photos are a mixture of swaddling in a few "posed" positions but often times they may appear in a more relaxed newborn position. My goal isn't to turn your beautiful newborn into a "frog" pose but rather photograph all the unique and beautiful qualities the newborn has in a more natural way. This would include the baby's feet, eye lashes, and flaking skin. After all, time waits for no one, and we have a very small window of time to capture these beautiful newborn characteristics. If you are interested in my "Simply Beautiful Newborn" Sessions, please contact me for pricing and booking. It is best to book the newborn sessions prior to delivery. The best time period to photograph newborns is day 2-12 of life. Anytime before 2 weeks of life is best and helps to achieve the sleepy and newborn qualities. 

First Communion Photography with a precious little lady

I have had the honor of watching this sweet little girl grow up through the eyes of my lens. I first began photographing her when she was only 4 years old. Its so hard to believe how quickly time escapes us and here she is making her First Holy Communion. I had the honer of photographing this sweet girl for her communion photos. I always have so much fun with her and she has become such a natural in front of the camera. Many blessings to you Madelyn!!

Easter Mini Sessions with Live Bunnies

I was so excited to announce my Easter Mini Sessions with Live Bunnies! These cute little bunnies belonged to a friend of mine and she was more than happy to loan them for a day. At first I was a little worried with bunnies and kids. Most people will tell you photographing kids and animals can be a challenge. Forget about photographing them together;) I was very happy to announce both the kids and the bunnies were a dream to photograph. I couldn't believe how laid back these bunnies were no matter how many times they were tugged, pulled and carried around. 

Overall, my first session of Easter Mini's with Live Bunnies was a success. This is something I would hope to offer again soon for my clients.

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A Fun Head Shot Session in University Circle | Cleveland

It was a cold and sunny morning in University Circle, Cleveland, Ohio. I had the opportunity to shoot headshots for an up and coming new blogger in the area. These headshots were meant to portray the personality and beauty of the blogger. Headshot photography sessions are great for anyone wanting to update their business profile or personal business. Please contact me today on my headshot prices. I offer a 30 minute mini session that can be held outdoors at an agreed upon location. 

First Birthday Celebration with a Little Lady!

First Birthday Photography is one of my favorite sessions!  This little lady enjoyed having her pictures taken in a relaxed studio setting. I offer 2 different options for first birthday. Outside or inside, studio photos for the backdrop. This milestone photography session is stress free while it lasts less than a hour. Many times I can capture all of the unique shots within 45 minutes. This is long enough time for a busy little 1 year old. I also offer a smash cake option at the end. This is my favorite part. If your interested in having your child's one year photography session, please contact me soon.

First Birthday Milestone Photography Session, Family Photography Session

A Fall Family Session at the Hapersfield Covered Bridge

The beautiful fall colors paired with a covered bridge might just be my new favorite location for fall family photos. I was asked by the S. Family to take their family photos at the Harpersfield Covered Bridge. The bridge is located near Geneva in Ashtabula County.  As soon as I drove through the bridge and saw the beautiful water, trees and falling leaves I knew this would soon become a special place.  The more I talked with the S. Family I began to learn how this place held a special meaning to them. They spoke how their grandparents would visit here often and they even had an oil painting of the bridge hanging in their home. My goal was to re create those images and memories the best I could with the covered bridge. The bridge dates as far back to 1868, when it was first constructed. I greatly enjoyed my time with the S. Family, they all were so much fun to be around and make some memories together. Here are some of my favorites from our time together.

Senior Sunflower Session

I mentioned in my earlier post about Marias Field of Hope and the beautiful sunflower field that is planted every September in Avon, Ohio. This field is planted in dedication to Maria who lost her fight with Childhood Glioma and also raise awareness to other children still fighting today. This field is both beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. No children should ever have to deal with sickness or leave to soon. I was encouraged to host a family sunflower session with 5 families in the field. I also donated a large percentage of my earnings to the foundation. The foundation does continued research to help find a cure for childhood cancer. Here are some beautiful images with a Senior in high school ready to make her way after she graduates.

Sunflower Family Sessions

If you frequently travel around the Cleveland, Ohio area specifically Avon, Ohio you may have noticed the beautiful sunflower filed. This field can be seen off of I-90 in Avon, Ohio. This beautiful sunflower field is planted every year to raise awareness for childhood cancer, specifically Childhood Gliomas. The field is named "Marias field of Hope" and was started by the McNamara Family after they lost their beautiful 6 year old daughter Maria to a Brain Tumor. Now every year it is their mission to raise awareness to all the many of young children lost too soon to Childhood Cancer. The field is bittersweet as it boasts with beauty but also heartbreaking as you read about the many children still fighting a battle today. This field receives visitors in the month of September, as many families visit the field wanting to capture a few snapshots with their own family in the flowers. I was happy to host a sunflower family mini session with 5 families and I also donated a large percentage of my earnings to the Maria's Field of Hope Fund. Here are some of the beautiful images we created in the Sunflower Field.

Now Booking Fall Family Sessions!

It's that time of year again with the temperatures dropping and the kids back in school. It's officially time to book your fall family session with Danelle Joy Photography!

I am now booking fall evening family sessions for the months of September-October. Sessions are $300 and includes up to a 2 hour session, one location, 30-50 hand edited digital images, online gallery, and a print release. This is up to a family of 6 and pets are welcome.

And to celebrate the fall season (my favorite time to photograph), the first FIVE families to book a FALL FAMILY SESSION will receive a $50 discount off their session fee! 

To book a session, please email Danelle Joy Photography at dmik77@yahoo.com. For more information on family sessions and pricing, please visit www.danellejoyphotography.com

Little Italy and Botanical Garden Senior Session - Cleveland High School Portraits

Just wrapped up my first Senior Photography session in Cleveland, Ohio. Luckily the rain decided to stay away but the 40 mph wind was hard enough to deal with. I felt very honored when a friend approached me to shoot her daughter's Senior photos. I must say at first I felt a little overwhelmed but then I figured she must be easier than a 3 year old girl, right?! The setting was perfect at Trattoria in Little Italy, which held a special meaning to the family. This quaint little place is boasting with character and beautiful brick walls. Oh how I do love the leading lines with beautiful brick walls!!  I really wished it would not have been so windy though. That is the one downfall of shooting outside and on location but we made the best of it!

The second location was at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens and it was breathtaking. I even had to make a stop and take a few pictures at the Glidden house. The Cleveland Botanical Gardens was a dream to photograph a young lady in. The green gardens, Ivy and rose gardens are just a few of the backdrops that completed our session together. In the end I realized how much I enjoyed photographing a Senior and hope to add many more in the future. 

Summer Mini Session at Headlands Beach-Part 2

More beautiful families from my Family Mini Session held at Headlands Beach in Mentor, Ohio.

Headlands Beach Summer Mini Sessions - Cleveland, Ohio Family Portraits

The Summer Mini Sessions for July 2017 were held at Headlands Beach. It may not be known as one of the most beautiful places in all of Ohio for swimming. However, it continues to be my favorite places in Ohio for family portraits. The natural sandy beach, tall grasses, blue water and golden light all come together and make a beautiful backdrop for photography. I was lucky enough to have 6 families join me in my Summer Minis and capture some beautiful images. Headlands beach is and will always be a favorite place to photograph many families to come!

What to wear for Family Pictures

Trying to figure out "outfits" for a family photography session only brings one word to mind, "stressful".  I understand and have been there myself before I figured out the missing puzzle piece to finding great outfits. The little secret is called Color Palette!  I think we all at one time or another fall into the habit of wanting our kids to be all matching match. I still do at certain times but for photos its more about creating a beautiful color palette for your photography session.  I tell my clients to focus on 1 or 2 colors and blend them in throughout the family. I would have Dad wear a shirt with maroon color and accent the color with a pop of maroon in baby girls headband. Its all about making the colors flow throughout the family. The outfit below is a great example of a natural look with a pop of color.  This works best for a natural beach session.  Please email Danelle Joy Photography for individual help regarding "what to wear" at your next photography session.

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The Magic in the Golden Hour

The magic of the golden hour... Even though I don't live in the beautiful Outer banks  area of the Carolinas, this place can create some magical photos. Plan a visit to the Headlands beach during the late summer months, an hour before sunset and you will find some breathtaking backdrops. Headlands is located in Mentor, OH Lake County and is the longest natural beach along Lake Erie in Ohio. What exactly is the "Golden Hour"? It is typically the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which daylight is redder and softer. Its during this time that creates a beautiful golden glow in your images. The beach boasts natural sandy, golden rod beach grass and beautiful lighthouse. This is the perfect package to create stunning family photos.

A lovely couple at Squires Castle

There is nothing more beautiful than a young couple in love. I felt so honored to photograph this lovely couple on a  warm summer night. This fun Engagement Photography Session took place at Squires Castle in Willoughby Hills, OH. This castle is nestled in the Cleveland Metroparks and served as a romantic backdrop.