Your California Wedding Photographer…and a little more 😉

Hey there! I’m Danielle, but please call me Dani! If you’ve clicked on this blog post, you’re probably curious about the person behind all these photos. Well, you’re in the right place!

I’m excited to share that there is more to me than just being a California Wedding Photographer. I want to share what lights me up inside, what I do when I’m not behind the camera, and a little bit of my story and how I got started with photography. It’s always nice to put a face to the name and get to know the person you’re trusting with your photos. I aim to genuinely connect with you, my clients, and become friends rather than just being a random photographer.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into what I love and have a fun “get to know me” moment!

The face behind the lens

First things first, I’m a wife, mom to the sweetest girl (future boy mom! coming October 2024) and dog mom to a goofy fluffy sheepadoodle! I was born and raised by the waves (California & Hawaii), so home is wherever the ocean is closest. Thankfully I married a guy who lives in So-Cal, so the ocean is not far! I’m naturally not a morning gal but have been forced to become one since becoming a mom ha! One of my favorite things to do is get outside, walk with my cutie fam, an iced matcha in hand and feel the beaming sun on my skin. I low-key feel like my best self during the summer when I got a glowy tan going on (I know I am not alone on this!) Besides being outdoors, I love having my camera on hand and capturing those candid moments that make time stop at a standstill.

What lights me up?!

I truly love joyful moments, whether they are big or small, my own or being a part of someone else’s happiness. What do I mean by this? Well, for me, it’s those personal times when I blast my favorite worship song and feel deeply loved and cared for by my Creator. It’s when my daughter gazes up at me with admiration, wordlessly showing that I’m the most important person in her life. It’s when my husband and I are in our silliest moods, laughing at everything, or when I get to jump into the ocean during a stunning sunset. The list is endless!

What does this look like for you? It’s capturing the moment you say the easiest “yes” of your life, watching your special person down on one knee. Having everyone you love in one room, celebrating your incredible journey together. The joy of a positive pregnancy test and sharing the news with the world. It’s capturing a precious photo with a grandparent that you’ll cherish forever. These moments and more light me up like no other!

Day to Day moments

What will you find me doing day to day?

As a mom and business owner, I’ve learned to juggle both roles, making each day unique. Here’s a glimpse into my daily routine:

My mornings start with the sweetest sound – a little “mama!” calling from the other room. Sometimes I wake up with the biggest smile, other days, I wish for a bit more sleep (not a natural morning person here!). Once we’re up, we head outside as soon as possible. With the dog, an iced matcha or smoothie, and my little one in tow, we make our way out the door! Whether it’s meeting friends, walking by the beach, going to the park, or just strolling around the neighborhood, getting outside is a must.

During Selah’s nap, I dive into work mode. Emails, editing galleries, blogging, planning the next Instagram post – I tackle whatever I’m most motivated to work on that day. Before I know it, Selah is up, and the computer stays closed until bedtime. I strive to be intentional with my time with her and Max. Max is wonderful and loves spending time with Selah and Blu (our pup) when he gets home, giving me a chance to prep dinner or enjoy a moment to myself.

Fast forward to the evening! Dinner is done, bath and bedtime routines are complete, and the kitchen is tidied up. The night wraps up with a bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with a generous amount of chocolate sauce and whatever show Max and I are currently watching. During busy seasons, my computer might make a reappearance for some catch-up work, but I try to resist and save it for the next day.

Each day is a mix of family fun and business hustle, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

My journey as a California Wedding Photographer

How did it all begin? It really started when I met my amazing husband, Max. Max has always been my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me to explore and discover my true passion. It was actually his sister, who has been a professional photographer for over 10 years, who introduced me to the world of photography. She saw a spark in me that I hadn’t recognized and helped ignite my love for photography.

In 2020, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside her and assist her in her own weddings & photoshoots. With her guidance and encouragement, I took on my own weddings starting 2021! Since then, it’s been a wonderful journey filled with learning the intricacies of weddings, client communication, editing, and refining my artistic style. I’m continually evolving, always fine-tuning my business to ensure it offers the best possible experience for my clients.

I am truly blessed to turn my passion into my profession, and I’m dedicated to giving you, my clients, the best experience possible!

I thought it would be fun to share some images of my journey—from where I started to where I am today! I’m incredibly proud of all the hard work I’ve put in and thrilled with where I am now. I truly feel I’ve found my style and aesthetic!

A note to you!

If you’ve made it to the end… THANK YOU! It means the world to me that you took the time to get to know me, your California wedding photographer, and I can’t wait to get to know you, too! Your support truly means everything. If you’d like to chat more, feel free to fill out my contact page. Let me know if you’d like to hop on a FaceTime call or even meet up for coffee!

 If you haven’t already go ahead and check out what’s included in my wedding packages & experience! You’ll learn what it’s like to work with me, what planning help I offer, read FAQs, see the booking process, starting pricing, and more! 

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