THE ART OF LIFE

Julia and Darren, aka Ju-Ju & Uncle Derr-win

2010-06-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my sister was married to a real lucky guy. And we couldn't be happier to have him in our family.

Fortunately for me, I got to enjoy a wedding for once! But I was also privileged to get to photograph her engagement session as well as her bridal portrait.

Ain't love grand?

Scotland

2010-06-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

I try not to get too sappy, because it makes me cry and I do not like to cry :) But this family means a lot to me. I grew up alongside Dixie, Aunt to Scotland, and always admired Melanie as the cool older sister she was! Their parents are role models to everyone, and the passing of their father left a hole in our community.

So, to get the opportunity to photograph Scotland at the homesite, in the gardens that her grandfather built, was pretty darn special. I think the pictures show just how special this was!

10 Little Toes

2010-06-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

The latest addition of the Kelly Family and I got the chance to meet a while back and I just had to share what we captured. Waett is a beautiful boy. I cannot wait to watch him grow up!

A little bit of Dana...

2010-03-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

So, I typically don't like to post any pictures that have to do with me, as this is more about everyone else...

But I recently attended a workshop in Atlanta and we got to have a little bit of fun amongst ourselves. These photos were taken around midnight, we were all a little punchy, and these 2 just crack me up. We were trying to do a little Matrix action...

Hope they get a little laugh!

Dana

Paige, the first of many

2010-02-04T06:37:00.000-08:00

My first ambassador to be photographed this year is Paige Yarborough. This was definitely the way to kick off the year! We had a day of great weather for our downtown session. It almost felt like spring in January!

Thanks, Paige for your upbeat personality! I can't wait to work with you throughout the year!

The Marks Family, with one on the way!

2010-02-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

Luckily we had the most beautiful weather in late January to photography the Marks family. I was lucky enough to get to photograph Ava when she was but a baby, and fortunately, Jennifer and Taylor decided to ask me to capture similar moments of their family with the addition of Sophie.

Two beautiful girls equals an easy session for me. It was a lot of fun for me! Thanks for letting me be a part of your day!

Dana

PPA {aka Professional Photographers of America} Convention

2010-01-13T15:33:00.000-08:00

First day home after a whirlwind national convention. I was very blessed to be able to spend a ton of time with my great friend Tara Huss and her wonderful family who put me up for the entire stay.

The convention was a tad bit overwhelming as they had their LARGEST turnout EVER!!! How great is that? Lots of good info but most importantly, inspiring people.

Best part: I actually won something. It was a small prize, but my name was called as the day was ending. WOO HOO!!! Now that is a sign.

Most suprising mooment: THIS MORNING. I woke up to my sweet hubby showing me how he and his baby brother Bret painted our living room while I was away. I had made a joke as I left our home that I hoped he had time to finish what I had started the day before I was to leave, and HE ACTUALLY DID IT!!! What an amazing man.

Can't wait for this year to present itself. I am ready to tackle my business and make it work!

The Tucker Family, all the way from South Carolina

2009-07-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine, Mark Tucker, contacted me through Facebook. Gotta love Facebook. He heard about our beach sessions and asked his wife Jennifer to give it a go. Mark was unable to make the session, which was a bummer since I haven't seen him in about 12 years, but his wife and 2 beautiful children were something special. It was so lovely to get to meet them!!!

The Wilkinsons, Wilkinsons...and Stinsons :)

2009-07-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite and most loyal families, the Wilkinsons, asked for a beach session and they got one. It was another hot day, and we got some great images of the boys playing a little, mom and dad kissing a little, the newlyweds being newlyweds, and the grandparents showing love like grandparents do best!

The Lafons, All Grown Up

2009-07-20T05:46:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure to kick off my beach sessions with the LaFon Family, a wonderful four-some from Raleigh. I photographed Biz when she was pregnant with Tucker, and then was able to snap a few just a short while after they brought him home.

It was a hot, sunny day and the kids really enjoyed the session once they were allowed to splash poor ole Dana :)

A Hot Day with a Cool Family

2009-06-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was honored to photograph one of our military families. This lovely family from Utah spent a really hot morning with me in the gardens of Fayetteville, and the children never complained one bit. I don't even have to say that you can tell that these two parents adore their children...you can see it for yourself!

Jasper the fun and friendly...

2009-06-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Fortunately for me, one of my donations was picked up by a lovely family down in Pinehurst. We spent a lovely Friday morning playing, snacking, watching the tellie and of course capturing Jasper being Jasper.

A baby and a belly

2009-06-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

I guess it is true that 2 beautiful people do make a beautiful baby. This little girl was certainly a blessing and will be loved like no other.

Candace allowed me to use her as my test subject for a new line of maternity sessions that we are adding which includes a belly cast. I went to her home and we had a hilarious time with some plaster of paris. But it came out great and we were able to place little Claire into the cast for some memorable shots.

I am looking forward to seeing this little one grow up. She is perfect!

Jonesin'

2009-06-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

A year after I had the pleasure of photographing Trent, Emily and Sadie, they returned and brought their extended family in from Hickory. What a treat!

I can't think of a nicer present for a grandparent to receive.

A Mini Heather

2009-06-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

She is her mother's child. Sweet Kendall looks exactly like her mom, Heather. We spent a lovely afternoon out at the House in the Horseshoe, to capture Kendall at the age of 5. She was a great sport, rolling in the tall grasses. Unfortunately, we all realized that she is a bit allergic to the tall grasses, about 15 minutes too late :) She was still a trooper on the long drive back, and even thought the session was cut a bit short, we got some amazing images.

Just Stunning

2009-06-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

I know that I tend to think that I get the most lovely brides, and maybe that is egotistical of me. But I swear I do. They each just seem to have a presence. And boy, was Meredith no exception. She is a stunner.

Sad as it is, she is the same age as my brother, who is 10 years YOUNGER than me, so needless to say, I am realizing my age. But it doesn't matter when I get to spend a lovely afternoon with Meredith and her mother, Susan. They are just the kindest people.

Did I mention she is stunning?

A Day at the Shoe

2009-04-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

A Day at the Shoe was a wonderful fundraiser for The House in the Horseshoe.

Thanks to the customers who chose to have their memories captured in such a special place, and to benefit one of our landmarks.

Getting remarried?

2009-04-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

Less than a year after Brooke and John tied the knot, they came back for more! After the love of their wedding pictures, accompanied by Brooke's excitement to wear her wedding dress one more time, the couple came in for some studio shots. Their special day with each other was relived all over again!

Thanks Brooke and John for a fun loving session!

DWA Studio Proposal!

2009-04-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to announce DWA Photography's very first studio proposal!

When Bracken Liles came to us with the idea to capture this very endearing moment right here in our own studio, we couldn't resist! After sharing ideas, we came up with a romantic setting of candles, orchids, the bride's favorite flower, and special souvenirs from the couples special trip to Hawaii. The soon to be bride agreed to a "Couples Session", with no clue as to what was to come. As she entered the studio and the romantic set up, somewhere over the rainbow began to play and her prince charming shared his love for her and got down on one knee, to ask his sweetheart if she would be his forever...and she said YES!!!

We hope you enjoy the wonderful moments we shared with Bracken Liles and Renee Bullard and get as much inspiration as we did!

Thanks for reading!

Kendall and Grant

2008-02-29T06:32:00.000-08:00

This couple is way to sweet for words. They chose to have their engagement pictures taken at Buffalo Lake, where Grant's mom lives. We spent a little over an hour trying to get Grant to make out with Kendall (like he needed urging :)), and in the end, I got many cozy shots of the two of them, as if they were not in front of the camera! I can't wait until the wedding day!

Special Day, Special People

2007-10-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

You will not meet a kinder couple than Karol and Scott Sandford. They chose a special day to share their vows in the gardens of the Fearrington Village. As they honored one another, only their immediate family observed and it was extremely special to be a part of. During my five years in this profession, I have not felt so included and welcomed.

DWA Weddings

2007-08-31T09:02:00.001-07:00

Dana helped make my wedding day extra special. She made sure to capture every moment without me even knowing she was taking pictures.
Laura McNeill Cox, Bride May 5, 2007