Dallas Family and Children Photographer Devine Memories Photography, Devine Inspirations

B Family Session

2011-04-15T15:14:00.002-05:00

With a family this gorgeous and fun, this session was a literal walk in the park...

Landry turns 1

2011-04-15T13:50:00.003-05:00

Another baby planner turns the big 0-1...

Avery, Caroline, and introducing Madeleine

2011-04-02T14:51:00.004-05:00

Avery and Caroline are pros behind the camera, it was their job for this shoot to show new lil' sis Madeleine exactly how it's done. Yeah, they worked it, they owned it.

PS-the Arboretum is so gorgeous right now!!! Good thing since it tends to be my home away from home this time of year.

LOVE. THIS. SHOT.

Holt and Kate

2011-03-24T15:55:00.002-05:00

Last week I was lucky enough to attend the amazing SXSW festival in Austin, and even luckier to have been contacted by one of my Austin families for a session just as we were preparing to leave. This session must have been fate because they were available while I was there, after years of trying to make it happen after Kate's birth 3 years ago.

Isla, 6 months

2011-03-23T16:01:00.004-05:00

In the blink of an eye, Isla, like all my other Baby Planners, has gone from sleepy, tiny newborn to snuggly, smiley 6 month old.

Well, Hi There.

2011-03-10T16:48:00.004-06:00

Yes, it really has been since Thanksgiving since I've posted a single word here...I am still here and haven't stopped working. Let's blame it on all the usual excuses (single mom, three kids in school, not much free time) and add in a new one: wedding planning.

I also have been working on getting a better, more modern blog, maybe someday I can catch up to the rest of the world, I just don't know how to find the time to take on a project like that. But it will happen soon.

In the meantime, I have a session to share. Each of these families has individually had me photograph them at one time or another, and so we decided to get the whole gang together. It was such a fun day and I've been dying to share these with them.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T08:24:00.002-06:00

We're taking a much needed break this week for Thanksgiving. Don't forget the black Friday sale on Friday, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving to everyone!

D

Ana

2010-11-19T17:21:00.005-06:00

Beautiful Ana is expecting her second baby girl, and big sister is super excited about it! I love using mostly black and white photography for maternity sessions, it accentuates the gorgeous curves of the body in such a mysterious, soft way.

Had to get one of precious big sis!!

BLACK FRIDAY Gift Certificate Sale!!

2010-11-18T15:09:00.010-06:00

(click to enlarge)Friday, November 26

One day only

Every gift certificate purchase for $200 or more
receives an additional $100 gift certificate

Only a limited amount will be available
so call or email early to order yours

-sale ends at midnight
-limit one per customer
-order must be received by email or phone on 11/26 to qualify
deanna@devine-memories.com
972. 596. 5500

Deep Ellum Divas

2010-11-18T00:34:00.002-06:00

More of my sweet clients growing up faster than I care to admit...we rocked it downtown and captured some of my newest faves of all time.

Mia is One!

2010-11-16T23:40:00.003-06:00

Mia and her family may possibly win for most pics ever on this blog. 2 baby plans back to back, and every session is a blast. But my faves are *always* when the babies begin to take steps. The most classic shots EVER...

Julian and Sydney

2010-11-15T23:50:00.004-06:00

Crazy fun session with these two cuties and their sweet parents. Bonus: gorgeous historic home as our backdrop!

Chloe

2010-11-11T18:15:00.003-06:00

Fun session as always with Miss Chloe, who has decided that she will begin kissing her frogs now, thankyouverymuch. Good thinking Chloe, get it out of the way now!

PS parents: take advice from Chloe's Mommy and let your little girl pick out her outfit for the session, head to toe...because the results are priceless.

Morgan and Evan

2010-11-11T00:11:00.003-06:00

More faves from all these sessions I'm attempting to crank out; love these two little boys to pieces and have since they were both newborns...

Gabriella and Winston

2010-11-09T13:31:00.003-06:00

I've been doing this so long now that some of the itty bitty kiddos I started out with are growing up before my very eyes into actual TEENAGERS. These two have been with me since they were 5 and 6 years old, and every year I am just amazed at the young man and woman they are becoming.

Jack, Sophia and Caroline

2010-11-04T00:40:00.003-05:00

The holiday season is so crazy, but the brightest moments are the ones when I get to see my growing clients who have been in front of my lens since babyhood, getting inches taller and tons of personality.

And although their mom might kill me, I had to share this one because it cracked me up...photography game that's supposed to get a great shot gone bad!

Evan, Kolby, and Cooper

2010-10-28T16:33:00.002-05:00

Love this family so much, even though they left me and moved all the way to Colorado...boooo. ;)

Denise and Ethan- State Fair of Texas

2010-10-27T21:07:00.007-05:00

Welcome to a sneak peek of what I may now consider my best. photoshoot. EVER. And because of that it's gonna be huge. (Well that and because the subjects are VIP's)

TOTALLY doing mini sessions at the State Fair next year.

More Recent Sessions

2010-10-27T00:17:00.004-05:00

Another day of much needed productivity. At least the faces I stare at all day are drop dead gorgeous :)

Recent Session Catch up

2010-10-25T23:47:00.003-05:00

These are also not sneak peeks--the blog is taking a backseat right now while I madly try to catch up and make some headway on this holiday season. But here are a select few to share!

Holden and Sutton

2010-10-18T20:37:00.002-05:00

This was my first time meeting sweet Sutton after completing a baby plan with gorgeous big bro Holden. Fun new location, gorgeous family and we have photography gold.

Drew, Anna, and Grant

2010-10-04T21:49:00.004-05:00

I suppose this technically isn't a sneak peek since I just sent this Louisiana family their online gallery, but that's kind of the way it's been around here lately. The holiday madness is in full swing!

I'm so honored that this family makes the long drive over for our sessions every so often. Because what a fun group:

Landry

2010-09-28T22:26:00.003-05:00

Ballerina, fashion diva, football lover...Landry at only a tender 7 months of age has many facets to her personality. And all of them? ADORABLE. This was session 2 of her Baby Plan!

Baby Bridget

2010-09-09T13:32:00.003-05:00

Seems like just yesterday I was waddling around, 9 months pregnant taking big sister Madison's final Baby Plan pictures, and now she is a big sister herself! Baby Bridget has arrived and is starting her very own Baby Plan herself.

Madison has gotten so big!

Newborn Isla

2010-08-20T00:26:00.002-05:00

Meet the sleepiest, most angelic little baby girl who is joining me for her very own Baby Plan! Only 2 weeks old and as sweet as she could be...

HOLIDAY 2010 INFORMATION!

2010-08-17T22:07:00.005-05:00

Our most popular sessions of the entire year have been set in stone. We are again shooting 2 dates this year:

These spots go quickly so reserve your session ASAP by emailing us at deanna@devine-memories.com or calling 972-596-5500.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Our 2010 Holiday Cards are here! Click the gallery below to see our 2010 designs!

Holiday Cards

In addition to our 5x7 cards, we have something *new* for our clients who are looking for something totally different to send out this year. Our round card designs come with ribbon and are the perfect way for your friends and family to display your cards.

Ellie & Baby John

2010-08-10T21:43:00.003-05:00

Thought we'd sneak Ellie's very last Baby Planner session in before baby John arrived, alas it was not to be. Baby John is here!!

Congratulations to John's ecstatic family!

Family Beach Portraits

2010-07-18T23:28:00.002-05:00

Catching up on more sneaks: here is one of the sessions I did in Grayton Beach, Florida.

And no, we didn't see any tar balls :)

The Brown Family

2010-07-18T18:15:00.002-05:00

I am leaving for Paris in ohhhhh about 18 hours and SCU-RAMBLING to get as much work done as possible, as I am still behind from my Florida trip. (I know, poor me, right?)

One of the things on my must list was to get this sneak peek to this awesome family before I left. I've been shooting for them for years now, I've watched them all grow up and was even witness to little Sophia's homecoming following her adoption. They decided it was time to get the entire family together for a portrait, and here are just a few of my faves:

Best Family Photographer Nominee-Nickelodeon Parents' Picks!!

2010-07-09T17:15:00.006-05:00

Just back from the beach and trying like crazy to get caught up before I leave again for Paris. But just found out we were officially nominated for the Nickelodeon Parents' Pick Awards again this year for Favorite Family Photographer, and had to share the news so you guys could get to voting for us!!!

Nominated for best family photographer in Dallas, TX. Vote now!

Just click on the above link, then where it says "Vote For Me", and vote for us once a day until August 15th! Spread the word on Facebook or Twitter too!

D

Henry and Beckett

2010-06-26T23:16:00.003-05:00

Love watching my wee little clients grow...the twins who I've known since they were in Mommy's tummy are now two!!

Mia, 6 months

2010-06-21T23:10:00.002-05:00

6 months old is by far my favorite baby age to photograph. The expressions that they make at this age are just priceless.Every girl needs a little black dress, right Mia?

Our Spring Contest Winner, Emeline

2010-06-17T15:51:00.002-05:00

No wonder she stole the hearts of all of you in our Spring Portrait Contest. And she's just as sweet as she looks!!

(And Happy Father's Day to her lucky Daddy, whom this session was a surprise for!)

On the Other Side

2010-06-10T15:59:00.004-05:00

I can definetly relate to this client, who herself is a photographer in Houston, and made the trip up here so she could finally be in some shots with her family, and someday her children will know that she actually existed ;)

The Wood Family

2010-06-01T21:59:00.003-05:00

I'm SO BEHIND again. I'll spare all the explanations. Can I just say single mother of three running a business and that be enough? ;)

But here is a very, very belated sneak peek of a fabulous family.

I am SO ENJOYING my work with these older kiddos. If you have teenagers-CALL ME!! :)

D

High School Senior Karsen

2010-05-17T17:53:00.002-05:00

Look for many more of these HS senior portraits on our blog soon as we venture into the HS Senior market...and be sure you send any seniors you know our way, we have awesome incentives for them right now to help us spread the word!!

Meet beautiful Karsen, who was an amazing trooper for me, heading all the way out to Deep Ellum at 8am on a Sunday morning. But thank goodness she did!!!

Matthew, Melinda, & Mary

2010-05-14T17:04:00.001-05:00

Had a fun shoot this week with these three great kids on a perfectly overcast day...

DFW's Favorite Family Photographer Nomination

2010-05-06T13:09:00.003-05:00

Last year, you chose Devine Photography as "DFW's Favorite Family Photographer" for the Nickelodeon Parents Picks awards. THANK YOU!!!

This year, we need your nomination to be able to win again. Please take a minute to vote for Devine Photography HERE as your favorite family photographer!

For Family Photographer
in Dallas

Evan & Morgan

2010-04-27T00:36:00.003-05:00

Evan just turned the big 6 (months)! So for session 2 of our 4 session baby plan, we headed to the park!

Love these little guys...
Big brother Morgan, who was himself a Baby Planner once...

Devine U-Saturday, May 1st

2010-04-20T22:34:00.003-05:00

Saturday May 1st, 2-4:30pm, Plano

$250 per person
-includes 2.5 hours of small, hands-on instruction and practice
with Deanna Devine of Devine Photography
-workbook, and a $50 gift certificate to Devine Photography

-perfect for those who have a DSLR but no idea how to get the pictures they want from it
-learn about the basics of your camera and photography, lighting, and even editing in Photoshop

Call 972.596.5500 or email deanna@devine-memories.com to sign up
Space is limited!

Ellie+Family

2010-04-19T23:25:00.005-05:00

Well finally, I am somewhat up and running like a normal person again. It's not the switching to Mac that was hard. It was losing EVERYTHING on the PC. Fonts, software, actions, emails, programs, OMG what a nightmare.

So I LOVE the Mac and this is my first time editing on it...think once I get the hang of it it will be much easier than anything I've ever done. Woot!

Randomness.

2010-04-12T00:02:00.003-05:00

Some Random thoughts this Sunday evening:

-Beach Sessions are a go! I'm not limiting the number of sessions this time like I have in years past, so if you are going to be in the Destin (Rosemary Beach) area the last week of June, I'll be there taking sessions. So excited to be going back!

-TEENAGERS. I am looking for teen models to help me with a new little project. Free session, free prints for the help....call or email us for details. Thanks for all the emails and messages on Facebook that I have received so far...I will get back to everyone all at once!
-My PC crashed this week, and so I've been in the process all weekend of moving everything work related over to my brand new iMac!! Excited about the iMac (where have you BEEN ALL MY LIFE), worried about the transition...we shall see!

-Anyone out there interested in a Devine U workshop on Saturday, May 1st? (Devine U is a parent workshop for those wanting to learn how to use their DSLR cameras)

-I'm working on a fun "Day in the Life" blogpost. I'm also the queen of starting projects that I never have time to finish. But in case you ever wondered what it was like to be a single mom, have three kids, and take pictures of kids for a living, I've got the post for you. In my head. Complete with video and everything. :) Someday???

xoxo Deanna

Beach Sessions 2010

2010-04-04T22:21:00.005-05:00

Will you be in the Destin area this summer?

Thinking of taking some sessions in the Destin/Rosemary Beach/Seaside area the end of June.

Please email us deanna@devine-memories.com if you are interested!

Newborn Landry

2010-03-24T11:23:00.003-05:00

Had SUCH a great time meeting these first time parents and their absolutely perfect little 3 week old, Landry. She made the shoot so fun and easy. Best part? I get to photograph her 3 more times in the next year as a Baby Planner.

Congratulations!!

2010-03-23T13:39:00.005-05:00

Big Congrats to Pretty in Pink for her big win, with almost 1,000 votes!!
Another congrats to the runner up, Sisters in the Garden!
Thank you so much to everyone who voted!!

D

Spring Minis Announcement and CONTEST!!

2010-03-08T11:08:00.007-06:00

I don't know about you guys, but I am SO READY for some sunshine, bright colors, flowers, and SPRING PORTRAITS! We're booking sessions now for March, April, and May!

We're also having this year's Spring Mini Sessions a little early this year (just in time to get everything back for Mother's Day and Father's Day!)

Spring Mini Sessions
Dallas Arboretum
Wednesday, March 31st 10am-1pm
$125 sitting fee
30 minute sessions, 10-15 images to choose from

And since I missed my annual Image of the Year contest, I decided what better way to celebrate Spring than to have a Favorite Spring Portrait contest!!

Voting begins NOW and ends on March 22nd (2 weeks).
The image with the most votes will receive a complimentary session and 8x10 of their image.
2nd place receives a complimentary 8x10 of their image

Here are the nominees:

#1-Baby Girl in Flowers#2-Twin Girls in Pink
#3-Brother leading Sister
#4-Pretty in Pink
#5-Sisters in the Garden
#6-Baby in Sunglasses

#7-Little Girl looks at branch

#8-Curly Headed Beauty
#9-Baby Girl in Sun

Website Hack

2010-02-26T13:39:00.004-06:00

As many of you have noticed, our website has been hacked. The entire server at our web hosting company was affected by the hack, and we are assured that our host is working to retrieve all information as quickly as possible.

We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused, specifically for those waiting for online galleries or trying to access one. Thank you so much for your patience.

**UPDATE: Our email is now down. Please call if you need to contact us. 972-596-5500

If you sent an email recently, it may not have come through.

Mia and Family

2010-02-24T17:01:00.002-06:00

If you've had as many sessions with me as this family has, guess what. You get an extra big sneak peek.

Davis had his very own Baby Plan with me, and now it's baby sister Mia's turn. It's gonna be a fun year!!!

Could you just eat her up??
Beautiful Mommy and Baby

Are you a fan?

2010-02-23T14:51:00.002-06:00

Are you a fan of Devine Photography on Facebook?

No?

You're missing an AMAZING special right now.

Click below to join in!

Devine Photography on Facebook

Elise & Alexis

2010-02-22T11:31:00.003-06:00

Way behind on Sneaks!!

Spent a fun Saturday morning with these adorable sisters (who are expecting another sister soon!).
It was pretty chilly outside so we decided to stop in the coffee shop for a little snack and some hot cocoa.

Ellise & Ian

2010-02-01T23:26:00.003-06:00

It's a photography law. Well maybe it isn't, YET...but I am making it one. If I walk into a home, tell the family all about how the light is too dark today, don't think it will work, have to come back next week, welllllll maybe I'll just try it. GUARANTEED best shoot ever.

(of course it never hurts to have two of the sweetest kids and their adorable parents in front of the lens)

The shot on the right brought tears to my eyes as soon as it popped up on the back of my camera. A new classic.

Baby Love

2010-01-26T12:49:00.005-06:00

Couldn't wait to meet the newest member of this family, who not so long ago completed a Baby Plan for big sis. And while I usually insist on traveling to them (NYC, hello?) Mom and Baby were in town for business, and we had our shoot at the gorgeous Crescent Hotel in Uptown. (but don't tell them that, shhhhh)

New Date Added, Devine U Workshop

2010-01-25T17:36:00.001-06:00

We have added a second date for the Devine U Workshop, Saturday Feb 20th. Details below:

Here are the details for the workshop!
Saturday, Feb. 6th or Saturday Feb. 20th, 2-4:30pm
La Madeleine, Park and Preston in Plano
$250 per attendee
Bring a friend and receive $25 off your workshop fee!

For anyone wanting to learn how to use their DSLR. We will cover photography basics, camera settings, lighting, and editing. Workshops are small group instruction and exercise.

We accept Visa, MC, Paypal and Check. Fee is due in advance and is non-refundable.

Please email deanna@devine-memories.com or call 972-596-5500 to reserve your spot today!

To read reviews of the workshop, visit http://devine-memories.blogspot.com/2009/05/devine-u-workshop.html

Back At It

2010-01-15T13:57:00.004-06:00

I've had a bit of a break since the holidays, trying to get my life running again (hi single mom of 3 lots of balls up in the air wheeeeee!) I normally take all of January off but decided this year to take a few sessions, which you will be seeing previews of in the next few days. My January work is usually my best, after the grind of the holidays I'm looking for new angles and ideas and colors and inspiration. Can't wait to get that going.

Also, by popular demand, I'm planning a Devine U Workshop. I'm looking at the date of Saturday, February 6th. If you would be interested in this, let me know and we'll firm up a date. Devine U workshops are small and informal, very hands-on, and I teach you guys, the parents, how to use your Fancy Schmancy DSLR's that you got for Christmas but really have no idea how to use, or how to get the best from it. We cover the basics of photography, lighting, and even a little on Photoshop and editing. The workshop is 2.5 hours and cost is $250 per attendee. Read a few reviews of the workshop here.

I'd also like to say thanks to everyone who asks about my Dad. We've had a very rough month again, with seizures and pneumonia and C-DIFF and he was on a ventilator for a while, but he's making baby steps again and hopefully can get well enough to get on some sort of road to recovery. It has now been 10 months since his surgery and he has yet to go home, really speak, or find a doctor who knows what to do for him. This month marks one year since he called me up and told me he had a brain tumor. It still feels so surreal and I miss "him" every day. You can still follow our updates on him here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/bobdevine

We appreciate your love and prayers so much.

D

Break from the Holiday Madness

2009-12-29T01:47:00.003-06:00

Wanted to show this sneak peek while I had a moment to breathe from the madness of the holidays...

This big brother was once a baby planner too, just like his new baby brother!! How time flies.

My VIP

2009-12-15T16:02:00.005-06:00

If you are a client, you will be sure to know and love sweet Suzanne, who is my office assistant. However long before she was my assistant, she was my client...back when big brother Matthew was just a toddler himself.

Let me be very honest here. Devine Photography would NOT run without Suzanne. She is the one who places your orders, packages them up beautifully, calls you to tell you when they're ready, creates your beautiful DVDs, and keeps me from losing everything. I have the "artistic" brain (at least that's what I tell myself) that keeps this office in constant chaos and mess. She sweeps right in here and whips me into shape and I love it. Because of her I was able to have a somewhat "normal" busy season this year without losing too much time with my children, and I am SO grateful to her for that. She cares so much about you guys as clients and loves to see the pictures of your babies and children.

So this weekend, although the original plan was to do an outdoor, urban shoot in downtown McKinney, it was just too cold and so we had a fun casual session at her house. The thing I love most about Suzanne as a client is that she trusts my artistic eye and appreciates the everyday moments being captured. I love walking in her home and seeing the "outtakes" from our sessions hanging as 11x14's on the wall in the kitchen.

Gift Idea for the Holidays

2009-12-04T16:36:00.003-06:00

Shopping for holiday gifts? Call us for a gift certificate available in any amount, and receive a complimentary 5x7 with the session!

We accept Visa, MC, Paypal, and check. 972-596-5500 or deanna@devine-memories.com

Quinn

2009-12-01T23:57:00.003-06:00

Quinn is *quite* the fashionista! We had so much fun trying on all sorts of looks for this sweet baby girl!!

Closed for the Holiday

2009-11-24T23:12:00.003-06:00

We will be closed this entire week as well as Monday, November 30th for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

All orders received before the deadline of November 18th WILL be ready for pick-up sometime the week of November 30th, just as soon as we can get it all packaged!

Email and phone messages will not be answered until December 1st. Thank you so much for your patience!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Deanna

Ava and Audrey

2009-11-17T23:11:00.002-06:00

Another big sister!!

Sophie is a Big Sister!

2009-11-17T00:38:00.001-06:00

Love this little girl and now also madly in love with her precious baby sister (and so is she)

Cadence

2009-11-11T12:30:00.003-06:00

Had so much fun with this little doll in my current favorite location. Her parents are pretty awesome too! (Mom has a GREAT name) ;)

Taylor and Alex

2009-11-06T14:33:00.002-06:00

Love these girls, see them lots...I try to make each session different from the last, and went for a little more casual style this time. It's my favorite way to shoot families:

John, Charlie, and William

2009-11-03T21:48:00.002-06:00

Haven't seen these guys since, well, there were only two of them! They were among the very first of my clients back when I first left my "real job".

And I have to say, this session with them from this Saturday ranks among my favorite. EVER. Love it when it all just clicks like this:

One of my fave images of all time:

Jake, Tyler, and Ella

2009-11-03T20:19:00.002-06:00

Maybe only my own three kids have seen me with a camera in front of my face as much as these three have....LOVE this family to pieces.

*side note: it has been a very rough week for my family regarding my father. I am still working but it may take a little more time than usual to return calls and emails, although I'm working like crazy to catch up. You can read about what happened at my Dad's caring bridge page

Portrait of a Mommy:

Portrait of a Daddy :)

Jack, Caroline, and Sophia

2009-11-02T00:10:00.002-06:00

More friends that visit me each year, since they were itty bitty

Couldn't resist throwing this one in....

Wyatt, Ellie, and Lucy

2009-11-01T23:27:00.003-06:00

One of the greatest joys of a being family photographer is updating family photos when a new member arrives. This was my first time meeting sweet Lucy, although her brother and sister and I are old buds. I think we hit it off :)

Nathan

2009-10-26T19:10:00.002-05:00

This little out-of-town sweetie took a little bit to warm up to having his picture taken, but once he did it was magical. Look at this sweet face!

Ava, Brody and Brooks

2009-10-21T17:26:00.001-05:00

Little Miss Ava was just a newborn baby the last time I saw her...and now she is a big sister to two adorable brothers!

Kesler

2009-10-21T13:42:00.003-05:00

Love lil' Miss Blue Eyes, we spent most of our session playing hide and seek. She found me. A lot.

Beck and Ella

2009-10-21T12:25:00.004-05:00

More of my favorite people:

Yummmy....

aaaaaaand we're done.What's up, baby??

Jett and Jalen

2009-10-20T00:24:00.002-05:00

Love these cuties and couldn't wait to see them again:

Meredith and Haley

2009-10-20T00:20:00.004-05:00

Getting way behind on sneak peeks here! Some of my favorite peeps in the world:

Opening-Last Chance

2009-10-15T20:59:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone,

All mini-session spots are full except for the very first one at 9am--please call or email ASAP if you are interested or would like more details. Opening will be booked on a first come, first serve basis!

Details again are here: Mini Sessions Round 2

Receive 25 complimentary holiday cards either from an upcoming/current session OR a previous session if you refer the person who books that spot!!

D

One More Round!

2009-10-12T20:56:00.003-05:00

These have been so popular, we're going to go for ONE MORE ROUND!

Mini Sessions THIS SATURDAY, October 17th 9am-12n
Dallas Arboretum
$150 Sitting Fee
30 minute sessions, 10-15 images to choose from

Refer a friend and as our thank you, receive 25 complimentary 5x7 holiday cards!

Call 972-596-5500 for bookings and questions, or email deanna@devine-memories.com

Repost-Bittersweet October

2009-10-10T09:13:00.003-05:00

Wrote this post two years ago and thought it would be an appropriate way to commemorate today again, on the 12th anniversary of my daughter's birth and death.

October 9th, 2007.

I am definetly not a writer, so please bear with me on this one :)

October is such a fun month for me because of all the birthdays, Halloween, the State Fair, and just seems to kick off the beginning of the holidays. But many of you know that we lost a baby named Emily (whom the Emily Project is named for and inspired by) many years ago. You might not know thought that tomorrow will be the 10 year anniversary of the day she was born.

I have blocked this day out of my schedule since January and was hoping that by now I would know what to do with myself on this day. I still don't. I thought I might do an Emily Project session but just can't muster it up.

So I thought that I would do the best I could and try to bring a little bit of awareness to my readers in hopes that it will help someone out there who might be going through what we went through. Emily was stillborn. I was almost 6 months pregnant and had just become aware of her kicking a few weeks prior, and didn't know that you should feel babies kick at least once an hour. We went to the OB after some time and discovered that she had died. It was truly the worst moment of my life that I have tucked somewhere in the back of my mind so that I cannot relive that pain over again.

After we lost her, our nurses gave us some literature about various organizations that help parents and loved ones cope with the aftermath of such a loss. I sought counseling but it was only after I joined one of these support groups that I began to turn a corner. I also was able to meet and keep in touch with other moms who had gone through my exact situation and having the same feelings I was having. When you lose a child, it almost becomes necessary to take a step back from the rest of society while you heal, as the rest of the world goes on with life and you have just had an atom bomb go off in your own life. Reaching out to others who have been through the same "bomb" is an amazing way to start the healing.

Here are the organizations that helped me through:
http://www.nationalshareoffice.com/
http://home.mend.org/

What can you do if someone you know has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of an infant?

There are things that you definetly should not say to someone who has just lost a child. The first being "There will be more children" or "You can try again". Being as young as we were we heard these a lot. Nothing or no one can ever replace the child you lost, even if it is an early miscarriage. The best thing to do is just to sit and listen, let them cry on your shoulder and let them know it's ok to cry and be sad. Remember important dates with a card or a phone call (I personally don't talk to anyone on Oct. 10th) and if the pregnancy was late enough, always call the baby by it's name. Everyone is different, but these are things that have helped me or people I have known. If you know someone who has lost a baby or child and you want to help them, visit the above websites for suggestions on what to say, how to honor the baby who died, or just to read about what your loved one is going through. This will help more than you will ever know.

If you are pregnant or know someone who is, there are ways to help prevent stillbirth. Blair Blanks is a photographer who recently lost her son James to stillbirth the morning she was set to be induced. In his honor she has done tireless research on the subject and is devoted to educating pregnant mommies about counting their kicks. Please visit her website for more information: http://www.blairblanks.com/kickcount/

Finally if you or someone you know does experience such a loss, there is a wonderful organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep that connects local photographers with families who have lost babies. Photographers volunteer their services to these families to conduct sensitive and private photo sessions, and the photos are then retouched and given to the parents on CD or DVD. When we lost Emily, the nurses were thoughtful enough to take pictures of us for her, and I am so grateful to now have those, but I would have given anything to have professional, retouched photos of her or pictures of me holding her.

Thank you for any prayers you might say for us, for those out there experiencing this loss right now, and go home and hug your babies a little tighter tonight.

Deanna

Recognize them? Look up.

2009-10-09T00:08:00.003-05:00

If you want to see how much these two gorgeous kiddos have grown since we first met, just take a peek at the top of this blog. Such a beautiful family and I LOVE our sessions!!

Holiday Cards!!

2009-10-07T22:16:00.002-05:00

Finally completed the online gallery for 2009 Holiday Cards! Enjoy and please call or email for pricing! deanna@devine-memories.com

www.devine-memories.com/CardGallery

Just a reminder, we have an upgrade option this year for personalized mailing service--give us your list and we'll do all the work!

Photography in the Home

2009-10-05T12:14:00.002-05:00

My clients just emailed me this picture of the 30x40 canvas they ordered hanging over their fireplace, and I just had to share. It looks absolutely fantastic! Here is the original image they ordered:

And the 30x40 canvas.

I tell all my clients to go canvas when they go big...you spend more money on custom framing anyways, and if you're going to spend the money, why not spend it on more of what you love, the picture?? Canvases come with hardware on the back and are ready to go right up on the wall, so stinkin' easy.

Thanks Kim for sending this to me!

D

Holiday Mini Sessions, Round 1

2009-09-22T23:53:00.005-05:00

Holiday Mini Sessions were this past Saturday...SO much fun. We've added a second date to accomodate the high demand for these quick and painless sessions: MONDAY, OCTOBER 5TH. Please email us at deanna@devine-memories.com or call 972-596-5500 to hold your spot!

Elisabeth + Adrienne + Daniel

2009-09-18T15:44:00.002-05:00

This is the second session I've done with this family, but the first since baby Daniel arrived...what a fantastic family and amazing kids. Loved every minute of this session!!

Email FAIL

2009-09-15T21:52:00.001-05:00

Missed any emails that came to be between 10pm Monday night and noon today. Technology, gotta love it.

If you emailed me and have not yet heard back, PLEASE re-send.

Deanna

Miscellaneous

2009-09-14T11:58:00.003-05:00

1-We have a few spots open for Holiday Mini Sessions, including one for this Saturday morning at the Dallas Arboretum. Let us know ASAP if you are interested!

2-Are you a fan? Devine Photography has our very own "fan" page on Facebook! Click below to join!

Devine Photography on Facebook

Sneak Peek- 2009 Holiday Cards

2009-08-31T16:52:00.005-05:00

Don't forget--we will be offering address and mailing service this year. You have the choice of printed mailing labels or handwritten! Let us take care of the cards, and you worry about the rest of your holiday list!

Caroline+Lily+Isabel

2009-08-27T15:01:00.003-05:00

I have hit the jackpot lately with scoring fun girly sessions with little sweethearts like these:

Donate to Heroes For Children, Receive Sitting Fee Discount

2009-08-25T15:37:00.003-05:00

One of my closest friends is Jenny Scott, who many may know as one of the co-founders of Heroes For Children. Jenny lost her beautiful daughter Allie to cancer nearly 5 years ago, and has dedicated her life to helping families through the same situation through her work with HFC.

Allie, who would have started Kindergarten yesterday

HFC provides financial assistance to families whose lives are affected by cancer. They help pay bills, provide things like laptops to teens who are stuck at the hospital and out of touch, help throw celebration of life parties, and sadly even help with funeral expenses.

It is a beautiful cause.

This year my family and I will be participating in the Heroes for Children 5K event, which is held each year at the Shops of Legacy. I have set a goal for my family to raise $1000 for HFC.

To encourage donations, Devine Photography will offer a 10% discount off any future sitting fee for any donation $25 or more.

Even if you aren't local and would like to donate, EVERY DONATION IS APPRECIATED!!!

Help me get to our goal of $1000 by clicking here and making a donation:

http://www.active.com/donate/heroesforchildren5k/deannads

Best Family Photographer, Dallas/Fort Worth!!

2009-08-17T15:19:00.004-05:00

Devine Photography was announced as the winner for the Nickelodeon Parent's Picks Awards today as Dallas/Fort Worth's BEST FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER! Thank you so much to everyone who voted!

Avery + Caroline

2009-08-15T13:59:00.002-05:00

LOVE doing these urban sessions with tons of textures and bright colors. Even better with two precious girly-girls to set off the scenery!!!

Fall Information

2009-08-10T17:53:00.003-05:00

I know it's sweltering outside, but we are scrambling over here to get ready for the upcoming portrait holiday season!!

Holiday Cards are being custom designed EXCLUSIVELY for Devine Photography by Socially Inked, and we will have a new high-end addressing and mailing service for all of your card needs this year! Imagine ordering your cards, sending us your mailing list, and being DONE!

More information:

HOLIDAY MINI SESSIONS
will be held Saturday, September 19th at the Dallas Arboretum
$150 sitting fee for up to 2 subjects. Additional subjects $25 each, maximum of 3 total.
9am-12pm
30 minute sessions with 10-15 images to choose from
(This year we WILL be adding an additional mini session date if Saturday the 19th fills up.)

DEADLINES:
The cutoff for all sessions needed in time for Holiday Delivery is Wednesday, November 4th. The cutoff for all orders needed in time for the holidays is Friday, November 20th. After this date, there will be a 50% rush fee for orders needed in time for holiday delivery. After December 1st, the rush fee is 100%.

Sessions, as usual, are already booking up for September, October, and November...so please call ASAP to reserve your date!

972-596-5500
deanna@devine-memories.com

Chloe

2009-07-18T11:46:00.003-05:00

This was the last of our four Baby Plan sessions with Miss Chloe. That doesn't seem possible, she has grown up so fast!

Apologies

2009-07-02T02:03:00.002-05:00

Just in case you are a client coming here to check in wondering where I am, and I haven't been able to get in touch w/ you yet...this has been a very, very dramatic week or so with my father, and he will be having more surgery on Friday. I am working to catch up in between 3 kids and hospitals but still working. Thank you so much for your patience.

You can read updates on my father here : www.caringbridge.org/visit/bobdevine/journal

Sneak Peek Round 4

2009-06-27T20:44:00.002-05:00

I will admit that this special Mommy has already seen these. After all, she has been through enough in the past year, and anything I can do to make her smile is worth it.

Blog readers ask me about Denise all the time. She and Ethan are doing really, really well considering...she impresses me so much with her positivity and determination. Totally my idol!!

It was tough to live up to last year's awesome location...but with some careful research, I think we did it!

Sneak Peek Round 3

2009-06-27T20:42:00.001-05:00

This family are old friends, big brother was a client for his first birthday, and now it was little brother's turn! He is an amazing story--was born at only 21 weeks of pregnancy and is doing GREAT!

Sneak Peek Round 2

2009-06-26T08:01:00.002-05:00

This adorable little guy charmed my socks off; what a little sweetheart

Happy First Birthday

2009-06-26T07:53:00.004-05:00

I am incredibly behind on sneak peeks (I am incredibly behind on everything-thank you Summer) so here is my version of playing catch up.

First of all, these babies are famous around here: the winners of Image of the Year 2008 are growing up before our eyes---happy first birthday babies!!

Spring Minis Sneak Peaks

2009-06-12T20:42:00.005-05:00

The mini session promise: Give me 30 minutes or less with your child, and I'll give you about 10 amazing images of them. (wow that sounds like a commercial)

Next mini sessions will be later this summer-we do summer minis in the fountains! My favorites all year! Let us know if you're interested and we'll set a date!

Workshop Openings

2009-06-10T15:39:00.005-05:00

I have a couple of spots open for the next workshop, which is Saturday, June 27th from 3-5:30pm in Plano.

The cost is $250 per person and is designed to help you, the parent, learn all about your digital SLR camera. We also touch on lighting and photoshop.

Click here to read the reviews from last month's workshop

Spots are limited so email us at deanna@devine-memories.com or call 214-577-4922 to reserve your place ASAP!

Alex & Taylor

2009-06-08T23:57:00.004-05:00

This session with some very familiar faces produced one of my new favorite images:

Confession: If I win this contest, because it is from Nickelodeon, my 10 year old son will look at me with all new respect. He is VERY impressed by this, simply because of the Nickelodeon name. I don't have the heart to tell him that it's only a small local thing. But if I win, my kid who is embarrassed by me 99% of the time will think I'm cool, if only for a minute. This? Is my motivation.
PLEASE VOTE AGAIN TODAY :)

Reese & Collin

2009-06-05T16:28:00.004-05:00

Some fun shots for some fun kids...have been photographing these two since they were itty bitty newborns and have loved EVERY session!

Am I Your Favorite??

2009-06-04T11:49:00.001-05:00

Remember, you can vote once a day! We're in the lead but barely!!

No sign up required- just click and vote!

For Family Photographer
in Dallas