Kara | Class of 2019
When Kara contacted me this past winter, I knew she was my kind of person and I knew that I couldn't wait to meet her. I spent some time photographing her and getting to know her better so that I could share her greatness with the world! Below is a little more about Kara and a few of my favorite photos from her session!
RP: What are you looking forward to the most in your senior year?
Kara: What I am looking forward to most is applying to colleges and graduating.
RP: What are your plans after High School?
Kara: My plans after high school are to go to a four-year college to study marketing. After that, I would love to have a family.
RP: I know you love music. What is your favorite song, artist or genre of music?
Kara: I love all music but my favorites would have to be pop and country, I love Taylor Swift.
RP: What is your favorite pastime and why?
Kara: My favorite past time would have to be listening to music or reading because both tell a story and fill my passion for the arts.
RP: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Kara: To my younger self I would say stop worrying so much about what people think of you because it doesn’t matter, what matters is how you think of yourself.
Kara is so amazing and I just love her answer to that last question!
Give her some love below and click here to see her full gallery!
Grace | Reflections Photography Senior Rep
Grace and four other senior reps met up at Hidden Creek Farms for some spring photos. Grace came with the perfect style for the location, but then again, I have a weakness for cute floppy hats! Here are a few of my favorites of Grace!
“I had an absolute blast shooting during my mini session! Danielle made it so easy for me to warm up to the camera! I cannot wait to shoot again in the summertime!”
Thank you, Grace, for making the trip out for your spring photos!
Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!
Sam | Reflections Photography Senior Rep
Sam met up with a group of other senior reps (and myself) at Hidden Creek Farms on the most gorgeous spring day to get some photos! Here are a few of my favorites of Sam!
“What I enjoyed about the Photoshoot was getting to work with Danielle and the other girls.”
I really enjoyed getting to know Sam during my time with her and can't wait to get some more amazing photos this summer!
Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!
Kaylee | Reflections Photography Senior Rep
Kaylee and her family traveled to Hidden Creek Farms to get some spring photos and I was so excited to have them. They are such a fun family to be around! Here are a few of my favorites of Kaylee from the day!
“Hidden Creek Farms was such a beautiful place to capture my senior pictures and Danielle is a pleasure to work with she is full of energy and smiles which makes taking seniors pictures relaxing and fun”
I can't wait to work with Kaylee this summer to get some more great photos!
Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!
Alana | Reflections Photography Senior Rep
Alana met up with me at Hidden Creek Farms near Charlotte to complete a spring session, this was the absolute perfect setting on the hottest Michigan day that we've had in a long time. She and four other senior reps worked through the heat to help with a project (to be released soon) and to get some spring photos. Here are a few of my favorites of Alana!
“I really enjoyed working with Danielle and the other girls. Everyone was great and easy to get along with! If I had to choose my favorite part, it would have to be the shots we took on the old truck. Danielle had different poses for all of us and I think the pictures turned out great!”
I can't wait to spend more time with Alana this summer getting more photographs!
Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!
Maya | Reflections Photography Senior Rep
This year, Reflections Photography has an awesome senior rep team and Maya is one of them!
We grabbed Maya's spring photos on a 32-degree day in Michigan so she really felt the cold! She did absolutely awesome even though her toes were freezing!
We found some unique locations in Grand Ledge, Michigan that were the urban look that Maya wanted for her session. Every once in a while I heard her talking about her happy place, the beach, as a tactic to stay warm. I think it worked...at least a little!
It almost looks like she isn't cold!
Here is what Maya had to say just after her session:
“I really liked shooting around Grand Ledge and the scenery surprised me. It was absolutely freezing outside but Danielle made it a lot of fun and easy to get through!”
Thank you, Maya, for braving the freezing temps and meeting up with me to get these great images! We are going to have so much fun this year with our rep team!
Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!
How to prepare for Prom
Prom is one of the biggest events of the year and there is a little bit of planning that goes into preparing for the big night! Don't wait until the last minute to figure out your plans! Here is the guide to getting ready!
6 Months Before Prom
If you are looking to exercise or get in shape for Prom, this is the time to start! Remember, eating healthy can go a long way!
3 Months Before Prom
Decide on a budget. There will be a lot of different expenses that come up (Dress, shoes, hair, makeup, nails, prom ticket, dinner reservations, limo, flowers and jewelry)
Note: Talk to your parents about how much they are willing to contribute. Don't assume they will take care of everything.
Start saving money
Start to shop for and purchase your prom dress
If you want unique professional photos before prom, contact us to reserve a spot (Reflections Photography fills up fast and can only fit a certain number of groups in!)
10 Weeks before Prom
Shop for accessories (jewelry, shoes and a bag)
2 Months Before Prom
Get tickets for you and your date/friends
Start looking at hair and makeup styles. Make appointments if necessary.
I highly recommend Keri over at Styles on the Grand for hair and Kristina at Natural Glam by K (517-285-3427) for makeup
Make plans with your group for before and after prom
Dinner plans - look into your restaurant choice, make reservations as soon as possible to ensure you are able to get in
Limo - It's helpful to have a good idea of the number of people you know are in your group. If you're not quite sure, get a limo that will accommodate more people. A popular method of travel is a party bus, though
After party - are you going to have a sleepover or meet up at Denny's?
Before prom pictures - Whose house is it going to be at? If no one has a backyard that can accommodate your needs, Portland has a lot of beautiful areas in town! If you haven't already contacted a photographer to do the portraits, contact us to see if there is still availability for the date!
Discuss these plans with your parents so you don't throw them any curveballs come prom night
1 Month Before Prom
Make all the necessary changes to your prom dress. Have it lengthened or shortened, tailored to fit, etc.
Start breaking in your shoes by wearing them with thick socks and casually wear them around the house. They look super cute while you're vacuuming or cleaning your cat's litter box
Order a boutonniere and other floral from the local florist
Check out Country Cupboard, right in Portland
Tuxedos - Coordinate with your date and have his vest/tie/whatever match the color of your dress.
Start Tanning
2 Weeks Before Prom
Finalize and verify all appointments and reservations (restaurant, limo etc.)
Finalize plans with your group
Put together stuff that you will be bringing with you to prom
Lip gloss
Phone
Flossers (for after dinner)
A stick of gum or mints
Tickets
Cash or Credit Card
Compact mirror
Tide Pen
The day before prom
Get your nails done
I highly recommend Laura at the Nail Barn in Portland
Take out your dress and make sure all wrinkles are out
The Day of Prom
Go to all of your appointments
Make sure to wear a zip-up hoodie or button-up shirt to your hair and makeup appointments
Pick up any floral orders that are waiting for you
Drop your vehicle off where-ever the after party will be
Make sure to get to the location of where you will be taking your prom photos on time
Head out and have fun!!
Senior Rep Search | Class of 2019
Reflections Photography is searching for the next senior rep team! If you attend Portland High School, Ionia High School, Pewamo-Westphalia High School, Grand Ledge High School and are in the graduating class of 2019, you can apply now!
What is a Senior Rep?
A senior rep is someone in the upcoming/current graduating class that simply tells their friends about their great experience with Reflections Photography. Because they share their experience, Reflections Photography pays them cash and gives them benefits as well as discounted senior portraits!
What Does a Senior Rep Get?
-A spring mini session (completed before April)
-Marketing material featuring your photos
-Full senior session (completed before July)
-Online viewing and ordering
-$20 cash for each referral*
-20% off enlargements
All for a special low cost that is only unlocked for a few people!
Senior reps will be chosen by March 1st. All prospective representatives should fill out and submit the rep application before the end of February by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the page.
*In order to get referral credits, the rep referral must have marketing material from the rep or mention them specifically while booking and complete at a minimum, a standard session. Mini Sessions or studio specials do not count as referral credits. Once the session is completed the rep will receive their cash rewards!
A Year in Review | Class of 2018
The class of 2018 really showed up for their senior pictures this year! They had me traveling all over the lower part of Michigan to get unique portraits! Each and every one of them had their own style and thoughts for their senior session which made this year so much fun! Additionally, every one of them just NAILED their senior portraits! They were all so polite and comfortable in front of the camera, I loved every second of it! Without further adieu, here are Reflections Photography Seniors from the class of 2018!
Special shout out to the two Reflections Photography Senior Reps, Alena and Grace!
Thank you all for letting me capture you during your senior year and making this year one of the best!
If you are a class of 2019 senior, click here to start discussing your session options!
A Year in Review | Best Candid Laughter of 2017
I absolutely LOVE when people in front of my camera are comfortable enough to let loose and just let out a hearty laugh! There could be tears, the occasional snort and of course a great photo to go with it. Each and every person in front of my lens is different and there is no telling what is going to get them to the point of this kind of laughter, but when I can, it is AH-MAZING!
Here are a few of my favorite candid laughter shots from 2017!
Aren't those just the most fun? There are so many more where that came from too! I have so much fun at my sessions!
I would love to hear about the things that make you laugh every time! Comment below!
A Year in Review | Behind the Scenes
It is not too often that I get behind the scenes photos, but when I do, I LOVE them! I enjoy sharing what type of image results from what we were doing in that moment. Here are a few that I was able to get this year!
Grace
Top photo provided by Betsy Platte, Bottom photo was resulting image taken by Reflections Photography
McKenzi
Top image provided by Ben Jorae, Bottom images provided by Reflections Photography
Rylie
Behind the scenes images of Rylie provided by Ronda Goodman, Final images provided by Reflections Photography
Daddy Daughter Dance
Left photos provided by Ben Jorae, Right images provided by Reflections Photography
Do you have any behind the scenes photos of me at work? Share them with me here!
How to Choose a Photographer
With so many photographers out there, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for you. To help in your quest to find the perfect photographer match below are some tips I have come up with after many years of being a professional photographer and as a photography client.
1. Not all Photographers are Created Equal
They typically have a unique style. Look at their body of work and gauge whether or not their style matches what you are looking for. You want a photographer who is excited to photograph your needs.
2. Ask to see an Entire Gallery
Most photographers can come up with a handful of great images from a session to post on social media or their website. However, not all photographers can produce an entire gallery of great images. To get a better sense of the scope of a photographers work, ask to see an entire gallery from a recent session. See if their work is consistent. Do you like their edits? Do you like their poses? Are their images sharp and in focus? Can they light well?
3. Cost
Cost can be a big factor, sometimes the deciding factor. But the most important thing to figure out is what is included in the cost of the session. If something is unclear ask for clarification before you sign a contract.
Know that if a photographer is very inexpensive you may want to ask yourself, “why are they so inexpensive?” Are they investing in great equipment that will result in great images? Do they have the proper licenses? Are they paying taxes? Are they booking seven sessions a week and won't have the time to give your session the attention it deserves? You must factor in a photographers time invested in your session, their expertise, as well as their costs when taking into account their pricing. If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.
4. Be Sure You Understand all of the Photographers Policies Before Booking
Here are some questions you may want to ask if they are not clear.
Are there any digital prints included?
Is a print credit included?
What are the print prices?
How long after the session will the gallery be posted?
What is the cancellation policy?
What will happen if the weather is bad on the day of my session?
What time of day do you shoot?
Pricing should be clear and easy to understand. There is nothing worse than being surprised with extra pricing after all of your beautiful images have been taken.
5. Get to know the Photographer
A great place to start to get to know the photographer is the “about” page on their website. Also, check their blog and social media pages. Do you like them? If you are still unsure, schedule a phone call to chat. A photographer is someone who you will spend a bit of time with so if you don’t feel a connection, move on to another photographer.
6. Your Photographer Should be Someone You Trust
Once you have a photographer that you love, stick with them! I love documenting families as they grow. I love when kids remember me and are excited to see me. I feel each session gets better because I am connected deeper with those people every time we shoot.
Things to keep in mind
Experience Matters
You want to be comfortable, captured in a flattering way and looking great. Randomly choosing someone with a camera can mean sacrificing one or all of these. Professional photographers in the area who do photos on a regular basis will understand all the do’s and don'ts, be able to give important advice and how to get the best shots. The one you choose should also be able to work under different conditions to ensure that a little mishap does not ruin this important day.
Owning a Camera and Having Experience is Not the Same
Many people walk around calling themselves “photographers” when in fact they merely bought a camera and computer graphics software. This is not the same as being a trained professional and the quality of photographs they develop often confirms this. You want to make sure that the individual you choose has all the necessary equipment and skills required to develop timeless portraits for you.
Passion Helps
Photographers who genuinely love taking photos are likely to put more effort and pride into the process. They are also likely to be more patient and natural.
Do you have additional pointers and experiences that can help others learn how to successfully choose a photographer? Please let us know!
5 Reasons to Choose Reflections Photography
With so many options out there in the photography world, the task of finding an awesome photographer can get overwhelming. Here are the top 5 reasons you should choose Reflections Photography to capture you!
1. I Value my Clients
I believe in good old-fashioned customer service. You will be given the time and attention you deserve. I love working with my clients and that is why so many of them come back to me year after year.
“I am such a perfectionist, so Danielle was definitely the perfect photographer for my senior pictures! I loved the experience and her photos were just stunning. She was very patient and fun to work with, and she was more than willing to go way out of her way to give me the best experience and most personalized pictures possible. I HIGHLY recommend her!”
2. I Make it Fun
I know that for some people the prospect of a photo shoot is a daunting one so I ensure that my shoots are as relaxed and fun as possible. It is not uncommon for me to make fun of myself or trip over a flat surface, so be prepared! I love to laugh and I love photographing people, put the two together and you get a really fun photographer!
3. I Make it Easy
I know that you want to get on with your day so I work quickly and ensure that I have captured a great set of images for you. You don’t have to attend viewing afterwords; instead, you will have an online gallery to view at your leisure and share with family and friends. I am always at the end of the phone/email to help when you need me. Plus my pricing is transparent and straightforward so it doesn’t take you hours to work out how much you will be spending!
“Are you looking for a unique and entertaining yet professional photography session without the boring old in-studio experience? Look no further!! Reflections Photography is what you want. Awesome people, quality photos with lots of personal touches. 100% recommended! Photos you will cherish for a lifetime!”
4. My Style
One of the main reasons to choose a photographer is their style and whether its right for you. I work with people who love both posed and unposed portraits and I strive to create both types of portraiture for my clients. I have perfected the skill of flash photography so that you are able to look the best in your portraits. Flash photography allows even and attractive lighting that produces vivid images which will stand the test of time.
5. I am Experienced
I have been in business since 2005 and have photographed hundreds of people. My experience is very important. It means that I am totally confident in getting the most out of your portraits and capturing moments beautifully when they happen. It means that I have lots of happy customers who come back to me time and time again. It also means that I have tried and tested many different product suppliers until I’ve found the perfect ones. Most importantly, it means that I am experienced in making my clients feel and look beautiful in their final images.
“I highly recommend Danielle! She did my son’s senior pictures. He wasn’t the easiest person to get a smile out of, but she did! She is willing to try any suggestions. We had several outfit changes. I think she would have snapped pics all afternoon, never felt rushed. Loved her suggestions for backgrounds. She really tries to get to know the individual and her patience shines through! Absolutely Amazing!!!”
Are you ready to get to know me and book a session! Click here!
I can't wait to meet you!
Celine | Class of 2018
I had the opportunity to drive all the way to Kalamazoo, Michigan to meet Celine for her senior session. I have only passed by K-zoo twice (maybe) so while I was with Celine I was able to discover a lot of new places! I took the backroads to Kalamazoo and saw some gorgeous Michigan scenery that I know I will have to travel back to at some point soon. I quickly passed by these beautiful areas because I was on a mission to give Celine the absolute best senior session!
When we met, Celine explained that she found a cute coffee shop in downtown Kalamazoo called The Black Owl Cafe. She loves coffee, so it only seems right that we would begin her senior session at this location. I immediately fell in love with this coffee shop. It has the best atmosphere, is so cute and has awesome coffee! Maybe they will consider opening one in my hometown, Portland!
Next, we made our way to Drue, a hair salon in downtown Kalamazoo that has the best mid-century modern decor. We took advantage of their great atmosphere and met their mind-blowingly awesome staff!
With a few more trips around downtown, Celine and I were able to find several locations to get some great photos of her!
Thank you, Celine, for hanging out with me for the day getting your senior photos done!
Are you ready to schedule your photos? Click here to contact me!
Desmond | Class of 2018
I already knew Desmond's family from a previous senior session with his older brother, so I was excited to be invited back to photograph the youngest of the Gardner's! It was a cold and rainy November day in Michigan when I met up with Desmond and his family, but that didn't stop us from getting some great images!
Desmond held it together so well, you can't even tell he was cold to the bone!
and of course, as tradition goes, Desmond had to get a photo with their family dog!
Thank you, Desmond, for allowing me to capture you during your senior year!
To see the full gallery of photos from this session, click here!
Nathan | Class of 2018
When Nathan's senior session was scheduled, I was informed that he wanted to bring his guitar for some of his pictures. I was so excited because I love to listen to music and have a great appreciation for musicians. When Nathan showed up to his session with his guitar and a Led Zepplin tee-shirt, I knew he is the kind of person I could get along with!
I could tell right away that this was Nathan's comfort zone. So I continued to ask him about his music. Can you believe that he is part of a band called "Shark Teeth Soup!" It always amazes me the names people come up with for their bands and this one is no different!
We photographed Nathan in different areas of Portland to give him some variety in his senior pictures. While walking around Portland though, I tend to try to get to know the people I photograph. Nathan appeared to be the quiet type, so he kindly listened while I talked his ear off and asked him a boatload of questions about his band. I got a few good stories out of him!
Thank you, Nathan, for allowing me to get to know you during your senior session! I had a lot of fun!
Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!
Gavin | Class of 2018
The Michigan weather sure has done a lot of switching from warm to cold lately. And while I am never ready for the cold, I knew it was coming! The thing with this year is that a lot of 2018 seniors really wanted fall photos. It truly is a great time to capture pictures, but we take really big chances on the weather this time of year. Gavin's session was no different, and unfortunately, we could not avoid the rain during his session. It is a good thing he was willing to put up with the cold rainy and weather, because that is about all we were getting!
Gavin is on the Portland High School's baseball team as well as the football team. He wanted to make sure to incorporate these sports into some of his senior portraits. I love when people do this!
Even through all the cold and rain, we still managed to find time to get a lot of great photos!
Thank you, Gavin, for putting up with the crazy weather with me and allowing me to capture you during your senior year!
To see the full gallery of photos from this session, click here!
Alena | Class of 2018
We have had so many gorgeous days this fall in Michigan, and the day I met up with Alena was no different. It was a beautiful 70 degrees with the sun out! The perfect evening for photos!
We traveled to MSU Gardens where we didn't think of the game that was going on. We quickly found out when we got there because the campus was really busy! Not only was it the normal kind of busy, but it was also homecoming, so we got to see people sporting their best "Sparty" gear while tailgating in every parking lot available. We made it work though and got some gorgwous photos!
MSU has a lovely campus! We were lucky enough to find a little bit of the fall color while we walked around.
Plus the ivy covered walls are always a bonus!
There were so many locations that when I got home my feet hurt from all of the walking. But let's be honest, it was worth it! Just look at the gorgeousness in these photos!!
Thanks, Alena, for driving around campus with me to get these beautiful pictures for your senior year!
Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!
Rylie | Class of 2018
Rylie and I met up on a beautiful fall evening. The only downfall is that fall time in Michigan brings shorter days, so the night comes just a little quicker! We had to get right to work with her session, but got some great pictures before night-fall!
We chose a location in Grand Ledge, Michigan that not many of the Reflections Photography Seniors have chosen this year. I am so glad we did! This location is so versatile! We got lucky with gorgeous weather too!
I LOVE that Rylie chose to do a second session with me (both a summer and a fall one) because this gives me an opportunity to get to know her better and for her to get more comfortable in front of my camera. This results in more awesome photos for her!
Thank you, Rylie, for meeting up with me again to get some more senior photos! Once again, I had a lot of fun capturing you for your senior year!
Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!
Emily | Class of 2018
The weather had been pouring rain all weekend and it was supposed to clear up just in time for Emily's session. But I tell ya, mother nature had us really worried for a while! For the entire two hour drive to Silver Lake, it rained. We knew the rain was going to let up, so we still went for it. Even without the warm weather, Emily was still willing to try to dip her toes in Lake Michigan. Here is when she figured out just how chilly it was!
Silver Lake is a great summer spot in Michigan where people go to do some off-roading with their vehicles on the sand dunes. Don't let the photos fool you, these things are huge! This place looked like a ghost town when I arrived which is a stark difference from the summertime.
We took a huge chance on the weather for Emily's session. With a lot of whipping wind and rain, mother nature sure wasn't holding back! It all paid off though when the rain cleared and gave us this!
Thank you, Emily, for braving the crazy weather with me and getting your senior portraits completed!
Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!