family, Children, Seniors Danielle Jorae family, Children, Seniors Danielle Jorae

Mini Sessions | Portland, Michigan Photographer

Fall mini sessions are always a very busy time for me! Many of the families I get to see each year while others are first timers in front of my lens. No matter who they are, I very much enjoy meeting and seeing all the people that visit during this annual event! I am so happy that I was able to offer these mini sessions this year, seeing each and every one of these families is truly something that I am thankful for!

With that said, here are all of the faces I saw this past Saturday for minis. Thank you all for supporting my small business!

badgero19.jpg
best friends laughing
family standing within trees
hugging family
family smiling together
family laughing together
mom and daughter looking at eachother
family hugging
family looking at family
family sitting together
family walking and laughing

To view all of these sessions, click here!


Are you interested in a mini session? These only happen twice per year, so get on the email list by contacting me here to be one of the first to know when they are scheduled!

Read More
family, Children Danielle Jorae family, Children Danielle Jorae

The Rogers Family | Portland, Michigan

The Rogers Family invited me to their home just outside of Portland, Michigan to capture them together. I love going to people’s property because it gives their portraits that extra personal touch, a lot of people don’t realize how photogenic their own backyards truly can be! The Rogers Family definitely had many areas that were picturesque so I got right to work finding the best ones and capturing their images. Here are a few of my favorites from my time with them!

family standing in field
family standing outside barn
couple sitting on their front porch

Thank you, Rogers Family, for inviting me to your home!

Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!

Read More
family Danielle Jorae family Danielle Jorae

Emma & Calen | Portland, Michigan Couple

I adore Emma and Calen. They are so much fun which means getting amazing photos was a breeze! I was so happy to capture these photos for them (along with their pup) in their very own backyard - it’s absolutely perfect! Here are a few of my favorites from my time with them!

couple standing in field
couple walking in field
dog with humans in the background
man lifting woman
couple hugging in field

Thank you, Emma and Calen, for asking me to capture your love story!

Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!

Read More
Children, family Danielle Jorae Children, family Danielle Jorae

The Turner Family | Grand Ledge, MI Family and Newborn Photos

I was so excited that the Turner Family invited me to capture their growing family! They just added little Jameson to their clan so now is the perfect time to not only capture him, but also some of their family moments. I was so happy to be able to visit them at their home because it makes their photos more unique and illustrative of their family, not to mention. this is where they are most comfortable! Here are a few of my favorites from my time with them!

family in nursery
big brother looking at baby
infant
baby toes
top of baby head
baby hand
baby with police badge
police officer holding baby

I feel so honored to have been able to capture the Turner Family!

Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!

Read More
Children, family Danielle Jorae Children, family Danielle Jorae

The Rogers Family | Lake Odessa Family Photos

The Rogers family invited me to their home for their family photos and while the goal was to get a couple family photos, the main goal was to document little Sully. Sully hasn’t had his photos taken yet, and I was happy to break him in, he is truly the cutest little guy! Here are a few of my favorites from the Rogers’ session, I am looking forward to seeing them again this fall!

family photo
baby photo with ng tube
baby photo with ng tube
baby photo
photo of dad and baby
photo of siblings
mom with baby

Thank you, Rogers Family, for inviting me to capture your family!

Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!

Read More
family, Children Danielle Jorae family, Children Danielle Jorae

The Hanses Family | Portland, MI Family Photos

The morning of their session, I contacted the Hanses family because of the forecasted rain. In an effort to avoid it, I recommended that we change the time of their session to earlier in the day so that we didn’t get rained on. Of course, they were pleased to do this because no one likes to get rained on in photos!

We met in Portland at an earlier time than originally planned. As I was chatting with them and getting to know them at the beginning of their session, it started to rain. Wouldn’t you know it, the weather man was wrong again! Quite honestly, this is typical in Michigan, because we can wear a winter jacket and flip flops on the same day sometimes!

Without hesitation, Jeremy, Megan and little Reese got right to work with me, in the rain, to get their family photos updated. Rain could not stop us and we were able to get some amazing new photos for their wall and to share with their family! Here are a few of my favorites from their session!

family photo of family in a field playing with one another
photo of a baby in a field
family photo
family photo
baby 6 month photo
6 month old baby photo
6 month old baby photo

Thank you, Hanses Family, for letting me capture your beautiful family!

Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!

Read More
family, Children Danielle Jorae family, Children Danielle Jorae

The Smith Family | Portland, MI Family Photography

Photographing another photographer is always an honor but when that photographer is also your neighbor, you really do feel like you received the “neighborhood jackpot!” It is so nice to be able to exchange family photos and talk “shop” just by walking down the street. With that said, I am happy to introduce you to my photography friend and neighbor, Kelly, along with her adorable family!

Smith40.jpg
photo of a married couple
family photo
photo of brothers by the river
family photo

Thank you, Adam, Kelly, Liam and Drew, for asking me to capture your moments!

Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!

Read More
family, Children Danielle Jorae family, Children Danielle Jorae

Pennington | Portland, Michigan Family Photos

I was so excited to meet up with the Pennington Family this weekend to update their family pictures so that they included their newest addition, Kasen! I can’t even tell you about all the cuteness in these photos! Here are a few highlights from their session!

toddler sitting on a blanket
Brothers
little brother and big brother
family having fun together
grandmother with two grandkids

Thank you, once again, Pennington Family for letting me capture your moments!

To view their full gallery, click here!

Read More
family, Children Danielle Jorae family, Children Danielle Jorae

The Pulling Family | Portland, MI Family Photos

It was such a gorgeous morning spent with the Pulling family at their home to capture some of the most amazing photos. Here are some of my favorites from my time with them!

family photo
family photo
photo of siblings
photo of a young girl
photo of toddler boy
photo of baby girl

Thank you to the Pulling Family for inviting me to their home to capture these beautiful photos of their adorable family!

Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!

Read More
family, Children Danielle Jorae family, Children Danielle Jorae

Flagg | Portland, Michigan Family Photos

When the Flagg Family contacted me for a mini session, I knew that I would be a busy photographer when they came by. These young kiddos sure keep you on your toes! I was determined to get some nice photos for the Flagg’s and have some fun while we were at it. There were a lot of funny faces, laughter and good smiles with this session which means some great memories were made. Here are a few favorites from their session!

siblings photo
little girl photo
little boy photo
little boy photo
twins in a wagon photo
Twins photo
little girl with tongue out photo

Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!

Read More
family, Children Danielle Jorae family, Children Danielle Jorae

Daddy Daughter Dance | Portland, Michigan Photographer

Each February, I am asked to photograph the Daddy Daughter Dance hosted by the City of Portland. This event is a great opportunity for many young ladies to find their best dress and go on a special “date night” with one of their favorite people.

daddy daughter dance

Many local businesses participate in the Daddy Daughter Dance festivities by running dinner specials or offering corsages. The dance occurs two evenings each February and both evenings are full of people looking to give their young girl a special night. I have been photographing the Daddy Daughter Dance for several years now and one of my favorite things is seeing many of the young ladies growing up year after year. I am already looking forward to next year!

To see the full gallery of images from the 2020 Daddy Daughter Dance, click here!

Read More
family, Children Danielle Jorae family, Children Danielle Jorae

The Logel's | Portland, Michigan Family Photography

One of my favorite things about doing photography is watching families grow year after year. The Logel Family has given me the honor of photographing their family each year and I couldn’t be more appreciative. It is so fun to see how much the kids have grown and changed over a years time, and this year was no different. Here are a few of my favorites from their winter session!

family photos
teen photography
child photo
child photo
siblings photography
Siblings photography

Thanks to the Logel’s for letting me capture your beautiful family!

Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!

Read More
family, Children, Engagement, Maternity, Seniors Danielle Jorae family, Children, Engagement, Maternity, Seniors Danielle Jorae

17 Tips for Your Photo Session

After a client books their photo session, more often than not, they will come up with several questions throughout the process. This could be anything from deciding on clothing or location to the very popular question, “What do I do with my hands?” I want you to feel confident and make the most of your time with me so I have dedicated a page solely to answering your questions along with tips and tricks you can apply along the way!

Let’s get started!


1. Don’t wear too much makeup

I want you to look like your natural self. Don’t get too overdone just for photos

2. Bring the laughter

Smiling and looking at the camera for the entire photo session gets boring. For more natural, fun photos, make sure to bring the laughter with you and plan to have fun! 

3. Make sure clothing fits well (not too loose or too tight)

Tugging/adjusting clothing or worrying about how something looks will detract from the fun of your photo session. Plan ahead with clothing choices to make sure they fit perfectly.

family pictures

4. Practice your smile

There is no shame in practicing your smile in the mirror! It will help, promise!

5. Relax your shoulders

The key to looking (and feeling) relaxed is to lower your shoulders! Make sure they aren’t lifted up when the photographer pushes the shutter!

6. Layer, accessorize and bring options

Your outfit options can quickly change with a simple scarf, hat or necklace. Bring them along to mix it up and get a variety of looks! 

senior pictures

7. Dress for the weather and location

Clothing and location matter! Make sure your choices for clothing and location compliment one another!

8. Avoid large words and pictures on clothing

Large words, letters and pictures on clothing can create a distraction from the person being photographed. Keep clothing classic so that your photos don’t get outdated quickly!

9. Do your homework

It is so important to do your homework with your photographer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure that you are completely comfortable with your photographer! 

10. Be yourself

I want to celebrate you and whatever makes you the person that you are! Let’s take time to capture you just the way you are!

senior picture

11. Steer Clear of neon

Avoid neon and fluorescent colors in your clothing for photos. They reflect fluorescent light onto your skin and your garments will look washed out. 

12. Bring a snack

This one is for the families!  We are not above bribery for a short time! Pack a snack to help with smiles from the little ones, but remember a clean snack is the best snack! 

13. Watch where you print

When you get your portrait files, make sure you’re choosing to print at a place that gives you the best results! All printers (and printing companies) are NOT created equal & it is always best to use the printing company your photographer recommends. 

14. Bring props

Bringing items that matter to you is an important part of having unique photos. Play football? Bring your gear! Have a cool vintage chair, let’s find a nice spot to put it! Props will be the items that make your images stand out from the crowd.

mom reading to son family pictures

15. Incorporate your life

Think about what you love. What are your hobbies? Do you have a favorite spot? Let’s incorporate these things into your photo session!

16. Timing

Sessions are often times planned at a certain time of day because of the lighting. If you are even a few minutes late, this could make a difference between a good picture and a great picture. Outdoor light is fleeting and often times there are other sessions scheduled after yours, please plan ahead and come prepared to your session to get the best experience.

17. Posing during your session

I have been helping people with photos for a long time and have spent many years studying posing (along with what to do with your hands)! I will help you through your session to make sure you look your very best!

Read More
Children, family, Maternity Danielle Jorae Children, family, Maternity Danielle Jorae

The Pulling Family

I was so excited when the Pulling Family invited me to their home for their photo session! In the winter weather, this was the perfect location for their family photos because they are already comfortable there! Here are a few of my favorites from their photo session!

Family photo
brother and sister on stairs
one year old picture in a chair
girl photo standing on stairs
in home family photos
in home family photos

Someone is celebrating his 1st Birthday soon, so it was only right to include a cake smash!

cake smash photo
cake smash photo

Thank you to the Pulling Family for inviting me to your beautiful home to capture these sweet moments!

Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!

Read More
family, Children Danielle Jorae family, Children Danielle Jorae

The Fullet Family

I met up with the Fullet’s for a quick family photo session in Portland this weekend. It was a bit chilly and blustery, but we made it work! Here are a few of my favorites from their session!

fall family photo
picture of boy
picture of girl
picture of boy
picture of boy

and they even had their extended family join in the fun!

happy mother and daughter
siblings photo

Thank you to the Fullet Family for having me out to do family photos!

Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!

Read More
family, Children Danielle Jorae family, Children Danielle Jorae

Fall Mini Sessions 2019

Fall mini sessions are complete and with a great turnout! We were so lucky to have a perfect date and lots of great company. Here are my favorites from the day!

The Chamberlain Family

family picture

The Goulding Family

family pictures

The Guernsey Family

portland michigan family pictures

The Pluff Family

siblings picture

The Pung-Dahl Family

Family Pictures

The Reeves Family

family picture

Thanks for everyone that came out for mini sessions!

To find out when mini sessions are coming, be sure to follow Reflections Photography on Facebook!

Read More
family, Children Danielle Jorae family, Children Danielle Jorae

The May Family | Portland, MI Family Photos

The May Family had been patiently waiting for family photos for a while only for the day to finally arrive with no chance of clear skies. It rained the entire day. With no options to reschedule with all 18 members of the family-we went ahead with their session in the rain! Everyone got a little wet, but this family sure knows how to have fun even when its pouring outside. Here are a few of my favorites from their session!

family making faces near a tractor
large family on porch
family picture
couples photo
grandparents with their grandkids
family picture

Thanks to the May Family for inviting me out for family photos!

Are you ready to schedule your photos? Contact me here!

Read More
family, Children Danielle Jorae family, Children Danielle Jorae

The Shellberg Family

I love when my friends come to me to update their family photos so I was so excited when Maddy asked me to help her out! Not only did I love seeing her, but I got to hang out with her husband, Brandon, and of course, the cutest 9 month old ever, Sam! I consider myself so lucky to be surrounded by such amazing people!

Here are a few of my favorites from their session!

Shellberg64.jpg
family photo
baby picture
family photo

Thank you Shellberg Family for choosing me to capture your beautiful family!

To see their full gallery, click here!

Read More