My good friend Hanssie (aka Queen of Everything) asked me if I was available to lead some groups for this shootout, which happened to be one of my favorite styles. Of course I said yes! I’ve done this once before and it’s always a great experience talking to other photographers and teaching. In this case, I did less teaching and more shooting. Everyone was excited to get time with our lovely model. She was so great, it was hard to get a bad photo of her. And everyone loved her! (And so does the camera.)

Thank you so all who participated in this!

Organization: SoCal Photog ShootOut
Model: Isabel Dresden
Hair by Diego Ortega
Makeup by Jennette Pulecio
Styling by Heather Skelton and Kaylee Sizemore
Venue: Casino San Clemente

Some of me, Hannsie and the shooters!

Here’s some of my favorites from the day:


I brought my camera since it fits so well!

Isabel is the perfect mid century modern gal!









The whole group of “Mad Men” models.

I was testing the light and got this one of the other model, Kayla Lighthizer.

One of my favorite weddings was featured on the lovely blog, Inspired by this!

Jenny + Heath’s Palm Springs Viceroy wedding included yellow, black and white, their adorable doggy Cash and dark blue bridesmaid dresses. Oh and not to mention, Carey Hart and Pink were some of the celebrity guests.

I’m off to the Dominican Republic until next Wednesday!

I’m really excited about this workshop, Inspire Smart Success taking place in the Dominican Republic. It’s so important to go to workshops and stay inspired, especially after being in business for over 8 years! It’s for wedding professionals, not just photographers. I tend to gravitate toward workshops that are are more business oriented than just about photography. Anytime I go to something like this, I come back energized and inspired with a new fire of creative energy. This workshop also has rave reviews. I can’t wait to give one of my own after I come back! I know it’s going to be amazing.

For the past two years, I’ve gone to Hawaii in January to plan my year and let Hawaii gives it’s magical eneregy to me. Since I couldn’t do that this time, this trip is taking its place! I guess I have a little bit of a travel bug!

I plan on taking tons of photos. Especially with my Holga, Holgaroid and Yashica D. Here’s some images of the resort, Sanctuary Cap Cana.

Hoping to get some more of this kinda thing I shot in Hawaii:

And of course some like this, with my digital camera:

Stephanie wanted a whimsical maternity shoot and thats what she got! She picked this field in Norco, that I’ve done shoots in. She loved the feeling of it. She also wanted to incorporate these cute signs with her pretty name (Adriana) and adorable little shoes!

I’m in love with these two images.




You can tell how happy and excited they are!



How cute are the little Gucci shoes?!




Such a beautiful couple will soon be a beautiful family!

Thank you Stephanie + Jarret for letting me be help you remember this special time!

Samara + Patrick were the lucky winners of the free engagement givaway that I did for the Vintage Glam Bridal Show.

They wanted to do their engagement photography in the swanky restaurant and bar, Bugatta Restaurant on Melrose in West Hollywood. They got permission from the manager and we had the entire back patio to shoot in. We shared food, drinks and sooo many laughs! This couple couldn’t be more enthusiastic and lively. They are both actors, so it was fun working with all of the expressions they’re able to convey. And they kinda like each other, a lot.

Fun fact: On top of both being actors: Samara Bay and Patrick Hayle they are both only children. Fun actor fact: Patrick almost got a role in one of my new favorite shows, Magic City but he looks too much like Jeffrey Dean Morgan! Darn!

Some shots of the inside of Bugatta Restaurant

As soon as I showed Wendy her Santa Monica Engagement Session, she sent me this text:

“OMG they came out awesome! I love them, Dana! OMG, you are worth every penny.”

Makes my life.

Dianne emailed me that she loved the pictures and wanted to write a recommendation! Their beautiful wedding took place in February in Costa Mesa/Corona Del Mar area.

“Dana was one of our best vendors. She’s very professional but easy going at the same time. For both the engagement session and wedding day, she was very familiar with locations to take the pictures that fit our vision. We had a large wedding and she directed our guests appropriately to avoid chaos! Our pictures are beautiful and timeless! Highly recommended!”

Thank you Dianne + Tuan!

I shot these of my friend Chase in Newport Beach. Not too many waves, but that wasn’t the point. Just Chase and his surfboards.

This is what Newport Beach looks like in January.

..from Stephanie + Jarret’s maternity shoot last Sunday.

I also got this one from my iPhone that turned out pretty magical too!

FYI, marathon is sold out! I will be offering another discounted session for my current clients around Christmas, but this deal was one time only!