What’s my Process? - Everything you need to know about shooting with Dawndra
Hello! Thank you for being here. I’m Dawndra, I’m an energetic, adventurous, dog loving, storyteller. This blog is a bit of a rant to help you get to know me, and understand my process at the same time.
So what’s it like shooting with me? What are the first steps?
The logistics. After you decide you want to shoot with me, I take a 200 deposit to hold your date. The rest is due the day of the session. The day or two after our shoot, you will get 15-20 sneak peeks from the session. Then my turn around time varies on the time of year. Last summer/fall my turn around was sadly EIGHT WEEKS! I said yes to too many things, and people had to wait. Depending on my client, they may think I am worth the wait. HA! I decided that after years of being the same price, and having too many people tell my I need to raise my prices, I would bring them up a bit and book a little less, so that I can slow down the hustle and not make everyone wait so long. So we shall see what the future brings. But typically my turn around is 4-6 weeks like many other photographers who do the editing themselves.
I hand edit every image, adding light beams and skin smoothing. I fix hairs out of place, and bring in a chin or an arm that isn’t flattering. I don’t want the images to not look like you, but I love to touch up my images. So it can take a while:)
Here I am turning 50 in Montana. I am age positive and proud to be 50. I am crazy about my health, and feel more vibrant and creative than ever in my life because of it. I don’t intend to stop:)
I guide my subjects through the entire shoot, and my superpower is putting them at ease. You don’t have to know how to “pose” I got you.
This is my dog Ezme. I have had mostly big dogs in the past but someone gave her up during Covid, and we have been besties ever since. She is maybe the best gift the universe ever handed me.
Once you have booked, we can talk about location and what to wear. Some people opt to come in jeans and a t shirt, cut of jean shorts and a tank top, maybe their own rocker style, I AM HERE FOR IT. But I like to guide you on the colors that match nature best. Like the color of my pants here look great with the forest:) haha.
What kind of sessions do I offer? I take the title Portrait Photographer seriously. So I don’t stick to a certain type of shoot like many photographers, and I admire them. My brain just doesn’t work that way, and I have been doing this so long I feel like I have given the time to all the categories.
FAMILY! Family encompasses most of my business-and I love it so much. This family above is one of my favorites and we have been shooting every year for maybe 6 years. I have a family we have been doing every year for 12!
I shoot locally and up in the mountains. I have half sessions or full sessions. More info at the top of my site!
Capturing the magic of family means holding onto the smiles, the silliness, and everything in between.
Maternity.
I love it. What women’s bodies can do will NEVER stop amazing me. Creating and sustaining new life is pure magic, the place where anticipation, strength, and love meet. A beautiful season before everything changes.
I LOVE shooting with women. I do women empowerment sessions in two ways. One is just come as you are and we play. Wear your favorite outfits, I can help you pick them out if you need. This is a way to either do branding for you business, or just celebrate yourself. Maybe it’s your 40th, or a divorce, or a big life change. OR just for no good reason, just to celebrate YOU.
I have been shooting in Sedona, Arizona for part of the year the last two years, this will be year three. I have done several branding, women empowerment shoots there. Often the women chooses a come as you are session, and then we end on a “witchy” note as the sun dips.
BOUDOIR.
Love it. Indoor and Outdoor. Bring it on.
Branding. LOVE it. Depending on your business, we can either get creative or just some pretty shots of you.
NEWBORN.
I love little babes. I photograph them in a more documentary way, no frog posing. If they sleep that’s amazing, there is nothing like a sleeping baby. During these shoots there is feeding, and patience. I shoot these sessions in your home or in studio. You don’t have to have a big or clean house, just good window light. First photo in the home.
Some people do Maternity, then newborn, then the next milestone is 6 moths or so. THE CHEEKS!
Ok Witches. Yes, I love a witchy session. I feel it in my bones, I have been doing these forever. I started doing these type of shoots with my friends 12 years ago, and it turned into a business, and I have a whole separate website about it.
COUPLES and Weddings. Love it. I LOVE documenting LOVE!
There’s something incredibly special about photographing couples in love because love is never static — it moves, breathes, and shows up in a thousand quiet ways. It’s in the way hands reach without thinking, the shared laughter, the soft pauses in between words.
SENIORS!
I love these young adults. Future leaders of the world! So fun and full of hopes and dreams. This has quickly become a big part of my business. I think making them feel comfortable is my strong point.
And finally! MOTORCYLE CHICKS! And couples on bikes.
I myself ride a bike, and I love my biker lady friends. I have a whole separate website for this as well. I’m insane!
Geeze, I think that covers it. Kind of a little wild eh? I’m sort of obsessed with photographing humans. Making them feel beautiful and free. Showing them at their best. Documenting their story. Meeting new people. They all fascinate me, and I am so lucky to do this for a living!
Thank you for being here!
