Here is the image that accompanied the news release displayed at PR News headquarters in Times Square. CRAZY. I guess that makes it official. The NAPCP made me their first Child Photographer of the Year.
Um.
Wow.
What to say?
I picked up a camera a little over 4 years ago. True story. I loved it. Right from the start. Not the computer stuff. Not the business stuff(although some of that has grown on me). I loved to search for truth with my little black box. Because there is beauty in authenticity. Beauty in truth. And, for me, a specific beauty in the truth of each family. BUT…awhile ago, I chose to not just be a photographer, but to be an artist. And, being an artist is difficult, because, when you put your work out there, it’s kind of like gently showing your heart to the world. It’s a wee bit scary. Good scary, but scary nonetheless. You open yourself up to judgement from your clients and your peers. AND–the worst kind of judgement–you judge yourself while you look around at the sea of talent you are wading in. This kind of recognition helps me judge myself a little more kindly. Even if just for a little while. Thank you.
Here are my award winning images from the second half of the competition:
Thank you to all of ‘my families’–that’s what I call them…the wonderful people who trust in me enough to come and capture their life. Thanks to all of my photographer friends who put up with my endless nattering(you know who you are). Thanks to my own family for everything that only a family can do…and thanks to my wonderful husband–you push and challenge me all while loving me deeply. And laughing. There is a lot of that. I am only able to find love with my camera because I live at the heart of it with you.
You can read all about the NAPCP here. It is wonderful to have an organization who supports and promotes photographers whose focus is family and child photography.
~ Dana
PS–and Happy Valentine’s Day
by Dana
show hide 38 comments
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your photography is VERY deserving of such an award.
Congratulations!!!!! You are very deserving of such an award.
Dana, a warm hearted congratulations to you! I have enjoyed reading your blog and I’m so glad to make your acquaintance.
triple fist pump!!
WOWOWOWOWOW!!!! Congratulations Dana – much deserved!
Congratulations!
ahhhhh! congrats, friend!!! you totally deserve this!
Congrats, Dana!! YOu are an inspiration, and your work is beautiful! You deserve it!!
It’s wonderful to see a photographer being recognized and appreciated for showing slice-of-real-life images of families. Inspiring. cheers.
loved just reading what you wrote. so honored to know you and call you a friend. you deserve every accolade that comes your way for the spirit and soul you put into your work
xo
Dana, It’s obvious that you truly love what you do because it shows in your work. But it takes more than love, it also takes talent and you have that in spades! We remember you those 4 years ago at the Wolseley family reunion and how you mentioned that you were thinking of going into photography and look where you are now! So happy for you! Louis & Hally
Shit, now Ill never be able to afford you again.
CONGRATS!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!
Dana, we have always been proud of your artistic talents and knew you would do something great with them! Nice to see others agree with us. Congratulations!
Congratulations!! I love your imagery and I’m so happy to see that others are enjoying it too.
wowowee! congrats dana on such an achievement!!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by shortandsweet, Deanna Yerichuk. Deanna Yerichuk said: @shortandsweet is the Child Photographer of the year. Way to go, Dana! http://tinyurl.com/6hczv6u #yyc #photography [...]
Wow, congratulations, you deserve it!!
Dana- Congratulations! Your work is just beautiful! What a fabulous accomplishment!
Karen
Hahahaha…. I can’t stop laughing…. With joy!!!! Congrats!!!
You totally deserve this. I have loved watching you grow in your artistic vision.(I met you in Seattle at Cheryl’s workshop)
Your photography is truly a reflection of your beautiful spirit. Congrats!
Congratulations Dana. A well deserved honour for an amazing photographer.
I always knew the pictures on my walls were taken by an award winning photographer!!! Congratulations for having such success with following your dream! Amazing!
How cool is the Times Square sign!?!?! Congratulations! I have been quietly enjoying your images for a while, they are beautiful and emotional and real. A much deserved award, enjoy!
SO SO proud of you Dana!!! AMAZING! Now take that image of Times Square and blow it up for your office, you deserve it!
xoxo
That is incredible! Congratulations Dana, you deserve it! Enjoy!
Congratulations Dana!!! So happy for you!
DANA!!! You rockstar! Congratulations. So well deserved. You are amazing!
Oh, Dana!! Congratulations and well deserved!! I am moved not only by your work, but also by your kind heart. It’s so great to see a “Secret Sister” win this prestigious award!! Congratulations!!
WOMAN! I am SO proud of you, mama!!!! So well deserved… big GIANT cyber hug to you!!!!
Congratulations Dana! I love your work.
You are the best!! Congrat Dana.
We knew you were the best right off the the first click.
p.s. know “the sisters”, so cute!!
xKim
Dana, this is so amazing! So happy for you!
DANA!!! You know I’ve been following your work, since the beginning! I am once again
blown away! You are so inspiring! So happy for you and can’t wait!!! for our session!!!!
Congratulations Dana!!That’s awesome!
OMG – How awesome! I’m thrilled for you, and at the same time I am not surprised at all considering the great work you do.
Enjoy your vacation in Vegas. I can’t wait to see what you do next!
Congrats Dana, your work gives me goosebumps!Much deserved!!!
and Happy belated birthday, I hope you have a fantastic year!!!!
-Amanda