Dani Mac Attacks!

NEW BLOG!!!

2009-06-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Alright everyone, check it out:

www.danimacattacksphotoblog.com

is my newest humble abode in the blog world!

So, keep me in your thoughts and visit me in the new land of Dani Mac Attacks photo blog!

Film....an Ancient Ritual and my newest Squeeze!

2009-06-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

There is something so cerebral about the experience of using film again after many years of becoming a slave to digital.
In this digital world we live in, something as primitive as using film makes me feel as if I'm alone in a new world where I am constantly discovering a new and fascinating style of photography.

All this is pretty funny because film is where it all started, but it has really become lost in this cheap, instant gratification world of digital. And gosh darn it, it's sad! Now, I am by NO means giving up on digital (no way!) but I am entering a new stage of experimenting and have been loving it so far!

I got my hands recently on an old family medium format camera (Hasselblad to be exact) and these are a few attempts at my first couple of rolls. These cameras are so sensitive and touchy that only a few turned out, but hey, this is my first try! It's also a pain in the butt to load the film into a medium format camera, so this is why you will see some "interesting" exposures.....but, all in all, I feel so incredibly retro that I can't stand it! And me, I love all things vintage, so I figured film was the next step in that obsession.

Tomorrow I am swinging the "Hass" (as I lovingly call him now) along with me to a wedding to try out some portrait stuff with film for the first time at a real life wedding (yikes). But, these will be merely practice and I am still shooting the whole wedding digital, of course. Who knows though??? Maybe I will get the hang of this thing and make the Hass a more frequent prop at all my shoots!!!

Hope you like my feeble attempts to be a "real" photographer :)

Also, these are kind of small when posted here on my blog, so if you want to see them larger (because they look cooler larger) click on the picture itself and it will take you to my flickr account where you can view these life size!

Other than my Dad making a stupid face, I love this one. And all the red on the outside of the image is because when I tried to take the film out, it got a bit exposed to light (ooops) but I think it's sorta bitchin'!

Still practicing focusing while looking through the top of a box.

Okay, so I totally exposed this particular piece of film and you can't see my hubb's face, but I think it's kinda cool in a "Wow she's a total beginner with that Hass" kind of way!!!

Jennifer and Hamid play golf. Then have a picnic. Then go to the movies. Then become James Bond and sexy lady friend.

2009-06-06T00:03:00.000-07:00

When I asked this lovely couple what they love to do in their spare time, they laughed at first (insinuating that they really don't have all that much spare time because they're always working) and then said: "Going to the movies."
So, we thought, how "THEM" would that be if we could get them into the movies for their engagement pictures?
SO FUN! I even had the staff helping me out with lighting in between cleaning theaters......it was a-mazing.

We also threw some golfing and picnic-ing in there too because on a nice 100 degree day in Fresno, who wouldn't want to hit a few balls and then relax on a picnic blanket with their "lova"?

I am so bummed that I will NOT be able to shoot their wedding in December.....it's a crime. But, I will be freshly enceinte and will be carrying around an 8 or 9 pound little tiny person, so weddings will be out of my realm of imagination for that month, sadly.
Ah but we had such fun just doing the engagement pics so, I must remain satisfied.

Jenn and Hamid....I hope you are pleased as punch :)

This is their "thing".....no, I didn't just make him sign "I Love You" for no reason! They do this to each other all the time. Too cute.

Mom shot!

Someone is probably gonna think I stole this idea from them....but in my defense, how could I pass it up? I mean, Hamid looks just like Paul Rudd standing like that and for goodness sakes! they are both wearing grey polos! Not planned!

It's Britney!

2009-06-05T23:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a warning:

As I learned during this shoot, you need a freaking permit from the city to take pictures in the Japanese Gardens.
And they don't bother to tell you that at the front gate.....so, photographers, beware.....the ticket lady at the Gardens had NO MERCY and no smile on her face when she turned me down. Luckily I'm used to being told not to take pictures in certain places. At least this time I didn't get yelled at.

Anyway, we managed to fill up a day's worth of pictures and even got the geese to cooperate for a shot....but next time I'll bring bread.

Britney was a gem (and so was Bonnie; that's Mom....she sure posed as my assistant quite convincingly!) and hopefully my creative juices were flowing enough to their satisfaction when they get a peek at these!

Good day...........good times.......good, uh, vibrations?

You know, tires.....cause why not?

Lisa Lisa Bo Bisa.....Banana Fana Fo Fisa.

2009-06-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

LISA!

Hi! Here are your pictures finally.....worth the wait I hope.
This girl rocked out with her....hair out. She was a cowgirl, a model, Pochahontis (hope that's spelled correctly) among other things. And also, her father is now convinced she should move to the Philippines and pursue an acting career. I for one, agree.

And I gotta say, this was the most fun I have had on a Senior shoot and I will tell you why: Hekla the RG Holder and Lisa the model were cracking jokes the whole 3 hours....it was quite honestly a challenge keeping the camera steady while I was trying to control my laughter.

SO, a few pics were blurry, but don't worry, I made up for it by pumping out almost 300 final pictures for this poor girl to choose from. I know, I know, I got a bit out of control. Such a rebel am I.

Lisa.....hottie boomalottie....way to work it girl!

I believe we called this one the "Tyra".

Mom was REAL excited about this one....it's kind of a Mom pleaser, what with all the pink flowers you know.....

Senior Time!!!! Seth step on up to the plate!

2009-06-05T23:22:00.000-07:00

B-A-T-T-Y you ain't got no alibi, you're Batty HEY HEY you're Batty!

That's right, I busted that one out just now.....what can I say?
Seth deserves a little cheer.....I can say that because after all, we are related. Anyone in my family deserves a little cheer.

In case you didn't know, this is Seth Batty.....of Buchanan's baseball team...and this is the ball he hit a Grand Slam with.
Don't act like you're not impressed. He's kind of a big deal.

Nikki and Daniel Sons!!!!

2009-06-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is right...."Daniel Son" has found his "Lady Son"!

All I can say for this wedding was.....breath-freaking-taking.

So beautiful, so fun, and when the sun started to set and the lights were shining overhead the reception, it was nothing short of "magical"!

Thank you again to the wonderful families and friends, the delicious catering service, the beautiful decorations and just the overall experience of this wedding!

I hope I was able to capture at least a little of the essence of that perfect day.....enjoy!

I love Jill's face here....she's really considering this article seriously.....

Everyone needs to take the edge off sometimes....

They are trying to avoid one of the million killer crazy bumble bees that were dive bombing the guests during the ceremony....one almost got me.

Don't worry....they're singing to each other, not fighting :)

Giorgiana and Jeff are married! yay!!

2009-05-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

So, I must start with the fact that I have the entire Arabia family to thank for "jump starting" my photography career.
Giorgiana's sister Gina took a chance on me when I had never shot a wedding in my life! She said she needed someone to shoot her wedding and that she liked my photography.....scared out of my wits, I accepted and from there, the rest is history!

After family pictures for the other sister Tanya, I now come to the last Arabia sister left to photograph....it's been quite a family affair! Thank you Arabias for your support and loyalty!

Now we come to the wedding day; Bass Lake, a slight drizzle and a cloudy sky, bridesmaids have no shoes to wear and yet the wedding turned out to be absolutely everything that George and Jeff were looking for (and how do I know this? Because they were all smiles the entire day......what else could it mean?).

Hope you guys enjoy the preview, and Giorgiana, I paid tribute to "Ray" for you as I chose the music for your slideshow. I won't even try to spell his last name!

And p.s. thanks to Ms. Wood, my lovely wonderful assistant for the day! You kicked some butt helping a poor, slow pregnant woman carry her bags all day! Also, she got some rockin' shots as well!

Don't hate me for posting up a crying shot Jeff....I just couldn't help it! It's too darn cute!

This is kind of a silly picture but I can't get over how hilarious George's face is right here.....it's as if she isn't sure whether or not the cake is going to tip right over on top of her!

These guys rock!

Batty Family in a Boxcar. What? That's totally normal.

2009-04-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

Ok Batty Family.....after 6 hours of switching people's eyes, smiles, bodies, faces, you NAME it, I finally put together ONE picture where everyone is smiling (except Uncle Devin), has their eyes open and are looking at the camera.

This took a lot out of me! 30 something people all looking good and smiling in a picture is almost impossible to do without Photoshop! (ahem, Sutton's body and face had to be re-constructed from 4 different pictures so that he wasn't frowning, squinting or appearing to pick a wedgie).

Hope you guys like this one cause I don't want to spend another 6 hours piecing together a perfect family picture!
I think it turned out pretty darn good!
(By the way, for all those not in the Batty family, this is my family so I can talk to them like this.....I would never demand that a client stop picking their wedgie).

Engaged! Chris and Ashley!

2009-04-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

These guys have been sooooo patient! Even though they aren't getting married until September, we took their pictures over a month ago (just to get them done early) and I have been super busy/slacking to get their pics up on the blog!

SO, here is installment #1......the blog post!
#2 Coming Soon.....there are wayyyyyyy more where these came from. Another 100-some odd more awesome engagement pics to check out on Collages as soon as I'm all done with them!

I hope you all enjoy these as much as I did! I gotta be honest, this shoot was a dream! We got to experiment with some engagement stuff that I have never done before, but always wanted to.
The time period stuff was so fun! And the horse, of course, was unbelievable! A little scary at times (he's a rowdy one!) but so beautiful and sweet.
Ash and Chris worked it all day long (and it was a long day) but I feel it was totally worth it!

Take a minute to check these out and please, feel free to leave a comment because I always appreciate the feedback!

Love Mr. Ed's random sneeze here........

Not gonna lie........I think this might be my favorite engagement picture yet! It resembles completely an old vintage photograph where they can't smile, or move, only show off their awards!

This one, of course, is Chris's personal favorite......I won't tell you what he has entitled this picture.....

I'm sorry......don't pretend like you wouldn't pull over to the side of the road and take a picture in front of this sign!!!!

Randi and Tyler got hitched! YES! Woohoo!

2009-04-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Talk about an awesome wedding and an awesome couple......this was the most relaxed wedding I have EVER done!
Everything flowed so smoothly, everyone had an awesome time and the bride and groom pretty much glowed the entire day.
Weather was perfect, the schedule went perfect, the bride looked perfect........

Randi and Tyler, I hope you had a perfect honeymoon too!

I did get a little sunburned though.....me and both my assistants (that wasn't perfect, but I think we really needed tans anyway!)

Enjoy the pictures everyone......you'll get to see all of them next week! Yeah!

Thanks again, it was such a pleasure!

(p.s. the song choice is a tribute to the chair dancing and Tyler's Italian heritage!)
If you are having any issues with the slideshow, I recommend playing it all the way through once and then starting over to let it buffer properly. Those of you working on computers with slow internet or just slow speed period, it may take a bit longer to load. But be patient, it's worth the wait!

Trey Tosh Band.....recording live!

2009-03-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

Trey Tosh Band, recording their new album, LIVE at Wolfsound Audio Engineering.
Song on their slideshow is "Heavy Rain" from their record "Aiming at the Sun."
Check Trey Tosh out at: www.myspace.com/thetreytoshband.

Nikki and Daniel's Engagement Session........wooohooo!

2009-03-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

So, first of all, we went up to Yosemite because the internet said it was going to be 63 degrees and sunny but when we got up there, there was still snow all over the ground!
SOOOOO, needless to say, it was cold and pretty sure none of us had snow boots. Numb toes and all, I think the view was still gorgeous and Yosemite was still a good choice......unfortunately the pizza and beer place I bragged to them about was closed for the season :( Sorry guys!

Amy Noble was my assistant for the day and it was great to have someone else there to help me out.....I think we all had a pretty darn good time, especially when we all bought a bag of chips for the two of us and ate the whole thing.

Nikki and Daniel were totally good sports too, because I wouldn't let the shoot end until I was "satisfied" with the pictures we got, so we trucked it downtown (from Yosemite) to take pictures on the top of a parking garage and THEN went to Samba in Tower so I could snap in their faces even longer!
So, thanks you guys for being so fun and being so easy to photograph.....because really, you both were total pieces of cake to work with.

Also, we pretty surely trampled onto sacred plants in Yosemite (accidently), had bats flying at our faces in the parking garage and had some crazies giving me the eye as I ran around downtown waving my flashlight in Nikki and Daniel's faces!
There are always a few interesting incidents to every shoot....if there aren't, it's not as fun!

Maybe it was the beers and the flask???? Hmmmm???? Or maybe it's just because you're fun and a little bit of mountain air brings out the romance in everyone.

Hope you guys enjoy the pictures and the slideshow! Soon, you'll see them all!

Chris and Lindsay are gonna get hitched! Yes!

2009-03-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so, let's start with numbers:

#1. Chris was my Jr. High youth group leader/played the drums in worship band/had bleached blonde hair back then (hey, it was cool!).
#2. The moment I met Lindsay, I thought "she needs to be my friend."
#3. This engagement shoot was (pardon the french) BITCHIN'!!!!!!!

.......here's how it went down...........

First of all, Chris and Lindsay, my husband and I all drove out to Cayucous one beautiful Sunday.

We frolicked on the beach and got soaking wet, we trespassed onto some property on Old Creek Road where I subsequently stepped knee deep into a stream that was made up of water and cow poop (which caused me to smell the rest of the day), we found an entire skeleton of a cow also on this property (it's head was in a different spot than it's body!), we ate lunch and got FREE (and refillable) champagne, Lindsay and I discovered we are both obsessed with chocolate covered gummy bears (so of course, we HAD to go get some right then), Chris and Ben discovered they are both musicians and of course, teachers, we visited Harmony (an old hippie town with a population of 18), and on the way home, Chris got a ticket for speeding (and it was UNJUST!).

Moral of the story, Chris and Lindsay are awesome! Wonderful people separately, and most wonderful together.
Ben and I feel like they're our new friends and are so excited to be a part of their wedding day (behind the cameras, of course).

Hope you guys enjoy....I feel so happy about these pictures, and so happy about that day in Cayucous we had, and so happy about your marriage~
Thanks again!

We were JUST talking about how many tickets Chris has gotten in his life......

Giorgiana and Jeff are gettin' hitched! Wooohoo!!

2009-03-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

5th Grade, Fresno Christian Schools, me in an awkward floral patterned dress and matching scrunchie and a Little Mermaid lunchbox.......this is when I first met Giorgiana.

Our friendship has been about 16 years long and I am pleased as punch to be a part of her wedding day. We were both always pretty shy growing up (and unfortunately for me, I grew out of that and became loud) but George (as her friends refer to her) has remained just as sweet and soft spoken.
Which is why it's perfect she is marrying Jeff. He is a conversationalist at heart, and most assuredly a people person (from what I can tell so far!)
And, he seems to know every single little trivia fact and piece of knowledge you can think of.
George, you need to make that boy go on Jeopardy and win some moola!
They are a perfect match.

Being a part of their engagement session was, of course, a lot of fun.....and I am really looking forward to the wedding.

Another fun fact, Giorgiana's sister Gina was my VERY first wedding ever! This is when I had no idea what I was doing, or why, for that matter. But I still look back on it as one of my favorite weddings I have ever shot.
So, let's hear it to the Arabia family for these years of support!

George and Jeff, I hope you enjoy ;)
This slideshow is just a sneak peek at the rest of your pictures.....more to come!

No, they aren't Jewish.....but I left the stars of David in there because it's really humorous.

This is such a Giorgiana face.

Who's funnier than this guy pounding beers by himself, shouting at the person on his cell phone......while we're trying to be romantic over here.

I tried fried macaroni and cheese for the first time at Heroes. It will live in my heart forever.
(Aren't they cute?)

Art Hop, Feb. 5th

2009-01-28T12:13:00.000-08:00

I am showing at Art Hop, February 5th at Javawava, thanks to Jerry Buttles and the folks at that wonderful coffee shop!

Please come and see some of my more "freestyle" type photography, enjoy music by "The Rhoda Penmarks" and some snacks (and of course some coffee!).

It's an open house, so come when you like (between 5-8). Also, if you catch "Great Day" that morning (around 8:30 ish), on Fox 26, I will be on the tele promoting the show!

Thanks so much and I hope to see you there!

Javawava
1940 N Echo Ave
Fresno, CA 93704

Wooohoo! Gurdeep and Ahmad are hitched!

2009-01-27T23:35:00.000-08:00

So. this was my very first traditional Indian garb wedding and I LOVED it!
Oh my goodness, the bride even called me over to her house to get henna for myself (which I had never done before)!

It's still rubbing off, but it was so cool while it lasted.

Anyway, Gurdeep and Ahmad were kindly referred to me by AHS Photography (www.ahsphotography.com), and they met with me about, oh, 2 weeks before their wedding maybe? Okay okay, maybe 3!
But all the last minute planning was totally worth it because the wedding was beautiful (and as you will see, the clothing was unbelievable!).

Even though I didn't understand half of the names for all the lovely jewelry and scarves and dangly things that you hang from your forehead (see what I mean, I didn't learn anything, I am so ashamed), photographing it all was such a pleasure for me!

Congrats to G and Ahmad! God Bless you and your wonderful family and all your fantastic friends!
And thanks to my hubby who was once again, a dreamy assistant with a killer eye for artistic shots.

Trever and Melissa are hitched! WooohooO!

2009-01-15T22:42:00.000-08:00

Sooooooooo a wedding in January, in Seattle!!!
Stressful? Cold? Beautiful? Yes, yes, and yes!!
But totally worth it!

Trever went to school with my husband (from K-12) and we recently ran into them at Ben's 10 year reunion......and guess what they needed! A wedding photographer last minute. In steps myself.

They totally hooked Ben and I up with flights to Seattle and a 2 night stay in what we lovingly refer to as "The Mansion".
So, Ben was my assistant/slave for the day......and I was actually very pleased with his attentiveness (and of course his photographs).
Basically, husband is probably going to work out as a pretty darn good little second shooter!

Anyway, the wedding was gorgeous (in an old church at Bastyr University) and the reception was a whole lotta fun.....
especially when Melissa's brother Sean stole the show and danced through the entirety of Michael Jackson's "Thriller"!
Good luck you guys, and I hope your honeymoon was a dream!

Enjoy..........and stay tuned for more!

(P.S. press play, then pause and let the slideshow load completely before pressing play again)

The Lee Family! Woohooo, yes!

2008-12-11T21:17:00.001-08:00

I actually "met" these two at my husband's 10 year high school reunion just recently.
When I say "met", it's because I went to high school with Adam, but he was a senior with my husband and I was just a measly freshman, so, they were all too cool to talk to me at the time. ;)

Anyway, he has a beautiful family now; he's surrounded by Jennifer and Sierra who are two good lookin' ladies!

I have a feeling that these might become some of my favorite family pictures I have taken......I think it was the sudden break of sunshine through the chilly, gloomy weather we've been having, shining through the eucalyptus trees.......(I feel like bursting into a poem right now).

Enjoy!

The Griffin Family! Wooohoo!!!

2008-12-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

SO, I have known Jordan since he was just a little tot; him and my brother have been friends for years.

You can imagine how strange it is for me to see him married with a little one now. Makes me feel really old. Thanks a lot Jordan.

Anyway, him and wifey Joelle and little Kiley were total troopers in this freezing cold, wonderful Fresno December weather.
For and 8 week old to withstand the cold for that long......brilliant. Makes my life easier.
We had to hurry and beat the sunset too because HELLO, it sets at almost 4 o'clock now! What the heck?

All in all, I am pleased as punch about some of these. So, enjoy Griffins!

Getting super dark as you can see by this grainy-mcgrainerson grainyness.

The Batty Family #2! Wooohooooo!

2008-12-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

Here is the Batty Family, Round 2!!!!
These are a fun group of pictures.....most of them are not traditional family shots and that is because these guys are not a "traditional" family!

There was a lot of goofing off and making silly faces and posing like they are playing baseball.....which is perfect because I love that kind of family photo session.

As you can see, they are obsessed with baseball as a family.......I don't think I really even needed to say that.
It's pretty obvious!

Hope you guys enjoy!

Engaged! Randi and Tyler Wooohoooo!!!

2008-12-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

Randi and Tyler!!! They are getting married at Shell Beach......AB-solutely beautiful location.

So, I happened to be in Pismo Beach last weekend doing a family photo shoot and we decided to schedule the engagement sess at the same time because THEY happened to be there too for Thanksgiving.

We cruised down to Giovanni's where they are having their rehearsal dinner (which is the cutest Tuscan looking restaurant/venue) to take their pics. Luckily no one was there and we had free range of the whole place.

After seeing the spot they're getting married, I am sooooooo stoked do to this wedding!!!!
Well, I was excited before, but now that I have worked with these two and seen the perfect scenery where they're gonna get hitched, I cannot wait.

Hope you two enjoy! Hot stuff!

The Batty Family! Wooohhooooo!

2008-12-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

Duh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh duh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh- BATMAN!!!

It's the Batty family at Pismo Beach!

They were down there all week for Thanksgiving just having a grand old time, riding quads on the dunes, camping with friends and getting a tasty Thanksgiving day spread for only $7!!!

I met up with them after an engagement session at Shell Beach and we ate at Duke's (which is my new favorite now next to Splash Cafe......) for lunch, then took a little stroll down the pretty much empty shore.

Meri's brother Robby even came with his white shirt and got in on some of the picture action too!

Thanks for a fun day you guys, and hopefully your drive back home in the fog wasn't as deathly scary as mine was......

You guys are the most fun ever and I hope you enjoy these!

And this one is totally fake looking, but I think it has a cool artistic tweak-yness to it.

The Tucker Family! Wooohooo!

2008-12-02T19:57:00.000-08:00

The Tucker family is from Orange County.
They live in a Country Club with a golf course and they have two tiny yippee dogs running around the house constantly.
Tami and George are both psychologists and love the G.O.P.
Tami plays tennis almost every morning and George golfs whenever he gets the chance.

Now, because of the stigma surrounding southern California country club type people, I know you might think that sounds like a typical Orange County family......

but they are the sweetest, most down to earth, NORMAL people you will ever meet. Not at all like the O.C. is portrayed on T.V.

However, they are not what you would call a "traditional" family either.

George always says that the only thing him and Tami make for dinner are reservations!

So, they wanted their Christmas pictures and their Christmas card to reflect the opposite of the way they are.

We came up with a 1950's, Mother/housewife/cook/cleaner/wears her pearls while doing it all, Father comes home after work and reads the paper, smokes his pipe and kicks his feet up with a scotch on the rocks while Daughter plays piano in her plaid school girl skirt and Son obediently plays chess until dinner is served.

That's exactly what we got. And I think we did it splendidly.

However, after all was said and done, they aren't much different from that old time traditional family because their values and family togetherness are just the same as the "Beaver Cleavers".

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy!

The Peterson Family! Woohoo!

2008-11-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

I've known the Petersons and the Casey Belmonts for years and years.....in fact, I knew Jamie when she was a total tomboy who only wore her "Rolling In the Dough" baggy sweatshirt to school everyday.

And NOW look at her! All the women in this family are a bunch of long legged, good lookin' blondes!

This was a really fun session.....everyone was giving me some good, natural vibes which I think made for some cool family pics.

And Braden was a super happy baby that day! That is every photographer's dream.

Cheryl, sorry I included a close up picture of you (please don't kill me!) but you looked so darn good and the picture itself was too cute to pass up!

Also, for those of you who may be wondering "Why the butt shot of everyone?". It's because the barn had peep holes....and you just couldn't resist looking inside.

Enjoy you guys, and thanks again for the greatest family shoot ever!

This is the front of their Christmas Card. How cute.

Engaged! Rene and Alex! Wooooohhhooooo!

2008-11-20T17:05:00.000-08:00

Um, yeah, so this is my little brother Rene Roy and he's getting married......and I am a huge ball of emotions.

July 25th is the date of choice (which is conveniently Rene's birthday.....good going, I say on that choice).

I love Alejandra and him together and finally I get a REAL freaking sister instead of stupid old Mellissa!
(only a few of you will understand the hilarity of that joke).

I am doing Save-The-Dates and Quasi-Engagement pics for these two, but their wedding day photographer is going to be D.J. Ellis of La Bella Vita Photography. So, these lucky kids get TWO engagement sessions with two different photographers!

Yes, they get special treatment okay? I mean, it is my freaking brother after all. It's well deserved. I tend to go considerably overboard when it comes to family.

SO, here we go. I hope you all cry while watching the slideshow just like I did, so I don't feel like such a baby.

(I don't know how I am ever gonna give a speech at that wedding without losing it. I suppose I will have to learn how to speak without breathing or something).

Oh and p.s. for those of you who may not know this about my brother, he is a total and complete comic book GEEK. If they had a club, he'd be the president. SO, that preface should be sufficient once you view some of these oddly costumed images.
They are, yes, super cheezy, but also TOTALLY Rene Roy. Because my brother is Grade A cheese factor. It runs through our blood.

The Charest Family Christmas Card Pictures! Wooohoo!

2008-11-12T01:09:00.000-08:00

Well.....we had to embrace our Italian heritage somehow.....

what better way to do so than with 1940's Mafia Christmas card pictures?

What WILL we think of next?

So, go to the mattresses and check a few of these out.

The Whole Fam

The Bros and I plotting our next big hit.

Mama and Papa Mafiaso.

Georgia and Eden are so cute!

2008-11-09T21:20:00.000-08:00

These kids are adorable......and amazingly I actually got a couple pictures with both of them looking at the camera! Yea! (with much help from Moms and Dad and Aunties of course.)

Hope you enjoy these!

Noelle, sexy Mamasita!

2008-11-09T16:46:00.000-08:00

SO, Noelle came to me interested in some sexy Vogue-ish head and body shots for her dancing portfolio.

She is a hip-hop dancer and you can only imagine by this bootylicious photo shoot how well she can probably GET DOWN on the dance floor!

She totally rocked these pictures and I must say, she reminds me of Victoria Beckham with her sexy serious pout face.....

Posh Noelle is what I'll call her!

Enjoy!

The Smith Family!!!! Wooohoo!

2008-11-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

So, in all fairness to the Higginbotham's, the reason the Smiths get a slideshow is because they reside in L.A. and have to wait longer to see their pictures!

So, Kendra and Nate, you guys are getting special treatment ;)
These are just a FEW of my favorites from the day....there's more where these came from!

It's funny because when I lived down south, I worked at Outback Steakhouse with Kendra and Nate (who at the time, weren't even dating yet) and now, a couple years later, I see them married with two beautiful children!

It's amazing how much can change over a short amount of time.

The shoot was at Laguna Beach, close to dusk, and it was perfect lighting and weather.
Caleb and Emma (the little ones) were sooooo good and so cooperative.
They even got soaking wet and sandy. And Emma even got a nice yummy mouthful of sand. MMM.

What troopers!

Kendra and Nate, congrats on such a wonderful, beautiful clan of Smiths!
I hope you enjoy these teasers!
And thank you so much for letting me photograph your family.....I had a great time.

P.S. thanks to my assistant/babysitter Katie-Katie who held the wet children when Mom and Dad had their photo shoot!

What started off as an ordinary annual trip to Disneyland........

2008-10-29T22:59:00.000-07:00

.......ended up being a day where my little bro proposed to his girlfriend Alex at Club 33 (a totally exclusive restaurant in Disneyland just overlooking New Orleans square).

It was a really fun day.....the whole Batty Family (with some Tuckers, Charests, McEntees, a Poplin, a Neels and a Luna there) was hitting every ride possible and doing anything to get our money's worth of our hopper passes.

Tyler met Adam Sandler in the bathroom, my Dad rode California Screaming for the first time (and was SCREAMING), and Aunt Leslie's friend Paul experienced Disneyland for the FIRST TIME EVER!

Around 5 o'clock, we all herded over to Club 33 for a once in a lifetime dinner experience.

A few of us knew Rene Roy's plan to propose (including me, since I needed to capture the moment on film), but mostly everyone else was surprised when he prayed for our meal and quickly snuck in : "and thank you God for my fiancee, Alex" to which she looked up abrubtly (as did everyone else at our table) and was greeted with open eyes to my brother holding out her BLING BLING ring.

I apologize for the blur and grainy-ness of some of the Club 33 images, but I wasn't sure what the lighting was going to be like and was not about to lug my huge flash in there (thus failing to be conspicuous).
So, I hope they still are okay.....it's the thought and the emotion captured that counts, I always say!

Congrats you guys!
And everyone else (especially Nami, who got us into Club 33), it was a wonderful day and I love you all!
and for all those who didn't make it....Uncle Damon, Seth, Uncle Devin, Aunt Cheryl, Peyton, Riley, Jaad and Matt......we missed you all!

Enjoy the slideshow! Just press play and allow it to buffer completely.

Sammy Fishface!!!! Wooohooo!

2008-10-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

SO Sam here is my brother from another mother.....uh, and another father too.

Well anyway, we go way back.....his sis is my sis (again, not really, just my best friend).

I was down in Hollywood this weekend taking some head shots for him and although these pictures aren't really the "head shots" persay, they are just some of my favorite pictures from the day.

SAM-U-EL, it was great to see you buddy and fun to play around with some pics for ya! I hope you're happy with them!

The song "Like a rhinestone cowboy......." enters my head here......

Okay, this one is just supposed to be funny.......

.......this one is just for humor too.....

This one is my favorite.......it's so Sam. And just so darn cute!

The Higginbotham Family!!!!!

2008-10-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

Cherly, Adam and Skyler seemed to have a good time.....well, especially Skyler who got to play dress-up for her photos and wear ALLLLL of her jewelry (which consisted of about 3 boxes loaded with beads, earrings, bracelets and all a little girl could possibly dream of).

All in all, I think it was pretty successful and definitely a lot of fun.

Enjoy!

Courtney and Aaron are married! WOOOHOOOO!

2008-10-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

SO! These two crazy kids! I have known them since they were in Jr. High.....in fact, we were all part of the same youth group and even went to Mexico together on a missions trip! That was waaaay back when....they were just friends at the time. Over the years they remained friends and I heard through the grapevine that they were dating. Well, just about less than a year ago I hear they are getting hitched! I was so excited for them, and couldn't believe that the same two young kids I had known since youth group were now getting married. When they came to me for their wedding pictures, I just knew this was gonna be a great opportunity! Not only do I know them and their story, but they are two of the sweetest, most genuine, beautiful inside and out couples that I know. There was just no way that anything could go wrong.....until the day of the wedding came and it was raining! There was a little bit of a frenzy happening when I arrived and everyone was thinking the worst. But as soon as we drove up the hill, the weather had cleared, the sun was out, the sky was cloudy (but in a GOOD way....in a photographer's dream kind of a way) and you just knew that A LOT of people were praying for good weather on this day. As I watched this couple go through their wedding day, the ceremony, the reception....the love that they have for each other, for God and for their family, was so overwhelming and obvious that even a perfect stranger could look at these two and KNOW that this is a marriage that is going to last. As a wedding photographer, it is so hard not to get wrapped up in the moments and remember to capture them instead.....this was no exception, in fact, it was the hardest I have ever had to try to keep myself together.
There was so much joy, so much anticipation and a feeling of pure, pure love. Courtney and Aaron's families were friends even before Courtney and Aaron started dating, and when they spoke during the toasts, you could tell that this was a divine bringing together of not only two people, but two families. I am so blessed to have shared this day with them and their loved ones and couldn't have asked for a smoother, more enjoyable day and a more real and wonderful group of people. I have two slideshows here because I took more photographs at this wedding than I think I ever have before! My good friend Jason Robbins helped me out again and totally kicked butt as an assistant and a second shooter! Thank you Jason!
These two slideshows are divided up into the first and second halves of the day. I just could not narrow down the pictures! Courtney and Aaron, thank you so much and congratulations! I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I do and I hope you have the most wonderful and blessed marriage possible!
Thank you to both of your Moms and Dads, bridal party, everyone who was there and contributed their time to this gorgeous wedding.....God truly blessed your wedding day as He will with your lives. I know that I was encouraged in my marriage watching the two of you!
Love you all!
Dani

P.S. Please press play and then allow the slideshows to buffer completely first before viewing or they will be slow and freak out.

Kaelie and Mare photo shoot!!! Wooohoo!

2008-09-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

So, this photo shoot is the result of my husband out of town for the weekend and me hanging out with the girls.....we watched a little Sex and the City, ate some pizza and ice cream and then this led to that and we decided it was time for an impromptu model shoot. I know, we feel like 12 year olds about it but it was SO FUN! Besides, I have known these girls since 5th grade and this is just one of those craaaazy things we like to do! Actually, I was going to do separate shoots for each of them for my portfolio but since I had them both together at my house for the whole weekend, well.....when in Rome.
I think we got some fun stuff....and, they are both gorgeous so I couldn't TAKE a bad picture of them.
Enjoy!

Married! Woohoo Jessica and Lorren!

2008-09-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

SO, Friday.....it was at Copper River, at sunset (gorgeous!). I gotta be honest, I was worried about the sun setting during the ceremony, in fear that it would just blare right in everyone's faces and into my camera; but in worked in our favor and the wedding was wonderful :) In fact, the weather was perfect as can be, and it was even a little windy (as you will see in one of these shots where Jessica's veil was blowing all over the place!).
All in all, a success, so Congrats Jess and Lorren! You guys are the best!
I know I got carried away with the pictures that have sun flare, but there was just such GREAT flare that day! I couldn't get enough of it! ACK! (that's totally Charlie Brown by the way.....or is it Cathy? "ACK!"?)
And as for this slideshow it will be posted SOON but....be warned....tissues may be needed. I watched it three times already and cried like a baby.
These two are just so perfectly, purely in love. It's amazing to watch them together. They bring out the best of one another....I don't even know them that well and I can say that just from the small amount of time I've spent with them. Ah, love!

Oh and p.s. I am fartin' around with a new watermark, so lemme know what you think. I am going for the "less is more" approach. Stimulating, I know.

So, Jessica was a little late getting to Copper River, so the dress had to be put on in the bathroom stall....not your ideal spot for slipping into your wedding gown, but hey, whatever works!

One of mannnnyyy pictures with hair and veil blowin' in the wind!

This is Jessica's son Ian who gave her away.

SENIORS! I love Heather!

2008-09-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

Ok evaray-boday! It's about that time for the High School Seniors out there to start thinking about gettin' their pictures done!
So, to help me lure all of you youngins in, I got Heather here to show you JUST how fun and awesome getting your pictures taken is! I love this girl! Not only is she beautiful, but she is the sweetest thing you'll ever meet. I have known her for years and years as my littlest bro's girlfriend....so stay away boys she's taken ;) by a NAVY MAN no less!
Anyway, since I still can't figure out how to post slideshows, (stupid technology) I just put a bazillion of my favorites up because I just can't choose between them....they all turned out amazing and Heather looks hot in every single one of 'em!
So hot, in fact, that some random old guys came up to us and asked Heather if they could take a picture with her, since they thought she was a model! It was pretty hilarious and I felt that I should have charged those dirty old men for honing in on MY model, but if was just too funny and harmless to even bother. And when they left they wished her good luck on her modeling career and they wished me good luck on my photography career! Quite an interesting shoot.....

CHRISTMAS CARDS ALREADY?????

2008-09-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

I know, I know! But seriously......
Just to give you all a taste, this was me and the husband's Christmas Card last year, (wait until you see this year's idea!) and if you are into dressing up and pretending you are someone else during the holiday season, then I am your photographer. And even if you aren't into that stuff....well, we can still make something else happen! So, lemme know if you're down because I have some really great ideas for this year and I'd love to use them on some unsuspecting families ;)
If you want traditional, that's do-able too. All I gotta do is take your picture, design your card and all you have to do is sign the darn things and send them off in the mail!
So, get in contact with me soon. After all, it IS almost Halloween.............scary.

Married! Woohoo Sarah and Jon!

2008-09-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Sarah and Jon got married on Saturday and it was fan-freakin-tastic!
Anyway, these two are both from farming families and their wedding was out in Reedley at Jon's parent's GORGEOUS home! So, you will see some shots in the vineyard, in the garden etc. That's kind of a theme throughout the wedding.
It was such a great time getting to know these two and their families.....I had a wonderful experience not only photographing them, but just enjoying their wedding day. It was one of those weddings where you I had to keep yourself from laughing at all the funny moments, crying during the touching ones and grinning foolishly during the happy ones. I felt so much a part of their lives that I had to remind myself that I was there to take pictures of those moments instead of enjoying them myself!
Once again my friend Jason Robbins helped me out (much needed!!!!) and we pretty much ruled, if I do say so myself, in taking more pictures than one would know what to do with.
Sarah and Jon (and family and friends), I want to say thank you so much and I hope you enjoy your pictures....but mostly I hope you enjoy your new life together!
Oh and one more thing, the cardboard cutout is of family members living in Honduras who couldn't make it to the wedding....so, they were posted up near the Sangria table all night until some of the members of the bridal party decided to take them everywhere so they too could enjoy the wedding. So, the cardboard cutouts danced on the dance floor, hid in the bushes (I was frightened by them more than once) and I believe they even witnessed the ceremony. Best idea I have ever seen!
Thanks again you guys!
-Dani

HUGE WATERMARK, I KNOW!

2008-08-23T23:14:00.000-07:00

Just bear with me folks, I realize my Dani Mac watermarks are HUGANGOUS on my pictures....but I am in the experimental stage of finding the right size and the right kind of watermark for my stuff. So, I am not pasting huge watermarks on my pics because of some ego thing....I just need to find the right size....

Think Goldilocks and the 3 bears......

I will soon find that porridge that is not too hot, not too cold, but juuuuuust right.

Engaged! Lorren and Jessica

2008-08-23T22:53:00.001-07:00

These two lovely folks were referred to me by Paul Mullins (http://www.mullinsstudio.com/) a few months back and when we first met for a consultation, everything seemed to go great. A few months went by and I didn't hear from them, so I thought worse case scenario: "Oh no, they hated me! They're going with another photographer!" or "Uh-oh. Maybe they aren't getting married anymore....." dun dun dun. Well, what REALLY happened amidst all my anguish was that they just happened to be darn busy. Okay, so then I felt stupid when they finally called me to meet for a second time, because I had already assumed the worst.
BUT all is wonderful now, we had an awesome time with the shoot today, regardless of the scorching heat.
So, here's a fun fact: you know that old burnt down (except for the doorway) schoolhouse out on Shepherd and Minnewawa?
Well, I always thought that would be a cool place to take some pics. It turns out, when I mention this to Lorren during our consultation, he tells me his great grandfather (or was it grandfather? I can't seem to remember) actually went to school there!
SO of course we had to take their engagement pictures there.
At first we were worried about it because there is now a huge barbed wire fence surrounding the area, and it's obviously on private property. Now, being a photographer, I have had my fair share of getting yelled at for taking pictures where I don't belong, so I was nervous that someone would come out through the orchards with a shot gun and tell us to get off their property.
Thank God for Lorren, who just strolled right up to the house on the lot and asked the inhabitants if we could take a few pictures out under the arch.....for free.....and the kind gentleman said "Sure".
Now, I have to say that my pride and joy of this shoot is the strawberry stand. Growing up in Fresno, I have come to love and cherish those stands and shed a tear every time one of them gets torn down to be replaced by track homes. Ugh.
I feel that these stands are something about this town that is unique, and Jessica and Lorren seemed to agree with me.
I really had a wonderful time with these two. They are both hilarious, sweet, full of fun and laughter and ready for anything. Also, they did anything I asked them too! Hallelujah! Even though we weren't fast enough to chase down the sunset, I think we got some great pictures and got to know each other just fabulously.
Thanks you guys! Can't wait for your wedding! (and thank you for the water bottle! it saved my life)

Trial Blog Heading

2008-07-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

Before I decided upon the "Danielle as a girl, Danielle as a boy" blog heading, this was the one I was going to use.
But for some reason, it just wasn't exciting enough. Maybe the lack of red lipstick and mustaches had something to do with it.

A few of my latest favorite things................

2008-07-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

So, there are a few things that I have been really excited about over the last month or so.....when I have had spare time, I have discovered some new indulgences.
First of all, "The Dark Knight". Tonight I will be going to see the second Batman movie for the THIRD time.
Obsessed? Maybe. Rightly so? I think so.
As a huge fan of Christian Bale (in my dreams, I am Mrs. Bale sometimes), I was excited to see this new flick. Not to mention Batman is the best super hero ever created, and I grew up on the old Adam West series as well as the award winning cartoon on Saturday mornings.
BUT, to my surprise, as I watched this film, anytime that Heath Ledger's Joker was NOT on screen, I found myself wishing he was. I didn't even care much for Batman.....he bored me in this movie. It was all about the Joker. He was funny, he was insane, he was perfection. Everything that the Joker was originally intended to be, Heath Ledger was. The movie by itself was still fantastic, but after I while, I felt like offering Batman a throat losenge since everytime he spoke, it sounded like he had a frog stuck in there someplace. It was at times even difficult to make out what the heck he was saying. All this to say.....best movie I have seen in a very very long while. Go see it on the big screen. Please, for me.
Moving on. Rafael Nadal (my favorite tennis player ever to play the game) won Wimbledon a few weeks ago and beat the crap out of Federer who has won the last 5. It was about time for this young Spaniard (a.k.a. "the bull" and rightly so) to kick some old Swedish a**. And nobody thought he could win on grass. Well, I always knew Rafa could do it.....so HA to all you of little faith. Go Spain.
Thirdly, I have discovered this show that is our generation's Monthy Python. It's called "Little Britain" and it is quite truthfully the funniest thing I've seen on tele in probably 10 years. It's a British show written by the two actors that are in all of the skits. It's a social commentary on Britain's inhabitants, politics, pros and cons etc. It's lude, totally un-p.c. and incredibly hilarious. If you haven't seen this show yet, you need to visit Youtube and search for "Little Britain" skits.
I PROMISE you that you will not be dissapointed. Maybe offended. Maybe shocked. But entertained wholly. And afterwards, you will be saying "Yer but no, but yer, but no", "I am the only gay in the village", "Computah says no", and "Yah I know."
Oh you just wait and see my friend......

But Why Male Models???? Mike......

2008-07-25T01:05:00.001-07:00

Zoolander is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen and I shamelessly quote it as often as I can.....so, for those of you who understand my tag line, BRAVO. You deserve a trip to a Day Spa....D-A-I-Y-E. Nevermind.
So, Mike is my cousin's boyfriend and I told him that in exchange for him starring in my silent film (which you will see some teasers soon enough) that I would take his head shots.
These pictures are the love children of that photo shoot. Of course, in respect for Mike, I did not post any of the nude ones. (Okay, there weren't any nude ones....but I had to at least throw that one out there).
I must say, it must be difficult being this really, really, really ridiculously good looking. Watch out, he may be giving you the Blue Steel in some of these photos.
But really, I shouldn't even be talking about it.

Engaged! Sarah and Jon

2008-07-25T00:51:00.000-07:00

So, Sarah and Jon asked me something when we met that no couple had ever asked me before. They wanted to know if instead of shooting an engagement session with the two of them, if I would mind shooting some family pictures with Sarah's side of the family AND Jon's side of the family. As a family person myself, I thought "Heck yeah!" How fun! So, I drove out to Reedley to Jon's parent's home and photographed the lively bunch playing Bacci ball (I think that's how it's spelled), jumping up and down, running all around, hiding behind trees and a few standard poses for kicks.
It all ended with Sarah and Jon going out to the orchard to pick some fruit to send home with the photographer (that's me!) and I must say, I am still enjoying those plums, peaches and nectarines! And, I discovered a new fruit that I have never tasted: the yellow plum. Oh yum.
This was overall just a great shoot, regardless of my sprained ankle, I managed to grin and bear it and get some pretty nice stuff and I learned that when I need Jon to smile for a picture, all I have to ask him to do is frown.
Ennnnjoy!

Wedding! Valerie and Bo, July 5th 2008

2008-07-25T00:29:00.000-07:00

So the day finally came and I couldn't have asked for a more exciting and energetic group of people! The wedding was spectacular, the weather was gorgeous and the ring pillow was lime green with flames.....unbeatable!
Val and Bo were a great couple to work with, and to photograph. Valerie's son Andre was just the sweetest thing.....following her around ALL day long carrying the train to her dress so it wouldn't get dirty! Awww! What an attentive son :)
There was a lot of dancing and drinking and bubble blowing at their reception, which I feel made for quite an ambiance. Not to mention that the Father of the Bride caught his toast on fire.....a right kerfuffle. Plus, we got to play with sparklers and do many, many "VOGUE" poses. As you will see......you get a little drink in someone, and they become a model. Photographers love that. Also, huge thanks to Jason Robbins, my wonderful and willing assistant who without him and his strobe light, these wonderful "model-esque" photos would never have been possible! www.jasonrobbins.com.
And as you can see, I was a little bit self-indulgent here with the photos, but that is only because I have SO many favorites, I couldn't decide. So, enjoy......
and Congrats you guys!
Oh and p.s. Amy, if you are reading this, I am still available for a wedding shoot in Italy.....just book me a flight and I will be there in a jiff ;)
Anyway.....

Wedding! Shanee and Brandon, May 25th

2008-05-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

I actually was only a second shooter/assistant at this wedding. La Bella Vita Photography (D.J. Ellis....www.lbvphoto.com) was the hired photographer....he actually shot my wedding and is just spectacular. In fact, I would say he has been my photography mentor....taught me almost all I know! I just was along for the ride to try and get some extra shots. This wedding was fantastic and breathtaking. The home where the ceremony took place had a pond with a bridge and tons of willow trees just in the backyard. The reception at Fort Washington was superbly put together by Tina Moran at Watermark Events and of course, as every good party does, this wedding had a photo booth for guests to hop in and take pictures of themselves wearing crazy garbs and post them in a scrapbook for the bride and groom to have. D.J. and I had to get in on the fun too! And to explain the picture of dad grabbing mom's boobs....well, let's just say that Shanee is their only child and it was a VERY happy day for the two of them.....why not go all out? :)

Wedding! Ashley and Jason, May 24th

2008-05-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

I met Ashley and Jason through my friend Amy Sherfy (now Camany) who I have known since the 5th grade. Ashley and Amy met when they both worked at the ever popular corn dog joint, Hot Dog on a Stick. Amy referred these two crazy kids to me as their wedding photographer. It was a great day.....despite the wind and the cold weather (but at least it didn't rain!). Of course, the dark and cloudy sky DID make for some great pictures! Overall, the wedding was gorgeous, the guests were all a blast (especially the one we found at the end of the night passed out on the hood of his car....you know who you are!). I am really glad I was able to capture their special day.....and did I mention their son is oh-so-adorable? Well, it's true.......and Jason has two beautiful daughters who made for some great flower girls. And the photo of that gentleman passed out on the hood of his car......well, he had a fun evening and I suppose he needed a nap.
Congrats you guys!
And of course, thanks to Jason Robbins who has become my very favorite photographer to work with. We pretty much rock.

Valerie and Bo are engaged!

2008-05-23T17:00:00.001-07:00

So, I think Valerie and Bo thought I was a little strange at first when I told them I wanted to go to a cemetery to take some of their engagement pictures. Who wouldn't be a bit hesitant? But when I explained to them that it was thematic and that the pictures would be representing (in a positive light) the death of their single lives, they totally went for it. In the end, the cemetery shots ended up being some of their favorites. Go figure! Anyway, we had a really fun day taking pictures and I just love hanging out with these cool kids..........can't wait for their wedding.

The Karpenko Family

2008-05-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

The Hammerich Family

2008-05-03T13:17:00.001-07:00

The Hammerich Family...........the Amazing Grace wall was totally their brilliant idea.

And little Ryen, she needs to be the next Gerber baby.