BOOKING NOW!  (Take a look at the previous blog post for a little something extra if you book early)  Session date is Saturday, March 22 with a sitting fee of $10 per child.  15 minute sessions with view and order on the same day.  Packages will start at $50 and we will be offering print and digital packages.  Sitting fee is non-refundable.  

Now for the fun stuff ... If you need some "What to Wear" ideas, check out our "Easter WTW" board.  Also, if you haven't read our post "What's the difference in a mini-session vs. a custom session?" take just a second and read it.  There's lots of info and a neat little graphic on just what you get with a mini session.  These differences are just an example and each mini-session is created uniquely.

Ok now - get on it!  Give me a call and get your spot reserved!  828-835-2088  OR if it's easier for you, scroll on up to the top and click one of the little social media icons to connect with me on facebook, pinterest, twitter or google+

While the snowy, cold weather has been great, I am ready for SPRING!!  We're working on Easter mini's as we speak!  If you came in for holiday portraits, you will know exactly what to expect.  This year we're featuring vintage fabrics, creamy bead-board, antique quilts and some down-home southern goodness!

I'm just in the brain-storming phase right now, but here is a quick little peek at what you have to look forward to.  To help you out just a bit, imagine your kiddos in those scrumptious little Easter outfits in a shabby-chic set fit to rival any graceful southern home. ;)  Can't wait!!


OH! We have set a date!  Easter mini's will be on Saturday, March 22 at our studio in downtown Murphy.

Want to go ahead and ensure your spot for Easter minis? Pay your sitting fee by February 21st and get a FREE 5x7!  Sitting fee is $10 per child and packages will start at $50.  Session spots WILL be limited! Set design will only accomodate up to 3 children and is recommended for ages 6 months to 12 years.

Give me a call at 828-835-2088 or email dena@denahoward.com for more info or to book your session.

I recently saw a post showing post-processing techniques using film and the darkroom.  Photographer George Hurrell had processed an image of Joan Crawford and it was absolutely breath taking.  The link to see his before and after is here. The great photographers of the 1900's either processed their own images or sent them out to a lab for processing.  The majority didn't sell or even show images with no processing.  

I'm going to take a leap though and show you what I get straight out of the camera and what that same image looks like after processing.  I'm using the same techniques used in the darkroom, only digitally applied using Lightroom.  No actions, filters, etc.  Just plain ol' hand-retouching using dodge and burn and local exposure adjustments.

This image is a color before and after.  You can see how color adjustments, contrast adjustments, dodge and burn draw the viewer into the subjects eyes make for a more pleasing portrait.

This "Before" image is straight out of camera with only de-saturation and the "After" image using traditional processing techniques.  Isn't the processed image so much more striking?  Gone are the muddy skin tones and lack of contrast.