Danelle Ruby Photography

09/07/2026

https://danellerubyphotography.mypixieset.com/newborn-portraiture/

09/07/2026

PICTURES vs. PORTRAITS 📷
We live in a world where more is almost always considered better. But when it comes to photography, I don't believe more photos automatically means more value.

There is a difference between a picture and a portrait. A picture documents what happened. A portrait captures and preserves the essence of a person. When observing a well-captured portrait of someone, you can feel what it's like to be in their presence.

That is why I would rather deliver 5-10 extraordinary portraits than 50+ pictures of what happend at our photo session.

Because here's the thing about "all good photos included":

When you have 50, 60, or 100 images from a session, it sounds amazing. Until they're sitting in your phone or computer alongside thousands of other pictures we snap of our daily lives. Eventually, they blur together. You love and print 5-10 that really stand out and wish all 50+ were like those. The rest get lost amongst the thousands and forgotten.

So what are you really receiving with "all good photos" that you actually keep and value? 5-10 photos. Are those 5-10 really worth what you invested?

Consider this - your "all good photos included" photographer spent 2-4 hours editing and delivering your 50+ photos, including those 5-10 standout keepers. You could have hired a photographer that spends the same amount time and effort creating 5-10 much higher quality portraits for a similar price.

When capturing pictures (of events for example) it's about timing and attention to detail. When I'm creating portraits, it's about feelings. Attention to detail takes a backseat and my intuition takes over. I don't look at my subjects. I feel them, then let my emotions draw my attention and decide what to capture.

This is also how I guide my portrait subjects while I photograph them. A human is their truest self when they're at peace. Anxiety, embarrassment, fear or discomfort can be shutters on the window to their soul.

My heightened intuition allows me to sense that emotional resistance from my subjects so I can guide them back to themselves. When I feel their peace and their soul is revealed I'll click furiously.

When I've captured the essence of a person in a portrait, I know I've facilitated a gift to their future generations that will forever increase in value. A time capsule that preserves the way it felt to know someone.

When you hire me as your photographer I don't deliver tons of pictures to look through. I'll create priceless portraits you can't stop looking at.

09/05/2026

"I just hope my kids behave!" In my near 17 years as a family photographer it's definitely the #1 worry I hear from parents. I get it - you've invested in this portrait session and every parent knows that no matter how carefully you plan, it can all go up in a puff of smoke with little ones involved!

When you hire me as your photographer, your kids won't be expected to behave. They'll be allowed and encouraged to just be kids. They might be little but their feelings and opinions can be very big, and that matters a lot to me.

I want to capture their most joyful, truest selves so I make their happiness and enjoyment my priority. I observe closely and I respect and accommodate their needs and wishes. I've found when a child feels they have a voice and a say in what's going to happen, they are less fearful, more confident and more engaged.

Let's be real, as a Mom myself I know we can't always let our kids have their way! As a *photographer* though, my priorities are totally different. The same way Grandmas "sugar them up" - little ones can do no wrong with me. In almost 2 decades I have accumulated all the tricks needed to distract, redirect, comfort, compromise and make them think it was their idea all along. I'm not above bribery!

If the anxiety of potentially "misbehaving" kids has been holding you back from investing in portraits, worry no more. Bring me your babies! When you book your family or children's session with me you can rest assured knowing your investment is totally "child proof!"

https://danellerubyphotography.mypixieset.com/

09/03/2026

The Giant Sequoias at Parker Grove are between 1,500 and 2,000 years old, sprouted the exact same time after an ancient wildfire cleared this forest floor so they could grow. Imagine all they've witnessed in that time. This past August 24th, they witnessed two people become one. Their vows now intertwined with ancient history and the enduring power of Mother Nature.

09/03/2026

To my parents of special needs kiddos - BRING ME YOUR BABIES! I understand the challenges you face navigating daily life with children who need extra care, attention and assistance. I see your powerful, unstoppable love in the sacrifices you make and the mountains you climb to fulfill those additional needs. You go without for the sake of their happiness in so many ways that go unnoticed. You do NOT have to go without memories!

Bring them to me, exactly as they are. I have extensive experience working with children with special needs of all kinds. Over my 17 year career I've had the privilege of capturing children with level 2 and 3 autism, Down Syndrome, physical disabilities, and serious illness. Getting to work with these amazing kiddos and their families has had an enormous impact on my life. I've watched with so much admiration and learned everything I could.

I know a traditional portrait session may not meet the needs of your children and family. Like I've learned from watching YOU - we adapt and overcome! My top 3 priorities for a session with your child are their SAFETY, COMFORT and HAPPINESS. In our consult I'll be eager to learn all about your child and together we will pick a location that provides these things first. I'll use all the information I'm provided to prepare myself for our session, which will begin with greeting your child in the way *they are most comfortable meeting new people.

During our session I will be observing both you and your child intently and continously learning from your interactions and their physical, verbal and emotional cues. I am highly intuitive and stay ready to adjust or adapt according to their real time needs. They will not be asked or expected to do anything that they do not enjoy doing. My job is to facilitate their joy, and capture it! (It’s the best job in the world 💕)

Your child may have additional needs, but that does NOT mean additional fees. I never charge extra to adapt a session to your child’s needs, comfort, or abilities. Every session I capture is tailored to the people in front of my camera, and your family will be treated no differently.

You can trust me - with your precious child and your heart. I SEE YOU and I am here for you to capture priceless memories, milestones and achievements with immense love and care.

Curious what a session adapted for YOUR child might be like? Send me a message I'm happy to chat and answer all of your questions.

Now booking for fall - the most beautiful time in the Central Valley! Visit my website for more info and book your session entirely online:

https://danellerubyphotography.mypixieset.com/

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

Capture the MAGIC of those first precious weeks, in the safety and comfort of your own home! Newborn sessions start at just $200! Learn more here: https://danellerubyphotography.mypixieset.com/newborn-portraiture/

09/02/2026

This August Sequoia National Park elopement was equal parts intimate and epic! The ancient, towering Giant Sequoias of the Parker Group stood witness as the bride and groom said their vows. What a stunningly beautiful place to become one!

08/30/2026

Does your little one love fairies? Let's play dress-up! I offer totally customizable outdoor children's fairy sessions. I have these adorable, realistic fairy wings in pink, green and rainbow! These translucent wings look incredible in natural outdoor light and they are easy and fun to wear. Add their favorites from my florals and fairy props. Select from a variety of my nearby nature locations with different magical looks. Your child can live out their fairytale fantasies while I capture priceless memories. Contact me to customize and book your children's fairy session!
https://danellerubyphotography.mypixieset.com/childrens-portraits/

08/30/2026

YES YOU CAN afford family photos this year! Times are hard, so I'm making it easy. You'd be amazed at what I can capture in just 15 minutes! Book early for Fall with just a $50 deposit and spread out the investment. You'll have a full two weeks after your session (wait for payday!) to purchase extra photos.
https://danellerubyphotography.mypixieset.com/lifestyle-sessions/