Suzanne Deaton Photography
Last summer, life as I knew it was changing. It had always been the three of us: Cal, Cam and myself. Before my oldest left for law school, it was important to me that we capture this season of our lives in a photo. There was no doubt, who I would choose. We returned to the photographer who had documented so much of my girls’ early lives, Suzanne Deaton Photography.
We were one of Suzanne’s first clients, when she was doing photogrphy on the side, while also a full time RN. She ran her business from her kitchen table. She was persistent. She studied. She worked hard. As a result, Suzanne left nursing for full time photography. She now owns a studio and employs both her husband and sister. The awards she has received for her work, can’t even be counted.
Suzanne gives just as much thought and energy to her clients, as she has honing her skills. She realizes this is not only an investment, but this is creating an heirloom. The finished product isn’t just something that you will frame and stick in a drawer next year, when you replace with another snapshot. No, these are treasures, that will go with you throughout life. They are conversation pieces. They are memories to be handed down to your next generation. They are moments in time, kept alive in a piece of art. For me, this photo will hang on my living room wall, as a reminder that no matter how many miles between us, it will always be the three of us against the world. (tears starting to flow, so let’s change gears a bit)
When you first schedule with Suzanne, she will discuss what you have in mind, any clothing preferences, locations, etc. Upon arrival for your session, you enter into a world, that for the next 1-2 hours, revolves around you. You are greeted by a chalkboard welcoming you and your family, by name. Immediately, you feel that you aren’t just another client, Suzanne is there for YOU. There is a hair and makeup room, complete with lights, mirrors and even some wardrobe selections. Our makeup artist, HH Makeup Artistry, was there to wave her magic makeup brush! Suzanne catches behind the scene footage, while clients are getting ready. This is one of my favorite parts of the experience!
When it is time to start the photos, there is nothing that Suzanne won’t do to capture “the shot”. She has climbed hills, waded creeks, laid in the floor and mounted herself on top of ladders, to assure that she gets the job done! Her bubbly personality has a way of making you feel completely relaxed and at ease with her. She gives you the confidence to push beyond your comfort zone, earning your complete trust.
You are scheduled for your return visit for your viewing. Sitting in the comfort of her tscreening room, her equally energetic sister, Lauren, presents you video clips of your session, one by one. She helps you narrow down your favorites with her expert eyes. Lauren also is very knowledgeable in assising you with frame suggestions, as well as matting, albums, print sizes, etc.
Lauren isn’t the only family member working with Suzanne. Her husband Keith, is the business manager. When you call the studio, you will more than likely be greeted and assisted by him. On our special day, their daughter, McKenna, was there to help. This is a family business and when you are in their presence, you also become one of their family!
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