i'm deja
I grew up in Stratford, CT, where I started my career in modeling and acting at the age of fourteen. I had a great time in the entertainment industry, despite its ups and downs. After college, I took a chance and moved to Hollywood, originally planning for a two-month trip that turned into a permanent stay. I fell in love with the weather, people, scenery, and the excitement of auditioning for major productions like Veronica Mars. The experience still gives me chills.
However, my life took a different turn when my father became ill after my 30th birthday. I decided to move to La Quinta to be with my mom after his passing. Initially, I didn't expect to stay long, but my mom found a wonderful circle of friends, and I met my husband. We got married and started our own family.
Despite the challenging summer heat, the beauty of the Coachella Valley is enchanting. Surrounded by mountains and enjoying sunshine almost every day of the year, the landscapes here are breathtaking. Plus, being only a couple of hours away from snow, beaches, and Mexico adds to the allure of this place.
hey there
let me introduce
myself
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Photos by Lorin Kelly
my family
meet the
cuties
My family is composed of my husband Aaron, our son Jaxson, and our two pets Lucky and Parker. Lucky, our cat, was rescued at a pet adoption event in 2021. Despite never having wanted a cat before, Lucky has captured my heart completely.
Our dog, Parker, is an absolutely amazing animal. He is intelligent, humorous, and full of energy. He even had the opportunity to walk the catwalk at Fashion Week El Paseo not once, but twice, making him the coolest dog I know.
Watching my son grow up is both a joy and a reminder of how quickly time flies. It feels like just yesterday I gave birth to him, and now he's about to start Kindergarten. I'm not quite ready for it, but he's truly one of my favorite people in the world.
I'm incredibly grateful to my husband for joining me on this life journey. Together, we have created a truly special family.
Lucky
Parker the Poo
the journey
how i got
here
If you had told my 14-year-old self that I would become a family portrait photographer, I wouldn't have believed it. I was completely focused on acting, and it consumed my thoughts and aspirations. My parents had to push me to go to college, as I was determined to move to New York City and pursue my acting career. However, looking back now, it all makes sense that I ended up in this field.
My dad was a tech enthusiast and always had the latest gadgets, including a massive video camera. He captured my entire life on film, providing me with a treasure trove of memories to revisit as I grew older. Additionally, I had a strong interest in photography from a young age. I constantly took photos of my friends, styled them, and directed them (the typical struggles of being an only child).
The best part of my journey is that my experience in front of the camera now helps me assist others in front of it. I have had the opportunity to work with numerous top photographers worldwide and learn from exceptional acting teachers. I vividly remember how vulnerable and nerve-wracking it felt to stand in front of a camera. Now, I have the privilege of being there for you, guiding you and your family through a stress-free and enjoyable photoshoot.
My goal is to create a supportive and fun environment, leveraging my expertise to ensure that you have the best possible experience during the session.
my style
my summed up in three words
style
My photography style is focused on capturing joyful, bright, and timeless images. I have a keen eye for good lighting and often find myself studying how light falls on people's faces. During a session, if I spot that dreamy light, you might catch me doing a happy dance and expressing my excitement. My goal is to create photographs where my clients not only look their best but also feel their best. To facilitate a worry-free experience, I have invested significant time and effort into creating a client portal that brings out unfiltered joy during your session.
I offer three types of sessions: Sunset, Studio, and Lifestyle. Each category has its own unique beauty and benefits, and it's about finding what works best for you and your family. Personally, I photograph my own family in all three styles depending on my mood. My four-year-old son and I have accumulated quite a collection of albums, with 15 albums of 150 pages each—I admit, I may have a bit of an obsession.
JOYFUL. BRIGHT. TIMELESS