i'm deja
I grew up on the East Coast, in Stratford, CT. I started modeling and acting when I was fourteen years old and had a blast doing it. The entertainment world has a lot of up's and down's, but it was an experience I would never give up. After college, I decided to try my luck and move to Hollywood. I packed up my bags for what I thought was a two-month trip but ended up staying. My amazing parents shipped my belongings and car once I realized I wasn't coming home. I fell in love with the weather, the people, the landscape and of course the rush of auditioning on movie lots. There is nothing like passing a major motion picture on your way to audition for Veronica Mars. I still get chills just thinking about it.
So, how did I get to Palm Springs? My father became ill after my 30th birthday, and I moved here to be with my mom after his passing. I never imagined that we would stay, but my mom found amazing friends and I met my husband. We married and started our own family.
While this area is sometimes unbearable during the summer, it is magically beautiful. We are surrounded by mountains, sun 364 days a year, and the most breathtaking landscapes ever. We are also only two hours from snow, sand, and Mexico!
hey there
let me introduce
myself
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Photos by Lorin Kelly
my family
meet the
cuties
My family consists of my husband (Aaron), my son (Jaxson) and our two pets Lucky + Parker.
Lucky is the newest member of the family and was rescued at a pet adoption event in 2021. I have never owned a cat, nor did I ever want to own a cat, but he has stolen my heart.
Our dog, Parker, is the most AMAZING animal I have ever come in contact with. He is smart, funny and full of energy. He has even walked the cat walk, twice, at Fashion Week El Paseo making him the coolest dog I know.
My son is growing up far too quickly. They say, " don't blink", and my goodness they are so right. I feel like I just gave birth to him, but now he is about to enter Kindergarten and I am just not ready. He is truly one of my favorite people in the world.
My husband and I have created a pretty special family and I'm so grateful to him for joining me on this life journey.
Lucky
Parker the Poo
the journey
how i got
here
If you told my 14 year old self that I would be a family portrait photographer, I never would have believed you. I had tunnel vision on acting and it consumed me. My parents had to force me to go to college. I went kicking and screaming, because all I wanted was to move to New York City to continue my acting career. Now, that I am here, it makes total sense that this is where I would end up. My dad was the biggest geek when it came to technology. He always had the newest thing on the market, including a HUGE video camera, with which he captured my entire life for me to revisit as I got older. I was also very interested in photography from a young age. I was constantly taking photos of my friends, wardrobing them, and basically telling them what to do and how to do it (only child problems).
The best part about my journey is that all of my experience in front of the camera will help me assist YOU in front of the camera. I have worked with hundreds of top photographers around the world, studied with amazing acting teachers, and I remember how vulnerable it was to get the courage to stand in front of a camera. Now, I get to be there for you, guiding you and your family to ensure that you have the most stress free and fun photoshoot that you can have.
my style
my summed up in three words
style
My style focuses on joyful, bright and timeless photography. I look for good light everywhere I go. If I am staring at your face, with complete complexity, it's usually because I am studying the way the light falls on your face. If we are at a session and I see that dreamy light come into view, there is a great chance you will see me do a happy dance and squeal with delight. I love photos where my clients look and feel like the best versions of themselves. That is why I have put so much time and effort into my client portal for you, to take away the worry, and allow for unfiltered joy to come through during your session.
I offer three different types of sessions. Sunset, Studio and Lifestyle. There is so much beauty and benefits to each of these categories; it's all about finding what fits best for you and your family. I personally photograph my family in all three depending on my mood. My son is currently four and we have 15- 150 page albums in our cabinet, I have a problem.
JOYFUL. BRIGHT. TIMELESS