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Welcome to the
Little Joys Journal
Stories, guides, and reflections for families, clients, and creatives — always with the Little Joys touch.
Here, I share more than just photographs — I share the stories, the moments, and the heart behind them. From seasonal session highlights to prep guides for parents, from wedding inspiration to reflections on family and home learning, this space is designed to inspire, inform, and celebrate.
Whether you’re here to plan your next portrait session, pick up tips for stress-free photos, or simply enjoy a glimpse into the beauty of everyday life, you’ll find it all here — warm, intentional, and always with the Little Joys touch. 💛
All Posts
In the Silence and Dreams In Between
Field Notes from a Dreamer · Entry 01 People often ask where my ideas come from—how I design a wine label that feels like a story, or...
Deanna Dunham
Jun 28, 20252 min read
When a Visual Language Catches On
In 2020, I designed a sparkling wine label for Heaven’s Gate Winery that captured Summerland’s curves, colours, and sun-soaked warmth. That visual language—waves, soft corals, golden light—has echoed across their branding and even into recent regional campaigns. My 2021 Gamay Nouveau label, with seven hidden bears and a floating hot air balloon, remains a personal love letter to this place. Sometimes, the stories we design ripple further than we imagine.
Deanna Dunham
Jun 28, 20253 min read
Exploring the Adra Tunnel: A Chilly, Epic Ride into the Dark
Last week, we ventured into the newly reopened Adra Tunnel on the KVR Trail — and it felt like stepping into another world. With motion-triggered lights, dripping rock walls, and even the sound of a train echoing through the dark, this 111-year-old tunnel was equal parts eerie and awe-inspiring. The kids were brave (especially Niko, our little spooky monster), and I captured the adventure with my Canon 50mm and flash in hand.
Deanna Dunham
Jun 27, 20253 min read
Layer by Layer: Photographing Darrien McWatters
The first branding pitch Some portraits feel like more than just photographs. They feel like a revealing—of presence, of purpose, of...
Deanna Dunham
Jun 23, 20253 min read
Reclaiming My Name, Remembering Myself
For years, I answered to a name that was never mine. Reclaiming “Deanna Dunham” wasn’t just legal—it was emotional, personal, and creative. It meant returning to myself, my truth, and building a business rooted in authenticity. As I grow, so does my art—now evolving into “Little Joys,” but always grounded in the name and story I chose to keep. This is where healing meets legacy.
Deanna Dunham
Jun 22, 20254 min read
Fragments of the Night: My Favorite Photos from Jessi's 42nd
Photographing Jessi’s 42nd birthday was pure electric joy—my first party shoot, full of colour, light trails, laughter, and real, unapologetic energy. From bold portraits to unexpected emotion, these images hold the wild beauty of being truly present. View the gallery, relive the night, and celebrate what it means to be fully yourself.
Deanna Dunham
Jun 22, 20252 min read
Revisiting the Past with New Eyes: How My Family Photography Has Grown
Revisiting an old session with fresh eyes reminded me how far I’ve come. By saving the RAWs, I was able to re-edit with more intention—refining colour, tone, and storytelling. My style has evolved to feel richer, more editorial, and emotionally grounded. These re-edits reflect not just better technique, but deeper connection. Growth isn’t about changing the story—it’s about learning how to tell it more beautifully.
Deanna Dunham
Jun 21, 20252 min read
Golden Oars | A Love Letter in Light and Water
Golden Oars is more than a photography session—it’s a slow, soulful escape into beauty. Styled with sunset-toned florals by Bella Vita Flowers and set adrift in golden light, these sessions capture connection, softness, and story. Born from a year-long vision and brought to life with heart, this is a love letter in light and water. A gentle beginning to something new.
Deanna Dunham
Jun 20, 20252 min read
A New Chapter: Little Joys by Deanna Dunham Designs
Little Joys by Deanna Dunham Designs is a slow, intentional photography brand rooted in presence, emotion, and memory. Born from a desire to capture life’s quiet in-between moments, Little Joys offers heartfelt family, motherhood, and love-filled sessions with an artful, grounded touch. This gentle rebrand reflects a deeper return to self and a calm space where you can feel seen, safe, and beautifully remembered.
Deanna Dunham
Jun 16, 20252 min read
Oasis Lavender: Memories from Garnet Valley Ranch
Last summer, I photographed quiet, tender moments among the lavender fields of Garnet Valley Ranch — a rare, untamed estate in Summerland, BC. The land’s beauty remains. From family legacies to golden sunsets, every frame here carries the story of connection, elevation, and wild-hearted peace. It’s a joy to return to a place that holds so much meaning for my clients — and for me.
Deanna Dunham
Jun 16, 20252 min read
Finding the Balance: Fine Art vs. Natural Edits in My Photography Style
I specialize in bright, true-to-color imagery with a soft fine art touch. My default edits reflect a clean, natural style that honors real light and skin texture. For clients seeking a more polished, painterly finish, I offer Fine Art Edit upgrades. In every gallery, you can request custom retouching like blemish removal, face swaps, or artistic enhancements—ensuring your images reflect your vision and comfort.
Deanna Dunham
Jun 12, 20254 min read
🤍 Little Joys Studio Session Prep Checklist
Little Joys Studio sessions are all about simplicity, softness, and connection. With a clean white backdrop, the focus stays on your love and emotion—not on props or distractions. Stick to light, neutral tones for clothing and let your kids be themselves. For inspiration, visit my Pinterest board: Little Joys Poses. These sessions are meant to feel calm and honest—just like the moments you’ll want to remember forever.
Deanna Dunham
Jun 11, 20252 min read
The Maternity Session I Always Dreamed Of – Featuring Hayden
Hayden’s maternity session was everything I dreamed of capturing — soft, simple, and full of quiet strength. It felt especially meaningful, as I missed my own chance to do a session like this when Niko arrived early. With both color and black-and-white edits, this gallery tells a timeless story of motherhood. View the full experience with music here: https://deannadunham.shootproof.com/gallery/Hayden/home
Deanna Dunham
Jun 6, 20252 min read
From Broken Ankle to Barefoot Runner: I Didn’t See That Coming
After breaking and dislocating my ankle in October 2023, I began rebuilding strength from the ground up—literally. I now run 2–3km every other day in barefoot sandals, often at sunset and sometimes in jean shorts. What started as recovery became a journey of connection, comfort, and doing things my own way. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit the mold—this is your reminder that your way is enough.
Deanna Dunham
May 27, 20252 min read
🐝 Meadowlark Nature Festival: Tour #53 – Bees, Bugs, and Butterflies… Oh My!
Join us on Tour #53 of the Meadowlark Nature Festival for a family-friendly walk through Summerland’s Cartwright Mountain! Led by insect experts Mandy Brown and Tyler Nelson, we explored native pollinators, wildflowers, and even played Bug Bingo. With my camera in hand and my little ones by my side, I captured the magic of the day — from bumblebee hives to the vanilla-scented “puzzle tree.” Full gallery included in the blog!
Deanna Dunham
May 19, 20252 min read
From Orchard Park to Little Joys Studio: The Story Behind the Vintage Blocks
Remember the giant alphabet blocks from The Bay in Kelowna? After 30 years on display, they’ve found a new home at Little Joys Studio! Now available as part of our Micro Portrait Sessions — perfect for birthdays, headshots, and milestones. Quick, fun, and full of nostalgia. $150 includes a 15-minute session and 3 digital images. Let’s create new memories with a piece of Okanagan history.
Deanna Dunham
May 17, 20252 min read
How I Use AI Tools in My Photography Business
Ever wonder if I use AI in my photography business? (Spoiler: I do — but not in the way you might think.) From faster image culling to marketing help and brand consistency checks, AI tools have become a behind-the-scenes assistant at Deanna Dunham Designs. They help me work smarter, not replace the heart of what I do. I wrote this blog to answer a question I get asked often — especially by techy husbands during sessions!
Deanna Dunham
May 4, 20253 min read
Why Choose Deanna Dunham Designs for Your Family Photos?
At Deanna Dunham Designs, I create more than just portraits — I capture heartfelt connection with thoughtful light, natural posing, and timeless editing. Whether it’s midday sun or soft evening glow, every session is tailored to tell your family’s story with warmth, emotion, and ease. If you're looking for a session that feels as good as it looks, you’re in the right place.
Deanna Dunham
May 4, 20252 min read
Spring for Xena: A Community's Heartfelt Journey
This spring, we created Spring for Xena sessions to support a brave four-year-old battling leukemia. Together with Bella Vita Flowers, we built a space filled with beauty, hope, and community love. Families came to capture joyful moments, with proceeds helping Xena’s family during her treatment. You can read more about her story in the Castanet article.
Deanna Dunham
Apr 17, 20253 min read
Family Photography: Capturing Little Joys
At Deanna Dunham Designs | Little Joys Studio, every session is rooted in heart. Inspired by my Nana, who found joy in the portraits I created during her final days, I named my studio sessions “Little Joys” in her honour. I specialize in capturing genuine moments and giving back to my community through heartfelt photography that celebrates love, connection, and the beauty in everyday life.
Deanna Dunham
Apr 15, 20253 min read
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