Why I Love Family Photography and What It Means to Me

Hi there! Glad to see you here :)

I’m Deanna, the heart and hands behind Deanna Dunham Designs | Little Joys Studio. Most people first meet me through my work as a graphic designer or for my product photography—but family photography? That’s a deeply personal part of my journey.

A few years ago, my Nana lost her home in the Lytton fire. To help her, I began offering portrait sessions by donation, creating beautiful sets in collaboration with Carousel Collective, Bella Vita Flowers, and Rustic & Refined. What started as a way to raise support quickly turned into something far more meaningful.

Before she passed from pancreatic cancer, my Nana told me how much joy it brought her to see all the smiling children I had photographed. She loved seeing those happy moments, even during her most difficult days. Her words stuck with me. In fact, they inspired the name for my studio sessions—Little Joys—as a tribute to her and the happiness those moments brought to her heart.

Here is one of my first family sessions by donation to my Nana.

You can sure tell it was a horrible fire season. The smoke and haze was so thick that day. But it sure made for a nice light in the photos.

The Heart Behind the Lens

Since then, I’ve poured my heart into family sessions—not just as a creative outlet, but as a way to give back. I donate sessions into the community through auctions for the local Montessori school and contribute sessions to the family Christmas hampers organized by the Summerland Mommy group. I’ve also hosted Santa sessions by donation a few years back in support of the food bank.

I’ve had the privilege of photographing families with nonverbal children, offering space for those who often feel unseen to feel celebrated. I’ve also worked with families walking through some of life’s hardest moments. Last year, I did sessions at Summerland Ornamental Gardens for a little girl named Rosie, who was facing leukemia. This year, I created Spring for Xena sessions in support of another bright little girl with the same diagnosis. Getting to give back through my art is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.

More Than Just Photos

Family photography isn’t about stiff poses or perfectly curated smiles. It’s about you—your love, your chaos, your laughter, your milestones. Whether it's a toddler wrapping their arms around your neck or a quiet moment shared between siblings, those are the memories worth keeping.

This Is Why I Do It

This work began with love for my Nana and continues because of families like Rosie’s and Xena’s. It’s more than photography—it’s connection, storytelling, and preserving the beauty in everyday moments. And it’s an honour every single time I’m invited into someone’s world to capture it.

With All My Heart

Thanks for being here, and thank you for trusting me with your family’s memories. Whether you’re booking your first session or coming back for another year, I promise to show up with compassion, care, and a camera ready to capture whatever makes your family you.

With love,

Deanna 💛

Deanna Dunham Designs | Little Joys Studio