Hello, my name is Michelle DeHan.
I am 33 years old. I have been happily married for nearly 12 years to my one and only. We have two children, not of the human species, rather the canine kind; their names are Penny (the basset hound) and Katie (the Pembroke Welsh corgi). My hobbies include the photography, scrap booking and playing volleyball. I recently was able to turn my most favorite hobby, photography, into an occupation.
I have been taking pictures all of my adult life for mostly myself, friends, and family. I recently decided to start a photography business with the encouragement of my best friend Terri and my loving husband Trey (Odie). It is an awesome thing to see how God can just open doors for you, in ways you really did not think possible, if only we believe.
To really understand and appreciate what photography means to me you need to know a little of my background. My life has been filled with tragedies. I lost my father in 1996 as the result of an arson fire. My mother lost her fight with lung cancer in 2003. My dearest mother-in-law Mrs. "D," to whom was just a wonderful and giving person in 1999. Most recently in July 2007, my step-mom passed away from breast cancer.
These are just a few loved ones that I have lost, and that have played a significant role in shaping my life into what it is. I come to love and appreciate photography as a way to remember and cherish the times that I have had with those that I love. I view pictures as portal to the past, they allow me to look back on the good times and celebrate all of milestones in my life as well as theirs.
I am particularly interested in a few areas of photography, such as event photography (specifically sporting events), and portraits (individual, family and pet). I will gladly do most forms of photography. I do not take wedding photos, however I can put you in touch with an excellent wedding photographer if you need one.
I feel that I have a particular advantage over most other photographers in the realm of event photography, especially sports, in that I am a 2 time All-American Collegiate Athlete in 1-meter and 3-meter springboard diving. I was also blessed with both the opportunity and the ability to play collegiate Volleyball on Scholarship at Ouachita Baptist University in 1993-1995. I believe that having an athlete's perspective, I am better able to anticipate the best action shot of the athlete in their given sport.
I also enjoy taking portraits on location in an environment that has either special meaning to my clients and/or my clients have picked out. I prefer this type of photography because I feel it is a more personal expression of the individual or family over the traditional studio setting.
I have not only found my place as a photographer but I have also found a deep sense of satisfaction and belonging in my regular full-time occupation as a Nurse Practitioner serving the Texarkana area. I have enjoyed getting to know the patients as well as the families of those that I have had the opportunity to care for. I have seen healing and heartache over my career as a nurse and as a nurse practitioner, and would not change one thing with regard to my career choices. I have a wonderful team of individuals around me on a daily basis.
With my latest venture, I look forward to meeting new people and hope to have a positive impact on their lives as much as I am sure they will have on mine. I can not wait to see what God brings my way, good or bad, I know that for every difficult or painful event in my life. God has guided me through it. He has blessed me with a supportive and loving husband as well as wonderful friends and family. My hope is that, through my photography I am able to bring joy, in some way to those lives in which my path crosses!
I will leave you with these thoughts:
"Life is a series of races. There are lessons in every race. There are life lessons to be learned every single day. If you don't win the race, but you get the lesson, and grow, you are truly a success."
- Author Unknown
"Success is a peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you are capable."
- Coach John Wooden
I am certain that my photography will be a success, because I will accept nothing less then my best effort.
Sincerely,
Michelle DeHan
Photomotion Photography, LLC
