Follow me on Pinterest

I recently signed up with Pinterest as a way to keep track of all the great photography projects, craft ideas and creative activities for kids I have come across online. These are the types of things I enjoy doing with my own kids, or hope to try someday, but I also wanted to share them with you, my creative and artistic clients. Are you on Pinterest? Any tips for a newbie?

Big Savings on Big Prints
Now through July 22, receive 30% off 11x14 and larger prints.

To order, select your images then call or e-mail with the image number, size, and quantity. Orders must be placed through Dodgen Photography (not our online partner Pictage). If your proofs are no longer online, just contact us to have them posted again.

• Sale ends Sunday, July 22nd at 11:59pm PST.
• Sale does not include canvas prints, acrylic prints, bamboo prints, mounting or framing.
• Shipping, taxes and rush fees are not included.

• Once ordered, you cannot change the order details.

• This offer cannot be combined with other reduced pricing offers.

Recent Favorite Portraits

Dear Photograph,

I have been intending to mention the wonderful site, Dear Photograph,, on here for a very long time. It so simply conveys the power of photographs, memory and human connection.

Canvas Print Promotion

From now until June 20 get a free canvas print with every canvas print you order. The free print can be of a different image and size, but must be of equal or lesser value. Contact us soon to place your order.

This promotion is not available on canvas orders placed through Pictage.

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is just around the corner. Dads are notoriously difficult to shop for, but Dodgen Photography makes it simple to give gifts that dad will treasure for a lifetime. Order prints from a recent session or sentimental favorites from a past one. Or surprise dad with a gift certificate for a portrait session to capture this stage in your child or family's life. Order soon to insure delivery in time for Father's Day.

But it wouldn't be Father's Day without a homemade gift. We suggest making Family Fun's camera card to perfectly complete the gift.

Recent Favorite Portraits

Recent Favorite Portraits

Caine's Arcade

I LOVE this! It's a good reminder to leave some time and space for free play (and have plenty of boxes around). You never know what may happen.

Family Fun: Dance Downtown

If you are looking for a fun summer evening out with your family (or your spouse), check out Dance Downtown at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles. It is free, open to all ages, and all dance abilities. Each night has a different theme. At the beginning, and sprinkled throughout the evening, there are a dance lessons. On disco night, we learned some classic disco steps, the hustle, and a crazy assemblage of 60s dances (taught by CSULB's own Andrew Vacain, who is awesome, in preparation for the next week's 60s night). Many people dressed in era appropriate attire/costumes (myself included), but it is not necessary.

One of my favorite things about this event is that everyone - all ages, walks of life, ethnicities and dance abilities - are having a genuinely good time, out celebrating life together in the middle of the city. You can lose yourself in the moment.

Coming up:
June 1: Argentine Tango
June 15: Line Dance & Two-Step
June 29: Bollywood & Bhangra
July 13: Cumbia
July 27: Disco
August 10: 60s Night
August 24: Ondo/Bon Dance - a special celebration of Japanese festival dancing
September 7: Samba

6:30pm-10pm in the Music Center Plaza in downtown Los Angeles.
Beginner dance lessons at 6:30pm, 7:45pm and PREVIEW lesson at 8:50pm.

Portraits While You Play at Gymboree

Over the next few weeks, I will be photographing at several Gymboree Play + Music locations, including, for the first time, Gymboree Anaheim Hills/Yorba Linda. If you have children five years old or younger, this is a perfect opportunity for them to explore all the fun that Gymboree has to offer, while I capture the moments in beautiful black and white portraits. The kids are generally so engaged in all that Gymboree has to offer that I am able capture their true personalities. It is always lots of fun.

The event is $10 per child and always sells out, so be sure to reserve your space soon. If you are interested in attending, or getting more information, contact the Gymboree location nearest you.

Gymboree West of Bridgeport Village, 503-670-1683
Thursday, March 15

Gymboree South of the Streets of Tanasbourne, 503-645-8080
Friday, March 16

Gymboree Anaheim Hills/Yorba Linda, 714-283-4386
Thursday, March 22

Gymboree Tustin/Irvine, 949-852-8855
Thursday, April 5

March Mini Portrait Sessions at the Beach

Our March mini sessions at the beach fit easily into your busy schedule and are a fun way to capture lasting memories of your family. There are only seven mini sessions available, and they are scheduled on a first come first served basis, so be sure to schedule soon.

Mini Portait Sessions are $100 and include
• Approximately 20 minutes on the beach in Long Beach (Belmont Shore area)
• Just the kids or the whole family (up to 5 people, more for $25 each)
• Free 8x10 print ($35 value)

Dates Available
March 8, 9, 10 at 5:35 pm
March 20, 23, 29, 30 at 6:45 pm

Specially Priced Add Ons*
4x6 Proof Prints (approx 30)...$199
11x14 Mounted Print...$79
16x24 Canvas Print...$199
6x6 Brag Book...$249


The session fee is due in full when booking and is non-refundable, but may be applied to a future session or purchase if you need to cancel. In case of inclement weather, a mini session will be cancelled and rescheduled at a future date and time.

*Special promotional pricing is available from the date of the mini session to one week after the proofs are posted.

Happy Leap Day!

Photo Tip: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO Oh My!

Do you have an SLR camera? Do the words aperture, shutter speed and ISO strike fear into your heart (or even just bewilderment)? Getting a better understanding of these controls, how they relate to each other and how to use them can greatly improve your photographs. The SLR Simulator provides a basic description of each control, but best of all, it includes a simulator that shows you exactly how each control and setting impacts a photograph. It even includes Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual settings. Sound familiar? They will after you muster up your courage and go explore.