Preschool Portraits at Small Friends Preschool

I always look forward to photographing at Small Friends School in Portland, Oregon (I'll be there on April 15 and 16 this year). Small Friends holds a special place in my heart because it was the first preschool I photographed at some fifteen years ago. I think it was also the first time I had been to preschool since I attended preschool. I was blown away with the creativity of the environment, the art projects, the activities and the interactions.

I am fascinated by the way these little ones see the world and inspired by their wonder and creativity. The teachers do an amazing job creating an environment where the children can freely explore, engage and express themselves. It makes it easy to capture the true essence of the children in my photographs, and is one of the reasons I love photographing at preschools. I am creatively energized whenever I visit one.

Since my first visit to Small Friends, I have been fortunate to photograph at many other fantastic, creative and inspirational schools. If you know of a fantastic school that would benefit from some creative portrait photography, let us know.

Portraits while you play at Gymboree Play + Music

I will be back at the Gymboree Play + Music centers in Portland, Oregon in a couple of weeks, photographing the children as they explore all the fun that Gymboree has to offer. It is always a great time. If you, or someone you know, are interested in attending (you must have children five or under) or getting more information, contact one of the Gymboree locations below.

Gymboree West of Bridgeport Village
503-670-1683
Wednesday, April 17, 5:00 – 5:45 pm

Gymboree South of the Streets of Tanasbourne
503-384-0542
Friday, April 12, 3:45 – 4:30 pm

Preschool Portraits at Little Green Apple Preschool

Last year I photographed the children at Little Green Apple Preschool in Portland, Oregon for the first time. Shortly after I posted the proofs, I received this wonderful e-mail from the Theresa, the school's Director:

“Thank you for capturing the small magical moments in our classroom, thank you for taking the time to get to know the classroom and each class, thank you for your prompt deadline and thank you for reminding me as a teacher that I am blessed with a wonderful and inspiring job. It is, as you can imagine, hard at times to remember how fortunate I am to get to be with these children, their families and my teachers every day. 

Your photos reminded me of why I was so drawn to this profession in the beginning. The magic of childhood should never cease to remind us to take time to play each day. I do, and will continue to do so.”

Theresa's message resonated with me, because "the magic of childhood" is the reason I love to photograph at preschools and love photographing children in general.

I am really excited to be returning to Little Green Apple Preschool on April 17 and 18 this year to capture more of that childhood magic.



















Want to schedule portrait days for your school? Get more information on my school portrait work or contact me today.

March Mini Portrait Sessions at the park in Seal Beach

Our March mini sessions are back. This time at a park in Seal Beach. The mini sessions fit easily into your busy schedule, are an affordable way to get updated portraits, and are a lot of fun. There are only four mini sessions available, and they are scheduled on a first come first served basis, so be sure to schedule soon.

Each Mini Portait Session is $100 and includes:
• Approximately 20 minutes at the park in Seal Beach (location provided when scheduling)
• Just the kids or the whole family (up to 4 people, more for $25 each)
• Free 8x10 print ($35 value)
• Proofs provided on a private website
• Up to 10 screen res images to share on Facebook, in e-mail, etc. (images contain a small watermark and are not suitable for printing, but are great for sharing online)

Available Times
March 23 at 3:40, 4:00, 4:20, 4:40 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.

Contact us to schedule a time for your family.

Preschool Portraits at Great Beginnings

I am very excited to be photographing at Great Beginnings Preschool in Long Beach again on March 12 and 13. This will be the 12th year photographing at Great Beginnings. This year will be a bit bittersweet for me, as it is the last year that I have children attending Great Beginnings. Children grow up so fast, which is why I love to help families capture some of the fleeting moments in childhood.

See more samples of my school portrait work and learn more about our school portrait sessions here.

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.

Autumn Window Displays

The green leaves are turning
To yellow, red and brown
And when the wind comes whistling by
they'll all
.....come sailing
..........down

Here are a few autumn leaf projects to try on a cozy autumn day.


An autumn tree with leaves made from painted coffee filters at Frugal Family Fun Blog


Classic leaf rubbings painted with watercolors by Maya*Made


Tissue paper "stained glass" leaves from Mom on Timeout