Today we’d like to introduce you to Adree Dimond: photographer, mama, and quiet perfectionist.
Hi Adree, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am an entrepreneur that provides portrait and wedding photography services, but honestly, I never set out to be a family and portrait photographer. For ten years, I was an elementary school teacher. Serving families in the classroom felt like the right place for me, because the “heart” of any career I’ve longed for has always been about people – pouring into them, encouraging them, and hopefully making an impact that would last a lifetime.
When I first fell in love with photography, it wasn’t people I was chasing – it was places. Landmarks, architecture, landscapes… and specifically, the Eiffel Tower. In 2011, I studied abroad in Paris and took an “Introduction to Photography” class. My biggest dream at the time was to travel the world, capturing the beauty of Mother Nature and the masterful architectural feats of mankind from behind my lens. I wanted the perfect shot – sunsets, waterfalls, wildflowers, the Arc de Triumph, the Cathedral of Notre Dame – all without a single person in the frame.
But life has a way of reshaping your perspective. As I got older, I realized that the most priceless images weren’t of places at all – they were of the people right beside me: my husband, my children, my friends. Simple everyday moments became the memories I didn’t want to forget: friends laughing in the sunshine; my husband casting a fly-fishing line; and my children’s fleeting smiles and wide-eyed wonder. I started to understand that time is a thief, but photography is a gift that lets us hold on to the moments that matter most.
Now, my passion lies in preserving these fleeting seasons for others. The early days of parenthood that blur together as your children change right before your eyes; the joy and accomplishment of a senior graduation; the love between couples as they promise forever. These are the “digital diamonds” I create for my clients – images that don’t just freeze a moment, but preserve the feelings and relationships that make life worth remembering.
I didn’t grow up with family photos on the wall, and I know the ache of wishing you had those memories to look back on. That’s why I do what I do now – for you. For the families who want to freeze time before it rushes by. For the parents who want to remember the tiny details. For the couples and seniors and mamas who are living through once-in-a-lifetime new beginnings and quickly-changing seasons.
So no, I didn’t begin with the dream of being a family and wedding photographer. But I’ve found something better: a calling. A way to serve families just as I did when I was teaching, but this time by pressing “pause” on the seasons that move too quickly. Because one day, when the years have flown by, these photographs will remain – a legacy of love you can hold in your hands.
And maybe that’s the beautiful truth about life: our dreams don’t always turn out the way we planned. Sometimes, they turn out even better.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The short answer? No—it hasn’t been smooth. And honestly, I don’t think most meaningful journeys are.
For me, the hardest part wasn’t learning how to use a camera or how to edit – it was finding my style, building a brand and a business model I believe in, and trusting that I had something worth offering. I’ve always loved photography, but turning that dream into a business came with plenty of doubts: Was I good enough? Would clients love their photos? Could I really build something sustainable while also being the mom, wife, and friend I want to be?
I over-prepared before sessions because I was nervous. I hit “send” on galleries with my heart in my throat, wondering, “What if they don’t like it?” And, like most small business owners, I struggled through the slow seasons, the awkward beginnings, and the fear of not being “enough.”
But here’s the truth I’ve learned along the way: those struggles have made me a better photographer and a more present person. They’ve reminded me that this work isn’t about perfection – it’s about connection. People don’t need a flawless photographer – they need one who shows up fully, notices the moments they might miss, and preserves them with love and care. So, while my quiet perfectionist heart still pours over every detail with devotion – because your story matters that much to me – I also care just as much about connecting with you, showing up authentically for you, and building a lifelong legacy of trust and friendship.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth. But it’s been worth it. Because at the end of the day, you deserve photographs that let you press pause on the seasons that fly by and let you remember the life you’ve lived well-loved – and my greatest joy is creating them for you!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the heart of it, I create photographs that help you press pause on the seasons of life that move too quickly. I specialize in family, maternity, senior and graduation photos, couples, and engagements and weddings – chapters of life that deserve to be remembered beautifully and with love and intention.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the photos themselves, but the connections I’ve made along the way. Hearing a client say, “The photos turned out absolutely amazing and I will cherish them forever,” or receiving a heartfelt note or glowing Google review – those are the reminders that this work matters. These aren’t just pictures, these are the memories that carry you forward, the ones your children and grandchildren will cherish when they see them framed on your walls. That’s why I do what I do – because time doesn’t pause, but photographs help us press pause on the moments that matter.
I think what sets me apart is how much I care about you – your story, your people, your legacy. I take time to know who you are, to make sure your photos reflect more than just faces, but also the connection you share. My quiet perfectionist heart notices the details – your hands intertwined, the way your toddler leans against your shoulder, or the look of pride on your parent’s face – and I capture those pieces with as much devotion as the big, posed moments. My goal is for you to walk away with photographs that feel authentic, tender, and timeless – the kind that reflect the real essence of your love, your people, and your life.
And honestly, I love to over-deliver. Whether it’s turning around a gallery earlier than promised, slipping in extra photos, or surprising you with an experience that feels easy and joyful, my goal is always the same: to give you more than you expected, and to deliver photographs that feel like YOU.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about our city is the way neighbors show up for one another. This is a community where people look out for each other, where service isn’t just a nice idea but something lived out every day. Many of us believe in giving more than we take, and you can feel that in the way small businesses are supported and celebrated. Within just a few blocks of my own photography work, you’ll find a florist, a carpenter, a homeschool teacher, a cosmetologist, a tech developer, a jewelry maker, an artist, and an accountant – the heartbeat of entrepreneurship is strong here, and the small businesses that thrive are focused on creating experiences and services for people like YOU. When you choose to support local, you’re not just buying a product or service – you’re investing in someone’s dream and strengthening the fabric of our community.
What I don’t love is how bigger, “mainstream” businesses sometimes shift away from that spirit of community – operating with a self-preservation mindset instead of a service one. You’ve probably felt it: the dehumanizing experience of being treated as a number instead of a person, all while wasting money on products or services that lacked in quality. But here’s what I believe: there’s room for all of us to grow and thrive and to serve each other as we do so. Rising tides raise all boats, and when we cheer one another on, the whole community wins. That’s how I run my business, too – with a “community over competition” mindset. Because you deserve to feel the ripple effects of a city where everyone’s gifts are valued and where support goes both ways. When we lift each other up, we all grow – and you end up with more options, more heart, and more meaningful work being created right here at home.
Pricing:
- Portrait Sessions start at $225.
- Wedding Packages start at $1250.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adreelynphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adreelynphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570980461220
