Canton Woman Captures Life Memories

This story was posted by Nicole Krawcke. It was reported and written by Julianne Pitcher

Ever since she began DDW Photography, Deanna Willis has been busy serving the Canton community’s photography needs, from wedding and engagement shoots to 
live birth photography.

“DDW Photography finally came to be in 2010, after my husband bought me my first “real” camera, and my friends continued telling me that I should really do something in this field," Willis said. "I first had a shoot with my boys, and then with a friend’s daughter, and from there, it just took off.” 

While Willis does not have a photography degree, everything she has learned has been self-taught, along with endless practice and online research, she said.

“I am an on-location natural light photographer, which means I use natural light without flash," she said. "Sometimes, I do have instances where I have to work with flash photography, such as for weddings, but I love shooting in natural environments where I can catch moments that are unplanned.” 

Although Willis has experience in several types of photography, she enjoys each type for different reasons, she said.

“I love engagement sessions and weddings because I’m able to capture a couple at the beginning of their life story. It amazes me when I think that my pictures will be part of their life, passed down from generation to generation,” said Willis.

Shannon Vyse, one of Willis’ clients, had her engagement and wedding photographs done last November after a few of her family members had success working with DDW Photography.

“I can't express enough how much fun the actual shoot was," Vyse said. "My husband and I both felt very relaxed, and we just had a fun time. Deanna's enthusiasm and sheer love for what she does made it a wonderful experience."

While the number of shoots she books often depends on the season, Willis’ schedule is centered around her family. When high school senior season is in full swing, she usually shoots about four a week, and in the fall when family sessions are most popular, Willis manages up to four a day, she said.

“It may not seem like much, but my family comes first. After each session, you have to consider editing time, and I have to limit that because I want to be present at my boys’ sporting events. I actually have turned away a few weddings because of my boys’ football games,” Willis said.

Because of Willis’ passion for photography, Vyse, who is the wedding cake decorator at GM Paris Bakery in Livonia, said that she recommends DDW Photography to all of her brides. She also plans to use Willis’ photography skills for her own family again in the future.

“I can’t imagine not having more DDW photographs to decorate my house with. We have already booked her for my sister's upcoming newborn photography session. Deanna is our photographer for life. Anyone can use a camera, but I swear, only Deanna can capture those special moments,” Vyse said.