Devin Dahlgren Portrait Photography - Portland, Oregon

Lindsay E.

When my daughter told me she had found a professional photographer on instagram I was nervous. We met with Devin via zoom and everything was very professional. My daughter has some very specific idea about what she wanted her photos to be and Devin was very receptive. We went to the shoot and Devin was kind and patient and my daughter had an amazing time. The photos turned out amazingly. It was incredibly comfortable and professional and all around great experience. Highly recommend to anyone with children looking for quality professional photographs.

Jamie L.

My daughter and I ventured to Portland from the Tacoma area for an exciting day of photo shoots with Devin and his team. We captured some amazing images, but more than that Hannah was able to build her comfort level and confidence in her movement through these experiences. Devin also recommended an amazing Makeup and hairstylist that came and met with us and did a great job with the changing. Looks that we were able to achieve during our time. I couldn’t recommend this experience more. It’s especially fun to go down with a friend or shoot in pairs or siblings, but it’s also a great way for dancers to build their photography portfolio.

Kristi T.

Devin Dahlgren Photography !!! Amazing photo shoot experience for my 14 year old daughter . From the moment she started to the moment we completed Devin captured her personality and skill in so many shots I wanted every picture in print . He walked her through the shoot while letting her show her own style and feeling so empowered as a dancer to let go and enjoy the moment . I will forever be grateful for this experience and will go back many more times for more photo shoots . So many times dance photos look staged and unnatural .. Devin has an eye for the moment to capture and has an amazing way of making the dancer feel comfortable that the photos flow in a way I have never seen before . Thank You Devin for giving us these precious snapshots in time that I will forever hold onto and display in our home and as gifts to loved ones and friends .

Simmons N.

I would highly recommend working with Devin. From the start he was professional, mindful, warm and welcoming. I appreciated his clear communication. He did an amazing job working collaboratively with my teenage daughter. She felt heard and empowered in the process, and he was also able to step in and give direction and offer suggestions to create and capture a moment. I think what separates Devin from other photographers, is that he isn't creating "Dance photos", he is creating a unique work of art of your child doing something they love. You will have a gorgeous print that is truly timeless.

Cindra R.

From the very first phone call with Devin, I felt comfortable and confident in him being able to capture a photo that would be my best photo possible. However, I had no idea of the impact of this photo at that moment. As we went on this journey together and worked as a team all along the way- talking about my hair and makeup, figuring out how to emphasize the theme I wanted, what to do with my reluctant sister who I wanted to be in the photo- I knew he was there for me not only as a photographer but also as part of the family who would be overwhelmed with emotion when they saw the photo. At the photo shoot, he pampered my sister to the point where she finally relaxed and even smiled for the photo and the photos were so stunning, I literally felt tears just looking at them on his monitor that day. They were our mother’s surprise Christmas gift and the moment she first saw them on Christmas morning was life-altering. I have truthfully never seen my 83-year-old mother so happy in all my 55 years. My mother actually told me that it was the best gift she could have ever received, and I know how much it meant to her by how close she held the photos to her heart. At that moment, I thought about Devin and how his heart made this all possible.
Thank you, Devin, for making me feel like I am still a beautiful golden queen at 55 and for giving my family a memory that will last generations and generations to come!

yay!

Heather S.

I initially heard about Devin Dahlgren from a casting call through my daughter's dance studio. We had about a 20-minute phone consultation where we discussed what to expect, what type of outfits to bring, and different ideas before scheduling the photo shoot.

Devin sent reminders and thoroughly explained what we'd need including making sure we'd eaten (since the shoot would be about three hours), a picture of the building entrance, and even an offer to escort us from our parking spot.

When we arrived, Devin made sure we were comfortable and ensured my daughter's privacy for changing. He helped my daughter choose which outfit to start in and set up lighting, all while explaining what he was doing and answering my many questions.

We started with movement shots: jumps, leaps and falling-type motions that required split-second captures. Devin had my daughter go through 15-30 seconds of choreography to come up with ideas. He also solicited input and incorporated ideas from both of us.

After several attempts at each shot, we would review them on Devin's computer, marking ones that turned out well. It was great to see my daughter's face light up when she saw the images. Initially she'd been hesitant about doing the photo shoot because she's not as flexible as some dancers. Using her ideas gave her confidence and Devin's approach really showcased her strengths and personality.

When we previewed photos during the shoot, Devin's artistic eye and talent was apparent. He admitted to being a perfectionist and pointed out things I hadn't known to look for. Devin knew when to repeat the shot to work to get it just right and he also knew when it was time to move on to a new idea or a new outfit.

After the movement shots, Devin changed the lighting setup for more posed still shots. While expression had been a large part of the movement shots, it was now easier to get multiple expressions and focal points in one pose to get just the right emotion captured.

A few days after the shoot, Devin scheduled a zoom call with us to review the photos. He had edited his three favorites and showed us the before (raw image) and after (edited) photos, along with the best of the raw images from the shoot. Both my daughter and I thought they were beautiful.

For full disclosure, we did receive a discount for this photography session. Honestly, I had not intended to buy anything except maybe one for my dad for Christmas. We ended up selecting and purchasing nine photos because I wasn't sure when we'd get this type of an opportunity again and Devin's work is just stunning.

Finally, as the survivor of emotional abuse, I wanted to say how professional and comfortable the whole experience was. Without knowing my background, Devin's manner put me at ease and I was able to just enjoy being there with my daughter. His natural way of making my input feel valued, worthy, and that I didn't need to apologize for suggesting things made the whole experience mean so much more than just the photos we got to take away.

I highly recommend Devin to anyone looking for professional artistic photography.

Tera M.

Working with Devin Dahlgren was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. His keen eye for detail and creativity truly brought my daughter’s photoshoot to life. Not only was he professional and organized, but he also made her feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire process. The final results exceeded our expectations - each photo captured the essence of the moment beautifully. I highly recommend Devin Dahlgren Portrait Photography for anyone looking for stunning, high-quality photography and a seamless experience.

Becky M.

What a fun experience! When my daughter and I were in the studio with Devin, I enjoyed watching the creative partnership. They would try a few things then review them together on the computer. Devin would ask her what was important from the dancer perspective, and then use his artistic experience to set up and take the next set of photos. The beautiful works of art that Devin created are especially wonderful to mark her transition from her high school to college dance career, thank you!