Daphne's Story

The Focused Lens was created out of a desire to offer guests a portrait experience that reflects uniqueness, style, personality and heart as a celebration of their story.  I wanted something that would touch the soul, that spoke about life.  In the process of using storytelling as a portrait artist, it was the sharing of my own story and journey that helped others open up and become vulnerable enough to allow me to truly capture their heart.

My story is like far too many in this world. Enduring verbal and emotional abuse from age 12, I was introduced to pills at 13, living a life of secrets and lies for years. The pain of childhood abuse and addiction touched every facet of life, and it was not pretty. At the age of 44, I finally got help and was willing and honest enough to let healing begin.

That’s when God gave me a new focus and path through photography.

I say it often, Jesus and photography saved my life. From the start, I’ve felt a desire to know people and see them in a light that celebrates their “Story ‘Til Now” no matter the history. I also discovered when photographing people, and I understood their stories, it became more of an experience for both of us. It is refreshing, healing, and powerful to share stories, and document the journey in portraits.  Honestly, I’ve found healing as I shared my own “Story ‘Til Now” and hearing each story continues to be a blessing; trusting God to use my life as a testimony of grace and forgiveness.

When Greg surprised me with my very own portrait session with my mentor, I felt beautiful. I felt seen and celebrated in a unique experience. Once we received our portraits, I was gently reminded that my feelings of brokenness, pain, and suffering in silence doesn’t have to be an option again. Your stories, and my experiences only strengthened my desire to embark on this journey.

Seeing the difference a beautiful portrait can make is not taken lightly. The purpose and drive to celebrate all that you are and what you’ve accomplished in life, is the heart and soul of this project. Every woman is a life worth celebrating NOW.

My story is one of brokenness that all came out at once, and rather ugly, to be honest. My journey has led me to finding my own beauty, as well as the beauty in others through sharing stories and capturing them in portraits.

My story isn’t complete and neither is yours.

This is  “The Story Til Now"