About the Photographer

DiAnna Paulk

Thank you for stopping by my website. I am honored that you would take time to look at my work and seek to know more about the person behind the images.

My journey into the world of photography began in 2004 when my husband ordered “his” first nice digital camera (the Sony F828). I don’t think he ever got to use it. I took one picture and suddenly the beauty of God’s creation opened to me in a new way. I also began to see people differently. I could see the beauty that God has placed within each of us in a way I’d honestly not appreciated before. I was compelled to show others my view of life through the lens. The guiding philosophy of my photography became 1 Timothy 6:17: “God has given us everything we need to enjoy life (CEV).” I hope you will see beauty and the enjoyment of the good things God has given us as you look through the images in my portfolio.

Here are a few more things you might like to know about me if you’re looking for a photographer:

  • I am a Certified Professional Photographer, having passed the image submission and certification exam by the Professional Photographers of America.
  • In 2020 I earned the Master of Photography degree by meeting the standards of excellence set by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).  This is achieved by demonstrating superior photographic competence through photographic competition, advanced education, and service to the profession.
  • I love natural-light photography but have also worked to master studio lighting and flash photography so I can meet the needs of all my clients.
  • I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark IV with L-series lenses.
  • I have a business license and pay all due taxes. This is not important to everyone, but it is important to me. I am giving back to the economy of the River Region by fulfilling the requirements for a legitimate business.
  • I never look at a person without realizing just how beautifully and uniquely he/she has been created. It is my goal to capture not only the likeness, but the personality of each person I photograph and to do so in a way that will bring glory to the Creator.

Award-Winning Images

In 2016, I began my pursuit of a Master of Photography degree through the Professional Photographers Association.  Part of the requirement is to participate in the annual International Print Competition.  An image must earn a Seal of Approval from a panel of judges to receive a merit.  A total of 13 exhibition merits are required for the Master of Photography degree.  These are the award-winning images which qualified me for this prestigious degree.  I greatly appreciate the clients who allowed me to enter their images in the competition. 

“So Why Do You Want Me To Smile?” not only received a merit, but was judged as one of the top ten Children’s Portraits.
There were approximately 5800 entries in 2017.