Lazy Lake Afternoon
In Between The Seasons…Lovely September
Welcome to our September edition of Life Behind My Lens, where you'll get an insider's view on a variety of photo topics, events, and seasonal promos! It's September - already! - and we're definitely in between the seasons: the weather can still be pretty warm and humid, but there's a hint of Autumn sprinkled into the month, with ever cooler nights, a touch of foliage beginning their colorful dressing, and that beautiful Golden Light of Fall.
I'm very excited to share with all of you what's been happening “behind my lens” so far this month - from Pre-Homecoming Dance Mini-Sessions, to our launch of 2026 Senior/Grad Photo Sessions, to magazine covers, there's a lot going on with MJ Degner Photography! It's been a busy summer, and we're ready to move into Fall - our official “busy season!”
As always, thank you for subscribing to our monthly newsletter and blog…and if you're a recent subscriber, I'm so happy that you've joined us. If you have any family, friends, or coworkers that might also enjoy reading about our monthly happenings, please forward our newsletter to them, and, encourage them to subscribe by clicking on this link: Newsletter Subscribe.
Here's what you won't want to miss for September:
Pre-Homecoming Dance Mini Photo Sessions - Limited Spots!
Homecoming is just around the corner, and my Pre-Homecoming Mini Sessions are the perfect way to capture your teen (or their squad!) looking their best before the big dance. These sessions are quick, fun, and stress-free — and they always sell out fast.
📸 Limited spots are still available, but not for long.
✨ Click here to check the details and book your session now
Know a family with teens going to Homecoming? Forward this September blog post to them — referrals are always appreciated and help more families create lasting memories! 💌
2026 Senior & Grad Portrait Sessions - Fall Colors Are On The Way🍁
Fall is one of my absolute favorite times to photograph seniors — the golden light, the colorful leaves, the crisp air. As of this week, I’m officially launching my Class of 2026 Senior/Grad Portrait Sessions, timed perfectly to capture the beauty of this month and the upcoming Fall season. Don’t forget that MJ Degner Photography is here to assist you with every aspect in the process of scheduling, planning for, and completing your Senior’s photos for this important rite of passage. Senior Portrait Sessions give our clients:
✨ Individualized sessions to reflect your senior’s personality
✨ Locations chosen for the perfect fall backdrop
✨ Plenty of time to create stunning images for announcements & keepsakes
📸 Learn more about my Senior Photo Sessions + book yours here.
Not a fit for your family right now? Please share this with a friend or neighbor who has a Class of 2026 Senior — it means so much when you help spread the word! AND if your referral, confirms and books a Senior Photo Session with us, you’ll receive a complimentary 8×10 Fine Art Print from your photo gallery with us or from our Fine Art Online Portfolio as our “Thank You”. One beautiful print for every friend who books - no limit!
Hirsh Family Cover Photo (September Issue “Neighbors of North Naperville”)
Hirsh Family Outdoor Library (”Neighbors of North Naperville” Feature Article Photo)
Frank and Ozzie on the Sofa (”Neighbors of North Naperville” Feature Article Photo)
September Issue of Neighbors of North Naperville Magazine + Big News!
This month’s issue of Neighbors of North Naperville Magazine features a very special family on the cover — an accomplished single mom and her 11-year-old daughter who live by the inspiring motto: “Leaving Things Better.”
It was an honor to photograph them for the cover and their feature story capturing the heart behind their words. The Hirsh Family graciously invited me into their home to photography them in the space where they feel most comfortable and happy. And quite the space it is! Their decor is an eclectic mixture of mid-century modern with touches of nostalgic pieces…not to mention their fabulous pup Frank (as in Frank Zappa!), and Ozzie the cat…yep, as in Ozzie Osbourne! The experience for me was fun and a true throw-back!
My Big News? I’m thrilled to share that I’ve officially been named Staff Photographer for Neighbors of North Naperville Magazine AND Staff Photographer for the upcoming Neighbors of Downtown Naperville Magazine, launching early 2026! The rest of this year and the beginning of 2026 is already looking pretty bright! 🤩
✨ Above photos feature the September issue cover, as well as my work throughout the family’s feature article.
📸 Are you ready to create meaningful Family Portraits together? 👉🏻 BOOK NOW
Wrapping It All Up
September is full of milestones and memories, and I’m so grateful you’re following along with my journey. Whether you’re prepping for Homecoming, planning Senior Portraits, just enjoying the latest magazine issue or simply savoring the transition of the seasons, I can’t wait to share more moments with you.
That wraps our In Between the Seasons month of September Life Behind My Lens! Keep checking my website for banners announcing updates, new offerings, and specials. A friendly reminder that MJ Degner Photography is also offering custom payment plans for all of our Session Packages thru December 31, 2025 - we want to make it easier than ever for you to capture those timeless family memories in this economic environment. In the meantime, take the opportunity to bask in the last days of Summer warmth, making plenty of late Summer/early Fall photos…and, don’t forget to follow me on my business Facebook Page, on Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Here's to the joy of September and…Travel. Nature. Life!