10 Happy Things for November
/
HAPPY NOVEMBER
I've never been an over-the-top fan of Thanksgiving, but this year I am super excited to have all three of my kids home.
On another note, I know a lot of horrific things are going on in the world right now, and I want to acknowledge that without focusing on it. So onto the happy . . .
10 HAPPY THINGS
As always, this list is pretty random, but hopefully something on it will bring you joy!
1. Usually I don't tell many stories about the families and couples I photograph (as I don't necessarily feel their stories are mine to tell), but the family documented in this month's newsletter is one of the first families I ever photographed - here's a 10 year old blogpost from one of their sessions (some of the edits are super dated, but I still love all the moments). And I cannot explain how happy it makes me to see these kids grow up!
2. How fun does a human library sound?
3. A HUGE entertainment roundup (reading. listening. watching.) is up my blog (so many great recs!)
4. "It is said that the T-shirt, along with the bumper sticker, is America’s favorite place for self-expression, a kind of personal billboard, where political, philosophical and religious beliefs are condensed. While living in Haiti I went on the hunt for the perfect T-shirt."
Also, how fun are these photos?
5. Relatable?
6. Are these the 250 greatest songs of the 21st century? This list seems sort of random to me, but I do love Maps. Also, the best albums of the 21st century (nice to see Beyonce and Taylor in the top 10).
7. I want to see a glowing reindeer.
8. I always love KFDC's guide to the holiday season around DC.
9. 10 great things to cook in November. Or, if you don't feel like cooking, I'm totally addicted to this breakfast.
10. Where to travel in 2026 - National Geographic's recs and Lonely Planet's recs. Further regarding travel, a few friends and I just booked a trip to Mexico City in February. Has anyone ever been? Any recommendations?
BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENT
FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, 2% OF MY NET EARNINGS WENT TO THE ACLU & PLANNED PARENTHOOD. AS WILL 2% OF MY 2025 EARNINGS.
I know 2% isn't a ton of money, but at least it's a start. And these are two causes in which I strongly believe.
Do you have causes you care about? This is a reminder that I offer a pay-it-forward discount for families (see question #22) where you receive $50 off the cost of your session if you give the money to charity.
I also offer a similar, but larger, discount for weddings clients. Contact me for details.
COUPLES & FAMILIES - BUSINESS UPDATE
November was full, but I now have openings on:
Saturday, November 22.
I also have the following dates open in December and I'm promising super-quick turn around times.
Tuesday, December 2
Friday, December 5
Wednesday, December 10
Thursday, December 11
Saturday, December 13
For info on my family rates, click here.
And for info on my couples rates, click here.
-------
FOR WEDDINGS, I'M BOOKING 2026 & 2027
If you're thinking of eloping or planning a mirco-wedding, please get in touch - I have lots of advice/suggestions!
Also, if you're interested in wedding venues/locations, here are some of my favorites.
RECENT REVIEWS
As cliched as it sounds, reviews mean the world to small businesses like mine - so THANK YOU again to everyone who wrote one!!
______
The other reviews don't lie! We hired Darcy for our wedding and engagement shoot and could not have been happier with our choice in photographer. Darcy was super professional, friendly, and very easy to work with. She captured all the joy and candid moments we were hoping to see and we loved her documentary style of shooting. Neither of us love taking photos but she made us feel very comfortable and at ease. We're so thankful to have found her! - Drew
-------
We’ve admired Darcy’s work for some time and had friends recommend her — and wow, she exceeded all our expectations!
Beyond being incredibly professional and talented, what stood out most was her warmth and ability to make our family comfortable, including our rambunctious kiddo.
She perfectly captured our son’s personality and the little details of our new home we wanted to remember. We couldn’t recommend her more highly and look forward to working with her again in the years ahead. - Alli
-------
Darcy’s is an absolute gem and excellent photographer. Darcy has now shot our wedding, maternity shoot and newborn photos. We love all of them! - Joelle
______
Want to see more reviews? Please click these links for google and zola testimonials.
HAVE A GREAT MONTH!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE FAMILY SESSIONS? Then please click below.
Darcy Troutman Photography is a Northern VA/Washington DC/Maryland documentary-style family photographer, who believes in capturing real moments. Interested in learning more? Please click here to sign up for my newsletter or schedule a session.