SPIRIT | ENERGY | SOUL

CAPTURED THROUGH A LENS BY DAYNA BODENSTEINER

Portrait photography by Dayna Bodensteiner featured in magazines, galleries and family homes.

About Me

Photography encompasses everything I am—storyteller, journalist, creative, adventurous, driven, romantic and very human.


I strive to let humility, open-mindedness, and perseverance be my life guides. I’m an outspoken, strong woman, who believes that people and personal connections are everything. I use the word Blessed way too often (just ask my daughters) but I truly feel that way, choosing to make it my focus every day.  I believe I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and I feel honored to capture a moment in time through every photo I take. 

 

My passion started with action photography of my daughters sports or photo journaling vacations, but I have now specialized in seniors and families.  I don’t have an indoor studio and therefore use the beautiful Black Hills as my backdrop.  I split my time between Rapid City, South Dakota, and Gilbert, Arizona, but I will travel for unique photo opportunities and would love to hear from you.


  • Testamonial

    "Dayna is super energetic and creates a fun, relaxing atmosphere that focuses on capturing true personalities. She can truly create priceless memories, with her artistic abilities and talents! She has photographed all three of my children, giving us photos we will always treasure."  


    Lori Sobczak

    Button

  • Testimonial

    "We were fortunate to have Dayna take senior portraits for all three of our children in 2017, 2020, and 2022. In each session, Dayna made my kids feel comfortable and it was a fun, memorable experience for each one. Her photos really reflect the personality of her subject and her editing is not excessive. Dayna was thoughtful about what my children wanted their photos to look like and spent as much time as was needed to get amazing photos. We are so thankful for Dayna and her many talents."


    Elizabeth Ellender

    Button

  • Testimonial

    "I’m a proud mom of three amazing boys!  Unfortunately taking photos is not one of their favorite past times.  Dayna is so incredibly talented that not only did she find the perfect location, scenery, and time of the day but she also made it fun to help capture their true personalities. We traveled from Sioux Falls to the Black Hills for our session and couldn’t be happier with the photos we have for a lifetime." 


    Karrie Schipper

    Button

  • Testimonial

    "When the time came for my two sons to have senior pictures taken, I was overwhelmed with all of the feelings that this milestone moment brings for a mother: love, pride, joy, and a great thanks that my beautiful children would be immortalized in photographs.  My boys, on the other hand,  were overwhelmed with dread at the prospect of being the center of attention and the lone focus of the lens.  Dayna made this whole process a breeze with her encouragement, direction, constant positive affirmations and joyful spirit.  Two hours, five outfits and three locations later, both boys had completed their photo sessions and I do believe that they ended up having some fun with it.  With Dayna’s very quick edit time, we were able to view their photos soon after, and all of us were so pleased with what Dayna was able to create.  Thank you, Dayna, for giving this mama beautiful photos to cherish and for taking such care with my boys."


    Erin Retzer


    Button

  • Testimonial

    "Dayna makes a photo shoot fun and relaxing.  With her patience, fun spirt and motivation she is always able to photograph real personalities and capture the memories at the perfect time."


    Kellie Sobczak 


    Button

  • Testimonial

    "Dayna is such a joy to work with! Her work is beautiful - she certainly has the eye! I so appreciate her happy, joyful, and kind spirit which makes people feel comfortable while they get their pictures taken.  She truly captures the beauty of each person this way! Dayna is easy to work with and always gets me a thorough gallery with so many great options- it's often hard to choose which picture I love the most!"


    Kelsey Parker

    Button
Share by: