I’m here by accident! Now by that, I don’t mean that my parents didn’t plan on having me. I mean that Corinna Dahlin Photography wasn’t sought out—it evolved simply out of a passion, not even for photography itself, but for beautiful objects or experiences that told some sort of story…a story I never wanted to forget. I love capturing my food, my travels, and anything that’s pleasing to the eye! Yes, I’m that person at the coffee shop or restaurant photographing some well-placed items on a plate. The OCD in me, matched with a random opportunity (and I like to think a touch of talent), that’s where Corinna Dahlin Photography began.
Corinna Dahlin
I was born and raised in Montana, left for the Navy after high school, and then returned to Montana 22 years later as an Air Traffic Controller and Air Force wife. I have lived in Great Falls with my husband and three kiddos since 2007. I quit my day job to home-school and travel the world with my children. I have a photography business, as well as two Airbnbs.
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Growing up, my family didn’t have much, so we traveled very little. I swore to my 11-year-old self that I would take my kids everywhere! What 11-year-old Corinna didn’t realize was it takes time and money to do that. My growing desire to explore the world, paired with my desire to serve my country led me to join the Navy when I was 17 and still required a parent’s signature. A month out of high school, I was on my way. I was going to serve my country and see the world—perfect! The military was, more or less, everything I dreamed it would be. When you love something, you tend to be successful doing it…and I was very successful in the Navy. I learned that hard work yields great rewards. By far, the most critical lesson I learned was that I am capable and I do have potential. With that newfound confidence, the thought “I can’t” was in the rear view mirror. I traveled; I achieved; I made unbelievable friendships…but I deployed. As we left the pier, my precious two-year-old daughter became increasingly smaller with each turn of the propeller. I still fight back tears when I think about how painful that was. We were reunited 9 months later after an extended deployment.
Because I tend to do everything to the best of my ability, prioritization is critical. Raising my daughter was my priority, so I separated from the military. I did air traffic control in the civilian sector for years, but even that did not afford me the time with my children that I so desperately wanted. I decided to quit “working,” so I could stay home with my three children and home-school them. As of now, my oldest daughter has been to all 50 states, traveled to over 15 countries, excelled in the military, joined my photography team, and will be starting her own family soon. My other two children will get to enjoy mom and dad’s first retirement, while helping me run both my photography and Airbnb businesses. They, too, have been to all 50 states and numerous countries. My husband is an Air Force Academy graduate and has devoted his entire adult life to the military as a special operations helicopter pilot (and now a C-130 pilot).
When I was in school, I didn’t think I had a brain. When I saw progress in air traffic control school, I assumed I had a brain—but probably a mechanical one. Several decades or so into life, I’m happy to report that both sides of my brain seem to be working effectively! As long as I’ve been an adult (by society’s standards), I’ve had a camera close at hand—it’s actually proven to be a nuisance to traveling companions. “Now what is she photographing?” they’ll say as they stop to wait. I need a t-shirt that says I’ll Catch Up! I also see posts on social media that communicate one’s annoyance with people who photograph food. Guilty! Needless to say, what started as a hobby has led me on a path that I am overjoyed to be on. I feel as though my worlds have collided! God, family, travel, food, and photography. Life is good!
Nancy Jones
Cameras have been a part of my life as long as I can remember. My dad would take photos of us growing up, and we have scrapbooks full of snapshots. My parents gave me my first camera when I was in elementary school. Since that time, I’ve been taking photos of anything and everything. I began taking portraits professionally about ten years ago, and am proficient in both film and digital photography formats. My career has introduced me to teaching. I taught art at Foothills Community Christian School for four years, and art and photography at Great Falls College MSU for two years. I have also done private art and photography lessons. My college education includes an Associate of Arts degree from Great Falls College MSU, a Bachelor of Arts in Art degree from the University of Providence, and a Masters of Arts in Art Education from the University of Florida.
Ashlyn Bourbeau
I was born in El Centro, CA. Being a military brat, I had moved seven times by the time I was seven. Come to think of it, I had moved nine times by the time I was nine. I lived in various states including Washington, California (twice), New Mexico, Florida, and my personal favorite, Montana. Despite moving often, my parents have always made sure it was a memorable, fun experience. We saw some of the most amazing places our country has to offer. Instilled in me at a very young age was the passion for travel! We took plenty of pictures and home videos using one little digital camera and one fairly average video camera; nothing fancy but it did the trick. When I graduated from 8th grade, my mom gave me her nice Canon camera. I’d say that is where my real interest in photography began. My fascination was especially piqued after taking two years of photography from Nancy Jones. Learning how to shoot manually was a welcomed
challenge and film photography was very intriguing. Photography has taught me how to find the beauty in all things! I’m so excited to be a part of my mom’s team; helping others to find the perfect place to call home.