The Mittentog

06/19/2026

Yoo-hoo! ✨ MODEL CALL ✨

We’re looking for several kiddos (and a couple parents!) for an upcoming commercial photoshoot with one of our favorite returning clients, Micro Kickboard!

📍 The MittenTog Studio – Grand Rapids
📅 June 30, 2026
⏰ Afternoon session (exact times provided upon selection)

We’re currently casting:
• One 1-year-old (or young 2-year-old)
• One 3–4-year-old
• Three children ages 8–10
• One teen ages 13–14
• Two parent models

This is a commercial lifestyle photoshoot for Micro Kickboard. Selected models should be comfortable in front of the camera, able to follow basic direction, and ready to have some fun!

🎉 Compensation:
Each selected model will receive either a $100 gift card OR a Micro Kickboard scooter as a thank-you for participating.

Interested? Send us:
📸 A current photo
👤 Child’s age
📍 Your location
📧 Best contact information

Please DM us or email [email protected]
Tag a friend who might be a great fit! 🛴✨

06/18/2026

“I’m an artist.”
“Oh really? What kind of art?”
Ayden and I had the opportunity to photograph one of the incredible Parade Homes built by Sherwood Custom Homes
Interior photography has always held a special place in my heart. It’s where architecture, design, and storytelling meet—and getting to share that experience with my son makes it even better.
📸 The MittenTog 
🚁 Drone work by Ayden

06/10/2026

06/06/2026

Allow me to reintroduce myself!

I’m Dionel — photographer for the past 20 years! This year I turn 39 - it was a journey started young and some of you may remember when Dionel Photography was — But I realized people had just as much trouble saying my name as much as they did spelling it (no shade! A family name I love - but is a nightmare with any order)

Over the years, my work has evolved in ways I never expected. Interior photography has become one of my greatest passions because it’s such a collaborative process. Watching designers, builders, architects, and creatives bring a vision to life and then helping tell that story through imagery is something I genuinely love.

The same goes for small businesses. Getting a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a company unique—the people—always a genuine joy to experience someone else’s story!

Recently, I’ve found myself diving back into intimate weddings, and I’m absolutely loving it. There’s something special about documenting a day that’s centered on connection, family, and the people who matter most. Not the scale, but the intimacy.

And of course, families have always been at the core of my career. There’s nothing more authentic than kids simply being kids. The laughter, the chaos, the personalities — it’s refreshing for a soul!

I’m also a mom to two incredible kids. One is officially headed off to college this fall at GVSU (and doubles as my drone operator whenever I can convince him to come work with me 😆), and the other keeps life interesting in all the best ways. But my husband and my kids have always been my biggest cheerleaders. ❤️

More than anything, photography has never been about perfect poses or curated moments for me. It’s about preserving emotion. It’s about creating images that feel like something years later. It’s about connecting with incredible, genuine people and using my gifts to tell their stories honestly.

So, take a peek around ✨ I’m glad you’re here.

06/05/2026

Wandering through luxury homes, grazing on charcuterie and desserts, soaking in stunning interiors along the lakeshore, and spending the evening with an incredible group of women… honestly, what more could you ask for in a work event?

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend an influencer-exclusive preview of the Lakeshore Parade of Homes with HBA Lakeshore, touring two absolutely beautiful homes before the public opening. One of my favorite things about photographing interiors is seeing the collaboration between builders, designers, architects, and trades come to life—and getting the chance to hear directly from the teams about their process, inspiration, and the ideas that pushed these homes beyond the ordinary made the experience even more special.

It’s always inspiring to step inside spaces that challenge what’s possible and showcase the creativity, craftsmanship, and vision behind every detail.

✨ GIVEAWAY TIME ✨

I have FOUR tickets to give away to this year’s Lakeshore Parade of Homes!

🏡 June 4–6
🏡 June 12–14

To enter:
• Follow , , and
• Like this post
• Tag a friend you’d love to tour these homes with (each tag = one entry)

Winners will be selected June 4 at 4p and notified via DM.

Thank you to HBA Lakeshore for such a fun and inspiring evening. This hardly felt like work at all. ❤️

05/24/2026

MEMORIAL WEEKEND ONLY: $100 off any session booked between now and Memorial Day at midnight. Interiors, Exteriors, families, seniors, pets and portraits! Book online with the code: MEMORIALWEEKEND any session for anytime in 2026…two days only!

05/23/2026

New season, fresh face, updated brand?

Headshot sessions are officially open for booking through July! Whether you need a polished corporate refresh, something creative and personality-filled, or updated branding imagery that actually feels like you — I’ve got you.

In-studio at The MittenTog or on-location depending on the vibe you’re after 🤍 Let’s make something that feels authentic, confident, and elevated.

Book your session here: https://www.themittentog.com/headshot-refresh26

05/18/2026

🎓 Senior season is HERE.

This season only happens once—and your photos should actually feel like you. Not stiff poses. Not cookie-cutter backdrops. Just personality, style, and all the excitement of what’s ahead. ✨

From curated locations to wardrobe guidance and a session that feels fun instead of awkward—I’ve got you.

Class of 2027 senior portraits are officially booking!
✨ Summer weekday availability
💸 $100 off with code: SUMMERSENIOR

Book here: https://www.themittentog.com/seniorportraits

05/17/2026

Beach mini session dates have been added for June and July! June is nearly completely booked, so snag your spot now if you’re looking to hop on the calendar for this summer! https://TheMittenTog.as.me/?appointmentType=category:Mini-Sessions%202026