Testimonials

                                                                                       (Etsy shop design elements: So much fun to create!)

 

Testimonials: Photography 

Lynn Clark-Geiner (Traque International Model Mgmt.)

I have worked with Deb Ouellette for close to 20 years. Not only is she one of the best photographers in North America, but she is also a best-selling author. Deb’s books have imparted her in-depth knowledge of the model and talent industry to thousands of aspiring performers. Deb mentored me at the beginning of my career, and our work together helped me shape a successful career as an agent and scout in the model and talent industry. Not only is Deb one of my best colleagues, but she has also become one of my closest and most trusted friends.


Diana Cupp
Deborah Ouellette is to photography what David Copperfield is to magic. Her ability to find the beauty within everyone and everything is purely phenomenal. Deborah has been photographing my family for 23 years. I wouldn’t even consider using another photographer; I trust her work.


C. Chasni
Awesome lady to work with! Knows her business! Headshot taken to New York for talent in both theater and TV. Awesome reviews by Broadway casting and marked ‘excellent’ by a Disney casting director. Perfect shot for a kid!


Patri Ferher, Photoartist, blackrosegallery.com
Deborah is a top-notch creative photographer and a photoartist with a ‘magic wand’ for presenting talent that will get noticed.


K. Pitts
Deborah Ouellette is simply amazing! Her experience and warm personality guide you into creating the perfect image. As a model, dancer, and pageant competitor, Deborah is my ‘go-to’ photographer because I know the outcome will always be phenomenal! I have won and placed numerous times in photogenic competitions at pageants and dance competitions, both regional and national! I recommend Deborah Ouellette Photography to anyone seeking a friendly atmosphere to capture life’s moments.


Janice De Maria
Debbie’s overall technique is superior! Her excellence has won her many prestigious awards. I have enjoyed using Debbie for over ten years and have been delighted with her work. I’ve used other photographers out of town when in a pinch, but I repeatedly fly back into Michigan for any significant work of importance to use Debbie’s services. I would recommend Debbie for all of your photography needs.


D. D’Onofrio
Deborah is an amazing artist. Her subjects may be our children, but the images she can capture represent their truest selves—she’s known them their whole lives. Deb doesn’t just ‘take pictures.’ She knows the exact moment when the deepest layer of my child’s personality is about to shine through, and that’s the image she gets. Anyone can yell ‘Say cheese!’ and click the button on their camera, but Deborah is the first photographer to see my girl for who she is and reflect her as I see her. My daughter is multi-layered: she is happy, she is silly, she is serious, she is so many things, and Deb gets it. My daughter connects with her because she is loving, kind, and sincere. Kids know when they have met a ‘good soul,’ and anyone who has had the pleasure to meet and work with Deborah knows she is one in a million.


T. Gielniak
Deborah always takes the most amazing photos! She has an eye for catching the perfect shot every time. Her professionalism and patience are second to none. Thanks to Deborah, my daughter has won countless photogenic competitions.


T. Zitkus
Deborah Ouellette’s photos of my daughter, Christina, are always winners. Christina has won numerous photogenic contests with Deborah’s photos. I couldn’t ask for a more professional photographer who knows her stuff!! If you want quality photos, Deborah is the one. Plus, you always have fun at the session, making the photographer and subject comfortable.


Kim Jarzembowski
Deborah is very good at composing each photograph. My daughter is an actress and has landed many auditions with Deborah’s work. She works well with children and adults.


Terri Sue Monark (Former Miss Michigan, Miss America Pageant)
Deb brings an artist’s eye and sensibility to every job and every shot. Her depth of experience is evident in her uniquely beautiful and consistent work for my family and friends over the years.


Riki Liford
When my daughter got married, I knew I wanted you to take pictures of those most cherished moments, so I ensured there was a way to get you to Colorado to do just that. Again, you did not disappoint. Some of those pictures could very easily have been magazine covers. You are a first-class photographer, and I recommend you to anyone who wants first-class pictures. Thanks again for years of wonderful pictures. Keep up the good work.

 

Testimonials: Writing/Publishing

 

For Breaking Into Commercials: The Complete Guide to Marketing Yourself, Auditioning to Win, and Getting the Job! (co-authored with LA/NY Commercial Casting Director Terry Berland. Foreword by Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander)

 

Conrad Bachmann, former governor and Executive Committee Member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences

“Anyone who wants to succeed in this business should ‘run, not walk’ to the nearest bookstore and buy this book. Following its advice, the beginner will become a seasoned player, and the experienced professional will increase his or her chances of getting the job.”


Jeff Danis, President of DPN Talent
“The most comprehensive guide to commercial acting. A must-read for those exploring the field of on-camera and voice-over performance.”


Professor Ellen Faith Brodie, Director of Theatre, Eastern State Connecticut University
“This book is filled with insight, information, and inspiration for all aspiring actors.”


Barbara Jacobs, Booklist
“The wisdom of a veteran casting director and the viewpoint of a photographer-writer mix well to give newcomers to commercial acting all the how-tos, tips, and references to break in. Based on their collective experience and interviews with more than 75 industry pros, Berland and Ouellette completely debunk some of the myths surrounding success: that talent is the only quality that matters, that you can pay to get on-camera, and that all you need for voice-overs is a great demo tape. A good reality check about acting for kids and adults.”

 

For The Enchanted Moments Coloring Collection (from Amazon reviews)

 

Sarah J.
“I think this is brilliant, not to mention lovely. I know a lot of little princesses who would LOVE this under the tree at Christmastime, along with a fresh box of colored pencils or crayons. Cheers!”


S. Barbieri
“If you don’t have it yet…GET IT! I LOVE this book! It’s so relaxing and creative. I want to see more from this collection.”


TL
“Delightful! Love, love, love this coloring book! The pages are full of magical images. Will be ordering more to give as Christmas presents this year.”TL


Kristie
“Love it! Wonderful photographer…It’s a beautiful coloring book. A must-have!”

 

Affirmations for Kids (book and coloring collection)

 

T. Zitkus
“I love, love, this book! What a wonderful way to teach our young children the brighter things in life and how to be kind, loving, and thankful. I will be purchasing a few copies to share with friends and relatives! It is such a joy to read.”


Dr. Lisa Jones Copprue
“Self-esteem and confidence are not inherited; they are learned. It starts by helping babies feel safe and secure, gently guiding toddlers toward the appropriate expression of their feelings, and helping young children express and feel confident, valued, and, in turn, valuing others. ‘Affirmations for Kids’ is a fun, engaging parental tool to guide their children toward creating a personal empowerment vocabulary they will use throughout their lives. If used early and consistently, children will use this book as a ‘go-to’ when they have a tough time or day and want to pick up their spirits. The illustrations are calming yet vivid, and the characters in the book are diverse in all respects, normalizing diversity in children’s minds early on. I recommend starting as early as your child responds to you with sounds, teaching them powerful words and lessons as early as possible. Some personal skills are taught in preschool, but enrollment has recently dropped significantly, particularly in economically under-resourced communities. A recent study confirmed that children who do not attend preschool are less mature, less accepting, and respectful of others. They are 12 months behind other children socially when they enter kindergarten. I recommend buying this book for yourself and giving one to a parent with a young child not enrolled in preschool.”


Melva Zavisa (American Dance Academy)
“Affirmations for Kids is an excellent book for children and their parents! The illustrations encourage children to express themselves and learn communication skills. The book provides parents and caregivers with an approachable way to understand the feelings children may be experiencing and how to respond. At this time, children need to build their awareness, self-esteem, and confidence for their future. Parents may be uncertain or unaware of their children’s issues, and this book will guide the dialogue.”

 

Testimonials: MojoToGoStudio (my little Etsy shop!)

Note: I just opened my shop late last fall (my happy place, where I create images for sale as wall art, design elements for personal/commercial craft & POD projects, and much more!) The reviews coming in make me smile. As I get the store stocked and more reviews come in, I will share them here (You can click on ‘Shop’ on the blog’s home page top toolbar to visit MojoToGoStudio and see for yourself!

Aislira
“Everything about this store owner and their goods are 5-star! They’ve been in contact throughout the process, ensuring everything went smoothly. The journal is gorgeous and well-sized. I will be ordering from mojotogostudio again!”


Shawna
“This is one of the most beautiful items I have purchased! I cannot WAIT to print this and put it up in my office to bring me a sense of happiness and get through a long workday! The file was easy to download and contained exactly what was listed in the offering. Thank you for a great product, and I look forward to seeing what you roll out next!”


bindreamin
“This is a beautiful item. It is so much better than other calendars I looked at. The artwork is exquisite as well as unique. A gift I am proud to give and one that I don’t believe will be discarded when the year is done. The calendar was shipped quickly and packaged well.”


Sarah
“I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the ‘Enchanted Moments’ calendar. In a world where we often feel powerless, this calendar has been a delightful reminder that small acts of kindness, like buying it, can create ripples of hope and opportunity. It’s a beautiful way to bring enchantment into my life while spreading it to others. This project is truly inspiring, and I’m thrilled to have the chance to support it.”


Lisa
“Beautiful collection. Would recommend this seller and will continue to buy from them!!!”


Julie
“Stunning fantasy art! Beautiful calendar!”


Jim
“Shipped quickly, excellent quality! As shown in the picture.”


Julie
“There are so many beautiful items, and I highly recommend them. Great service. I will be back.”


pookie9445
“Love this calendar! An A+ transaction.”


Shawna
“I LOVE this journal!! The cover is so beautiful that I can easily carry it in my purse. The artistic quality of the image is second to none! It is very strong and powerful, and I use it to write all my intentions for the upcoming year!!”


Kelly
“Completely satisfied. The seller was amazing with communication.”

 

Teacher Testimonials for the Calendar Project

Mrs. Mitchell
“My class would like to thank you for your generous donation. I can still remember the shining smiles of my students when I told them that they were getting CD players and audiobooks to listen to. Because of your kindness, my students are being read to several times daily, not just by me. Our listening center has quickly become a classroom favorite! Students are not only listening to the books you have purchased, but they are also starting to read along. This is such a wonderful thing to see in a kindergarten classroom. Please know you are with us daily as we listen to our audiobooks. Your kindness has greatly impacted my students and future students.”


Mr. Peplinski
“I have never been this excited to return to school after the new year. My kids and I will finally be able to use the items I have requested through Donors Choose. I believe these items will help set a new tone for my classroom and help them keep students focused on their education. My project has been fully funded, and I know it will impact my students. It will impact my teaching, as I can use the Christmas Break to plan how to use all the new tools best to enhance student learning and achievement. It will impact the future of each of my kids and many more students to come. We are a blessed nation, and I thank each donor for this project. You are amazing!!”


Mrs. Lantinga
“Working together and ‘playing nice’ can and is a lot of work for middle school students. Now, thanks to you, it won’t be as difficult to do. The posters, activities, books, and supplies you provided will tremendously help during our discussions and lessons that help us better understand ourselves and our roles as bystanders, participants, and victims. It is wonderful when you can have such an amazing impact on so many through programs like these! The pictures I posted illustrate teamwork, collaboration, and positive interactions!”


Ms. Gerke
“I cannot fully express my gratitude for your generous support and kindness. Your gift of chairs for my students in my classroom will be greatly appreciated! The children needed these more than you will ever know. I cannot wait to tell the children when we return from holiday break! They will be so excited! Thank you again for all that you do! Wishing you and yours a beautiful holiday season!”


Mr. Schultz
“On the filing cabinet in my classroom’s corner is a box full of broken 1/2-size violins. They are there because I am using all the good parts from those to help maintain and repair my existing 1/2-size violins. Now, I think I can retire that box. Thank you both so much for your generosity. I wish I had a video camera to show you every excited moment of the students trying out those new violins for the first time. This means so much to them. You have helped show the kids that they are worth something to someone out there that strangers would help purchase new violins for them. Thank you again so very much.”


Mrs. Osborne
“I cannot thank you enough for your generous donation that allowed me to purchase books for the students in my fourth-grade classroom. We just completed one book club session. Students in two groups read ‘The Year of the Dog,’ and one read ‘Nory Ryan’s Song.’ They could choose a book that was interesting to them and also at their reading level – just challenging enough to grow as a reader. We worked on important reading skills such as summarizing, visualizing, and asking questions. We also worked on vital communication skills such as taking turns, encouraging others in their group to share, taking a risk to offer their perspective, and much more. Equally important, we discussed the situations of each of the characters/families in the books. We put ourselves in their shoes and tried to understand what it would feel like to be in certain situations and have certain feelings. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for helping me to help my students become better readers and more respectful, tolerant individuals. We look forward to starting another round of book clubs after our winter break. The other students in the class are also anxious about having a chance to use the books. The students who have already participated ask which one they will read next time. Thanks for your support!”

 

Parent Testimonials for the Calendar Project

Christina W.
“Deborah is an innovative and inspired photographer. She creates a relaxed environment that makes everyone feel at ease. This was our first time working with her on the calendar project, and she made my daughter feel special and look fabulous! Deborah has an eye for capturing and crafting beautiful, professional finished products. I couldn’t be more pleased with her work and the beautiful photos we will have forever!”


Gloria A.
“Samantha loved working with Deborah, an amazing photographer. We loved Samantha’s photo and were excited to participate in the calendar project. The contest was a lot of fun, and knowing the proceeds were going to a great cause made it even better.”


Sherry Jordan
“I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to Deborah Ouellette and her work on the Calendar Project. She took some amazing photos of my daughter and made it super fun, having her pose with fun props, such as flowers, an enchanted frog, and other fun things. What 9-year-old wouldn’t enjoy being turned into a magical Fairy? The outcome was stunning! Not only was this fun, but it was also for a great cause: helping ‘at-risk’ schoolchildren. With only 1 dollar per vote, asking friends and family to donate was easy. As a bonus for raising the most money, my daughter got a Big Check and got her picture taken with it. It was nice for her to give and get something back while having fun. This was a great family experience for her and us to give back to the community. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and hard work that Deborah put into it!”


Teiryne Vaughn
“It was a SENSATIONAL experience working with Deborah Ouellette on the calendar project. She is a true artist and master of her work. The girls have never had so much fun posing for pictures. The photos were just beyond anything we could have imagined. The greatest joy comes from knowing that at-risk children are benefiting from the proceeds of the calendar.”


Lacey Case
“Deb, The calendar…. oh my, it’s breathtaking. Such wonderful quality photos, and I am so proud to hang them up in my home. My experience with you when we were getting her pics taken for the project was wonderful. You are so good with kids, and the fact that you captured such a wonderful photo of my busy little bee was amazing! I can’t say enough about how happy I am with this calendar, and the fact my little princess has her photo of her birth month made it even sweeter! Thank you so much for having us as part of such a GREAT project and cause. Love you, Deb.”