An Inspired Chat with Christine Deaton of North Scottsdale

Christine Deaton shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Christine, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Honestly? I’m feeling called to slow down and simplify. And let me tell you – as someone who spent the last ten years sprinting uphill building my business, the idea of slowing down used to terrify me. I was so afraid I’d miss out or somehow become invisible if I wasn’t constantly doing. But I’ve learned that I’m actually most creative, fulfilled, and balanced when I allow myself to breathe, to pause, and to just be for a moment. I still have a million ideas bouncing around in my head (they’re not going anywhere), but I keep reminding myself – it will all come in time. It’s not a race. Slowing down doesn’t mean giving up; it just means I get to be better for my clients, my family, my friends… and honestly, for myself too. Because a less stressed, less overwhelmed me is a whole lot more fun to be around (and she’s more creatively inspired too).

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Christine, and I’m a motherhood and family photographer based in the Arizona desert – where the sunsets are fiery and the cacti are surprisingly photogenic. I’ve always been an artist at heart. Growing up, I was that kid covered in paint, glitter, and fabric scraps (thanks to sewing sessions with my grandma and endless DIY projects with my dad). Photography found me when I was searching for a way to blend my creativity with my deepest calling – motherhood. I wanted a career that allowed me to be fully present with my boys while also filling my soul, and photography became that beautiful bridge.

I started as an assistant and editor, then worked my way up to second shooter, soaking up every lesson and learning how to see the world in my own unique way. In 2019, I finally took the leap to create my own business, and since then, I’ve had the absolute honor of documenting families as they grow – from glowing maternity portraits to sleepy newborn sessions to the wild, joyful chaos of family life.

What makes my work special? I truly believe family is sacred – both the hard work and the heart work. I don’t just take photos; I create a space where people feel safe, seen, and celebrated in their most authentic selves. Whether I’m capturing a dreamy desert maternity session or teaching photographers how to find their artistic voice, I bring a deep love for people and a genuine belief that every story deserves to be preserved beautifully.

Right now, I’m working on slowing down (which, for an idea machine like me, is a whole journey in itself), and creating new ways to serve my clients and photography students with even more intention and heart. Because at the end of the day, my hope is that my photos and teachings remind people of what really matters – love, connection, and the fleeting beauty of everyday life.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My Grandma Lisa. I honestly can’t think of a single moment where I ever felt like I disappointed her. There was nothing I could do that would sway her love or affection – it was this steady, unconditional presence in my life. She always reminded me that I was beautiful, loved, and oh-so precious to her. She told me I could be and do anything I wanted – that I was smart, talented, and creative in every way.

She saw my artistic heart long before I did, and she nurtured it in the simplest and most profound ways. With her, creativity was everywhere – coloring at the kitchen table, sewing dresses for my dolls, even learning to draft patterns (which felt like magic). She also saw my adventurous, inquisitive side. She’d giggle while telling me how mischievous I was as a toddler, always into something, with endless energy and curiosity about the world.

I deeply appreciated her voice then, but now, as an adult, I see it for what it truly was – a mirror reflecting my core self back to me, before I learned to conform to meet the needs of whatever room I entered. I miss her every day, but I carry her with me always. I’m so grateful that she saw me so clearly, and loved every bit of who I was and who I would become.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of rejection, hands down. I think almost everyone can relate – we all want to belong, to have a tribe, a home, a place where we’re safe, appreciated, and loved. But as an artist and creative, that fear of rejection feels… intensified. Every time we share our work, we’re sharing a piece of our heart. And even if we logically know that rejection isn’t personal, it still feels personal.

I don’t like admitting that I’ve missed out on opportunities or success because of this fear. For a long time, I carried a lot of shame around it. But what I’ve learned is to embrace who I am – all the little quirks and nuances, even my fear of rejection – because they’ve shaped me into the person I am today. And honestly? I really freakin’ like me. Every time I’ve put myself out there, even when I’m white-knuckling my way through the fear, I’ve ended up winning in some way. Whether it’s a lesson, growth, or an actual yes – it’s always worth it.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think they’d say that people matter to me – loving people well, making them feel seen, valued, and celebrated. They’d say that connection matters to me – deep, real connection, not just surface-level chats (though I can small talk with the best of them). They’d say my family is my heartbeat. My boys, my husband, my friends-who-are-family – they’re my whole world.

They’d also say that my faith matters to me. It grounds me, guides me, and gives me hope on the hardest days. And they’d say that loyalty runs deep in me – I’m fiercely loyal to my people. When I love you, I’m all in.

I think they’d add that beauty matters to me, too – not in a superficial way, but in how I see beauty everywhere: in light, color, texture, emotion, and fleeting moments. And I bet they’d laugh and add that margaritas, Disney, and a really good hair day also matter to me… because life is too short not to enjoy every bit of sparkle it offers.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
Whew. That’s a deep one. My mind honestly runs like a pinball machine – ideas bouncing everywhere, bells and chimes going off constantly. I’m thinking about my kids, making to-do lists, sparking new business ideas, remembering people I need to reach out to, tallying chores – it’s a lot up there.

Peace comes when my mind can finally rest. When I know my people are safe, happy, and taken care of. When the work is done (or at least paused for the day). When I can curl up in my husband’s arms and just be for a moment. When I can walk away from the noise of the pinball machine and sink into a good book or savor a delicious dessert without distraction.

Those are the moments when everything quiets down and I feel deeply, truly at peace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://christinedeatoncreative.com/
• Instagram: @christinedeatoncreative
• Facebook: @christinedeatoncreative

Image Credits
For the 3 images of me with the baby on the white bean bag please credit Tamara Hart. The other client/family images are all my work.