about me
STUDIO DESSY
At Studio Dessy, we’re not just taking pictures—we’re telling stories. The kind that matter most: the way your partner looks at you during maternity, your baby’s first laugh, the feeling of a family held tight in golden light.
I’m Destynee Fagaragan, the heart behind Studio Dessy. Born and raised in Honolulu, I started photography as a creative escape during college. What began as a way to help pay for my final year turned into something I never expected: a deep love for capturing life as it’s happening. Real, emotional, unfiltered life.
It all began in 2022, when my cousin asked me to shoot her maternity session. That day changed everything. The connection, the meaning, the quiet joy—it lit something in me. One session led to another, and suddenly I was saying yes to more than just opportunities—I was saying yes to a calling.
Today, Studio Dessy is a full-hearted blend of passion and purpose. I spend my weekdays working in tech and my weekends doing what I love most—photographing families, couples, and milestones all over O‘ahu. I’m honored to now be supported by my partner Juan Carlo Lorenzo (the calm behind the scenes) and Kadiann Swanson, a talented photographer I’ve mentored and who’s now building her own brand, Captured By Kadi.
But what truly makes Studio Dessy special isn’t just the photos. It’s the experience—crafted to make you feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated. Every session is intentionally designed to preserve not just what something looked like, but how it felt.
Because your story is worth holding onto. Not just for today, but for years down the road—when your kids are grown, your life looks different, and these images become priceless.
Let’s create something beautiful, together.
I can’t wait to help you preserve the moments that matter most.
Start here
Beyond the Lens
There’s more to me than golden hour and shutter clicks.
Here’s a little glimpse into my world outside photography:
– I could eat Korean BBQ every week and never get tired of it.
– I have a degree in Computer Engineering… but creativity is my first language.
– I’ve had more hobbies than I can count — from sewing to customizing totes and tees.
– I’m constantly chasing that feeling of a full creative cup.
– Reality TV? The messier, the better. It’s my guilty pleasure.
– I’m absolutely terrified of birds — don’t ask, I don’t know either.
– Beauty, intention, and storytelling guide everything I do — on and off camera.
My lens is drawn to emotion. The quiet moments, the deep laughter, the in-between magic.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
- Nelson Mandela
This quote is a great reminder that every small business owner faces setbacks and challenges. However, it is not the number of times you fall that defines you, but rather your ability to get back up and keep pushing forward.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
Running a small business is not a linear journey, and there will be ups and downs along the way. This quote reminds us that success is not a destination but rather a continuous journey. Similarly, failure is not the end but rather an opportunity to learn and grow. The courage to keep moving forward is what ultimately counts.
"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs
As a small business owner, you are dedicating a significant portion of your life to your business. This quote reminds us that the key to satisfaction is doing what you love. If you are passionate about your small business, it will show in the work that you do, and you will ultimately find greater fulfillment in your work.
