Dana Pugh Dana Pugh

Branding Photography with Erin Thorp | Calgary Photographer

Erin came to me looking for images that she could use on her website and social media channels to promote her work as a speaker, author and a coach. We set up the studio in colours that worked with her branding, brought in a hair and makeup artist and started in the studio. Since then, we did a second session on location to add some variety to her image library. Now, we are looking at a third session to promote her new podcast!! It’s great working with a repeat client as it allows for us to create an image library that works well together. Plus, the more we work together, the more comfortable we are with each other which allows for more relaxed and natural imagery.

If your brand needs to expand their image library, I’d love to chat with you to see if we are a good fit.

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Just Add Bubbles | Calgary Family Adventure Photography

Rule #1 of how to run a photography session with kids—when in doubt add bubbles. And snacks. Preferably not at the same time. That’s what I love about Adventure Sessions. There is no timeline. We aren’t trying to get kids to behave a certain way or wear clothes that they find uncomfortable. It’s a time to play and focus on just enjoying your time together. It’s a time to let the kids just be kids….and, the parents, too ;) Let’s blow bubbles, eat watermelon and run through the wild grasses of southern Alberta. That’s the best kind of photography session.

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Summertime Adventure Session

There is something special about visiting the same families year after year. There is a special level of trust that develops and we just relax and hang out while I document their life. I've been documenting this family since their son was a newborn. This year, we went to their new piece of land that they recently acquired. Their plan is to build their 'forever' home here--slowly, over time. I think it is super cool to have photographs of them sitting on the land which will one day be their home. We talked about doing another session here when it is in the framing stage before we get to do one when they are all moved in. I cannot tell you how much I love this idea.

I've been in business for 10 years...photographing for 12. Over those 10 years, I've seen a lot of changes--both in the way that I do things and the way that other people do things as well. These 'adventure sessions' are my ideal way of doing things. The 'slow' answer to photographs. Where I feel free to give my clients everything I've got. Where we work together to create portraits. I never feel rushed during these session...and I try to structure them so my clients can get the best of both worlds--some more casual portraits, as well as, those intimate candid moments that everyone loves so much. There are other more efficient ways of doing things--heck, I even offer a more efficient way which I call Simply Portraits, but these sessions. This is where my heart lies. 

Enjoy a look at this family's time with me. 

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Dana Pugh Dana Pugh

Calgary Dance Photography | The Young Canadians

I love working with other creatives because they come to you eager to collaborate and try anything. This beautiful girl was no exception. She said she was willing to try anything. So, before she arrived, I spent a little while blowing up some balloons hoping she wouldn't mind playing in them a bit. She absolutely didn't mind and we had such fun dancing among the balloons. 

There are so many wonderful young dancers in Calgary and area. I am enjoying meeting many of them for photographs this time of year. On location or in studio...I'd love to work with more dancers. 

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