Dana Pugh Dana Pugh

Alberta Summer Games Photography | Baseball

During the Games, I probably got to more baseball games than any other sport and I really enjoyed them. The pace of baseball allows for a photographer to really explore not only the performance athlete, but how a team works together to support one another. Not to mention the spectators. Here are some of my favourites from the baseball games that I attended.

Read More
Simply Portraits Dana Pugh Simply Portraits Dana Pugh

Urban Rooftop Graduation Session | Calgary Photographer

I know it’s November so you might be thinking that this isn’t the right time of year to be talking about graduation sessions, but you would be wrong!! Graduation sessions are by far my most popular sale item on Black Friday. So, in the spirit of answering some of your most frequently asked questions about graduation sessions, I will be posting some of my favourite sessions from the last couple of years.

This is the lovely Emelia. We came up with the idea for a rooftop sunset session together after she showed me her dress. I thought it was the perfect choice for this type of session. This session is such a great example of why we don’t have the session on the same day as the graduation ceremony or party. When we make it a separate event, it allows for another day to celebrate your graduate. It also allows for flexibility as far as location, time of day, and outcomes. Every grad is different so I want to make sure that their photographs always reflect that. Allowing for flexibility as far as scheduling the graduation session means we aren’t at the mercy of the weather or the crazy schedule for the day. You can spend the actual graduation day focusing on celebrating as a family and worry about portraits on another day.

This year, my own daughter is graduating and we are planning at least three different portrait sessions(because I really am that kind of crazy). This will definitely be one of the locations as I love it so much. Where would your perfect graduation portrait session location be?

Read More
Dana Pugh Dana Pugh

Branding Photography with Kourtney Branagan | Calgary Photographer

What is branding photography? Well…it’s a relatively new kind of content creation. With the rise of social media, people are now finding themselves with the need for images specifically to promote themselves and what they do. To me, it means creating images unique to YOU and your brand. You don’t want your images to look like everyone else’s in your field—you want to STAND OUT and show off who you really are…with a little planning and preparation, we can create lots of images in one session. I know a lot of ‘branding’ photographers want you to subscribe to their services and get sessions monthly, but I really don’t think you need to do that. You need to have goals for your image library and work with your photographer to meet those goals in a way that is the most economical from a time perspective.

Meet Kourtney Branagan…she is a recent branding client of mine and she is running for Calgary City Council in Ward 11!! I fully endorse her because she is organized, smart, and FUN…so full of life and ideas, but also a willing collaborator. In fact, her website is https://www.co11aborate.ca/ !! You might see her out and about on her gorgeous mint bike or at one of the many events she has planned to campaign. If you are in ward 11, I encourage you to get to know her and consider giving her your vote.

For her branding images, we wanted to try to capture the changing seasons at the well known locations around her ward. In 3 different sessions, we managed to create a large library for her to use on her website, social media and in her print materials. We took the time to change her hairstyles and outfits to help give the impression that they were taken over a greater period of time. If you are running for office or if you are just looking to improve your personal brand, I would love to work with you to create your own image library. Here is a small selection of images that I created for Kourtney!

Read More
Dana Pugh Dana Pugh

Lovies Studio Session | Okotoks Family Photographer

I remember when Brian the Lion was a staple at our house. He was a small bear stuffie with a rattle inside and he came EVERYWHERE with us. We had bought him early on in my pregnancy so we feared losing him….how would we ever find a replacement? We never did lose him, but he did, eventually, get tucked away in a special memory box. His fur worn thin from so much love. I know so many families have attachment to special items like Brian the Lion and I would love to document that special bond for you. Introducing The Lovies Sessions!! New to the studio this year. Weekday mini sessions designed to document your child when they are at that age where they don’t go anywhere without their favourite toy or blanket.

To celebrate the launch of this new session offering. On Sunday, March 7th, I am opening a limited number of these sessions. They are $295(+gst). That includes a 30 minute session with up to 3 children from the same household and the complete set of digital images. Plus, you will have access to my brand new online store with a line up of amazing professional products. Contact me now to grab your preferred time slot.

Read More