Toronto Neighbourhood Adventure | Calgary Family Photographer

Urban Adventure

I often photograph other photographer's families. It is a special honour. Truly. It also makes me nervous as heck. True story. So, when Kerry Grogan asked me to photograph her family while I was in Toronto last year, my palms got all sweaty but I quickly said yes. Yes because--photographers will totally let you do whatever you want no questions asked. So, we had a leisurely session where we hung out at home first, played a little street hockey in their driveway and then headed to a favourite park. This is my favourite kind of session because it allows me to capture such a variety of images. Plus, the relaxed feeling of the session allows everyone to be themselves a lot quicker. 

It's funny because some photographers limit their time with you making the session feel rushed and more like a traditional portrait session. I don't like to restrict myself. I like to give us all the time and space we need to create incredible imagery. Some families that naturally happens quicker than other families, but...these slow sessions...the sessions where I truly see who you are...they are my favourite type of session. 

Add to that the bonus of being able to nerd out with photography talk while Kerry drove me back to my hotel and I was in nerd photographer heaven ;)

Still blogging!!! I have lots of sessions to share, but I also want to share some tips and techniques so if there is anything you want to know, just ask! Maybe I'll be inspired to do an entire blog post about it!!

~ Dana

Ladybugs, Grasshoppers, and Floral Crowns

This day came along right when I needed it. A day where a handful of people who loved each other came together to celebrate that love. Elopements are always intimate, but this one was super special because the couple's five children were there. In between vows, bouquets were passed, as were toddlers. Wishes were made on rings and then repeated on the wings of a ladybug. The children caught grasshoppers while the rain stayed away just long enough for us witness the union of these two brave, strong, wonderful humans. Being welcomed into this ceremony, and this family's life, has been a wonderful gift. 

Fall in the Mountains | Calgary Family Photography

Mountain Adventure

Many of the families who come to me for photographs love to visit the mountains. Who can blame them? They are gorgeous and there is always adventure amongst the beauty to be found there. As a family, we also enjoy exploring the mountains and, over the years, I've created a long list of places where we can take stunning photographs while exploring. 

This session was with a family who I have been lucky enough to photograph multiple times over the years. They truly belong in the mountains, so it was a no brainer that we would head there for their session. We met at Wedge Pond in Kananaskis. It is a beautiful place to visit on a fall afternoon. We stuck to the path around the pond itself, but there are many paths to walk along. In fact, I have visited here before for a beautiful winter session where we snowshoed both on the pond and on the paths. No matter the season, it is a great place to picnic. On the way home, you can even stop for an ice cream or a hot chocolate at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge--they've got you covered no matter the season ;) 

This session is a great reminder that when I photograph kids, their pants might get dirty, they might not 'cooperate' and funny faces are always encouraged. 

This makes me miss the warm sun and colours of an Alberta fall. It is my favourite time of year for sure.

~ Dana

Baby Studio Session | Okotoks Photography Studio

There is always such a rush to get maternity and newborn photographs. And, for good reason. Those moments are fleeting. They rush by in a blur of doctor's appointments and sleepless nights. A baby is only a newborn for such a brief window, that many people actually miss getting those portraits. They don't realize that newborn photographs are best booked by due date so that they can be sure to leave space for them before the moment passes them by. If you are an expectant mother looking to book a professional photographer, it is best to contact a photographer before you hit 32-34 weeks. This way, you can take advantage of any maternity photography specials that they'll offer to their newborn clients. Maternity photographs best happen at 32-34 weeks. You can also get in their schedule for your newborn session. They'll give you information on how to prepare for that session ahead of time, so that once baby arrives, preparation for the session is at a minimum.

All of that said, 6-9 month portraits...those are my favourite. This is how you will remember your baby. The big happy grins, the chubby cheeks, and the pure joy at just being with mom and dad. I'd like to say that you'd be better slept, but the truth is, you'll probably just be better at managing your lack of sleep. You'll be hitting your stride with parenting and these moments are worth capturing for your family just as much as those itty bitty newborn toes. Many photographers offer 'first year' type of packages for their newborn clients. If this is something that interests you, please ask!!! All of my newborn clients are eligible for a 6-9 month session in studio for a flat rate of $500(+gst). That includes the session and the digital files. I thought today, I'd share with you a sample of what one of those sessions looks like. This is wee baby Wren and her amazing parents. I have photographed this family starting at their wedding all the way through to these portraits. They are what I call one of my 'legacy families'. Watching families grow is one of the greatest joys of my life. 

So, bring my all of your babies!!! I'd love to see them in the studio or in your home. Contact me for more details. 

~ Dana