Calgary Lifestyle Newborn Photographs

I love in home newborn sessions. It's true. Those first couple of weeks with a newborn baby are so special. A time to bond as a family and get into the new rhythm that comes with adding another child to your crew. This session was obviously a while ago(hello Christmas tree), but I've had a number of questions about what a lifestyle family session is like lately, so I thought that I would share one for you all to see.

Lifestyle photography has come to encompass a wide range of styles. Every photographer will find their own way of creating images they like. For me, my sessions are a mix of documentary--meaning no direction/interference from me and casual poses designed to create what I have come to call 'emotional portraiture'. This allows me to create a large gallery for you that has a wonderful mix of quirky real life images and more directed images designed to create a wonderful variety for your family archives. A lot of it is lead by the family--meaning, some families are more easy going and tend to get more documentary images. Other families feel they need more direction and I am there to provide that. When a family has a toddler(or two or three), I typically allow the toddler to lead the session. We include them when they are ready...there is no forcing, it is very relaxed. This lovely lady gave me a wide range of emotions(as toddlers tend to do) which meant that she practically stole the show. 

Another lovely thing about this particular session is that the grandparents were there to help(and make me some Newfoundland treats), so we were able to include them in the photos a bit as well. Take a peek for yourself.... 

I have just created a new lower price for my in home newborn sessions, so if you are expecting, I'd love to hear from you!

~ Dana :)

Calgary Small Business Photographer | Branding Photography

Naturasoy is a candle company located in Okotoks, AB -- not far from my photography studio! I have one of their man candles sitting right on my desk because I love the smell of it so much. I know I'm not a man, but MAN OH MAN it smells awesome!!! Their owner, Colleen, is an inspiring female entrepreneur, so when she asked me to come in and document their candle making process, I was super excited!!!! I spent the morning with them taking some documentary images of their candlemaking process, as well as, taking some time to create some branding images for them.

Small businesses today need lots of images for their website, as well as social media. I truly think that it is best to work with one photographer so that you can create a consistent look to the images. Plus, it allows you to collaborate with another creative, small business owner who is also trying to navigate the fuzzy waters of this new media world. I'd love to work with other small businesses who would be interested in a collaboration. 

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. 

Calgary Actor Headshots | The Young Canadians

This beautiful young lady visited the studio recently for two separate sessions. The first of which was a headshot session. We brought in the awesome Okotoks make up artist Karlie Cyr from Love and Colour. She does an incredible job at making people look their best, natural selves--which I love. This girl is a senior member of the wonderful Calgary group who perform every year in the Grandstand Show at the Calgary Stampede called The Young Canadians. I might be biased(because my daughter also performs with them), but these kids are INCREDIBLE. They train hard all year long to give the Stampede audience a world class show. If you have never seen it, I highly recommend checking it out. This girl will be there dancing her heart out--to see her dance photos, check the blog tomorrow!! As we had lots of fun creating those as well.