At Home Adventure Session | Calgary Family Photographer
My second Black Friday offering is $200 off of an Adventure Session. What is an adventure session you might ask? Well, it is a mix of portraits and documentary images celebrating your family with a diverse set of images to illustrate the uniqueness of who you are as a family. These sessions can be done at home, at one of Calgary’s many parks or amazing local attractions, or—for the really adventurous—out in our beautiful rocky mountains. We plan the session around your family and pick activities to do together. This allows for a casual session with no pressure. For some reason, I see so many parents opting for mini sessions. They have this idea in their head that everyone needs to “behave appropriately” during a session, but if you can just let go and let everyone be themselves not only will the images be more authentic, but the experience will be better. The less pressure you can put on everyone(not just the kids—dad's always feel a lot of pressure as well)—the better. This cannot be done in a time crunch.
When I was first starting out as a photographer, I wanted to create something out of the box for the families that I work with. I wasn’t interested in perfect outfits and perfect poses. I wanted to see the way you look at each other, the games you play together, the little moments that truly illustrate the bond that you all share. That is worth remembering. That is how my adventure sessions were born. In the 18 years since I started my photography journey, a lot has changed. And, I think in large part thanks to social media, many parents feel this immense pressure to show the world a glossy version of their life. I want to encourage you to show your truth. And, we do that by spending some time together.
If you have any questions about Adventure Sessions, please reach out. I would love to chat with you about my vision for family photography and how it might fit with your own family.
This session is from last year, but I love it so much. I’ve been photographing these kids at least once a year since they were born. It’s always a treat to see them again.
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.
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.
Baby Session in Studio | Okotoks Photographer
One of my favourite families came to see me in my studio for their ‘baby’ session. Families who book their maternity and newborn sessions with me have the option of adding on a ‘baby’ session as well…which means when your baby can sit and is full of big smiles and chubby limbs. It’s definitely one of my favourite times to photograph babies. In my baby plan, you can also mix and match studio sessions with in-home lifestyle sessions so that at the end of the first year, you can create a first year album that truly documents each stage of this exciting time in your family’s life.
At a ‘baby’ session, the focus is truly on your newest family member, but I love when siblings come! My studio space is natural light so there is no big, scary gear that kids can tip over. Instead there are toys and treats…and, at this session—my teenage daughter who is home schooled help with managing it all. A built in babysitter!!
Email me now to learn all about belly to baby plans in my studio!
~ Dana