family sessions, Simply Portraits Dana Pugh family sessions, Simply Portraits Dana Pugh

Fall Portrait Session | Calgary Family Photographer

It’s been a busy fall season—and what a beautiful fall we have had!! This is one of my favourite families—a new family who quickly became a favourite because I already knew and loved the mama so well. We met one night for a Simply Portraits Session in Fish Creek Park. There was sunshine, fall leaves, and love…lots and lots of love.

I realized when sharing this set that I have yet to share their newborn session. I meant to share it—in fact, it’s ready to go, but I just never published it…so, I’ll do that later this week ;)

Enjoy!

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Mountain Adventure Session | Calgary Family Photography

Classic Dana Adventure Session ;) That’s what I’m calling this one…ice skating in the mountains, exploring a snow pile together as a family…this is what makes family photography sessions FUN!! My favourite type of portrait sessions are Adventure sessions where we take the time to get those family portraits you crave, but also the more candid, documentary moments that don’t happen in a traditional portrait setting. I’m grateful for families that are looking for something more out of their photography experience and trust me with my crazy ideas!! Even when it means putting on the teeniest pair of skates EVER!!!

This family was in Banff for a hockey tournament and took the time out of their busy schedule to slow down and have fun together!! Their mom is an awesome photographer herself(http://www.lifeandportraits.com/) so go check out her work. And, scroll to the end so that you see all the super fun photographs we created together.

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Calgary At Home Adventure Session

One of the great things about Calgary is that so many homes back right onto beautiful natural parkland. One of the not so great things about Calgary is that the weather is incredibly unpredictable. Even thought this session happened when it was arguably NOT fall yet, we got a huge dose of fall weather. Wet, soggy, and incredibly foggy. I gotta be honest, I was a little afraid that things could go sideways pretty fast. I mean, with a not quite one year old, you never know how they will handle being uncomfortable. But, this beauty was a trooper. We ended with a warm sink bath that was completely unplanned but very necessary.

This family purchased what I call my Adventure Sessions. Which means that we try to capture a combination of portraits and documentary images. I think sometimes people get intimidated by the word ‘Adventure’ and think that they need to do something truly adventurous in order to satisfy the call…but, here’s the thing…Adventure is everywhere if you are looking for it! Bubbles, watermelon, sink baths…Grandma and Grandpa…all of this is quite adventurous when you aren’t even one year old.

So, here is a smattering of the images we created together while on our Adventure…

Thanks for stopping by my blog…if you have any questions about my Adventure Sessions, please ask!! Winter is the perfect time for one!

~ Dana

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Nutshell

What type of photographer are you? I get asked that question all of the time. Of course, the easy answer is that I'm a family photographer(primarily), but, if I'm honest, that answer doesn't truly seem complete. I photograph all sorts of things, but...at the end of the day...what am I drawn to? I think that my clients would tell you that their galleries are often humorous(I always show ridiculous outtakes and anything that makes me chuckle...even if it is no where near 'perfect') and filled with the unexpected(I like it when a bunch of elements magically line up in such a way to capture a bizarre little moment in time)...but that they also shed a tear or two. Because, I am drawn to images where you see little snippets of love in amongst the chaos. I am a pretty mushy mom. My kids are forced to receive my cuddles and hugs and I am secretly pleased that Jack is such a cuddly boy(even at 11 years old). Some of my favourite images from our family sessions over the years are ones of us cuddling up ;) Sooooo...scattered amongst the humour and the moments is the love. And, that in a nutshell, is the type of photographer I think I have become.

Some mama love from this weekend. In other news, I love photographing in the snow. Have I said that before? It is so pretty.

~ Dana

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