Mountain Adventure Session

I have always found that there are two kinds of clients...ones who just want quick and painless portraits and the other who want THAT and some great candids. For this reason, I separated my session offerings into two types of sessions. One being Simply Portraits and the other being, what I like to call, Adventure Sessions. 

Adventure Sessions are what I like to call 'directed documentary' or 'pure lifestyle'. These are great sessions for active families that like to play together. You decide on an activity and we basically do that activity together while I photograph it. So--dream of having professional photos of you hanging out at your cabin? How about an evening of boating? Or, just making pancakes on a Sunday morning? Street hockey. Running through the sprinkler? However your family enjoys spending time together, it deserves to be documented. Because regular life is beautiful. 

This family is incredibly active and wanted to do a session in the mountains. Round one had to be rescheduled due to extreme smoke from forest fires, but round two ended up being a beautiful night--if not a little too windy for the stand up paddle board. It certainly was an adventure. 

I am currently booking into June. Once the weather gets good, certain dates tend to be harder and harder to secure--so, if adventure calls your family, I'd love to hear all about it!

~ Dana

The Knot

This was a good old family wedding at the Mt. Norquay Ski Lodge. Those are ALWAYS my favourite kinds of weddings. The ones with kids running around while the adults are just doing their thang. I have had such luck with my weddings lately--always with the threat of rain--and, this one was no exception. But, the rain held out until we were safe indoors for the reception. Then, the heavens blessed them with a downpour. I love that we were able to get blue sky photographs while the dark clouds sat there just out of frame. Truly such a beautiful day.

Big thanks to the wonderful make up by Jenna from Canmore Banff Makeup Artistry and hair by JK Hair Designs. 

Enjoy!

Dana

PS--make sure to enter my contest to win a free session :) just saying.

My Tribe

Photography is, at times, a solitary career. Most people probably don't realize that, but I spend a great deal of time by myself. Sitting in front of my computer--editing, answering emails, dealing with my never ending file management needs, and very occassionally planning my next photographic endeavour.

I consider myself lucky to have begun my career quite a few years ago now...back when the size of the industry was a bit more manageable and the possibilities of meeting amazing photographers online and in person seemed easier. Thanks to that, I have managed to grow a rather large group of artist friends whom I lovingly refer to as 'my tribe'. Some within my tribe I talk to quite regularly. Others are there when I need them...and, I am there for them. It has been the single greatest thing I have done for myself as an artist, but also as a business person.

Luckily for me, two of my tribemates were recently in the Calgary area. I was able to spend a day with them out in Banff and Kananaskis. It was a very casual and laid back day filled with wonderful conversations and just a wee bit of picture taking. Here are a handful of my favourites.

Always lovely to see the Solars!! Can't wait until our next adventure together!!

~ Dana

Family Day 2014

Just a few images from our Family Day spent in Banff National Park. We call that swing 'the swing of death' as it creaks and moans while you swing on it. Not to mention that if you fell off, it would surely be to your death. ha. Only a slight exaggeration. We are enjoying the warmer temperatures after that painfully long cold spell.

Hope you all enjoyed your family day with your family :)

~ Dana