Twin Sisters from the Class of 2020 | Calgary Graduation Photographer

Last year, with the COVID restrictions affecting every graduation celebration, I saw many families looking to find a way to enjoy the event. This family had twins who were set to graduate from high school in Okotoks. So, we did a twin session. This session gave them a chance to wear their gowns, but it also gave them a chance to wear their everyday clothes for some more casual portraits together too.

I know that for most Calgary and area graduates this year, your celebrations will look a bit different yet again. I would love to talk to you about what portraits could look like for your child(and your family). I have a variety of options available. One really nice thing about this year is that you don’t have to rush to try and fit everything into one day. I know that most families here try to do that, but this is the perfect excuse to slow down celebrations and make them less rushed/stressful for everyone. If you have a grad in your life that you would like to celebrate, I’d love to chat with you about what that could look like.

And—in case you missed it—I’m currently giving away a full graduation portrait session(a $750+gst value). Nominate a special graduate in your life by going here(nominations close on Feb. 12th at midnight):

https://www.danapughphotography.com/graduation-giveaway

Port Whitby Pier | Adventure Session in Whitby, Ontario

When I was in Ontario in July, this mom(who is also an amazing photographer) invited me to her studio for a photographer’s meetup(which was super awesome!). Then, I had the extreme pleasure of meeting her beautiful little family for a fun evening at Whitby Pier. Her beautiful dog had me wanting another puppy, but Bob has put the brakes on that desire for the time being—but, don’t you think Pughville could use a boston terrier? I’m thinking…um, yes we could!!

I’m on a blogging roll…I’m hoping to try to do this more often so people can see an entire session all together. Instagram is nice, but this is better.

Thanks!

Dana :)

A Backyard Adventure Session (with chickens)

With fall sessions already booking, I thought I would share a favourite Adventure Session from last fall. One of the most common questions I get asked is what is the difference between an Adventure Session and a Simply Portraits Session. Well...for starters, Adventure Sessions are the heart and soul of my business. No truly. These are the sessions I have spent over a decade doing here in the Calgary area. My goal is always to go on an Adventure with a family--whether that adventure is at a park, downtown or right in your own backyard. We explore, we discover, we laugh and have a relaxed time together. This allows me to create both casual portraits, as well as, some more candid or 'documentary' type images. It's really the best of both worlds. 

Here's the thing though--these sessions aren't quick. And, I know that not all families have time to spend on a session like this. You really have to set aside a morning or an afternoon for it all to happen. But--I encourage you to consider taking the day off from all other commitments and taking the time to just live in the moment with your family. To invest in what I have come to call 'slow portraiture'....it's very similar to the difference between fast food and a home cooked meal made entirely from scratch. You can tell the difference with every bite.

If you are interested in an Adventure Session in 2018, please contact me soon as my calendar is quickly filling up! Until September 1st, book a session and receive a free 12x18 print of your favourite image.

~ Dana

Baby's First Year Photography Special

Did you know that I offer a special to celebrate the arrival of a new baby into your household? 

You have two options for a newborn session with me. Both are booked by your due date to secure your spot in my limited monthly calendar. One type of session takes place in my natural light studio in Okotoks. This is a great option for new parents as you don't have to clean your house in any way. Nothing to worry about except getting in your car to come visit me! We spend about an hour to an hour and a half creating roughly 40-50 images in a modern and relaxed atmosphere. I have a variety of clothing and blankets for you to use or you can bring your own. The pricing for this type of session can be found here: http://www.danapugh.com/okotoks-photography-studio-pricing/

The other type of newborn session that I offer is an in home/on location session(in the Calgary area). This allows me to fully document your new life together. The images we create are a mixed of portrait and candids. I can(and will) photograph the baby in his or her room, as well as capture more of your 'real life'. I find this is an especially nice option for families with other children. It is generally far easier for new siblings to be relaxed and themselves when they are in their own space. Together we create a series of images that work together to tell the story of exactly where you are at this point in your life. An average gallery for this type of session is closer to 80 images. The session takes between one and a half hours to two hours. The pricing for this type of session can be found here: http://www.danapugh.com/calgary-family-life-photography-session/

When you purchase a newborn session with me--whether it be in studio or on location--your maternity session will be a flat rate of $500(+gst). Together, we will create approximately 20 images from it. I will even do underwater sessions at this rate, although there are sometimes other fees for that type of session(like pool rental). 

You are also eligible for an in studio 6-9 month session at the reduced rate. So, $500(+gst) for a 45 minute studio session documenting your baby's sweet smile and chubby little rolls. We will create about 20 natural, modern. A complete way of documenting your child's first year and I am so excited to begin offering it to my clients.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am often booked a couple of weeks in advance. To book a session, fill out the contact form and you will hear from me shortly. Thanks!