Grandma Barnes and her Grandkids | Simply Portraits
This is one of my favorite Simply Portrait Sessions ever!!! For Christmas(yes, I took these awhile ago now), we gave my mother a session in the studio with all of her grandkids and a custom album. Lots of times, when your family is altogether, the weather outside isn't always right for a family session. That's why I added a studio to my line up. So that I wouldn't be confined to doing sessions in people's homes and outside. It's always warm and dry in the studio ;) So, here are some of my favorite images from the session. Enjoy!
So, if you are looking for something different than fall leaves for your family this year--think about a studio session!! It's a wonderful, modern option and doesn't have to be super stuffy and boring.
~ Dana
Family Photography Studio Session | Okotoks Family Photographer
Recently I heard that this mama is on the short list to be the next Canadian astronaut. Like...to go to SPACE people!!! So, I thought I'd share her studio family session from awhile ago.
I think people have this horrible idea of studio sessions. Like it will be in some grungy room with tonnes of equipment so they will spend a great deal of time stressing over their children's behaviour instead of enjoying the photographic experience. My studio is not like that AT ALL. It is a natural light studio--meaning, big windows, white walls and bright, kid friendly decor that hides things like Lego and Playmobil. The result are modern, simple photographs that focus on your child's personality and the connection that your family has together. For this session, I suggested the parents bring along some of the children's favourite items. So, one child choose her blankie while another brought his hockey stick(how Canadian is that? he even sleeps with it). There is never a rush--if a child needs to take a break to play with a pirate ship, we take a break to do that. If someone needs to go potty, there is a child friendly bathroom. And, if they need snacks, I've got you covered there as well. So, don't think of this as a studio photography session--think of it as visiting a friend who will take some sweet photographs of you all!! It's a nice alternative to going outside on those crappy days or for families who want a more modern look to their family photographs.
And--a little heads up for all of you local people!! My birthday is coming up and I will be having a HUGE SALE on both studio and on location sessions. If you are planning on a session with me this year--this will be the time to book, so WATCH FOR IT!!!
Enjoy!
~ Dana
Fall in the Mountains | Calgary Family Photography
Mountain Adventure
Many of the families who come to me for photographs love to visit the mountains. Who can blame them? They are gorgeous and there is always adventure amongst the beauty to be found there. As a family, we also enjoy exploring the mountains and, over the years, I've created a long list of places where we can take stunning photographs while exploring.
This session was with a family who I have been lucky enough to photograph multiple times over the years. They truly belong in the mountains, so it was a no brainer that we would head there for their session. We met at Wedge Pond in Kananaskis. It is a beautiful place to visit on a fall afternoon. We stuck to the path around the pond itself, but there are many paths to walk along. In fact, I have visited here before for a beautiful winter session where we snowshoed both on the pond and on the paths. No matter the season, it is a great place to picnic. On the way home, you can even stop for an ice cream or a hot chocolate at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge--they've got you covered no matter the season ;)
This session is a great reminder that when I photograph kids, their pants might get dirty, they might not 'cooperate' and funny faces are always encouraged.
This makes me miss the warm sun and colours of an Alberta fall. It is my favourite time of year for sure.
~ Dana