The Grandparent Project

That is the working title of my latest personal project. Here is my first instalment. If you know of someone who might be a good candidate for this project, please let me know. Thank you.

Anne, Calgary, AB. Canada.

One day I came across a reading by a psychologist in the US. He said: “The great secret of enjoying life is to learn to love yourself and accept yourself and the rest will just take care of itself” and that was kind of new. From my education, you had to work hard and succeed. You had to work at it. Loving yourself didn’t come into it. 

Tommy Drummond and I used to fight for who was going to be at the top of the class. In Junior High, they posted those you know. 

It’s not over. EVER. As long as you are alive, there is something you can do. 

Appreciate who you are and what you can do. 

I stay pretty active, although my body doesn’t do what I’d like it to do all the time. I get tired. I still sing in the choir. I really have enjoyed a musical career. Of course, I have the kids and the grandkids. There’s lots going on. I’ve been president of the social club a couple of times. And I go to church and I am on a committee there…so I keep busy. I’m a soprano. They need me, too. Sopranos aren’t all over the place these days. .

No Two The Same

Sometimes I feel like no two family sessions of mine are anything alike. I used to actually see that as a problem. Like, I was maybe a bi-polar photographer of sorts. Then I realized that no two families are alike so, if I am trying to capture that unique 'thing' that makes each family awesome then it would only make sense that no two sessions were alike. Of course, there are certain things that I capture that maybe others don't. I focus on the things that I find appealing about each family. The things that, if I was their mom, I'd want to remember. Sometimes I am an observer when I do that and, other times, I am a director. Some families need more direction than others. Some need none at all. All of these things affect what I end up capturing while I am there. This was the first time this family had been in front of my lens. A rarity, if I'm honest because 75% or more of my clients are repeat. But, I had the advantage with this family as I have mentored their mom from time to time. The level of trust was higher than most first time families. We just hung out at their home making popcorn, jumping on the trampoline and taking a quick hike to the nearby woods. It ended moments before that freak snow storm happened in September.

So, here is the reason why I don't blog too many full sessions...unlike smarter photographers(ones who maybe strive for efficiency with their time), I tend to create huge galleries. You see...I am a sentimental sort. I rarely aim for that 'normal concept of perfection' that you see so often because that doesn't really appeal to me. What appeals to me are the little moments. The moments when mom wipe boogers from noses, kids climb up on countertops to get the popcorn bowl, or I say throw one piece of popcorn at dad and that unruly child throws a handful. If these were my kids, I'd want to remember how the little girl absolutely could NOT figure out how to cross her legs. No sirreeeeee...not even after having been shown many, many times. And, I love when daddies play with their kiddos and mommies cuddle them up. I want to see real interactions and fun expressions...and, honestly, those don't happen in a quick session. And, there is no way I could ever narrow a session down to 30 or 40 images. I couldn't even narrow this blog post down to that few!!

So, I know this is a long post(and I have more long posts to come as well), but please take the time to scroll through and search for the thing in each image that caught my attention.

As I said, this mom has mentored with me before. I am gearing up to offer mentoring again this winter. Both one on one mentoring via Skype and an online group mentoring opportunity for the month of February. If you are interested in getting on the wait list, just pop me an email and let me know!

Thanks!

Dana

The Summer of Cabins

Another session out at the cabin(it's a cabin because this one is in Alberta). I love doing sessions at people's cabins(and cottages...whichever you prefer). The first picture is literally the first image I took. Proof that not everyone is excited to see me. hahahaha...but, you'll see, she did warm up to the idea.

I thought I'd show one inside and one outside the cabin as well...a glimpse of summer life with this family.

Just a quick note that my schedule for 2014 is almost full. I currently have room for about a dozen more sessions. If you are hoping for a session with me this year(particularly if you are hoping for a specific date), please don't delay in contacting me. I'd hate to disappoint.

Now go outside and enjoy that summer sunshine while it's here ;)

~ Dana