Newborn Adventure Session

There is a joy in being invited to document a family's journey that is hard to explain to someone who isn't a photographer. Anyone who has been following me for awhile will recognize this family. They are a favourite of mine and they welcomed a new little boy this summer. So, we hung out at home and then ventured out amongst the mosquitos and the sunset to take some portraits outside as well. 

September and October are filling up quickly. If you are hoping for a session, please contact me soon to ensure a spot in my schedule.

~ 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

Calgary Lifestyle Newborn Photographs

I love in home newborn sessions. It's true. Those first couple of weeks with a newborn baby are so special. A time to bond as a family and get into the new rhythm that comes with adding another child to your crew. This session was obviously a while ago(hello Christmas tree), but I've had a number of questions about what a lifestyle family session is like lately, so I thought that I would share one for you all to see.

Lifestyle photography has come to encompass a wide range of styles. Every photographer will find their own way of creating images they like. For me, my sessions are a mix of documentary--meaning no direction/interference from me and casual poses designed to create what I have come to call 'emotional portraiture'. This allows me to create a large gallery for you that has a wonderful mix of quirky real life images and more directed images designed to create a wonderful variety for your family archives. A lot of it is lead by the family--meaning, some families are more easy going and tend to get more documentary images. Other families feel they need more direction and I am there to provide that. When a family has a toddler(or two or three), I typically allow the toddler to lead the session. We include them when they are ready...there is no forcing, it is very relaxed. This lovely lady gave me a wide range of emotions(as toddlers tend to do) which meant that she practically stole the show. 

Another lovely thing about this particular session is that the grandparents were there to help(and make me some Newfoundland treats), so we were able to include them in the photos a bit as well. Take a peek for yourself.... 

I have just created a new lower price for my in home newborn sessions, so if you are expecting, I'd love to hear from you!

~ Dana :)

Calgary Fall Family Session

This was the last session of the fall this year. We could literally see the first winter storm coming. We could feel the leaves being whipped off the trees. It made for a wonderful night for family photos in all honesty! I mean--look at that sky :) 

I had to include the first two because that sign saying 'no girls allowed except for his beloved sister Kamble'--utter perfection to me.