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 :)

Summertime Adventure Session

There is something special about visiting the same families year after year. There is a special level of trust that develops and we just relax and hang out while I document their life. I've been documenting this family since their son was a newborn. This year, we went to their new piece of land that they recently acquired. Their plan is to build their 'forever' home here--slowly, over time. I think it is super cool to have photographs of them sitting on the land which will one day be their home. We talked about doing another session here when it is in the framing stage before we get to do one when they are all moved in. I cannot tell you how much I love this idea.

I've been in business for 10 years...photographing for 12. Over those 10 years, I've seen a lot of changes--both in the way that I do things and the way that other people do things as well. These 'adventure sessions' are my ideal way of doing things. The 'slow' answer to photographs. Where I feel free to give my clients everything I've got. Where we work together to create portraits. I never feel rushed during these session...and I try to structure them so my clients can get the best of both worlds--some more casual portraits, as well as, those intimate candid moments that everyone loves so much. There are other more efficient ways of doing things--heck, I even offer a more efficient way which I call Simply Portraits, but these sessions. This is where my heart lies. 

Enjoy a look at this family's time with me. 

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. .

Summer Living

I always love photographing families in places that are sentimental to them. This place has been in their family for generations. The dad grew up spending his summers there and now he is able to share it with his own children. What a beautiful legacy.

Where are the special places for your family?

~ Dana