Maternity Amongst the Cherry Blossoms

I've said it before, but I'll say it again...one of my favourite things about my job is getting to watch families grow over the years. I photographed this couple's wedding. Their last maternity and newborn sessions PLUS 6 month session AND a number of their friend's weddings. I feel like I get to see them often. It is such an honour to document their growing family. They met me at Edworthy Park in Calgary for their most recent session to celebrate the last few weeks of being a family of three. I can't wait to visit their home for a newborn session in July ;) 

Such a sweet, laid back session filled with cherry blossoms and candy peaches ;) (gotta keep a kid on your side anyway you can).

~ Dana 

Mountain Adventure Session

I have always found that there are two kinds of clients...ones who just want quick and painless portraits and the other who want THAT and some great candids. For this reason, I separated my session offerings into two types of sessions. One being Simply Portraits and the other being, what I like to call, Adventure Sessions. 

Adventure Sessions are what I like to call 'directed documentary' or 'pure lifestyle'. These are great sessions for active families that like to play together. You decide on an activity and we basically do that activity together while I photograph it. So--dream of having professional photos of you hanging out at your cabin? How about an evening of boating? Or, just making pancakes on a Sunday morning? Street hockey. Running through the sprinkler? However your family enjoys spending time together, it deserves to be documented. Because regular life is beautiful. 

This family is incredibly active and wanted to do a session in the mountains. Round one had to be rescheduled due to extreme smoke from forest fires, but round two ended up being a beautiful night--if not a little too windy for the stand up paddle board. It certainly was an adventure. 

I am currently booking into June. Once the weather gets good, certain dates tend to be harder and harder to secure--so, if adventure calls your family, I'd love to hear all about it!

~ Dana

Apple Pies and Skateboards

Any session where I come home with an apple pie is a win in my mind ;)

An in home Adventure Session...so many people think that adventure sessions aren't for them because they aren't that ADVENTUROUS...but, here's the thing, every family's definition of adventure is different. Some like to go hiking in the mountains. Others like to stay home and play board games. Whatever you spend your Sunday afternoons doing is adventure enough for me! Especially if you are going to bake me a pie. 

This family belongs to the outgoing and lovely lady with a slight southern drawl, Christy Swanberg. She pretty much radiates sparkle and sass all at the same time. I wonder if that's a southern thing?

~ Dana

Deck The Halls | Calgary Family Photographer

This is a family that I have watched grow. Always a pleasure to go back and see families as the years pass. Last year, they asked me to come document the decorating of their tree...which I did. And, then, they have the sweetest tradition where the kids have to go find their little elf on the shelf which begins the holiday season for them. 

Do you have any unique Christmas traditions? I sure would love to help you document them :) Still a couple of spots left before the end of the year!!