Okotoks Maternity Photographer

First of all...um HELLO she is completely GORGEOUS. And...this, ladies and gentlemen is her 3rd pregnancy. I mean, really? 

I'm grateful for her trust to put on a bikini and a lace dress and sit in the river so that we could create these images together.

Pretty in Pink

Her mom is a dancer so it only makes sense that she would be born pointing her toes so prettily for me. Of course, any parent will tell you that this is probably a sign that she will be a hockey player ;) Whatever she grows up to be, she will be overwhelmingly loved by her family. 

If I'm being honest, my favourite part of my job is watching people's lives unfold...what an honour it has been to witness this family for their engagement, wedding, maternity and now their newborn. There really are no words to describe how special this is to me. 

A lovely in home newborn session to share with you all...

The Big Red Barn Wedding | Calgary Wedding Photographer

It was hot. It was smoky. But, it's okay...there was ice cream. And, a big red barn. And, a whole lot of love...not to mention plenty of black liquorice(I might be a fan). 

How many brides dream of having a wedding in a big red barn? Well, the Big Red Barn in Lacombe, Alberta does not disappoint. 

Just Be Yourself

I love Shel Silverstein. He was a favourite when I was a kid and I have bought all of his books for my own kids. We are currently redecorating their rooms and I keep thinking about framing one of his poems for Jack's room. Not this one, but I saw this on Pinterest today and it made me smile so I thought I'd share it with you all.

I've been thinking lots about what it means to be a portrait photographer lately. This is what I tend to do in the winter time. Reflect upon my own work as I don't work as much as the rest of the year so there is time for that. I know that for some people, it is simply about making their subjects look pretty--and, I agree that is important. Mostly because as I age I see the importance in photoshop tools on images of myself ;) and I know that no one likes to see a picture of themselves where they look totally awful. But, what I also know is that I want more than to look pretty. I want to see your blue. I want you to remove your masks...and I know it's hard, but I also know that it is so so worth it if we can work together and make it happen.

It is a process that doesn't happen quickly. There is a reason why it can't happen in a department store portrait and that reason is a simple one--time. Lots of other photographers like to spend time with you after the portrait session in sales and design consults. I like to spend mine during the session...I like to spend it in helping you remove your masks and showing me your blue. I think you can see that in my work...if you can see it and that is something you value, then I want to work with you :)

2013 is going to be a time for me to shed some masks. I'm going to be more myself. And, I'm excited. Most of 2012 was spent half awake, but something has happened recently and I feel more alive than ever. And, I am ready to embrace life and capture it along the way. Here's hoping you stick with me ;)

~ Dana