Exploring Niagara on the Lake

In late September, I travelled to beautiful Niagara on the Lake to teach at The Uncommon Creative photography conference. More and more, my career has veered towards mentoring and teaching—which is something I enjoy more than I would have guessed if you had told me this is where I’d be 10 years ago. Often when you teach at a conference or workshop, you are required to shoot a ‘mock session’ while students watch. This will never NOT be awkward. hahahahahahaha…true story. As someone who is concerned about what my students are(or are not) learning, I worry that they will be inevitably disappointed when they learn that mostly I am just a total spaz—whether people are watching or not(ha).

So, here is an example of a ‘fishbowl’ session where there were about a dozen people watching me as I got lost(true story) and then laid on the ground in the dirt so I could shoot through some weird portal thingy. All the while, they would take the most unflattering images of me (man, it is DECIDEDLY NOT pretty to watch me work), but these kids were AMAZING!! They handled it like pros.

These kids belong to one of the women who run the conference, Miss Stephanie Robin, an award winning newborn photographer from Ontario. We have met before a couple of other times at conferences where we were both teaching. It was super cool to meet her kids! Her and her partner, Tessa, did such an incredible job on the conference. It was their FIRST EVER event and it was so well run—I mean, I knew that Stephanie was organized, but WOW…she is crazy organized and it was so lovely to work with someone who was so prepared and dedicated to making it a wonderful experience for both the speakers and the attendees. I got to take classes taught by the amazing Lisa from The Milky Way (she really is as sweet as she seems online) and Ali Peck from Glow Maternity and the amazing Heidi Hope. Stephanie and Tessa tell me that they are planning on another conference in 2020 and I can’t wait to hear who they have in their line up!! Sooooo…on to the images:

Thanks,

~ Dana

The Knot

This was a good old family wedding at the Mt. Norquay Ski Lodge. Those are ALWAYS my favourite kinds of weddings. The ones with kids running around while the adults are just doing their thang. I have had such luck with my weddings lately--always with the threat of rain--and, this one was no exception. But, the rain held out until we were safe indoors for the reception. Then, the heavens blessed them with a downpour. I love that we were able to get blue sky photographs while the dark clouds sat there just out of frame. Truly such a beautiful day.

Big thanks to the wonderful make up by Jenna from Canmore Banff Makeup Artistry and hair by JK Hair Designs. 

Enjoy!

Dana

PS--make sure to enter my contest to win a free session :) just saying.

Winter Engagement Session | Calgary Wedding Photographer

I have shared a few of these on social media already, but haven't yet done so here. We were so incredibly lucky to get a beautiful snow fall with a bit of sun. Especially this year...when the snow here has been minimal. This couple is getting married in July and their wedding will set a record for past brides being present. I will have to get a photograph of me with all of them ;) It will also be my first wedding in a big red barn!! Can't wait ;)

I know I've been kind of quiet here lately, but I've been busy shooting, teaching, and preparing to launch my new studio sessions. Keep an eye out here for some awesome opportunities to be amongst the first to be photographed in my new studio coming soon ;) And, I still have a couple of spots for weddings this fall if you know of anyone who is looking!! Some popular dates are still open.

Thanks!

~ Dana

Bubbles

Bubbles. Fun at any age.

Dreaming of warmer days as it looks like the cold weather is moving in this week. Wishing I had a trip planned to a warm climate where we could blow bubbles to our hearts content.

Look at me blogging all week ;) I have been slacking in the blogging department, but I have been sharing lots on Facebook(not my favourite...if I'm honest it feels like a chore now...which makes me wonder exactly how much longer I'll continue to share there) and Instagram(which I love and is perfect for scrolling through while I play 'taxi-mom' which I do every day for a little bit anyways). Come find me over there! I'd love to connect. And, don't be afraid to comment here...I'd love to know if anyone still reads blogs. People keep telling me they are dead. I'd like to prove them wrong ;)

~ Dana