Toronto Family Session
I took a bit of a breather in the first half of the year. I’ve been in business since 2007 and busy raising my kids so ‘a breather’ has never really naturally happened and I just felt like it was time. My goals for my work were to sit back and evaluate what it was that I truly wanted to do going forward. I was niave to think that I’d have all the answers in a few short months, but I did come up with a some of them. And, for now, that will do!!
One of the things that I was sure about was that I wanted to move more towards more Adventure Sessions. This is where my heart is…capturing families as they are…typically where they live…all the while showing their true personality. While I can appreciate the loveliness in a very curated photography style, I felt that by moving that way, I was sacrificing a family’s personality and forcing them to fit more into some imagined style I had in my head. It wasn’t working for me—much like fitting a square peg in a round hole. I just wanted to show the families who hired me exactly how beautiful their life looks. This session in Toronto is a recent session that just felt like all of that for me. Old school Dana Pugh.
It’s funny because it has occurred to me that if one’s own vision or ‘photography style’ is as unique as say a thumbprint(and I would argue that is true), then it would also mean that becoming more comfortable with yourself, would bring you more comfort with your vision. I am feeling more comfortable in my skin that I ever have…which is maybe why I just want to be me in my work. More than ever before.
So, THANK YOU to this family for braving the parking/driving situation in this part of Toronto(during a baseball game which I didn’t realize when I suggested it) and for just showing up with their hearts as their true selves. Even if dad is wearing his ugly runners that mom was mortified to realize upon starting ;) Even if some of the street shots have complete strangers in them(I actually kind of love that about those images, but I did secretly edit out a person or two). Your kids just came as themselves and showed me their awesomeness which made my job super easy.
And, OH…the mom in this session is also a photographer. Check out here work here: http://www.nicolekathlyn.com/
Make sure to scroll through all of the images because the ones at the end are all the heart eyes for me :)
Enjoy!! I still have room for a couple of Adventure Sessions before Thanksgiving if you are thinking this looks like something your family would be up for!
~ Dana
A Family Maternity Session in Studio | Okotoks Photographer
I love this little family and I am so excited that they are welcoming a new little baby into their home!!! And, it's not just because the dad is Bob's cousin ;) They are just so down to earth and such great parents. It's always awesome to visit with them and I love that they trust me to photograph the milestones in their life.
This session was in my studio where we took advantage of some of the items from my studio wardrobe. As well, my friend and incredible make up artist Karlie from Love and Colour Make Up studios was able to come right to the studio and help both mom and daughter get ready. She also helped me get the floral comb provided by the wonderful florists at Fleurish Flower Shop in Calgary just right. And, how cute is that baby's breath floral crown? Such a simple crown that makes such an impact. Grateful for the amazing vendors that I get to work with--they help make all of my maternity sessions just that much more special!!
If you are expecting a baby in 2017, I would love to talk to you about all of my options for interesting maternity photography. Studio, on location, underwater...let's create something awesome together!!
~ Dana
Family Photography Studio Session | Okotoks Family Photographer
Recently I heard that this mama is on the short list to be the next Canadian astronaut. Like...to go to SPACE people!!! So, I thought I'd share her studio family session from awhile ago.
I think people have this horrible idea of studio sessions. Like it will be in some grungy room with tonnes of equipment so they will spend a great deal of time stressing over their children's behaviour instead of enjoying the photographic experience. My studio is not like that AT ALL. It is a natural light studio--meaning, big windows, white walls and bright, kid friendly decor that hides things like Lego and Playmobil. The result are modern, simple photographs that focus on your child's personality and the connection that your family has together. For this session, I suggested the parents bring along some of the children's favourite items. So, one child choose her blankie while another brought his hockey stick(how Canadian is that? he even sleeps with it). There is never a rush--if a child needs to take a break to play with a pirate ship, we take a break to do that. If someone needs to go potty, there is a child friendly bathroom. And, if they need snacks, I've got you covered there as well. So, don't think of this as a studio photography session--think of it as visiting a friend who will take some sweet photographs of you all!! It's a nice alternative to going outside on those crappy days or for families who want a more modern look to their family photographs.
And--a little heads up for all of you local people!! My birthday is coming up and I will be having a HUGE SALE on both studio and on location sessions. If you are planning on a session with me this year--this will be the time to book, so WATCH FOR IT!!!
Enjoy!
~ Dana
