Baby Session in Studio | Okotoks Photographer

One of my favourite families came to see me in my studio for their ‘baby’ session. Families who book their maternity and newborn sessions with me have the option of adding on a ‘baby’ session as well…which means when your baby can sit and is full of big smiles and chubby limbs. It’s definitely one of my favourite times to photograph babies. In my baby plan, you can also mix and match studio sessions with in-home lifestyle sessions so that at the end of the first year, you can create a first year album that truly documents each stage of this exciting time in your family’s life.

At a ‘baby’ session, the focus is truly on your newest family member, but I love when siblings come! My studio space is natural light so there is no big, scary gear that kids can tip over. Instead there are toys and treats…and, at this session—my teenage daughter who is home schooled help with managing it all. A built in babysitter!!

Email me now to learn all about belly to baby plans in my studio!

~ Dana

Calgary Lifestyle Newborn Photographs

I love in home newborn sessions. It's true. Those first couple of weeks with a newborn baby are so special. A time to bond as a family and get into the new rhythm that comes with adding another child to your crew. This session was obviously a while ago(hello Christmas tree), but I've had a number of questions about what a lifestyle family session is like lately, so I thought that I would share one for you all to see.

Lifestyle photography has come to encompass a wide range of styles. Every photographer will find their own way of creating images they like. For me, my sessions are a mix of documentary--meaning no direction/interference from me and casual poses designed to create what I have come to call 'emotional portraiture'. This allows me to create a large gallery for you that has a wonderful mix of quirky real life images and more directed images designed to create a wonderful variety for your family archives. A lot of it is lead by the family--meaning, some families are more easy going and tend to get more documentary images. Other families feel they need more direction and I am there to provide that. When a family has a toddler(or two or three), I typically allow the toddler to lead the session. We include them when they are ready...there is no forcing, it is very relaxed. This lovely lady gave me a wide range of emotions(as toddlers tend to do) which meant that she practically stole the show. 

Another lovely thing about this particular session is that the grandparents were there to help(and make me some Newfoundland treats), so we were able to include them in the photos a bit as well. Take a peek for yourself.... 

I have just created a new lower price for my in home newborn sessions, so if you are expecting, I'd love to hear from you!

~ Dana :)

Experimental Maternity | Calgary Maternity Photographer

I just read Austin Kleon's 'Share Your Work'...so, I went through my blog to see what I had actually shared and I came to this conclusion. I have to share more!! ha. I share one or two images on Instagram or Facebook and feel like I have shared the work, but I haven't---you know? There is still more to show. So. Much. More. So, returning to the blog to share the work...

So, this is from awhile back. I put out a model call for a maternity client willing to try anything and found this lovely lady willing to sit in a tub of milk. I mean--what the heck? hahahahaha...it was weirdly wonderful actually. The INCREDIBLE floral piece is from Fleurish in Calgary. They always do an amazing job. And, the dress is from my collection. I have begun a collection for pregnant mothers to choose from. 

This is a session where I tried things in the studio but I also tried things in post...fiddling with editing to see if I could find something cool. I had fun experimenting. Thought I'd share some of what I came up with.

~ Dana

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...