Baby Studio Session | Okotoks Photography Studio
There is always such a rush to get maternity and newborn photographs. And, for good reason. Those moments are fleeting. They rush by in a blur of doctor's appointments and sleepless nights. A baby is only a newborn for such a brief window, that many people actually miss getting those portraits. They don't realize that newborn photographs are best booked by due date so that they can be sure to leave space for them before the moment passes them by. If you are an expectant mother looking to book a professional photographer, it is best to contact a photographer before you hit 32-34 weeks. This way, you can take advantage of any maternity photography specials that they'll offer to their newborn clients. Maternity photographs best happen at 32-34 weeks. You can also get in their schedule for your newborn session. They'll give you information on how to prepare for that session ahead of time, so that once baby arrives, preparation for the session is at a minimum.
All of that said, 6-9 month portraits...those are my favourite. This is how you will remember your baby. The big happy grins, the chubby cheeks, and the pure joy at just being with mom and dad. I'd like to say that you'd be better slept, but the truth is, you'll probably just be better at managing your lack of sleep. You'll be hitting your stride with parenting and these moments are worth capturing for your family just as much as those itty bitty newborn toes. Many photographers offer 'first year' type of packages for their newborn clients. If this is something that interests you, please ask!!! All of my newborn clients are eligible for a 6-9 month session in studio for a flat rate of $500(+gst). That includes the session and the digital files. I thought today, I'd share with you a sample of what one of those sessions looks like. This is wee baby Wren and her amazing parents. I have photographed this family starting at their wedding all the way through to these portraits. They are what I call one of my 'legacy families'. Watching families grow is one of the greatest joys of my life.
So, bring my all of your babies!!! I'd love to see them in the studio or in your home. Contact me for more details.
~ Dana
This Little Light of Mine
I love my clients.
I got a studio so that I could try new things...explore and play. Lots of other photographers kept asking me what my plan was...no plan I'd say. I mean...I had PLANS but that was the plan--no plan. hahahahaha. Just to try and get back to my roots. Back to those days when I used to ask my clients to do things and I'd take risks that maybe wouldn't pay off, but maybe they would. I figured that now that I had years of experience behind me, I'd have a better chance of pulling off some of those risks. How's that for honesty? hahahahahaha. I often don't know what the outcome will be...for me, it is a journey. A process. And, we work through it together. And, in the end, the images are a collaboration.
I am not a poser...I had to say that. I mean, I make teeny adjustments from time to time, but mostly, I give you a task and the 'pose' is a result of that. I felt the need to say that in light of a slew of comments on Instagram about one particular pose from this set. It made me chuckle because...not a pose. A cuddle. That's all ;)
I simply cannot wait to meet this wee little one.
And...if you check out the section of my website called 'For Photographers' you will see that I am teaching a class all about taking risks ;)
Love,
Dana
Okotoks Maternity Session
This gorgeous mama to be is more than just a client. She has grown to be a dear friend. So happy to help her welcome her new little one into the world. So glad we did this when we did because just a couple days later would have been too late. Can't wait to meet her newest little man! ~ Dana
Little Miss Molly | Calgary Newborn Photography
Since I'm having a big BABY SALE this winter, I thought that I'd share a recent baby session!! Here is wee Molly and her family. Her mom, author Ashley Britten, her dad and her grandparents were all on hand to welcome her to the world. Usually, I am drawn to colour images, but for some reason...this was a session I far preferred in black and white. So much so...I almost did a whole black and white blog post, but decided against it as there were a few colour images that I just couldn't leave out.
I love this session because it feels very relaxed and authentic to me. When I come into your home(or meet you at some fabulous location or have you to my soon to be amazing studio), I don't want you to be stressing over where to look, how to stand or how to place your arms. I just want you to focus on loving each other. Simple enough, right? Because for me, my favourite images are ones that show you what your love looks like. The glances, the small gestures, and the expressions that illustrate the connection and the love that your family feels for each other--that is what I am drawn to capture through my lens. Every photographer is different. That is why it is so important when you are choosing a photographer for you to pick one whose work you adore. This moment in your life only happens once...and, I know it's cliche, but now that my son is 12 I can safely say that it goes by WAY.TOO.FAST.
Welcome to the world wee Molly Britten. Much love to you from us here in Pughville.
~ Dana