Winter Family Sessions For the Win | Calgary Family Photographer

Sometimes it is hard to convince parents(let's be honest...mostly moms) that they should just 'come as themselves'. There is this tendency to think that we all need to match and the session needs to look perfect--no matter how hard I try to convince them otherwise. This mom decided to let all of that stuff go and have a session where they were truly just themselves. It helps that winter sessions make it extra difficult to try and dress all matchy matchy because buying new ski jackets and snow pants just for a photo session is a costly endeavour-ha. When she saw the photographs, she was convinced though. I asked her to write about it in her own words:

“When my husband suggested that we do winter photos this year, I thought “why not?” He typically only agrees to be in family photos to make me happy, but I could tell he genuinely liked the idea. We try to spend as much time as we can outside in the winter, and the mountains provided the perfect backdrop.

Preparing for the session was as easy as checking the weather and opening our closet to pull out our winter clothes and snowshoes. It was the first time that we didn’t buy a single new clothing item for family photos, and it felt great. So much less stress, and no pressure to find the perfect look. Just us. Exactly how we are.

We live in snow pants in the winter, and it’s how we feel most comfortable. We love to snowshoe and play together in the snow. To be outside. I really think it shines through in the photos Dana captured, as they are our favourite family photos to date. Everyone I have shown them too, comments how “us” they are! Fall photos are beautiful, but it feels nice to break with “tradition” and add a little seasonal variety to our walls. My husband and I are both thrilled with how they turned out, and we will definitely be doing winter photos again in years to come!
”

And, so here are a few of the photos...all of my sessions have been rather epically long lately. But, we are always having so much fun that I find it hard to stop!

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...

Climb Every Mountain | Calgary Family Photographer

When you shoot another photographer's family, it is always stressful. Even if that photographer is your dear friend. Truth. 

We hiked up to Grassi Lakes. I had plans to catch some stunning views, but we did not count on a few things. First...oh man, it was so super busy. Second...it was way colder than we had anticipated. We rolled with it. We got what we got. The end goal was to get this photographer dad in some of the shots with his girls because, as a photographer, that doesn't happen often enough. 

Mission accomplished.

And, if you want to give your eyeballs a treat, you should check out his work here. 

The Colours of the World | Calgary Family Photographer

I've been mentoring a lot lately. This always gets me thinking...about things like blogging and actually sharing the work that I create because...like I have said to many students--if I don't show it to anyone, how can I expect them to know that I've made it? ha. 

I really loved this session because I just got to play with the kids and really see their personalities. Sometimes it takes awhile for a family to relax and be themselves, but not this family ;) Before I knew it we were having a disco party in the living room ;)