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 

Toronto Neighbourhood Adventure | Calgary Family Photographer

Urban Adventure

I often photograph other photographer's families. It is a special honour. Truly. It also makes me nervous as heck. True story. So, when Kerry Grogan asked me to photograph her family while I was in Toronto last year, my palms got all sweaty but I quickly said yes. Yes because--photographers will totally let you do whatever you want no questions asked. So, we had a leisurely session where we hung out at home first, played a little street hockey in their driveway and then headed to a favourite park. This is my favourite kind of session because it allows me to capture such a variety of images. Plus, the relaxed feeling of the session allows everyone to be themselves a lot quicker. 

It's funny because some photographers limit their time with you making the session feel rushed and more like a traditional portrait session. I don't like to restrict myself. I like to give us all the time and space we need to create incredible imagery. Some families that naturally happens quicker than other families, but...these slow sessions...the sessions where I truly see who you are...they are my favourite type of session. 

Add to that the bonus of being able to nerd out with photography talk while Kerry drove me back to my hotel and I was in nerd photographer heaven ;)

Still blogging!!! I have lots of sessions to share, but I also want to share some tips and techniques so if there is anything you want to know, just ask! Maybe I'll be inspired to do an entire blog post about it!!

~ Dana

Ladybugs, Grasshoppers, and Floral Crowns

This day came along right when I needed it. A day where a handful of people who loved each other came together to celebrate that love. Elopements are always intimate, but this one was super special because the couple's five children were there. In between vows, bouquets were passed, as were toddlers. Wishes were made on rings and then repeated on the wings of a ladybug. The children caught grasshoppers while the rain stayed away just long enough for us witness the union of these two brave, strong, wonderful humans. Being welcomed into this ceremony, and this family's life, has been a wonderful gift. 

Fall in the Mountains | Calgary Family Photography

Mountain Adventure

Many of the families who come to me for photographs love to visit the mountains. Who can blame them? They are gorgeous and there is always adventure amongst the beauty to be found there. As a family, we also enjoy exploring the mountains and, over the years, I've created a long list of places where we can take stunning photographs while exploring. 

This session was with a family who I have been lucky enough to photograph multiple times over the years. They truly belong in the mountains, so it was a no brainer that we would head there for their session. We met at Wedge Pond in Kananaskis. It is a beautiful place to visit on a fall afternoon. We stuck to the path around the pond itself, but there are many paths to walk along. In fact, I have visited here before for a beautiful winter session where we snowshoed both on the pond and on the paths. No matter the season, it is a great place to picnic. On the way home, you can even stop for an ice cream or a hot chocolate at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge--they've got you covered no matter the season ;) 

This session is a great reminder that when I photograph kids, their pants might get dirty, they might not 'cooperate' and funny faces are always encouraged. 

This makes me miss the warm sun and colours of an Alberta fall. It is my favourite time of year for sure.

~ Dana