Personal Work

This is the time of year when I do a lot of personal work. It's a slower time of year for family portraits, so I try to tackle my long list of things I want to shoot for myself. This image came from some recent personal exploration and I just loved the light, so I thought I'd share it.  This year, I've also kept most of my personal work more to myself than ever before. Partially because it doesn't feel like it belongs here and I'm not sure where to put it, but also because it feels more like mine that way.

Since my dad passed away a year and a half ago, I haven't really made time for much personal work. There was a different kind of personal work that needed to be done. But, now I am diving in and enjoying it in a different way. If you are a photographer and you are reading this...I want to encourage you to do more of it. You can learn so much. For me, it has helped with my confidence...it helps make you realize what you are good at and what you need to work at. It gives you focus. It allows you to try something new....to make mistakes while trying something new and to learn from those mistakes. And, it really is your 'real work'...

For now...just a glimpse of some of my 'real work' ;) Because today I felt like sharing.

~ Dana

PS--thanks to Laura (and Nikki--not pictured here) for helping me with this. I have had the privilege of photographing Laura's maternity, newborn, engagement, wedding...after that many sessions working with her was like a fun afternoon hanging with an old girlfriend ;) And, there was Fresca(I LOVE FRESCA).

Friday Favourites - Monkey Mountain

We are a family that loves board games. Bob has no problem letting the kids win(just saying), but I am not one of those parents who let their kids beat them. Over the years, we have grown quite a collection of games. Some of them take a very long time to play and when the kids ask, we GROAN knowing that the game will take hours. But, when they want to play a quick game or two of something cool, our most recent choice has been Suspend by Melissa and Doug. Our kids alway compare it to an artist we saw in a Cirque show once. It is a quick, fun game to play when you don't have time for Monopoly or Risk ;)

Our favourite store to shop for games is by far the toy store in Okotoks called Monkey Mountain. They have an incredible selection of board games, not to mention an incredible selection of just about anything cool and unique. They are also super helpful and will bring in a toy if you can't find it. And, super fast shipping should you want to order from their website. Which if you do before May 1, 2014, you can use the code SHORTSWEET14 to get $10 off a minimum $50 order. There is a limit of 1 coupon code per customer.

And, if you are one of those sneaky Calgary people who come out to Okotoks to shop at our Costco(don't think we don't notice), you should definitely head downtown and check out their store. If you are looking for some Easter treats, they have these super cool Playmobil Easter eggs. A great alternative to chocolate(or addition). Make sure to check out their Facebook page for cool contests and promotions.  And, while you are there, if you are lucky, you might get a discount card for your next session with me in your shopping bag ;) Just saying...

Happy Friday!

~Dana :)

Photography Meetup

One of the things I have loved about my journey in photography has been the community that I have been able to grow and surround myself with. It has been the single greatest asset in my own growth creatively and technically. Lately, I have given a lot of thought to that community and the people within it. Some of those people are students who have grown into friends and who keep asking me to teach more classes. Truthfully, I feel a bit intimidated about the idea of teaching. Mostly because I want so greatly to be able to reach my students and be assured that they are learning something. There are a lot of classes available to photographers now and I don't want my classes to be like so many of those I would describe as 'empty'. At the same time that all of those thoughts have been banging about in my head, so has the notion that the online existence of the photography industry just isn't right for me any longer. I want real interactions/discussions/relationship building. I want to move my online community to my real life. So...to that end...I have decided to host a photography meet up. One where local Calgary and area photographers can meet and shoot and talk shop and get to know each other(yes, I know that was a run on sentence...I did it intentionally so I think that means it's cool grammatically speaking). I want this meet up to be open to anyone who might be interested in growing their own community. Don't be intimidated...grab your camera and come! If it proves popular, I'll host more.

So, I propose a walk through Fish Creek Park for starters. And, then, perhaps we can move on and have drinks afterwards. This is a democracy, so we will vote on 'bar or coffee shop'. But, if you have ever wanted to ask me a question or just to meet other people who also have a passion for photographing their way through life, then this is meant for you.

Photography Meetup

when: Tuesday, April 8th @ 5:30pm

Where: Fish Creek Park(contact me via this website to receive full details)

What to bring: your smiling face and your camera...and, your walking shoes. We will be walking. Dress for the weather. And, oh...leave your kids at home. I think it would be more fun if it was just us adults.

RSVP: through the contact page on this website. I'll send you further details. Make sure to vote 'bar' or 'coffee shop'

Who is this for: I will assume a basic understanding of photographing in manual, but...don't let that intimidate you if you feel like you should come. I haven't taught a beginner class in awhile, but if enough beginners show an interest...well...I will :)

And, because a post isn't a post without a picture...something I took in Norway

And, be sure to share this with any of your friends out there who might be interested in coming out to play! If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask either in the comments section here or on Facebook. See you on the 8th!

~ Dana

Friday's Favourites: Norquay's Tubing Park

This week's Favourite happened today...that's how fresh it is ;) We went with some friends to Mt. Norquay's tubing park. It was way better than I was expecting to be honest. And, I can totally see why there is a minimum size requirement for kids--you get some serious speed(I believe you must be 42" tall and 4 years old). It's sadly a little hard to get big camera pictures so all you get are a few from my phone(how I would love to get in there with my big camera!!). As you can see, there is a magic carpet so you don't have to run up the hill. It is faster if you choose to run though. You can buy two types of passes--two hour or full day. I'm not sure that two hours is that much actually. For the slight price difference, I suggest making it more of a day and breaking it up with lunch. Getting up the hill and waiting in line takes enough time that I think two hours is probably not enough for most kids. And even though you might think all you do is go down the hill...the kids are very creative with how they do it. Singles, doubles, triples(that's the limit)...spinning, no spinning...bum up to get the most speed(that's what I was told anyways, but I can assure you that my butt was firmly down...my heart was in my throat though...so fast). A fun thing to do with the kids in the winter.

I hear there is one at Nakiska now, too. Wondering if anyone was tried it out and what their thoughts were.

Happy Friday,

Dana