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!

Floral Crown Maternity Sessions...

They are quickly becoming my favourite type of maternity sessions. Gorgeous mama to be in the studio yesterday. Can't wait to meet her little one!

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...