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

The National Music Centre | Calgary Photographer

Urban Adventure

It is Canada's 150th Birthday this year and so I thought it would be a great time to share with you all of my favourite things right here in my own backyard. I feel so lucky to be a Canadian, but feel even luckier to live in the Calgary area. There are so many amazing places that it is hard to know where to start. So, I thought I'd start with a newer attraction to the city--The National Music Centre. 

Now, of course, the building itself is one of the most beautiful in the city. It is worth a visit just to admire the architecture(if you are into that sort of thing--which I am). But, it is so much more than just a pretty building. There are interactive displays, museum like exhibits, and regular performances. They have a Kimball Theatre Organ on the 3rd floor. There are demonstrations of it Wednesday thru Sunday at 3:00pm and I highly recommend scheduling yourselves to be there for that demonstration. We have seen it more than once and have enjoyed it each time. 

If you are also local to the Calgary area, consider getting an annual pass. This allows you to received notification of cool opportunities to experience music at the centre. I saw that there is an After Hours event on March 24th that looks super cool--open to adults only. Might make for a fun night out. 

While you are there, consider getting a coffee at Rosso--one of the best coffee houses in the city. It's located in the lobby. Or, if it's a warm day and you are willing to walk just a couple of minutes, maybe you want to head on down to the Village Ice Cream shoppe and indulge in some of the best ice cream in the city. It would be a great way to end an awesome downtown adventure.

~ Dana

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

Neighbourhood Family Adventure | Calgary Photographer

Not all families seek adventure in the ruggedness of the mountains. When babies are small, sometimes just a walk around the block can be an adventure. Discovering fallen leaves. Running into Mama's waiting arms. Just exploring the world around them. Adventure is everywhere if you know where to look for it. Lessons from watching toddlers explore for the last decade(did you know that 2017 marks my 10th year in business?).

So, what neighbourhood do you live in? Kensington, Inglewood, Auburn Bay or Tuscany? So many great neighbours to explore and look for adventure. I'd love to come visit yours.