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
Photographing Teens....some thoughts
I've been doing quite a few headshots in the studio recently, so I have been asking(or begging depending on who you ask) if Jack would let me take a new one of him. Eventually, he relented--his only request being that I get one shot of him and the dog. So, here we are....Jack, 14 years old...in the studio.
While we were doing these, he said 'I'm not good at this anymore'...and, I was all like 'what do you mean?'....but, here's the thing. I knew what he meant. Somewhere between 12-14, kids stop being comfortable just being themselves in front of the camera. I mean...it happens to everyone and I think it only gets worse as people age. But, I am persistent. I will stick with these teens until they give me what I want--a real expression. A moment of connection with me so that the photograph shows me more than what they look like...it gives me a glimpse into who they are.
For me--teens need to be photographed one of a handful of ways. First, in their bedrooms. For some reason, bedroom portraits of teens really work. They typically relax there. The objects they surround themselves with give us lots of things to talk about and add an extra glimpse into their character. Second, in studio. Now that they are older, they typically take direction really well, so studio portraits allow us to document them quickly and painlessly. The simplicity of studio portraits shows us the beauty of this age by focusing on their features--we see glimpses of both the children they were and the adults they are becoming. And, lastly, engaged in their 'thing'...all teens have a 'thing' -- a sport or a hobby that consumes much of their after school time. Something they are passionate about. Photographing them while they do their 'thing' allows them to relax and show me their true selves.
How would you like me to photograph your teen? I would love to collaborate and get you photographs to enjoy for years to come.
~ 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.
