Simply Portraits Session | St. Patrick's Island YYC

Family portraits with toddlers can seem really daunting. That’s why I have a few suggestions…don’t get too caught up on the idea of perfection. Once upon a time, the idea of a family portrait session mean insisting on perfect outfits where everyone is smiling gently at the camera. The reality is—toddlers do not like to be controlled…so, instead of forcing them to behave a certain way, let’s just go with the flow. Come ready to cuddle, laugh and play. Bring snacks and just focus on how much you love being together as a family. Make wishes, give kisses, cuddles, and beard tickles. If we can do that instead of worrying about some other generation’s idea of perfection, we will always come out ahead with a much more enjoyable experience.

Calgary Commercial Lifestyle Photography | Food Tours

Last summer, I collaborated with the amazing video team at Parfait Productions to create a set of images and a video for Alberta Food Tours. When the pandemic hit, this company had to pivot BIG TIME so they developed an app to help people continue doing the food tours they loved to provide via a fun game called the Alberta Food Finder game. We did three different sets of images. This is the first set showing the friends playing the game and enjoying some fun food along the way. We got to stop by Crave Cupcakes for a sweet treat; Pulcinella for a glass of wine and a slice of pizza; and the Container Bar to round it out. To say we were stuffed is an understatement!! As the world opens up, it might be a fun activity for you to play the game with your friends and family while you explore some hidden gems in one of Calgary’s coolest neighbourhoods Kensington. Find the app here.

And, if you need lifestyle images for your business, I’d love to chat with you!!

Canmore Mountain Adventure Session

Last year, this family from Toronto drove to Canmore to enjoy some family time all together. They rented the coolest Airbnb in town(no, really, it’s such a cool place) and spent some time exploring Canada’s beautiful rocky mountains. One of the things I love about my job is having the opportunity to photograph families from all across the world who have come here to see first hand the beauty of Alberta. I really do feel so lucky to live here.

My mountain Adventure Sessions are a combination of documentary and casual portraits that allow my to capture your family in a natural way so that the images we create together showcase your connection and unique personalities. There is some direction, but, mostly, it’s like hanging out with a friend who also brings along her camera…so, it is the perfect solution for busy families who don’t want to have to force their kids to sit still and behave a certain way. Family portraits can be SUPER FUN…they don’t have to be stressful. Trust me ;)

If you are interested in visiting this airbnb, go here: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/18161391 and be sure to contact me to book your family Adventure Session while you are there!

~ Dana

At Home Photography Session in Calgary, Alberta

I started out my career doing at home family sessions. Then, I saw many families kind of move away from wanting those sessions…maybe they had one already and wanted something new…maybe they don’t like their house…maybe they’re secret hoarders. Whatever the reason, I found myself doing less and less of these sorts of sessions. But, recently, I’m getting asked to do them again. Maybe it’s because we have all spent so much time in our homes in the last 15 months that we think it’s time to document it and close that chapter…whatever the reason…I am here for it!! More in home family sessions please. Let’s document your kid’s rooms…your kitchen…your backyard…your street. These are always my favourite types of sessions.

These two moms are two of my favourite clients. I know I say that about a lot of people, but I get very attached to my clients and these two are no exception. Every time we meet, I laugh so hard that my side hurts when I leave. It’s the best.

One last thing…bubbles are my favourite. I often just add bubbles. I should get a pin for my jean jacket that says ‘when in doubt…just add bubbles’. ;)