So, this is the one image I took in Vegas. That’s me and my roommates at WPPI(wedding and portrait photographers international–the convention). The amazing Ashley Skjaveland and the incomparable, Alicia Price. Both woman I am honored to call friends. Lucky me I had such an incredible trip. Found some great new products to offer all of you. Got some inspiration at some great classes. And, best of all, met so many incredible photographers my head is still spinning. Too many to list here. Actually, a couple I have even listed in my friday’s favorites before. We danced, we ate, we ~ahem~ shared a cocktail or two…a few of us(lucky few) were treated to a private performance by the incredible Amy Seeley. If she is not on your playlist run out and add her this instant. My favorite song is ‘I’ve Got Ideas’. I can(and have) listen to it on repeat. I love it that much.

One of the real treats was meeting Sarah and Chris Rhoads who are wonderfully authentic in everything that they do. A trait I truly cherish. So, they will be my featured blog today. AND, it is a real treat, because it is the first horizontal blog. Super duper unique and cool(like the two of them). Check them out and add them to your bloglines or your google reader(however you roll).

AND…COMING SOON…more about the birth I promise. So, do not email me. I promise more is coming. I’ll even include some technical information. I can only move so fast people. Some times I have to stop for imaginary tea with Georgia. Happy Friday!!!!

Yes indeed. They have arrived. Baby A and Baby B. Evan and Jared. Three days old in these images. THREE DAYS. Turns out that is a good time for first time photo sessions as they were supermodels. 

Such a treat to document this family through the transition from family of four to family of six! And, everyone is so relaxed and laid back at their house. Made for a very lazy Sunday afternoon. Thank you guys. I hope you enjoy the results.

 On another note–I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of me and my mom and our family for all the lovely comments and emails. We are truly so lucky.

So, has everyone done one of those lists on Facebook? You know the one. The one asking you 25 random things about yourself? That one. Well, I did it. About a month ago now. And, my number one thing was “I have the best mom in the world. It’s true. Don’t even try to argue.” It’s true. I do. And, sometimes I sit and wonder about my own abilities as a mother. AND I know I’m doing fine, but I wonder if my kids will grow up and think the same thing. So–what is it that makes my mom so great? What did she do while I was a kid that helped nurture this opinion of her. Well, she was pretty calm(and still is), but she wasn’t always calm. I mean there were some wooden spoon incidents and some mouthwashing incidents(I know you are all thinking–what, YOU, Dana–ha). But there was a lot of patience and a lot of hugs and a lot of quiet support. I wonder if I am finding that balance–you know that balance of wooden spoon incidents and silent(or, in my case, not so silent) love and support. I’m so blessed to have had such a wonderful example for me to reflect back on.

Why am I telling you all this? Well…two weeks ago(can it be that only two weeks has passed???), my family got some terrible news. A few days later it was undeniably confirmed. My mother was diagnosed with bladder cancer. I know that I am of the age that this sort of thing will become common place, but believe me when I say that I was taken completely by surprise. Who made this terrible decision? To let this happen to my mom–the best mom ever? Seriously. Well, on Thursday, that said cancer was removed from her. All of it–taken out from the place it didn’t really belong in the first place. She was given one round of chemo therapy. And, then we were delivered good news…that as far as cancers go, this was pretty good. It laid only on the surface and had hardly attached which means no more chemo therapy. Which means they’ll monitor her closely for the next two years(with painful scopes, but hey–if that’s all there is then who are we to complain). Which means, I continue to be so incredibly blessed and lucky.

Just keeping you all updated on my life outside of photography. I wish I had an image to share, but I don’t. I’m working on that though. Bribing some people to help me out on that front. I am the kind of mother who sees the benefits in bribery For those who I have already shared this news with, thank you for your love and support. For those who are reading it here for the first time, aren’t I so lucky? Truly. I hope this helps you reflect on how lucky you are…cause you are. I’m sure of it.

I had planned on putting up the one image I took while in Vegas as the first post upon arriving home. Alas…life has a way of making plans for you.

Home at midnight. 7am phone call. 7pm babies. beautiful day that I will never forget. thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart for inviting me in to experience one of the most intimate moments of your life.

Two boys were welcomed into the world yesterday. Baby A and Baby B for now. I’m still reeling with emotion. I promise to share more later.

This is me. This is me and my best friend, Bob. He is my Valentine. Obviously…if I’m in the image, I had nothing to do with it.  These images were taken by my good friend and fellow photographer, Jenny Drake. When you have images of you that show the REAL you, you truly see what a gift it is to receive. I was lucky enough to receive this gift last year. I know we’re laughing our heads off…but I gotta tell you that at our house–we laugh ALOT.

Me and my kidlets. Absolute perfection. Going in a display in my playroom. ABSOLUTELY love every last thing about it.

The best thing about this image is the starbucks cup in the corner Oh, and Jack. He’s working it out.

This is us. Truly us. Thank you Jenny for capturing us through your lens. Such a treat to be on the other side of the camera for once.

Oh…and because I’m old enough to remember when you made mix tapes for your sweetheart…I’m going to link to my favorite love song right now.

Happy Valentine’s Day…go hug the people you love. Tickle them, too…oh! and eat lots of chocolate.

ps–I’m out of office from Sunday-Wednesday. Any emails received in that time period will be replied to on Thursday. Thanks

Okay, so for the first time ever–for any holiday–I actually got on this early enough to get cards in time for the ACTUAL holiday. I am feeling pretty darn good about myself, too. So, I wanted to share some of the funny outtakes and the actual cards themselves. Before I get all sorts of emails asking about the lips–I got them in the check out line at Toys r Us a looooonnnng time ago now. They have a sucker at the end of them.

I feel the need to point out that the use of selective color in the above image is in fact a joke.

Georgia’s card. Georgia is in the habit of telling me repeatedly that Valentine’s day is LOVE day and LOVE day is CARING day..just so you all are clear on that…and Jack’s card(can I say that he cooperated a lot more, so I love love LOVE his card).

A quick note that I’m booking into April. I have a couple of spots left in March–including spots for a Short and Sweet session in Banff or Lake Louise. Soooo, if you are thinking of booking me for a session during that time–act fast. Newborn sessions should be booked while you are pregnant so that I can arrange for them to happen within the first few days of you being home from the hospital. Just so we’re clear.

 I promise at least one more post before I leave for WPPI–a super duper convention for photographers in Vegas.

Must be the weather But, I wanted to share a recent fave. I call it The Time Machine and it’s from my new favorite location.

Friday’s favorites…who have I been loving lately..hmmmm…Amelia Lyon the last two blog posts are AMAZING…check her out And, have a good weekend.

This family is welcoming their second child soon and I had the wonderful privelage of documenting this pregnancy for them. I’m really enjoying doing some ‘hot’ mamma images lately. Calgary is lucky to have so many hot moms that I think they should celebrate the beauty of their pregnancy by slipping on their best pair of heels and feeling sexy. Of course, this is a family rated blog so I am only showing some of the tamer images…including some of their son…

He had such beautiful eyelashes. Why is it always the boys who are blessed with that trait???

The WHOLE family got on the bed for a group shot. I love how the dog has his paw on the boy’s leg. I also love how he is the only one looking up at me. This was the best dog. He stayed with me throughout the session and managed to sneak into a few of the shots…

Okay, it has to be said. This woman had legs that went on forever. Seriously. When she put those shoes on, she was a good two feet taller than me. See, I come by the name ’short and sweet’ honestly Well, the short part anyways.

I chopped off a lot of heads at this session, so I thought I’d show you what they look like I call this image ‘Lovey Dovey’. I love how they form a heart. Two people…one heart. Gee whiz, how perfect with Valentine’s day coming up. I hope you enjoyed your sneak peek.  Can’t wait to meet the new little one.

Hello! If the title of this email didn’t get your attention, then this picture should do the trick!!! here are my kidlets…practicing up for Valentine’s day. Really, I’m just here to announce some changes. I have some new products that I will be unveiling at the end of the month. Why? Because they are awesome that’s why. But, also, I had to start shopping around a bit due to the ~ahem~ change in the Canadian dollar. So, my prices are going to change a bit. Out with the old, in with the fabulous. Here’s the thing…I was thinking about all of you out there in blogland who read my blog faithfully and wondering how I could reward such good behaviour. Soooooo, I decided to give you notice. For the next two weeks, until Valentine’s Day(which is February 14th–just in case you needed reminding), you can purchase your session for 2009 at 2008 prices. So, your session fee will be $200(it is going up on the 15th).  AND, you reserve yourself the right to purchase my old collections and products. Of course, the new stuff is going to be pretty great so it might be hard to resist(just fair warning).

Have a good week everyone!!!!