This family’s maternity session is perhaps the most talked about session of recent months–the bathroom, the sweater(not a maternity item, ladies), the couch, and–of course, the artwork. All of these things aside, their newborn session is one that I won’t soon forget. Such a gift she is to her mama…I think her mom is one of the most joyous mamas I have ever witnessed. Tears of joy flowed at the session. And, if you don’t know me, I cannot NOT cry when someone else cries. It is physically impossible for me. I love my job!!! I especially love when I have the opportunity to capture this journey from belly to baby. The trust that develops between artist and client allows me to work in the best possible environment creating unique images that together tell the story of a new life beginning.

First…let me introduce Sweet Stella.

As much as I think capturing images of the baby alone is important, family images that truly express their excitement at welcoming this new little member far outweigh those images. At this session, I was lucky enough to be present when Stella’s big brother got to hold her for the first time. Not only was it the first time he got to hold her, but it was the first time he held any baby. It was so sweet and gentle and wonderful. When asked what he thought, her 18 year old brother said he thought it was ‘pretty cool’ Here is their newly expanded family…

And, now…mama. Recreating the couch shots from her maternity session with her new babe(6 days new) in her arms.

Thank you to this lovely family for opening your home and your hearts for me to see I look forward to seeing Stella grow!!!

Dana

Just because I can. And because the sun came out for me for the first time on a session in a long time. And I needed that. And, they’re so cute

And, oh yeah–GO CANADA GO!!!!

Dana

Welcome Max to the world!!! This is one of my favorite newborn sessions ever. Not because I am biased and love the family(which I am and I do), but it just worked out that way I will let the photos speak for themselves…

There is another baby explosion happening in Calgary!!! This week has been the week of maternity inquiries. I don’t think I have had a week in my career so far, with quite as many of them at once. A common question from expectant mother’s is in regards to their first child. They wonder if, in their maternity session, the first child can be present and in the images as well. I’ll let these images answer that question.

Clearly, the star of this session is not the belly. As cute as that little belly is(and it is pretty darn cute), you simply cannot compete with that cute little spiky do and those sparkling blue eyes. It was a gorgeously frosty day, on the day of their session, so I had the wonderful idea to go outside. Well, I lasted all of about 10 minutes. Long enough to get a few shots I liked, but no longer. It was FREEZING!!! And, they were all such good sports. Then, we headed home for some more cozy shots…

You know you are a mom when your belly and your legs become a track for Thomas the Train!!!

I love that last shot. Such a gorgeous mama!!! And, their newest one should be here anyday!!! I just thought I better share something before I head out again. I’m off to NY to photograph my friend, Kristen’s new little guy! I’ll be back on Thursday. I hope these images hold you all over until then!! Have a lovely week…

Later Skaters,

Dana

Whilst in New York, I met this lovely family who welcomed a beautiful little girl after three gorgeous and sporty boys! Do you know what the best thing will be for this little girl?? She will be fast and strong because she has to be in order to keep up with her brothers, but she will also have three protectors on the playground. These boys showered this little girl with love!! I can see that her future suitors will have a long line to wade through before they are able to reach her They fought over who’s turn it was to hold her. I love big families Makes me wish for more kids!!

I love my job. I say that all the time, but it’s true. This family was so relaxed and genuine and easily themselves that it made my job so easy. And SPORTY. I have met my fair share of sporty families but I think this family tops them all!! I love that they were willing to run around the soccer field and play–even while carrying the baby!!! And, while they were sporty, they were also incredibly loving. And happy. Truly happy. That makes me truly happy, too

I just wanted to say that I love New York. Until you have been there, you might not understand how wonderful New Yorkers truly are….but everytime I am there, I am struck by how friendly they all are. It’s a big city that feels like a community. And THAT is hard to find. While there, I got to visit with my friend, Chris. I am considering going back to New York in October to visit him and see his lovely wife in Mary Poppins on broadway. I think I will bring my kids Sooooo…any New Yorkers interested in a fall session in 2010?? Give me a shout!!!

I thought I would brighten up a wintery day with one of my fall sessions. Yes…yes, I know. I am behind in posting. Even if I didn’t tell you that, you would see it from the lack of snow in this post. If I was all caught up though, all you’d be getting would be my own personal images from Christmas…so, isn’t this a nice break???

I’ve been thinking a lot about what a session with me is all about. I think it is difficult to explain to people that it is a portrait in the purest sense. Meaning that I just don’t take a pretty picture of you smiling nicely. I take my time creating a collection of images that together give you a portrait of your family–the love, the craziness, the connection that only you have. This family was perfectly suited for that…they showed up(looking oooohhhh so cute in their bright colors) with their hearts on their sleeves. Ready to play and cuddle and laugh…and kiss a little as well!!! There is always kissing at my sessions. ALWAYS. Never had one where there wasn’t any

That series of images with their dad–well, they are some of my favorite dad images of ALL TIME!! And I particularly love the contrast with the mom images–they were so sweet with her, so gentle and kind and so CRAZY with their dad–wrestling and screaming…utter perfection to me

There you have it…a fun day at Fish Creek park waaaaaaayyyyy back in mid November. I just thought I’d add that over the holidays everyone I met was telling me how much they loved my blog and it got me thinking…hmmm…funny thing that you never comment. So if you were one of those people–COMMENT. Remember that scene in ‘Julie and Julia’ when she got her first comment?? Well, that is how every blogger feels when they get a comment yup. And, if you haven’t seen that movie–RENT IT NOW!!! Meryl Streep is FANTABULOUS in it!!!

Going to enjoy my morning latte now!! Later skaters

Have I ever said that before??? I seriously do have the best job ever. After a bit of a break from shooting(truth is I don’t shoot much in December), I spent the afternoon with this lovely lady sipping tea and playing dress up. We laughed. We cried. I am seriously the world’s biggest suck. I cried once in the Seattle airport while witnessing a reunion of two total strangers. I have been known to tear up when my kids are playing pretend. Seriously…it can be embarassing.

Recently, I have had a couple of emails from other photographers asking me how I find clients with showhomes for houses. I answered quite innocently saying that my clients just have FABULOUS taste. It’s true…some of their houses are amazing, but the thing that gets me teary is the love that makes them a home. THAT SAID, yesterday I got giddy with this bathroom. Giddy. The tile(I mean COME ON–IT’S FABULOUS) and you should have seen the stand alone tub surrounded by windows. I think I would spend hours in that tub watching the city chaos below safe in my calm surroundings ahhhhhh….and this mama–isn’t she glowing?? See…best job ever.

I bet you are all asking yourselves–did she just blog about a bathroom. Yes. Yes I did

Many people have asked me why I went to NY…specifically. I mean, the better question is, of course, why wouldn’t you go to NY? Not really a big city girl, New York is one of those cities where I could live. In amongst it’s hussle and bustle is this sense of community that I find utterly attractive. This sense like everyone has their special places where someone will recognize you and welcome you and make you feel like home. You. Picked out of this giant sea of people.

Somewhere in this sea of people, lives my good friend, Kristen. Kristen is pregnant. I should say…Kristen is FINALLY pregnant. She has longed to be a mother for her whole life and now this dream is finally coming true. We met as nannies in Los Angeles many years ago. And, I know that this…being a mother…is what she was born to be. It was such a pleasure to capture this time in her life for her and her husband.

We spent a day taking images. We started out at The Stone Barns in Westchester county. Home of the famed Blue Hill Restaurant…and cafe, of course. A charming little place where this couple has spent a good deal of time walking the property and munching on treats from the cafe. It’s their place. Then, after that, Kristen and I took the train into the city and dashed around Central Park(where the rest of the images were taken). We then, of course, visited Canal Street(a favorite area of mine) and Little Italy(for supper and a treat). It looks like I might be going back for newborn photos sometime at the end of January…just for a quick visit. Can’t wait.

I have baby bellies on the brain as I am off to see one today and will see another one over the holidays!! I love maternity sessions So, in a maternity session frame of mind, thought I’d post this special belly for you all! Happy Wednesday…

Do you know that song by Amos Lee? That’s what I listened to whilst editing this session. You might recall his gorgeous parents from their maternity session waaaaaayyyyy back. Well, this little guy would not listen to his notice to vacate and took his very sweet time braving this new world. Everyone is so thrilled that he is finally here.

I love this first shot with his giant soother demonstrating just how tiny he really is. I always love parent shots. The images where you can see them looking at their little bundle with wonder, amazement and love. I remember feeling that way. It only grows that feeling and creeps up on you when they are older when they say or do something out of the blue. Seeing this on a regular basis allows me to recognize when it is happening to me with my older babies and I always hold on to it for as long as I can

My favorite shot is the wide eyed shot near the end. Full of curiosity for this new world. When babies look at me like that, I always ask them ‘Who are you going to be??’…a bundle of possibilities. Thank you for letting me witness this A&L…and wee baby J

I love to travel. It’s true. One of the greatest gifts of travel is the people you meet. While in New York, I got to spend a sunny afternoon with these twins!! Twins!! The same, but yet, so completely different!  I got to hang out with them in their home while they showed me where they play and all of their favorite things. These are my favorite kinds of sessions. Thanks guys for a wonderful afternoon!!!

You can see images from this session here and here as well.

**I have had many requests for travel next year. I am open to travelling, but require a minimum of 5-6 families in order to seriously look at a city. Definitely in my plans are: California–all over(April), Toronto(May), and New York(October). I often go to Edmonton, Red Deer, and all places in between…Other cities that have lists include: Atlanta, Denver, and Budapest(it’s true–crazy!!!)…

**Before I get emails regarding the technical aspects of these photographs I thought I would note that these were all shot with my 5D Mark II. The highest ISO was 4000. Yes, 4000. I am not afraid of pushing my camera to its limits. That’s what limits are for. I use Neat Image to clean them up a bit when necessary. The fisheye I use is a 15 mm 2.8. I had some emails regarding some of these images already so I thought I would beat you all to the punch!!