Remember this kid?

He’s back

I love watching families grow!!! 

I just wanted to let everyone know that I will soon be launching a whole new site and with it, a whole new way of doing things. Not really a price increase, but a change. Sooooo, if you were hoping to book a session with me before the end of the year at my current rates–book now!!!! Once my new site launches, it will be out with the old and in with the new!!!

And, no. This Buzz did not have a Spanish version. Bummer.

~ Dana

Obviously a while ago now because there is snow on the ground and I think you would be pretty hard pressed to find snow on the ground today The last time this family had family pictures taken it was just four of them…and one of them had braces. It was awhile ago …The kids decided that a family photo session was the ideal Christmas gift for parents who had everything and the weather gods were in on the present because all the stars aligned and the first warm, sunshiney day of 2010 was the day of their session. I love those days–when there is still snow on the ground, but it is warm enough to go without a coat. It is a reminder that the cold dark days don’t last forever

I am dreaming of beautiful light as we pack for our vacation on the California coast. I think it is the perfect way to bring in Spring As long as we bring a big bag of mini eggs!

Happy Monday everyone,

Dana

I was just going to show the first image as it unexpectedly made my heart sing very loudly when I first saw it. But then, how could I call the blog post ‘Twosday’ which I oh so wanted to do…that is why I added the second image. Two by two It’s definitely Twosday now.

One of these wee babies…the one in the first image…is on my mind this morning. He is having surgery. Sending healing thoughts and blessings to them. If you are so moved, I thank you for doing the same.

Happy Day,

Dana

Just felt like sharing this quiet, magical moment that I had the joy of witnessing between two brothers this weekend.  Magic can be found everywhere, you just have to look for it

Remember this family??? Well, they are one of my annual clients. We have a standing date in January A casual session in their home filled with love, hugs, and crazy fun!!! This family is soooooo high energy and full of life. I can tell that they laugh ALOT together and that is the most important thing in a family. At least, it is in my opinion.

Soooooo…who is this family??? It belongs to none other than Calgary’s fabulous stylist, Kim Flanagan(formerly Mommy Wear Daily). Do you know why she is so fabulous??? She helps you shop your own closet!!! For a green mama like me that is the best kind of shopping. If you follow her blog, she gives lots of fabulous fashion tips and advice–everything from Joe Fresh to Holt Renfrew. She even told me about this one mom who hired her to help  her preteen daughter work through that awkward transition period and learn how to dress cool without dressing too old for her age. She even helped one of my clients put together their outfits for their session.  And, knowing her like I do…working with Kim would never be stressful it would be FUN!!

Anyways…on to her family. They want a shot in the same spot every year to celebrate how they’ve grown and changed…those are the first couple of shots:

Thanks again, Kim(and for the fabulous jean advice)…

Dana

I used to always do a ’sneak peek’…just a few images from each session so people could stop pacing the room wondering what types of images I took. I stopped doing that. Mostly due to time restrictions. I kept getting behind and missing some families and there never seemed to be a fair way to decide who got one and who didn’t…I’m a mom. I’m all about the fairness. Soooooo…I’m doing one today. Why? Well, because the mood struck me. I was uploading these images from today and I was struck by a couple of things that added up to all kinds of awesome sauce I loved that this family was just so comfortable in their own skins. They just let me in and allowed me to see them at work. Which, of course, means a highly competitive game of Mario Kart–do not under estimate how much work the Wii can truly be

I love this last image…the boys and their intent playing while dad monitors the game you can see mom watching them all with a giant smile on her face That’s love, boys. Thanks for playing with me today!!!

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