I sit here in tears after reading my good friend, Shaun’s most recent blog post and I know that I have to share it with all of you. Shaun, his fiance Stephanie, and his dad, Gord are all photograpahers whom I know and love. Shaun and I had the pleasure of attending a lifechanging, business altering workshop by the wonderful Jesh deRox a couple of years ago. It is an experience I reflect on often–especially right now as I head to the largest photography convention and hope to be able to hear Jesh speak once again. Just now as I read Shaun’s blog post ‘Everyone has a story‘, I knew that I had to share it with you.

He’s right…everyone does have a story. I picked up a camera about 4 years ago when I was unhappy with the images others were taking of my uncooperative daughter and I knew that there had to be an easier way. It slowly became an all consuming passion–keeping me up at night(seriously), soaking in as much as I can. Do you know what is great about photography? Aside from the things that Shaun speaks of like the ability for it to allow you to recall certain events emotionally, as a photographer there is always something new to learn. I love that. It makes it easy to stay interested and excited and passionate because there is always something new for me to try.

Something that Shaun spoke of really hit home for me. Being a woman, I hate having my picture taken. I know that most people consider this to be beyond painful. I find myself always wishing I was thinner or younger looking or that my hair looked better. One of the greatest gifts of being a photographer for me is watching other women struggle through this same thing and then realizing that all I see when I look at their images is beauty…the beauty of the love they feel for their family or that they feel for her. And, it made me realize that there needs to be more images of me–depsite all of my hesitations. That I need these images for my children and for their children and so on. I have often said when parents are reluctant to have their picture taken that I am not taking it for them. I am taking it for their children. And, so despite the fact that I feel old and chubby most days, I am excited to be having our own family images done in April. Nervous about what to wear(but I think I found the right jeans today), but excited to see the love my family feels for each other in print. And on my walls.

I encourage everyone to read Shaun’s blog post. I feel particularly touched as he has asked me and my lovely friend, Alicia Price to be the photographers at his wedding to the lovely, Stephanie. I can’t wait.

Just felt like sharing tonight,

Dana

I once had a Taylor…except I was dating Bob. I think I just used him for the extra shots. Don’t hate me   I love this…just something to make you laugh.

Did you know that the pronunciation of the name Janaya in Arabic means ‘fairy’? Look at her, this little fairy Her brother is inviting  you to come and meet her!!!

Remember them from their maternity session??? Their lovely little girl has arrived!!! Happy Monday!!

PS–someone once asked me to tell why I like certain images, etc…so here it is: I love the the first image of brother and sister in black and white…there is something so raw about it and the light is delish. I also love the image of big brother leaning in to give her a kiss…the sweetness of it. I love to recreate images from maternity sessions with the baby, so the image with mom and dad on the couch kissing with the baby on her lap is a favorite. I would display it on the wall with a similar one from the maternity. The family shots are some of my favorite newborn shots with a sibling ever–big brother was sooooo cooperative and good and the look he gives me in the one is killer. K.I.L.L.E.R. And, the final series of the parents with the baby I really liked how connected they were with her and with each other. I love how peaceful it all looks and knowing the truth of how ~ahem~ crazy big brother was at times, but how everyone was able to remain in the moment while the chaos happened around them. Is that enough??? oh! one little detail I love is the heart shaped bruise under daddy’s nail. I love that little detail. That is something one cannot plan

Thanks for checking in on me

Dana

 

I can’t wait to blog this session…it’s one of my favorite newborn sessions of all time. I know, I know–one should not play favorites, but it is inevitable. So, here is a wee sneaky peaky for Valentine’s day. All you need is love. And naps. And snacks. Snacks are important too…may your day be filled with all three Happy Valentine’s day!!!

…is one of my favorite things about my job. Today, I visited this family for the third time. It is like going to see old friends and marvelling at the changes in their life. Here is an image from each of their previous sessions:

And, today…with her new little brother

 

I just love how she was napping and then opened her eyes and for the briefest of moments remained peacefully looking into my lens So lovely to see you all again!!! I look forward to our next visit!

It’s that time of year again–break out your favorite toque, scarf and mitts!! Let’s grab a hot cocoa and have some fun before the snow disappears!!!

I was going to say ‘Calgary’ but more than half of my blog readers come from other places in the world so I’ll just say ‘Blogland’ We have opted to have a quiet evening at home to ring in the new year. It will be a little less quiet as, thanks to my friend Deanna, I have this song playing on repeat REALLY LOUDLY!!!

I feel truly blessed at how things have unfolded over the last year. Even more so when I look forward to all of the things that are happening in 2010. Thank you to all of my wonderful clients, friends and family who encourage and support me more than they will ever know!! Bring on 2010!!!

Today is my last official day before Christmas. I still have a little bit of work to do…orders to place, things to deliver, but then I will be away until December 29th. I will have access to email(thanks to my handy iphone), but I will be focusing on making this holiday a special time for my family.

I wanted to share with you some of my favorite Christmas things. I thought about doing this while we were driving in our car this weekend and The Vinyl Cafe’s Christmas story came on. If you are not Canadian or you are not a fan of CBC radio, you might not know who Stuart McLean is. Nor would you know his fabulous radio hour. Such a shame. Especially at Christmas time. This year’s story was my favorite so far–Dave and Morley’s son buys his first grown up presents. I cried while we sat in the parking lot at Micheal’s waiting for it to end. Of course, I cry easily these days. You can listen to it on itunes under the CBC podcasts(the story starts about halfway through the podcast). It is called “Morley’s Gloves’ and it’s free and VERY CHRISTMASY …you can also buy past Christmas stories from itunes if you search ‘The Vinyl Cafe’…of course, all Canadians will know the beloved ‘Dave Cooks The Turkey’…something we listen to every year as we drive from my parent’s house to my in-law’s. And we laugh…big belly laughs…no matter how old and nerdy we feel. We still can’t help ourselves. That guy can tell a story.

Now that I have admitted to being a fan of The Vinyl Cafe, I feel I can also admit that one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time is ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ starring the always fabulous, Judy Garland. Her version of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Christmas’ in that movie is still the best version of that song EVER.

Thought we’d start the holiday off right:

Last night, I went to my friend’s house and treated myself and Georgia to winter ‘pedicures’…well, according to the girl who does them ‘not a pedicure, not perfect, but toetally fun!!’ She doesn’t have a website or I’d link, but I am hoping that they last awhile as I plan on wearing flip flops VERY SOON. Georgia got red nails with fancy white & silver snowflakes…she loved it so much she is now saying that instead of a hotel birthday party she wants a toe painting party!! Hotel birthday party??? Yes, Georgia’s favorite thing to do is go to a hotel, swim and order room service. That is what she wanted to do for her birthday…hmmm…I am thinking toe painting is a MUCH better idea!!

Soon, I’ll blog a session. I promise

I have to share this…several of my friends have actually emailed me this link as Jack is having a year where he is questioning this whole North Pole stuff…This is AWESOME!!! Thanks to everyone who alerted me to it’s existence!! Happy Monday everyone!!
http://santa.sympatico.ca/home/