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

In that last shot, I am telling Georgia to just ignore the camera. I love that it is out of focus. Those are my 3 Christmas presents to myself in the background(three lovely 11×14 canvases). Love them. Here we go…kids sitting down to eat, Bob and I cuddle(we do this a lot our kids are used to it), and the kids decide they have to get in on the action…

And, then finally…a shot I am happy with.

February flew by. Usually a slow month for us, this year it was crazy and chaotic. Which is okay…truly…but when you are expecting one thing and you get another, it just takes you by surprise.

It started out with me flying to NY to meet Kristen’s baby and it included a couple of trips out to the country to look at cars as we needed a new one. We did finally find one in Innisfail. And, we are now the proud owners of a rocking station wagon. Jack kept calling it a van until I finally corrected him. He asked why it was called a station wagon. Here are some of the February moments we won’t soon forget:

*the return of Pretend Friend. Georgia has had this imaginary friend for a long time, but it had been months since we had seen her. She has returned full force. Her mom now has twins(right after we spent a weekend going to our friend’s twins’ first birthday party AND our neighbour had twins–does Georgia think everyone has twins???). It is still often her birthday and grand plans must be made to accomodate this(including once Georgia demanding a chocolate cupcake at Starbucks for pretend friend. I told her I bought a pretend cupcake. This did not go over well), but now, Georgia often wants her to sleep over. In fact, one night this month, she announced that Pretend Friend’s mom was going to sleep over as well. Bob was very interested in knowing what this pretend mom looked like and where she was going to sleep. I just shook my head at the conversation and then asked ‘Is there a pretend dad??’

*We took Jack to see Avatar. In Imax 3D. For those of you that know me, you will know that this is a big step. Poor Jack does not get to see action movies and thrillers like so many of his classmates(at least he tells me they all get to go) because I am concerned that he is too young. We decided that Avatar would be the exception given the significant buzz around this movie. We took Georgia to her friend’s(Kiella–a real friend) and the three of us spent an afternoon with 3D glasses on completely buying into this digital world. Jack was embarassed as I kept asking him if he was okay during the fight scene. He assures me he is not scarred for life because of this.

*Georgia had her 4 and a half year old shots. Yes she was 5 in January. This is how we roll. Apparently, she is in the 50th %ile for height and weight. We are surprised it’s that high

* we were invited to our friend’s house for supper. They live so close we can walk. We did. Walking home was an issue. After an evening of Crokinole and Catch Phrase and much to much wine, walking home took a considerably long time. It was worth it though as we laughed so hard. And, we continue to laugh. Face offs will be Puck Drops from now on in Pughville. –sorry for the inside joke.

*we were greatly moved by the Olympics. Alexandre Bilodeau, Joannie Rochette, John Montgomery, Charles Hamelin…the list goes on.

We look forward to March being a little slower.

Later skaters,

Dana

PS–I forgot to add that this project is being done with my friend and fellow photographer, Tara…if there is anyone else doing it, please feel free to post the link in my comments to your entry. Wreckless Girl–I’m counting on you

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

And, oh yeah–GO CANADA GO!!!!

Dana

The map is not entirely correct…we’ll head up the coast of California to San Francisco(one of my favorite cities EVER) and follow the coast all the way up to Vancouver. Our schedule is still fairly flexible, so I may be convinced to go a wee bit out of our way.

And, if you are a photographer who would like to connect, give me a shout as well. I may be able to squeeze in some social time If not, there is always WPPI. Who’s going this year???

Happy Thursday everyone!

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.

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

*** thank you. I am overwhelmed with responses to this casting call. I am confident that I will find someone to fill the spot from those who have already replied.

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!!!