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Kelowna Photography Retreat 2012 With Ashley Skjaveland

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 Posted in Retreats, Uncategorized

May 4, 5, & 6th

Kelowna, British Columbia

Ashley & Dana present a weekend learning opportunity for photographers. Join us for discussions on creativity,

inspiration, client experience, pricing, marketing, natural newborn posing & authentic family

interactions. Plus, you will have the opportunity to watch both of us photograph

one of our signature sessions.

There is a limit of 16 attendees & we expect these spots to go quickly.

Registration is now OPEN. Please visit the address below to secure your spot:

Your hosts:

ashleyskjaveland.com | shortandsweetphotography.ca

by Dana

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What I Did This Weekend

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Posted in Retreats

I took this image on Sunday out in the mountains. I spent this weekend hosting my first ever Short and Sweet Retreat in Canmore, AB. I was surrounded by the most incredible group of women who shared with me all of their concerns about their art and their life…and their business. I learned so much from them and the testimonials and critiques that they are sending in have been so overwhelmingly positive and helpful that I feel more confident about continuing my journey of helping other photographers than I ever imagined I would.

My goal for this retreat(and for future retreats–check the blog tomorrow for a big announcement) is to create a nourishing environment where we can all focus on discovering what we need for our business, our art, and our life. As women, we rarely stop and take stock of everything…I want to help you regroup and focus on going forward in a more balanced and positive way. The house for this retreat was the absolute perfect environment to do that in…check out the living room!

And, just a quick note…thought I’d share some of what the attendees had to say:

Seriously, Dana. Is there anything you don’t ROCK at? The passion and energy that you have for your work truly made the weekend amazing. I knew it would – that’s why I went! I learned so much about myself and my photography, and the weekend as a whole put so many things into perspective. Thank you for being so incredibly willing to share your knowledge, experience and thoughts. And laughs!! I am inspired and refocused. So many good things to come. Thank you, Dana.

~ Alisa Groves

Picture this.

You are in the mountains.

The trees are gently covered in freshly fallen snow.

You are cuddled up on a gorgeous couch, with a hot cup of tea, in front of a roaring fireplace.

Snuggled up with a warm blanket…

AND you are surrounded by 15 beautifully talented photographers.

It’s perfect- right?

This was my weekend.

A weekend FULL of joy, laughter, encouragement, kind new friends, wonderfully delicious food (including ridiculously yummy caterered meals, fresh fruit, pastries of all kinds, and all the candy you could dream of – hello M&Ms and Jelly Bellies!) and of course the heart and insights of the lovely & talented Dana Pugh.

The theme this weekend was empowerment. Dana, in her crazy, joyful, one of a kind way gave us each the tools to find within ourselves our own voice. What is our art going to say? She was an open book, inviting us in to how she runs her business, but more importantly to how she expresses herself as an artist. How she manages to capture the love in the families she shoots.

I am a little overwhelmed. A lot excited. And mostly just feeling empowered.

Ready to use my voice, express myself as an artisit.

Thank you Dana, for inviting us into your heart. For teaching us that we are all different. All capable. All worth it.

~ Sara Haynes

Such a wonderful weekend…thank you to all the attendees.

~ Dana

by Dana

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An Ordinary Day

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 Posted in family sessions, signature session, Uncategorized

This family invited me in to their home and truly gave me a glimpse of an ordinary day in their life. Jewels from their treasure box…crafts with daddy…cuddles with mom…playing in their cardboard house. These are my favourite kinds of sessions. It is truly such a gift to be allowed to witness the beauty that makes up a family.
I love when I get to witness a child’s imagination at its best. This lovely girl makes ‘princesses’ out of spoons and a collection of pretty handkerchiefs. This session was awhile ago now, but seeing these images now…after Christmas, where my kids(like most kids) got too many toys–toys that require little imagination…well, I love how it proves that all you need are the things you already have and a new way of seeing them.

The last thing we did was head out to the park on their street. When we went to sit down in the shade of a tree, we saw literally hundreds of ladybugs. Remember the ladybugs this fall? They were everywhere. It was kind of magical sitting there pondering the wonders of nature. Makes me long for spring on this wintery day.

~ Dana

by Dana

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Moves Like Mick Jagger

Monday, January 2, 2012 Posted in family sessions, kids, signature session, Uncategorized

This baby has moves like Mick Jagger…that is the song we danced to back when we spent a lovely fall morning together. This mom and daughter duo has incredible style and an overwhelming love for each other. It truly is always a wonderful thing to witness. We literally just hung out for a couple of hours one morning and they showed me their moves, their shoes and their toysI love the fun they have together, but I also love the trust that this mom has in my ability to do justice to their amazing connection. This is the third session she has had with me…first a favourite maternity(long time blog stalkers might just remember the blue shower), then a favourite newborn session(remember mom and babe on the couch–melt my heart), and now a favourite toddler session(the sink images at the end are some all time faves for sure).

Just felt like finally sharing this session…I hope everyone has recovered from all of their holiday madness and is starting to get back into a routine. For me, the holidays were a nice bit of respite amongst some of the busiest months I have had in ages. So, I am grabbing a coffee and getting to work this morningLots to share….can’t wait for 2012!!!

~ Dana

by Dana

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