Short and Sweet Photography by Dana Pugh, Calgary's Leading Family Photographer. NAPCP Child's Photographer of the Year

Real Life Beauty

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 Posted in family sessions, kids, signature session, Sneak Peek

That is what interests me…when I come into your home, I want you to show me your life. Cause there is beauty there…always. Without question…

This fall, more than ever, I have listened to my heart while I was shooting. If this was my life what would I want to remember? It is certainly not traditional portraiture…and sometimes–if I am truthful–it scares me. Should I pull back and do what everyone else is doing? what I think will ultimately sell? Or should I just follow my heart? I mean…I know what you are all going to say. The answer should be obvious, but just because it is obvious doesn’t mean it doesn’t scare the bejezus out of me

These are two of my newest little friends…in their cardboard house. Climbing in and out of the window…selling me ice cream out of that window. And, eventually curling up for a nap inside it…Of course, the nap lasted for about 2 seconds which is inevitable when you are 3. There are too many other things to do…ladybugs to hunt, underdogs to be had, hugs to get and to give.

~ Dana

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The Broken Road

Tuesday, October 18, 2011 Posted in Uncategorized, weddings

Early on in their relationship, she looked at him and asked, ‘How’s your heart?’…to which he replied, ‘I’ve got a good ticker.’…and, then she said, ‘Is it ready for me?’. He thanked her for showing him how to make it ready.

Not all love stories are the same, but they are all sweet. When it finds you and you are bit older, it is a calmer, more centered love. These two have been parenting together as a team for a couple of years now. I asked her(because she was the calmest bride EVER–even being 20 minutes late to the ceremony) if she already felt married. She said, yes…but now it’s official

The bride’s 16 year old daughter sang a song by The Rascal Flatts at the ceremony…and, although I am not a country music fan, it brought a tear to my eye:

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn’t see how every sign pointed straight to you

Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I’d like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You’ve been there you understand
It’s all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Now I’m just rolling home
Into my lover’s arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you.

From this past weekend…how lucky are we that the fall has hung on so long this year?

Thank you to these two beautiful families for welcoming me to witness them becoming one. Congratulations to everyone,

~ Dana

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Legacy Sessions

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 Posted in family sessions, My Family, Personal Work, signature session, Uncategorized

I call my extended family sessions ‘Legacy Sessions’…and, although I am a big believer in them, I found that I had never attempted anything of the sort with my own family. Sure, I have loads of images of us over the years, but none of them were planned or on purpose. So, this past Thanksgiving weekend, we got a bit organized and dressed a bit nicer than we usually would and set out to get some more ‘formal’ shots. My goal was really quite simple–a family shot(using a tripod and a timer) and one of our parents. Of course, I took a few morebut…that was the initial goal. Recently, when I was watching a documentary on Annie Leibovitz…I was moved by a bit where her sister said that Annie would line everyone up and take group shots when they were all together. And, then, my mother requested an attempt at something similar.

Yes, the group shots aren’t all that interesting, but they are significant. We are all present…on both sides. If there is anything that I have learned, it is that life is precious and these sort of opportunities don’t come around all that often. I think I’ll pull out the old tripod a bit more often now.

How about you? Been awhile since you did something like this? I’ll be both in Edmonton and in Calgary over the Christmas holiday and would love to come into your home and see your extended family. When you inquire, just mention that it is a legacy session…And, if you don’t have me come out–consider putting your camera on a tripod and setting the timer…time passes all too quickly and the moments when we are all together are fewer and fewer. Make sure you document them

~ Dana

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Beautiful Baby

Tuesday, October 11, 2011 Posted in family sessions, signature session, Sneak Peek, two ways

This wee girl was once ago in the tummy of my favorite maternity images…and then, well, her newborn session was pretty special as well. This time around, at 20 months, she didn’t stand still too long, but I can be quick when I wanna be