Baby Session in Studio | Okotoks Photographer

One of my favourite families came to see me in my studio for their ‘baby’ session. Families who book their maternity and newborn sessions with me have the option of adding on a ‘baby’ session as well…which means when your baby can sit and is full of big smiles and chubby limbs. It’s definitely one of my favourite times to photograph babies. In my baby plan, you can also mix and match studio sessions with in-home lifestyle sessions so that at the end of the first year, you can create a first year album that truly documents each stage of this exciting time in your family’s life.

At a ‘baby’ session, the focus is truly on your newest family member, but I love when siblings come! My studio space is natural light so there is no big, scary gear that kids can tip over. Instead there are toys and treats…and, at this session—my teenage daughter who is home schooled help with managing it all. A built in babysitter!!

Email me now to learn all about belly to baby plans in my studio!

~ Dana

Calgary Maternity Photographer -- In Studio Session

One of the most commonly asked questions I get as a photographer is ‘what is your favourite thing to photograph?’. And, if I’m honest, the simple answer is connection….but, that has become kind of cliche in the photography world I feel. And, so I search to find a deeper answer, but currently come up empty. Connection. That really is what it boils down to in all of my sessions. Even when I am photographing one person…I am searching for that connection between them and I. I know when I get it and it makes me the happiest. It’s the driving force behind my work, really.

All of that said…maternity and the connection that you can find in a maternity session…that is probably my favourite. I’m not sure why except maybe it’s that whole mystery connection between mom and babe before baby is earthside. I remember how very special that was for me and it is certainly very special to witness in other people. I also believe that when a couple is expecting, the anticipation brings them closer. So, often, their connection is deeper as well. Then, throw in an older sibling and that feeling that these are the last moments of them being an older child and, truly, the room overflows with love. Whether we are on location or in studio…the background almost doesn’t matter…as long as you just show up ready to let me bear witness to it all, we are good.

As I have said before, I have a large maternity closet and sometimes…even when moms don’t plan on it…they arrive and think—let’s play dress up. I like when that happens. The white dress that we used in this session is BY FAR the favourite choice of my clients. I’m currently on the hunt for some pieces that will become the next favourite! Can’t wait to show you what I find ;) So…some new favourite maternity images from a recent studio session. Enjoy!

Okotoks Maternity Photography

I absolutely love having a studio. One of the best reasons is because it allows me to work with AMAZING people like make up and hair stylist Karli from Love and Colour. She can come in and pamper my maternity and new mother clients so that they can look and feel their best by the time they are in front of my camera. It also allows me to keep an ever growing wardrobe for my clients. This is also especially helpful for my clients who are expecting because not everyone wants to go out and buy a special outfit for their session, so I make it easy for them to just come shopping in my client. And, like in this client's session, we can do more than one look. 

The outdoor images were all shot within a 5 minute walk from my studio. It's nice to have such flexibility all in one location. After our more 'intimate' session, her 3 older children joined her to celebrate the impending arrival of their newest brother or sister.

I cannot wait to meet this little baby later this month. If you are expecting, I'd love to hear from you and help you book your day of pampering and creating beautiful imagery.

~ Dana

A Family Maternity Session in Studio | Okotoks Photographer

I love this little family and I am so excited that they are welcoming a new little baby into their home!!! And, it's not just because the dad is Bob's cousin ;) They are just so down to earth and such great parents. It's always awesome to visit with them and I love that they trust me to photograph the milestones in their life.

This session was in my studio where we took advantage of some of the items from my studio wardrobe. As well, my friend and incredible make up artist Karlie from Love and Colour Make Up studios was able to come right to the studio and help both mom and daughter get ready. She also helped me get the floral comb provided by the wonderful florists at Fleurish Flower Shop in Calgary just right. And, how cute is that baby's breath floral crown? Such a simple crown that makes such an impact. Grateful for the amazing vendors that I get to work with--they help make all of my maternity sessions just that much more special!!

If you are expecting a baby in 2017, I would love to talk to you about all of my options for interesting maternity photography. Studio, on location, underwater...let's create something awesome together!!

~ Dana