Dragonsssss

'Do you wanna play 'dragons' mom?' she asked. 'How does one play 'dragon'? I responded.

'Sssssssssss' she said.

'Pardon me?' I asked.

'Dragonsssssss' she explained.

'Okay, how does one play dragonsssssss?' I clarified.

'Like this' she said and she just started running up and down the hall with her stuffies mumbling important things I'm sure as she ran and jumped and threw things.

This is a common way for her to play. She is very imaginative and often in her own world. We encourage it. Soon enough, it will be gone. She is, after all, already 9 years old. She is not our first so we know that this kind of play will soon be gone from our lives. It makes me happy and sad all at once. As I sit her typing this, she sits just a few feet away in an imaginary world filled with stuffies who need the word 'sibling' defined apparently(that is what she is doing--defining the word sibling). I always smile while I listen to her disappear into one of her worlds...but, I am beginning to see the end of it. I don't often join in this crazy play, but I do often observe it through my camera.

Bob, on the other hand, walked in the door from work and asked 'what are we playing?'.

'Dragons' she explains. At this, knowing all too well how the game looks, he joins in the fun running and jumping down the hallway. The best dad ever.

I shared some of these over on the 5 Minute Project today as well. If you haven't checked out that site, you should. I am surrounded by awesomeness over there.

~ Dana Pugh

This Is What -37'C Looks Like

-52'C with the wind chill. seriously.

This past weekend, we went to Saskatchewan to attend the funeral of one of Bob's cousins. Our kids were fascinated by the farm. We are grateful to Bob's cousins, Brian and Oralee, who agreed to take them out to the barn even though it was BEYOND FREEZING. The kind of cold that causes you to gasp as it hits you when you walk outside(even wearing as many clothes as you can mange). I could barely manage to shoot. I wear bi-athlete gloves when I shoot in cold weather. They absolutely did not work and  my fingers were quickly so numb that I could barely move the dials on my camera. We all took about half an hour to get ready to go outside and spent 10 minutes admiring the sheep, the horses and...most importantly...the newest calf.

We were sad to say goodbye to David Pugh. He was a character that will be greatly missed(but the stories of his antics will live on for some time I'm sure). He valued family more than anything I think...he never missed a family event--wedding, reunion, funeral...he was at them all. This weekend reminded us of how important it is to remain connected to family far and wide. There is something about sitting in the homes on the farm eating the homemade squares that are so familiar to us. Seeing our family from across Canada gather to remember. And, yes...standing outside experiencing one of the coldest days of your life. It grounds you in a very special way.

~ Dana

Backyard Hockey Rink

I know that I rarely blog an entire session. This is mostly due to the time it takes to craft a full session blog post. You see...a session with me isn't like a normal portrait session. You don't just get 30-40 images(or less) to choose from. We work together to craft a session that not only tells a story, but shows the relationships that exist within your family. It is my firm belief that this cannot be done successfully in under 30 images. Nor can it be done successfully if we are not comfortable with each other. Enjoying the time that is being documented. That is why I never place limits on the time we are spending together. I'll know when we are done.

I know that I could probably take more sessions if I provided fewer images and less time per client session...but, the truth of the matter is...I don't want to. If I did it the way that everyone else does it, it would truly take the joy out of it for me. And, I have decided to keep the joy in it for me :) I'm going to be selfish this way :) I am hopeful that what results is wonderful sessions for the people who trust me enough to hire me. These people are not looking for a simple portrait session. They do not want just a photograph to put on their Christmas card. They want more than that. They want portraits for their walls, but they also want to see the glances, the little looks, the character and personality of all the people in their family. And, they want to see the beauty(and the humour) in it all.

This was a recent session in an amazing home with an even more amazing backyard skating rink. They are a hockey family. And a golf family. And...the family of a photographer(Leigha Graf). This was one of the more relaxed sessions I've had in awhile. It has also resulted in more images that I care to admit. Here are some of my favourites.

And, if you looked at all of that and want to see more full sessions on my blog...well, then...you better comment and let me know. Ha! What a lot of images. Overboard? Maybe. But, I don't care. It's how I tell the story of our time together.

Now, you can see why most of my clients add on a coffee table book. I pride myself on providing a story, but also enough pieces that stand on their own that you can print for your wall(or your Christmas card). What images would you print?

~ Dana

Family Day 2014

Just a few images from our Family Day spent in Banff National Park. We call that swing 'the swing of death' as it creaks and moans while you swing on it. Not to mention that if you fell off, it would surely be to your death. ha. Only a slight exaggeration. We are enjoying the warmer temperatures after that painfully long cold spell.

Hope you all enjoyed your family day with your family :)

~ Dana