Family Photography Studio Session | Okotoks Family Photographer
Recently I heard that this mama is on the short list to be the next Canadian astronaut. Like...to go to SPACE people!!! So, I thought I'd share her studio family session from awhile ago.
I think people have this horrible idea of studio sessions. Like it will be in some grungy room with tonnes of equipment so they will spend a great deal of time stressing over their children's behaviour instead of enjoying the photographic experience. My studio is not like that AT ALL. It is a natural light studio--meaning, big windows, white walls and bright, kid friendly decor that hides things like Lego and Playmobil. The result are modern, simple photographs that focus on your child's personality and the connection that your family has together. For this session, I suggested the parents bring along some of the children's favourite items. So, one child choose her blankie while another brought his hockey stick(how Canadian is that? he even sleeps with it). There is never a rush--if a child needs to take a break to play with a pirate ship, we take a break to do that. If someone needs to go potty, there is a child friendly bathroom. And, if they need snacks, I've got you covered there as well. So, don't think of this as a studio photography session--think of it as visiting a friend who will take some sweet photographs of you all!! It's a nice alternative to going outside on those crappy days or for families who want a more modern look to their family photographs.
And--a little heads up for all of you local people!! My birthday is coming up and I will be having a HUGE SALE on both studio and on location sessions. If you are planning on a session with me this year--this will be the time to book, so WATCH FOR IT!!!
Enjoy!
~ Dana
Toronto Neighbourhood Adventure | Calgary Family Photographer
Urban Adventure
I often photograph other photographer's families. It is a special honour. Truly. It also makes me nervous as heck. True story. So, when Kerry Grogan asked me to photograph her family while I was in Toronto last year, my palms got all sweaty but I quickly said yes. Yes because--photographers will totally let you do whatever you want no questions asked. So, we had a leisurely session where we hung out at home first, played a little street hockey in their driveway and then headed to a favourite park. This is my favourite kind of session because it allows me to capture such a variety of images. Plus, the relaxed feeling of the session allows everyone to be themselves a lot quicker.
It's funny because some photographers limit their time with you making the session feel rushed and more like a traditional portrait session. I don't like to restrict myself. I like to give us all the time and space we need to create incredible imagery. Some families that naturally happens quicker than other families, but...these slow sessions...the sessions where I truly see who you are...they are my favourite type of session.
Add to that the bonus of being able to nerd out with photography talk while Kerry drove me back to my hotel and I was in nerd photographer heaven ;)
Still blogging!!! I have lots of sessions to share, but I also want to share some tips and techniques so if there is anything you want to know, just ask! Maybe I'll be inspired to do an entire blog post about it!!
~ Dana
Photographing Teens....some thoughts
I've been doing quite a few headshots in the studio recently, so I have been asking(or begging depending on who you ask) if Jack would let me take a new one of him. Eventually, he relented--his only request being that I get one shot of him and the dog. So, here we are....Jack, 14 years old...in the studio.
While we were doing these, he said 'I'm not good at this anymore'...and, I was all like 'what do you mean?'....but, here's the thing. I knew what he meant. Somewhere between 12-14, kids stop being comfortable just being themselves in front of the camera. I mean...it happens to everyone and I think it only gets worse as people age. But, I am persistent. I will stick with these teens until they give me what I want--a real expression. A moment of connection with me so that the photograph shows me more than what they look like...it gives me a glimpse into who they are.
For me--teens need to be photographed one of a handful of ways. First, in their bedrooms. For some reason, bedroom portraits of teens really work. They typically relax there. The objects they surround themselves with give us lots of things to talk about and add an extra glimpse into their character. Second, in studio. Now that they are older, they typically take direction really well, so studio portraits allow us to document them quickly and painlessly. The simplicity of studio portraits shows us the beauty of this age by focusing on their features--we see glimpses of both the children they were and the adults they are becoming. And, lastly, engaged in their 'thing'...all teens have a 'thing' -- a sport or a hobby that consumes much of their after school time. Something they are passionate about. Photographing them while they do their 'thing' allows them to relax and show me their true selves.
How would you like me to photograph your teen? I would love to collaborate and get you photographs to enjoy for years to come.
~ Dana