Summer Vacation 2019 | Pughville in Rome

Rome

I am not one of those photographers who has done a good job at keeping up with the editing of my personal work. I wish I had more desire to sit at the computer and edit, but…I just don’t. So, I have many, many unedited images of my family waiting for me to finish them. During the pandemic slow down, I actually took the opportunity to make my way through some of them. I even got a Blurb book made from our 2019 trip to Europe…it is 370 pages(omg…insanity I know). So, I thought I would share some of my favourite here for all of you. We split Rome into two—as we started and ended our trip there. We saved the Vatican for the final part of the trip.

I know that I usually share links to where we stayed, but—honestly, as cute as it was, it was not very clean so I wouldn’t want to recommend it to anyone. I will say this to anyone who is looking to visit Rome—the public transit is excellent(even if it is insanely HOT in all of their buses in the summer). We did rent a car in Rome, but avoided driving there as much as possible. Which is something I highly recommend—ha. We used SIXT and were completely impressed with the vehicle and the service. The truth is—we had a car accident in Croatia(we were hit by a drunk driver—omg) and I can’t get over how not a big deal it was. They were super helpful and awesome through it all…so, if you are looking to rent a car in Europe…we can’t recommend them enough!!

On with the photographs…

Simply Portraits Session | St. Patrick's Island YYC

Family portraits with toddlers can seem really daunting. That’s why I have a few suggestions…don’t get too caught up on the idea of perfection. Once upon a time, the idea of a family portrait session mean insisting on perfect outfits where everyone is smiling gently at the camera. The reality is—toddlers do not like to be controlled…so, instead of forcing them to behave a certain way, let’s just go with the flow. Come ready to cuddle, laugh and play. Bring snacks and just focus on how much you love being together as a family. Make wishes, give kisses, cuddles, and beard tickles. If we can do that instead of worrying about some other generation’s idea of perfection, we will always come out ahead with a much more enjoyable experience.

Calgary Commercial Lifestyle Photography | Food Tours

Last summer, I collaborated with the amazing video team at Parfait Productions to create a set of images and a video for Alberta Food Tours. When the pandemic hit, this company had to pivot BIG TIME so they developed an app to help people continue doing the food tours they loved to provide via a fun game called the Alberta Food Finder game. We did three different sets of images. This is the first set showing the friends playing the game and enjoying some fun food along the way. We got to stop by Crave Cupcakes for a sweet treat; Pulcinella for a glass of wine and a slice of pizza; and the Container Bar to round it out. To say we were stuffed is an understatement!! As the world opens up, it might be a fun activity for you to play the game with your friends and family while you explore some hidden gems in one of Calgary’s coolest neighbourhoods Kensington. Find the app here.

And, if you need lifestyle images for your business, I’d love to chat with you!!

Canmore Mountain Adventure Session

Last year, this family from Toronto drove to Canmore to enjoy some family time all together. They rented the coolest Airbnb in town(no, really, it’s such a cool place) and spent some time exploring Canada’s beautiful rocky mountains. One of the things I love about my job is having the opportunity to photograph families from all across the world who have come here to see first hand the beauty of Alberta. I really do feel so lucky to live here.

My mountain Adventure Sessions are a combination of documentary and casual portraits that allow my to capture your family in a natural way so that the images we create together showcase your connection and unique personalities. There is some direction, but, mostly, it’s like hanging out with a friend who also brings along her camera…so, it is the perfect solution for busy families who don’t want to have to force their kids to sit still and behave a certain way. Family portraits can be SUPER FUN…they don’t have to be stressful. Trust me ;)

If you are interested in visiting this airbnb, go here: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/18161391 and be sure to contact me to book your family Adventure Session while you are there!

~ Dana