Mountain Adventures

Family Adventure Sessions will always be my favourite type of session. I love them if they happen in your home, at a local park, or downtown, but my absolute favourite place to do them is in the mountains. This family had quite the adventure getting to the session—their family RV had some issues which made the beginning of their trip to the mountains a bit interesting…so, by the time they got to our meeting spot, they were ready for a peaceful night in the sun, slapping mostquitos and chasing their dog. It was such a gorgeous night that we even ended up in the water.

In this day of uber perfectionism, I know that letting go and allowing peace to seep into your family portrait session seems like an impossible task…but I promise you that if you do it, you will get the authentic expressions and interactions you are looking for without the tantrums and the bribes. Okay—there might be a couple of bribes(jelly bellies are my favourite to use) and I’d be lying if I said I’d never seen a tantrum or two, but it’s all a part of a regular day hanging out together for most families.

Now on to a small selection of the images I created for this family…

Adventure Session at Home with Teens

There is a special kind of magic to having a session in your home. I know that many people are hesitant to do it because EVERYONE believes there is something that is not quite right or not quite done or just not ready for an in home session. I have heard all of the excuses. But, here’s the thing…it’s still your home. Life is always a little unfinished. Especially with kids. So, put away your worries of perfection and allow me to show you your perfectly imperfect life. Watch everyone start out a little unsure about welcoming this person with a camera into your home, but it doesn’t take long before we all relax(because hey—I’m a little nervous too) and I am able to capture your family in a relaxed and easy way.

The first time I photographed this kid, he was 3(if I had to guess…he was definitely a toddler). I also photographed them on the ski hill and at the family cabin one year as well(see it here: https://www.danapughphotography.com/blog/kicking-horse-family ) I love watching families grow. It’s my absolute favourite thing about my job(I have lots of favourite things about it but this one tops the list for sure).

At Home Newborn Session

Recently, I was archiving some past sessions when I realized that there were a number of them that I never really shared. I mean, I might have shared one or two on social media, but with my ‘Adventure Sessions’, justice is never really done by simply sharing one or two images. So, I thought I would share some of them here on my blog.

Adventure Sessions are my favourite because I get to see you in the real moments that will, in the future, allow you to look back and remember exactly what your life was like in that moment. I’m interested in the perfection that exists within your every day life. I know it is beautiful and I love to show you what it looks like. THAT is what my Adventure Sessions are all about.

Adventures big and small…this is a small, but mighty adventure of welcoming a new little one into your home. A moment you should definitely have documented because you will be so tired you may never be able to recall a single moment from it! Such a sweet and gentle session.

I have some space left for Adventure sessions before the snow flies, but my weekends are filling up fast. I also have some space left for ‘Backyard Adventure Sessions’—which is a first for me…a mini adventure sessions designed to capture a quick half an hour. If you are interested, please reach out and we can discuss.

Hoka for Strides Running | Calgary Photographer

I’ve been collaborating with Strides Running Store in Calgary to create a library of images for them so that they can feature their store staff, as well as, local areas that Calgary runners would be familiar with. Their most recent session was with Calgary high jumper Noel Vanderzee as he got a sneak peek of the latest running shoe from Hoka. Certainly a pretty shoe and Noel was impressed. Too bad we didn’t get to see him jump in them as it was too early in the outdoor season.

I love working with local companies to help them create a library of images that work for their brand. From a creative standpoint, working consistently with one photographer helps keep the images looking more cohesive and it builds a relationship of trust that opens the door for greater creativity and collaboration. If you need images for your local business—large or small—I’d love to connect to discuss your needs and ideas.