Family Photos That Feel Like Real Life
Relaxed adventure-style family photography in Okotoks & Calgary—designed to capture connection, movement, and the moments that matter most.
Family life is beautifully messy…and that’s exactly what I photograph.
Adventure sessions are meant to show you the beauty of your everyday life. A more documentary approach to your family portraits. So, if you are tired of trying to force your children into behaving while wearing clothes they would never wear in their real life—this is the session for you. It is slow and child lead. Instead of focusing on the perfect poses, we focus on the perfect activity to do together so that we can capture the very best candid photographs to display on your wall and create the perfect family album. All by a photographer with over 20 years experience and a long list of award winning credentials.
These aren’t just photos—they’re how your family will remember this season.
After over 20 years of photographing families, I truly believe that the best family images come from allowing everyone time to relax until they feel free to be themselves. This is often done by choosing familiar locations(like your backyard or favourite park) and wearing your normal, every day clothes. There is no reason to hide your everyday imperfections behind a perfect wardrobe and bribes of ice cream. Why not make the ice cream a beloved part of the session.
This is an investment in documenting your family as you wish to remember them. If you have only ever had mini sessions, you do not know what you are missing until you experience a session like this with space for snacks and diaper changes, as well as, cuddles and playtime.
Hi, I’m Dana.
I’m an award winning family photographer based in Okotoks, Alberta with over 20 years of experience showing families that their every day lives are beautiful and worth documenting through family photographs that are candid and organic. My sessions are designed to feel easy and natural — less posing, more connection. My signature style has been recognized through numerous international awards, industry speaking events, and long time mentorship opportunities for photographers around the world.
I started out documenting my own children in 2005. I have the firsthand knowledge of what images and moments parents will want to look back on once their children leave the nest. What did their rooms look like? Their favourite twirly dress or funny t-shirt. Their joyful expressions at the little things and wonder at the beauty of the world around them. These are things that deserve to be captured for generations to come. I’d love to do that for your family.
“But what if my kids don’t cooperate?”
That’s completely normal — and honestly, expected.
Kids move, explore, and play during my sessions, and that’s often when the best moments happen. You don’t need perfect behaviour — just show up as yourselves. The funny thing is, I love photographing kids being kids!! I would argue that if you KNOW your kids won’t do well for a structured portrait session, an ADVENTURE SESSION is the PERFECT way to document your family. Let them be themselves!! That way the love in your family can shine through.
$595
Backyard Adventure Session
Not sure about an Adventure Session? Try a MINI Adventure Session!! Get photographs of your kids in their favourite space--THEIR OWN BACKYARD!! When you look back on those 18 years with your kids, what will you remember? Will it involve a trampoline and a sprinkler? How about waterguns and a playhouse? Or is it as simple as watermelon and bubbles on the back porch? If you are wanting to get a taste of an Adventure Session without the commitment of a full session, this is for you! Let's create images to help you remember what your backyard felt like this summer. Because one day the trampoline will be quiet.
$1295
Adventure SEssion
Choose your own ADVENTURE!!! These are the sessions that Dana is known for!! Let her capture the chaos that makes your family the funnest one on the block!!
This session has it all! It's a combination of documentary and portrait images that help you document this time in your family's history. Not only will you get amazing images that look great on your wall, but you will get a collection of images that work great in a book that you and your children will enjoy for years to come. Let me tell the story of your family with images rich with emotion and personality.