As I sit down to write up today's blog post, I can't help but chuckle at the irony of reminiscing about a delightful summer family session at Pearce Estate Park while my own children engage in a heated debate over the layout of their massive outdoor snow fort amidst subzero temperatures (before factoring in the wind chill... brrr!) and snowdrifts tall enough to rival the neighbouring houses. Their animated discussion fills the air, somehow piercing through the cold with its sheer intensity.
In moments like these, one can't help but appreciate the sanctuary of a cozy home office. It's a refuge from the chill outside (and the bickering of my children - #MomLife), allowing me to transport myself back to the warmth of summer sunbeams on my skin as I fondly recall that picturesque family session. Despite winter's firm grip on us at the moment, I find solace in the knowledge that before long, I'll be back in the great outdoors, swatting away pesky mosquitoes and navigating through prickly thistles in pursuit of those timeless family portraits that remain in high demand across Calgary and the surrounding areas.
Ah, the memories of braving the winter elements, trudging through knee-deep snow, fingers numb as I struggled to capture that perfect family moment amidst the frozen landscape. All while trying to coax reluctant smiles and jokes about #CanadianLife from chilly subjects, only to spend hours later battling red noses and cool-toned images in post-production, attempting to salvage some warmth from the wintry scene.
But you know what? I've had enough of that. Truth be told, those winter sessions were pure agony (for both myself AND my clients), and I made a firm decision to bid them adieu. Never again will I subject myself to frostbite-inducing photo shoots. I'd much rather admire Alberta's winter beauty from the comfort of a heated room or through the cozy window of my living room, thank you very much.
Hence, for the past four or five years, my family sessions have been strictly seasonal, running from April to October—essentially, when the weather's behaving itself. I remember fearing that I would book less, but the opposite happened. Because of the limited timeframe on when I shoot these sessions, on top of the limited spots I offer during the short warmer season of the year, my Family Sessions are usually gobbled up well in advance.
You know what I love about family sessions? The freedom to keep it spontaneous. I mean, sure, I've got my general workflow down, and a handful of prompts up my sleeve to keep things rolling and the clients interested. But for me, family sessions are all about embracing spontaneity. It's about letting the unique personalities and dynamics of each family guide the session, creating those genuine, authentic moments that make them truly one-of-a-kind in this big old world.
No formal training, no instruction manual—just a natural inclination. From the get-go, I've always been a bit of a "people watcher," finding joy in the everyday moments that unfold around me. Call it strange, but even when I'm not behind the camera, my mind is constantly cataloging these little scenes. I catch myself thinking, "What a perfect shot that would have made," numerous times throughout the day.
It could be a mother playing peek-a-boo with her baby at the grocery store or twin toddlers fascinated by a ladybug in the park—those fleeting moments often go unnoticed by others. Even now, as I glance out my window and watch my own kids giggling and tossing snowflakes in the air within their makeshift tunnel, I feel that urge to capture the magic. And you know what? Maybe I'll just do that.
Let me be clear: I've dedicated countless hours to honing my craft, mastering the technical aspects of using a camera to translate my vision into reality. Yet, much of what I do is guided by passion. I follow my heart, capturing the moments that resonate with me, the ones that speak volumes.
That aspect comes naturally to me.
The real challenge arises when I'm seated in my studio, alongside clients during their ordering appointments. It's a nerve-wracking experience. My heart races, and my palms grow clammy. Despite my confidence in my abilities, there's always a moment of doubt. But then, as I watch their reactions, a wave of joy and gratitude washes over me. It's immensely fulfilling to see smiles spread across their faces, and tears of happiness welling up in their eyes as they connect with the images—moments that are not artificially generated, but authentic glimpses into their own lives. That, to me, is what it's all about.
As I flip through the images from this lovely family session, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement for the summer months ahead. The day itself was stunning, with a sunset that seemed to paint the sky in warm hues—a perfect complement to the beautiful family I had the pleasure of photographing. Let's be real, I didn't just stumble into this fantastic job by luck. It's taken years of hard work and dedication to hone my skills and reach this point. But what truly makes it all worthwhile is the diversity of families, stories, and sessions I encounter in my line of work. That's what keeps things interesting and ensures that every shoot is a fresh experience. And honestly, that's something I'll never tire of.
Capture Your Story: Book Your Family Session Today!
As the seasons shift and the allure of summer beckons, there's never been a better time to seize the opportunity. Let's turn fleeting moments into cherished memories—book your family session today and let's capture your story together.