With nearly a decade of dedicated experience in Maternity, Newborn, and Family Portraits, Hocus Focus Photography has proudly captured stunning moments for families in Calgary and its surrounding communities, including Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere, Okotoks, and beyond.
Blue-Hour Maternity Photoshoot • Nose Hill Park, Calgary
You’ve probably heard of the “golden hour” when it comes to photoshoots, but if not, it’s that magical time just before sunset when the sun is low and casts a soft, golden glow. It creates those warm, dreamy hues that make for perfect photos—the kind you can’t wait to frame and hang in your home.
There’s another “hour” that offers a fantastic opportunity for stunning photos—if you’ve got the patience (and the right gear) for it. It’s called “blue hour,” and while it doesn’t actually last a full hour, it’s that brief time just after the sun sets. The light changes quickly as the day fades, which can be a challenge, but the ultra-soft tones create a completely different mood. This session is the perfect blend of both golden hour and blue hour, showcasing the beauty of each.
This lovely family was expecting their second baby boy, and we had the perfect summer evening for their maternity session. We headed to one of my favorite outdoor spots in Calgary, Nose Hill Park, and got set up just in time for golden hour. We captured a mix of family shots and portraits of mom, with a few gown changes along the way. The session was a huge success, filled with a ton of variety and gorgeous images, while my camera was happily clicking away at every opportunity that came up!
The session doesn’t pause when Mom steps into my portable pop-up tent to change into a new gown (one of the little extras I offer to make maternity sessions more comfortable and convenient!). While Mom was picking out her next gown from my collection, I took the opportunity to capture some sweet moments between Dad and Big Brother. Those candid shots ended up being a lovely surprise in the gallery, and Mom and Dad were thrilled with the extra memories!
We were having so much fun that we kept shooting well past golden hour and found ourselves in the gorgeous tones of blue hour. The lighting was just incredible. Even though I had plenty of photos to wrap up the session, I knew I couldn’t pass up the chance to capture the magic of blue hour with just a few more shots.
And I’m so glad I did—the results were absolutely breathtaking! When I reviewed the gallery at home, my eyes lit up, and I knew Mom would be over the moon with her maternity photos. Summer really is the perfect time for outdoor maternity sessions, and it’s great knowing the session doesn’t have to end just because the sun sets—there’s still a bit more time for those stunning shots!
Mom and Dad were absolutely thrilled with their gallery, selecting a wide variety of beautiful photos, including their newborn portraits. They ended up with one of the most impressive and stunning photo albums I’ve ever delivered. It was truly gorgeous, with every page showcasing the quality and beauty of their images, making it a breathtaking keepsake. I honestly wished I could have kept it for myself!
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to this wonderful family for trusting me to capture such a special time in their lives. We may have run a little late, but the extra time allowed us to create some truly magical images, and I’m so grateful for their patience and enthusiasm. It was an absolute joy to be part of their journey, and the beautiful gallery we created together is a testament to that. Thank you for letting me be a part of these precious memories!
This maternity session was a perfect example of how embracing both golden hour and blue hour can elevate the beauty and uniqueness of a photo gallery. From the warm, golden hues of sunset to the soft, dreamy tones of twilight, every moment captured added to the story of this family's journey as they prepared to welcome their second baby. The combination of stunning outdoor scenery, the bond between family members, and the special touches like gown changes and candid moments made this session truly one-of-a-kind.
I’m always reminded during sessions like this of how fortunate I am to work with such incredible families who trust me to freeze these fleeting moments in time. The opportunity to capture their joy and excitement, even as we worked a little beyond our scheduled time, was well worth it. The results—gorgeous, heartfelt images that capture the warmth of their love—are the reason I’m so passionate about what I do.
I’m endlessly grateful for the trust my clients place in me to document such important milestones, and I’m thrilled to see how much joy the final gallery brings. It’s sessions like these that remind me why summer evenings, with their shifting light and endless beauty, are truly magical for maternity photography. And as always, it’s a joy to see how the final images come together, creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
To the amazing family who allowed me to share in their journey, thank you once again. Your gallery is a testament to the love and beauty you bring into the world, and it was an honor to be a part of it.
Expecting A New Addition To Your Family?
Are you expecting a new addition to your family and want to capture this special time in a truly unforgettable way? Whether you’re interested in the golden hour’s warm glow or the enchanting hues of blue hour, I’d love to help you create stunning, timeless memories. Reach out today to schedule your maternity session and let’s turn these precious moments into beautiful keepsakes you’ll cherish forever. Contact me to book your session or to learn more about how we can make your vision come to life!