I had the pleasure of doing preschool photos for the Willow Park Preschool last fall. Here’s a bit more about their wonderful program. (and see some of their students below!)

The Willow Park Preschool is located in Calgary’s SE communities of Willow Park and Mapleridge. They offer morning and afternoon classes for children ages 3 to 5.

The Willow Park Preschool is a nonprofit preschool that believes children learn best through play. They have been providing quality and affordable preschool programming since 1981. Their ideal location allows for gym and playground access as well as lots of outdoor space, with an outdoor rink they use to skate on in the winter and use as an outdoor gym in the summer.

At Willow Park Preschool, they work on developing and enhancing socialization skills such as listening, decision-making, problem solving, healthy communication, taking turns, empathy, sharing, respect, and self-control, as well as fostering curiosity, independence, self-esteem, imagination, hand-eye coordination, language and cognitive skills as well as an introduction to physical education.

Have a Say in Your Child’s Education

Willow Park Preschool is a Parent Co-Operative. This means that the school is operated by the parents of the students that attend.

As voting members of their non-profit society, all parents are encouraged to attend parent meetings where they discuss news, issues and may vote on various decisions.

All parents are required to volunteer for one of the many roles that keep the preschool fun and operating smoothly. These roles can be anything from President or Treasurer of the board to Party Planner, Play D’oh maker or Supplies Shopper. For the most current list of volunteer roles, please contact the school.

In addition to your volunteer role, all parents are required to take part in cleaning nights where several parents get together and do a deep clean of the preschool. This is an important part of keeping the preschool a safe and healthy environment for the children.

You can learn more about their program on their website.

Kate Daniel is a Calgary, Alberta based natural light, lifestyle photographer focusing on family, children and school photos.

Simple, real, natural – your life, my lens.

Contact me to book a session or sign up for the newsletter for special offers! 

You an Oprah fan? ⁠ ⁠ Then you might recall her saying that she doesn’t believe in luck. “Luck” is really when preparation meets opportunity.⁠ ⁠

Well I definitely feel lucky to have had the opportunity to photograph the kiddos at The Learning Tree Preschool for the past few years. ⁠ ⁠

When my daughter attended preschool there (and LOVED it, might I add) Ms Meghan took a chance on me.

Preschool photography was new to meet then, and who would have known that it was to set in motion many more preschool and school photos to come!

Want to know a bit more about The Learning Tree Preschool in Calgary, AB? Here you go!

Kate Daniel is a Calgary, Alberta based natural light, lifestyle photographer focusing on family, children and school photos.

Simple, real, natural – your life, my lens.

Contact me to book a session or sign up for the newsletter for special offers! 

I thought I’d take a moment to tell you a bit about my private school photo sessions.

Individual school photos are 10 minute sessions. They are just long enough get get a handful of great shots without “losing” the child.

You know…short enough that they don’t get bored & dream about being somewhere else. 🙂

I upload about 3-5 of the best images (per child) to a private, online viewing gallery so that you can choose your favourite photo.

You will receive the digital file of your chosen photo, in colour and black & white, and it also includes a print selection from the following sizes:

• Two 5x7s
• One 8×10
• 8 wallets
• Two 4x5s + 4 wallets
• One 5×7 + 4 wallets

If you would like to order more prints or digital files, you are more than welcome to do so.

When siblings come for school photos at the same time, it’s a great chance to get some sibling shots.

Sibling digitals/prints are available as an add-on. You can take them or leave them – no pressure!

Want to get in on my next school photo session date? Head to the profile page of my Instagram account & click the link. You will see a Modern School Photo button there.

“Sisters make the best friends in the world.” – Marilyn M.⁠⠀

I wish I could tell you what these sisters were giggling about. It’s probably an inside joke. But doesn’t this just make you want to find out?!

On a side note, yellow and blue – love this combo! Don’t you agree?

Kate Daniel is a Calgary, Alberta based natural light, lifestyle photographer focusing on family, children and school photos.

Simple, real, natural – your life, my lens.

Contact me to book a session or sign up for the newsletter for special offers! 

What to wear at Picture Day

Next week my daughter has her Picture Day at school. What to wear? is always the question, right?!

Despite the fact that I’m a photographer, I always like to buy school photos cause I think it’s fun to look back on the changes from year to year.

Plus, the photos tend to be hilarious, which I figure will come in handy for future laughs.

Wondering what your child should wear on their photo/picture day?

I’ve put together a couple quick tips for you below.

Let the kid(s) pick!

• Kids tend to be more confident and excited on Picture Day when they have a choice in what they’re wearing.
• When children help pick their outfits, it ensures that images are a true reflection of their unique personality. 

Go for comfort!

• Everyone smiles more when they’re comfortable, which results in better photos!
• If kids are wearing stiff or scratchy clothes, they’ll likely spend their photo day thinking about getting out of them.

Avoid logos & cartoons

• Keep it simple with a plain colour or simple pattern. Logos and/or cartoons on shirts can distract us from focusing on the star of Photo Day – your child!
• Keep in mind that school photos are typically cropped in to focus on faces – so images on tops tend to get cut off anyway (unless it’s a pattern.)

I hope these quick tips have helped you and your kid(s) to make their Picture Day choice! Now have fun with the hair!

Want to save this image for quick & easy reference? Here you go!

Kate Daniel is a Calgary, Alberta based natural light, lifestyle photographer focusing on family, children and baby photos.

Simple, real, natural – your life, my lens.

Contact me to book a session or sign up for the newsletter for special offers!