Love Your Family Contest Winner

Last Valentine’s Day, I ran a “Love Your Family” contest on Instagram. It just occurred to me that I never posted the session photos from the contest winner! Oh the horrors!

Of course, it’s better late than never, so scroll down to see the session pics! The winner of the contest won an in-home Family Life photo session with me.

What’s a Family Life session?

You know how all the best photo-worthy moments happen at home?

Let me guess…traditionally posed photos make you want to run the other way?

Family Life sessions are designed for the person that wants to document their perfectly imperfect life…just as it is.

No posing, no fuss. Just love and laughter…or whatever!

Life with 3 kids is busy!

This lovely family of five was so adorable…and their home was equally so! We jam packed lots of goodness into their session…room tours, reading time, snack time, and of course lots of cuddle time! It was a little taste of their family life at home.

At the time, Mom was reflecting on how busy this phase of her life is/was with three young kids. Yet, it is also so special. Now, almost a year later, I wonder if things have changed much. I’m sure it’s just as busy…yet equally so special!

Reflecting on these photos, she said:

When I look at these pics, I think a good quote that sums up this phase of our life is, “Life isn’t perfect, but it does have perfect moments.” 

So true, so true.

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! 

Natural Newborn Sessions (AKA unposed)

Doing newborn pics in the comfort of your own home allows us to create unposed and natural baby photos.

This is often called Lifestyle Photography, but my sessions are somewhat documentary in feel as well. I also like to call them Natural Newborn Sessions (aka unposed).

I aim to create images that are unposed and as natural as possible; a true glimpse into home life.

“Unposed” doesn’t mean I don’t give you direction

When I say unposed, some people might get worried that they won’t know what to do or how to act in front of the camera. Don’t worry, I actually give you plenty of guidance and direction.

I realize that most people don’t regularly have someone in their house following them around with a camera! So I do my best to give you as much information as possible (before and during the sessions).

The thing about being somewhat documentary, though, is that it leaves room for spontaneous shots like this  – washing baby’s hair in the sink! And boy, does she loves it! So sweet.

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! 

When to book maternity photos

Quite honestly, maternity photos can be taken whenever you want. It’s your body, your baby. So you get to call the shots.

BUT if you’re looking for a recommendation from me, I suggest that photos take place in the beginning to middle of your third trimester, or somewhere between 30 – 35 weeks.

“9 months preparing to fall in love for a lifetime…”

I saw this quote on Pinterest recently…don’t you love it?!

And yes, those 9 months are typically jam packed with planning and preparation!

What’s the best car seat? Diapers – cloth or disposable?! Giving birth – hospital or home?! And on, and on…

There’s a lot to think about, I know. So let’s take one thing/question off your list: When is the best time to take maternity photos?  

30 – 35 weeks is a good rule of thumb

Capturing maternity photos in the third trimester, somewhere between 30 – 35 weeks work well for a few reasons:

• your baby/belly should be obviously showing by this point (some people don’t end up showing until later in the pregnancy…so you don’t want to have photos done too early!)
• you’re typically feeling pretty good – and are pretty mobile still! (the last couple weeks of pregnancy can be somewhat unpredictable…some people start to feel tired and are not wanting to do too much…)
• you’re not leaving it to chance! (even though most people end up giving birth after their due date, it’s best not to schedule pics too late in your pregnancy in case baby decides to come early!)

Still not quite sure when to book in?

Simply get in touch with me and I can help you pick a date to suit your needs!

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.

Winter sessions can be a ton of fun BUT we definitely have to be mindful of the conditions out there!⁠
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My general rule of thumb is not to shoot below -10C. ⁠
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True, schools still send the kiddies outdoors until it reaches -20C, but photo sessions are a bit different. ⁠
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When it’s a bit warmer, you have the ability to take your jackets off for a few photos, kids are generally happier (=better photos), and my camera equipment still works! ⁠
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My fav. winter conditions to shoot in? I love those bright sunny days, after a fresh snow fall…especially when it’s right around 0 degrees. ⁠

As a natural light photographer, I typically avoid shooting in bright sun. But there’s something about a winter day that just calls for it. So I’m learning how to adapt.
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Want in on some Winter Wonderland pics (in Fish Creek Park perhaps)? Send me a message to get on my list!⁠

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!