Calgary Newborn, Maternity & Family Photographer
SINCE 2014
You asked, I answered
01
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY MATERNITY SESSION?
The earlier you book your session, the better. Your best bet is to book your maternity session somewhere around 20 weeks, when you've found out the sex of your baby.
Maternity sessions are ideally taken between 28-33 weeks but that is just a general guideline. I recommend clients be photographed while they are clearly showing that beautiful baby belly but still feeling comfortable to move around and pose comfortably.
I like for my maternity photography to celebrate the beauty of pregnancy, allowing you to look back on just how beautiful you look (even if you didn’t feel very glamorous!), and to truly appreciate your amazing body.
02
WILL YOU SHOW ME HOW TO POSE? GIVE DIRECTIONS TO MAKE ME LOOK GOOD?
WE'RE AWKWARD IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA,
IS THAT OKAY?
I will walk you through a series of poses and explain in detail body positioning that are the most flattering of you. All you then have to do is, be your natural beautiful self!
My job is to make you feel at ease, to help capture the best you. I love to give extra time in my shoots to make you feel comfortable, and I offer 100% maternity posing instructions! which inherently produce intimate moments and create natural feelings I then photograph.
03
DO YOU HAVE A LOT OF GOWNS AND SIZES? WHAT ABOUT UNDER GARMENTS?
I have a wide range of 100+ gowns to choice from in a variety of sizes ranging from x-small to xx-large.
I do also offer undergarments for clients who don't have nude bras or panties, which is most recommended for the session.
04
HOW LONG DO MATERNITY SESSIONS LAST?
Maternity sessions are a lot of fun and a great chance for us to get to know each other before your newborn session. Maternity photography sessions can take from 1-2 hours, in that time I aim to do a variety of poses, and giving you time to change into your desired outfits/gowns and make up touch ups.
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05
WHERE DO MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS TAKE PLACE? DO YOU OFFER OUTDOOR MATERNITY SESSIONS?
Maternity photography session can take place in my Calgary NW studio, or if you’re wanting to go on location.
Location pregnancy photoshoots are best photographed an 1-2 hours before sunset, during what's called, 'the golden hour'. Soft backlit hair and faces, the sunsetting in the distance.
RAW IMAGES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE + NO PETS IN STUDIO
What happens if my Newborn won't sleep during their Newborn Photography session?
Not all Newborns sleep during their entire newborn photography session! Sometimes it depends on their age, especially after a newborns first week on this earth. Other times it depends on if the newborn has been kept awake long enough, or not been fed enough prior to it's newborn photography session.
What ever the reason, it doesn't faze me, with over 10 years of newborn photography expertise, I quickly adapt to get the best images of your newborn.
Siblings & Grandparents
Do you have an older sibling or grandparent who would like to join the session? For an additional $35/each, invite family members to join your session and have photos taken with your newborn!(not available for the mini or half newborn session)
Preparing for a Newborn Photoshoot with an older Sibling, or two!
I encourage parents to prepare their older siblings for their portion of the newborn photoshoot. That way older siblings are aware of what is going to be asked of them before arriving for your newborn photography session.
I will provide lots of Paw Patrol toys they can play with after their portion is finished.
Depending on the age of the older siblings my iconic sibling image on my Flokati cream rug can take 10-15mins.
RAW IMAGES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE + NO PETS IN STUDIO
At-Home Newborn Session
Would you like me to come to your home for an in-home Newborn Photoshoot?
For an additional $150/plus gst (within 30km of my NW studio after that $1/km) I will come to your home and provide a natural light newborn photography session..
(not availble for the mini or half photography session).
Milestone Session Questions
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY BABY'S CHILD SESSION?
Some parents like to do these sessions very close to their baby’s birthday. If you want photos for a party, though, you will need to schedule the session roughly min. 3 weeks, +printing time, in advance.
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WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST TO SCHEDULE MY CHILD SESSION?
The best time of day for a session is before your baby’s daytime nap, or soon after it. This ensures baby is well rested and content for the session.
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HOW LONG DO YOUR CHILD PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION TAKE?
Sessions can take 30mins-1hr depending on your child's willingness to cooperate.
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WHAT EXACTLY HAPPEN DURING YOUR CALGARY CHILD PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?
I like to frame my sessions with a little time at the beginning of the session getting to know your child so they feel comfortable with me. Then, when they feel comfortable, we will get started.
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It's important to come in with an open mind and a relaxed demeanour! Expectations for how long your little one will last during the entire session should be reasonable based on their personality and ability to adapt in new situations.
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HOW CAN I PREPARE MY BABY FOR THEIR CHILD SESSION?
1. Make it a fun experience.
Most young children don’t really respond well to someone standing in front of them ordering them to stand still and “say cheese!”
You’re much more likely to get them to do what you want if you make it into a fun experience that plays into their imaginations. Maybe that means you give them props to play with or come up with a story for them to act out. Make it feel like play! Imaginative play comes so naturally to children. If you can play into that, they’ll be happier and more at ease. And you’ll be much more likely to get a portrait of them that really shows their personality, too!
2. Let your child make a few choices.
Nobody likes for someone else to control everything about what to wear, where to stand, etc. This is especially true of toddlers who have just discovered their little voices. Make sure you give them a few choices along the way: For example, ”Would you rather stand here or here? Do you want to wear this shirt or that one?”
3. Make sure they’re well rested.
This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many parents schedule a portrait session right in the middle of their child’s regular nap time. Trust me. It’s better to choose a different day than to take this risk.
4. Bring snacks.
There’s a reason I keep my studio stocked with Rockets. OK, there are two reasons.
1. I have a sweet tooth and I sneak a little Rockets in between sessions sometimes. (Don’t judge!)
2. I know my little subjects will be much more likely to play with me, pose for photos, and be themselves if they have something in their bellies.
5. Give yourself plenty of time to get there, get dressed, and transition into the photo session.
It’s so important to start out on the right foot. And we all know that traffic around Calgary, AB can be terrible--especially during rush hour! I can't emphasize enough the importance of giving yourself enough time to get your child dressed, hair fixed, and drive calmly to the studio.
You want a calm, playful atmosphere from the start. Don't rush. Don't stress. Nothing ruins a child photo shoot faster than frantic, stressed out energy. Kids can sense when those around them are harried and upset and they'll respond by being uneasy at best and worst-case scenario having a melt down. Neither of these behaviors makes for a good portrait.
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WHAT'S YOUR CALGARY NW PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO LIKE?
I have a studio area where the images are taken, as well as a private client room with a changing table + a private client washroom to get ready in. I try to make clients feel at home with a relaxing and fun atmosphere, offering everything they need, from outfits, props, blankets, snacks, water, juice and free wi-fi! Visit my IG page highlight to see it before you arrive: https://www.instagram.com/capturelove_by_danielle/
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WHEN SHOULD I EXPECT TO SEE MY FINAL CHILD IMAGES?
I will select + edit one image from your session, a sneak peak, within 1 week of your session. This image will be a lower quality image with my logo on it. This image can be immediately shared with friends, family, or loaded to social media. (*clients will still need to select the image if they wish for it to be one of their final images)
At the same time I send clients their unedited images from their cake smash session in a gallery. The gallery is available for 2 weeks before it expires.
Clients will have the option to purchase additional final colour images for $35/each, or can upgrade to the next package.
Once clients have made their final selection and their invoice has been paid, they can expect their final images, sent via download, within 2-3 weeks. The final image folder will also be available for 2-3 weeks before it expires.
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IS THERE A BOOKING FEE? HOW DO I PAY FOR MY FINAL IMAGES?
I require a $150 booking fee, non refundable but transferable. Bookings are made via e-transfer, credit cards can be used for final payment.
Family sessions are photographed
outside ideally at the golden hour, meeting roughly 1 hour before sunset!
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I capturing natural smiles, family interactions, and do a blend of posed images as well as candid photos. I love to make clients feel at ease right when we meet.
Every moment counts, create a lasting tribute of your family that will fill your walls with LOVE.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MY CALGARY FAMILY PHOTO SESSION
01
TIPS ON PREPARING YOUR FAMILY FOR AN EFFORTLESS FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
Make hair, nail, and/or makeup appointments a few days before your session. Make sure your roots are touched up, no chipped nail polish! These are small details but we want everything to be perfect and thought about before the day of your session. Any personal appearance touchup items you might want, including things like lipstick or a hairbrush.
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Plan your outfits at least a week in advance—don’t wait ‘til the last day, trust me! You want to wake up feeling relaxed and prepared, so plan these details out early. Feel free to text me photos of your wardrobe if you’re having a hard time choosing! I’m happy to help.
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Prepare your kids, and husband! try low-key references to let them know what’s happening. Tell them you will be “hanging out with our friend Danielle on Saturday!” or “going to the park to play!” and keep things fun, lighthearted, and casual. Families have shared that this tip is especially helpful if they have a particularly shy child.
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Bring snacks, water and toy/stuffy OR treats to bribe kiddos with! (However, it’s best not to tell kids about the treats/toy before the session; wait until the kids start getting fatigued before you pull out the candy card! They’ll usually perk right up then!) Also, make sure the snack/treat won’t stain lips and is quick & small!
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Review all the things I will email you: I will send you a family session guide, as well as a style guide to help. These are all very important because they are full of tips and information that is useful.
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Walkable shoes. We will probably be walking short/moderate distances on unpaved trails, possibly with hills. Walkable shoes are a must! If you just love your wedges, bring them to change into before we start shooting.
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And of course, make sure everyone gets a great night’s sleep AND eats a good meal beforehand!
03
TIPS ON POSING YOUR FAMILY TO GET GREAT IMAGES OF YOUR FAMILY
No need to say ‘Cheese’ I don't like to coax your children into fake smiles! I’m chasing natural interactions and unposed moments. I strive to capture and encourage authentic expressions.
Laugh, play, tickle, and snuggle. This is how I will capture the REAL moments of your family.
Not everyone has to be looking at the camera to get a beautiful image of your family. I like to especially encourage my dads to focus on their partners and their kids. When in doubt, just smile and look at your family lovingly.
Stand close together. Actually, as close as possible:)
Relax, slow down, and don’t force anything. Don’t feel pressured to make everything perfect! Just be present with your family and I’ll do the rest. And don’t stress if any of the kids get fussy! As a mother, and thoroughly experienced photographer, I’ve seen it all before, trust me lol. Just snuggle your kiddos and we can still capture beautiful images:)
Expect me to move you around to different spots to capture images. The more variety we get, the bigger your gallery and the more great shots we have the opportunity to create together!
02
CALGARY OUTDOOR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION LOCATION INFORMATION
I use two gorgeous outdoor locations that I love to use for my Calgary maternity + family photoshoots between May and October, depending on the weather.
For those dreamy backlit images with a low setting sun called 'the golden hour' require the photoshoot session to take place 1-2hrs before the sunsets. From May to July the sun sets late, 9:30pm but in late August/September the sunset is much earlier. These are things to consider when booking your family photography session if you have young children etc.
My NW location offers rolling farmlands, a mountain top peak backdrop, stunning sunsets, a variety of wild flowers, old barbed wire fences, and tall grass, all depending on the time of year.
My SW location offers a stunning creek, gorgeous tall grassy fields, birch tree trails and a wonderful forest.
There are washrooms at the SW location I use, but none at my NW location.
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That being said, do you have a favourite location in the Calgary area? I'm flexible and love to discover new locations within Calgary to shoot, let's make your dreams happen.
04
​WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
After your session, your work is done! You can let your hair down, put your feet up, and relax a little bit. I will be working hard behind the scenes to cull the best photos (eliminating duplicates, blurs, and blinks).
I will select + edit one image from your session, a sneak peak, within one week of your session. This image will be a lower quality image with my logo on it. This image can be immediately shared with friends, family, or loaded to social media. (*clients will still need to select the image if they wish for it to be one of their final images)
At the same time I send clients their unedited images from their family session in a gallery. The gallery is available for 2 weeks before it expires.
Clients will have the option to purchase additional final colour images for $35/each, or can upgrade to the next package.
Once clients have made their final selection and their invoice has been paid, they can expect their final images, sent via download, within 3 weeks. The final image folder will also be available for 2 weeks before it expires.
*Raw Images Not Available.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAKE SMASH!
Prior to your session let your baby try the sweet taste of an iced cake so they learn to accept the taste(and in case of allergies).
Pack a favourite toy if your child needs a break.
Pack their puffs or favourite snack
to hide in the frosting.
Pack a change of clothes so you don't get cake on your nice clothes.
Come in with an open mind and a relaxed demeanor, baby sense tension.
Prepare to work out a little, or a lot if your baby is mobile! Let's have fun together with your little one!
​HOW LONG DO YOUR CHRISTMAS MINI PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION TAKE?
20mins, 30mins or 45mins depending on which xmas session you selected.​
WHAT IF I WANT FAMILY IMAGES AND PHOTOS OF MY CHILD/CHILDREN?
You may have two adults and max 3 children, per session. Additional guests are $35. NO PETS!
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY KIDS DON'T COOPERATE OR CRY?
I love kids, and most clients would say I try pretty hard to get those smiles! So while I have yet to encounter a session where I can’t make some type of magic happen, it is important to note that kids are unpredictable and to have an open mind and a relaxed demeanor. Expectations for how long your little one will last during the entire session should be reasonable based on their personality and ability to adapt in new situations. I recommend your little one sleeps (if needed) and eats before your session.​
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IS THERE A BOOKING FEE? HOW DO I PAY FOR MY FINAL IMAGES?
I require a $150 session fee, non-refundable but transferable.. Bookings are made via e-transfer, credit cards can be used for final payment.​(RAW IMAGES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE)
2 New Locations!!! $574+plus gst
Calgary Central Library
+ the Peace Bridge
