Preschool Photos in Calgary: Behind the Scenes at Akidemy

by patil | Sep 15, 2023 | Kids Photography, Preschool Photos, Sibling Photos

Preschool Photos in Calgary: Behind the Scenes at Akidemy

Today I’m sharing my experience shooting preschool photos at Akidemy Preschool in Calgary. Along the way, I’ll walk you through how I photograph little kids and how I retouch their photos afterward.

Children have always been my favourite subject. Starting out as a baby and kids’ photographer, I quickly learned how much fun and energy they bring to a session. On photo day, dressed in their best outfits and hairstyles, they honestly look ready for a kids’ clothing catalogue!

This spring, I was back at Akidemy Preschool for student portraits. We moved photo day from fall to spring this year. By spring, the kids are more settled into school and feel more comfortable in front of the camera.

Why I Love Shooting at Akidemy

Every time I visit Akidemy, I want to dive straight into their activity tables. They’re covered in toys, craft supplies, and fun materials. The space itself is beautifully designed, with natural wood furniture and soft pastel colours throughout. It’s safe, welcoming, and clearly built with kids in mind.

For outdoor shots, I use the preschool’s backyard, which has a few trees that make a lovely natural backdrop. On cooler or rainy days, we shoot indoors instead, using the school’s pretty wallpaper as a backdrop.

My Tips for Getting Great Preschool Photos

People often ask how I get such natural, happy expressions from young kids. Here’s what works for me.

Break the ice first

For many kids, this is their first time in front of a professional photographer. A friendly, relaxed introduction goes a long way before the camera even comes out.

Use props to hold their attention

I bring maracas, a small basketball, flowers, or plush toys for kids to hold. A shaking maraca almost always gets a smile. Plush bunnies and kitties often lead to hugs or pretend play. Props are also great conversation starters, and once a child starts chatting, they usually forget to feel shy.

Ask simple questions

For quieter kids, I ask about siblings, birthdays, or what they want for the holidays. While they talk, I keep shooting. Kids look most like themselves when they’re mid-story, not posing for a fake smile.

Let hyper kids move

Some kids can’t stand still, and that’s fine. I’ll ask them to jump as high as they can or reach for the sky. The energy in these shots often makes for the most memorable photos, especially when I let the child invent their own poses.

Play familiar music

I keep a custom Spotify playlist just for preschool sessions — think Baby Shark, Wheels on the Bus, and B-I-N-G-O. Familiar songs help kids relax and cooperate.

Above all, the goal is connection. When a child sees you as a friend, they relax, and relaxed kids photograph naturally. Parents are often surprised at how confidently their child poses once they see the online proof gallery.

Why Editing Matters for Preschool Photos

Preschool photos matter to parents, so I never treat retouching as an afterthought. With adult portrait clients, I’m often asked to smooth wrinkles or soften a double chin. With 3- and 4-year-olds, the fixes look different: a smudge under the nose, a stray bruise, or a stain on a favourite outfit.

No matter how carefully a parent dresses and styles their child that morning, things change by photo time. Cheerios in the hair, playdough on a nose, a folded collar — it happens. (Honestly, a playdough-covered face makes for a hilarious photo, but I know most parents want the clean version!)

Before I even start shooting, I check each child over and fix what I can on the spot. Even so, professional cameras pick up details the eye misses — dry skin, a bit of nose mucus, or goobers in the corner of an eye. At Alpina Photography, I handle all of that in detailed retouching, the same care I give to business headshots. Parents take home clean, frame-worthy portraits they’re proud to hang on the wall.

Sibling Photos on Preschool Photo Day

Preschool photo day is also a great chance to grab sibling photos. At Alpina Photography, I offer sibling sessions for any preschool kids with a brother or sister on-site. It’s a quick, easy way for parents to get a portrait to send to grandma. Watching siblings hug, laugh, or play together often makes for the most heartwarming shots of the day.

Families simply bring their other children to the preschool on photo day, and I prioritize sibling sessions so everyone can head out quickly afterward. You can learn more on our preschool portraits page.

Capturing Candid Preschool Photos

Every parent knows kids don’t love standing still and posing. The best preschool photos usually happen when I let moments unfold naturally instead of forcing a pose.

A few things help with this:

Interact with the child and join whatever activity they’re enjoying.
Use continuous or burst mode to catch a series of shots in quick succession.
If a child is shy, switch to a zoom lens to capture candid moments from a comfortable distance.

If you’d like to capture some real, natural memories with your own kids, take a look at our kids sessions or family sessions.

For Calgary families curious about Akidemy itself, you can visit the Akidemy Preschool website to learn more.

Mother’s Day Photo Sessions

by patil | May 1, 2023 | Family Photography, Life

Mother’s Day Photo Sessions – The best mother’s day gift ever

Camera is one of most magical inventions in history that gives us the power to freeze the time. Our life is like a compilation of millions of different moments in time. We don’t remember each and every moment, but we clearly remember the ones we photograph. We can even say that photography creates memories for us, which otherwise will be forgotten.

As a Calgary photographer, my mission is help creating memories for families before the time flies away.

When we become a mom or dad, we get lost in the busy pace of parent life and forget about the connection with our own moms. We are still their babies, and they are still our moms.

As our moms grow older, it becomes increasingly important to cherish the time we have left with them.

Take the time to connect with your mom, listen to her stories, share your own, take a trip down memory lane, do something fun together, take care of her. They have a place in our hearts that can never be filled by anything else. Celebrate your mom and all that she’s done for you. Throw her a surprise party, cook her favorite meal, or simply tell her how much she means to you. Sometimes we can’t express our love in words. Celebrating your mom or giving her a special gift will help her to feel appreciated and loved.

A Special Gift for Mother’s Day 2023

With mother’s day coming up, most of us are thinking of a different present to give them this year. Not like fulfilling your annual duty. Something special that you don’t gift just anyone. If you are in Calgary, I got you covered! A photography session is a great way to celebrate your mom. It’s a chance to make her feel special and appreciated. It’s a way to say thank you for all that she’s done for you and to remind them how much they mean to you. A gift that would be a treasure to look back on in the future.

When was the last time you had your photo taken with your mom? Months ago? Years ago? Let this one be a special photoshoot with a touch of a professional photographer. Many of my clients tell me that it was their first ever photo session with their family. This was once an old family tradition to go to a photography studio and get a professional photo done. As the point and shoot cameras had become more common, this tradition is almost forgotten. Then, cell phones with cameras came in our lives. Now we take photos of every moment with our cell phones, but it’s more sloppy and less artistic and we are not in most of those photos.

Lately getting professional photo services is once again becoming popular as people understand the value that comes with hiring a professional photographer.

Professional photographers have experience capturing special moments, posing subjects, and working in different lighting conditions. They can make you feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera, and can capture beautiful photos that you will treasure for a lifetime .

Mother’s day photo sessions by Alpina Photography

I love taking photos of moms and their children as I get to capture one of the purest emotions between two people. As a Calgary photographer, I get to shoot in many beautiful Calgary parks and public places, so you have a wide variety of options to choose for your family session.

Alpina Photography-Mother's day gift certificate

Mother’s day sessions are regular family sessions with a focus on mother’s day and with extra flexibility to choose your shooting location.

Be it an outdoor shoot at a park, at your house or senior’s place, we can accommodate your mommy and me session wherever possible. If there is any special bond, a shared interest or special article between you and your mom, we can make it a themed session using it as part of our photo shoot. A few years ago I asked local people during a giveaway campaign what was their most favourite places in Calgary for photography. You can find a list of great Calgary location in this post: https://www.alpinaphotography.com/2020/02/16/valentines-day-contest-calgary/

Besides digital images to share on social media, you also have an option to order prints to frame or put in an album. You can book your session online from “family sessions” page of Alpina Photography website:

www.alpinaphotography.com/family-sessions

There are two different packages for single and extended families. You can always reach me directly for any questions.

As an alternative, you can give her a gift certificate where she can pick her photo shoot date and schedule it for later. Either way this will be the most unforgettable mother’s day for her.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

How to Prepare for Calgary Professional Headshots

by patil | Mar 23, 2023 | Headshot Photography, Life, Studio Sessions

How to Prepare for Calgary Professional Headshots

A great headshot is a partnership. It’s the photographer’s job to set the lighting, guide the session, offer posing direction, and help you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. But a few simple preparations on your end can make a measurable difference in the final result — often the gap between a photo that looks “fine” and one that genuinely looks like the best version of you.

Your headshot is frequently the first impression a client, employer, or connection has of you, whether it’s on LinkedIn, your company’s website, or a conference bio. That’s a lot riding on a single image, which is exactly why a little preparation goes a long way. As a Calgary headshot photographer, I always tell clients that the technical side of the photo — lighting, camera settings, retouching — is my job. The part you control is everything you bring into the room with you.

Preparing well for Calgary professional headshots comes down to four things: grooming, makeup, clothing, and posing. Here’s how to approach each one.

Grooming and Makeup

A natural, polished look works best for a business headshot. Get a fresh haircut or trim beforehand, shave or style facial hair neatly, and cleanse and moisturize your skin so it looks clear and healthy on camera. It’s worth scheduling any haircut a few days ahead of your session rather than the morning of — this gives it time to settle into its natural shape rather than looking freshly cut.

Skin prep matters more than people expect. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session, and if your skin tends to run dry, a good moisturizer the night before and morning of can help avoid any flaky or dull patches under studio lighting. If you’re prone to breakouts, try not to introduce any new skincare products right before your session — stick with what you know works.

make up for a headshot photo Keep makeup understated. Heavy or dramatic makeup tends to distract from a professional look, especially under studio lights, which can exaggerate anything too heavy-handed. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone with light to medium coverage, and blend it carefully into your neck and jawline for a seamless finish. A light dusting of setting powder can also help reduce shine, particularly if your session includes multiple looks or outfit changes.

Your eyes are a natural focal point in a headshot, so give them subtle definition — neutral eyeshadow shades work well, paired with mascara for a bit of length and volume. Keep lips simple with a natural-looking colour close to your own lip tone, or a subtle neutral gloss. The overall goal with makeup for a headshot isn’t to look “done up” — it’s to look like the most rested, polished version of your everyday self.

How to Dress for Your Session

Since the goal is to keep attention on your face, avoid bold patterns, distracting graphics, or visible logos. Solid, neutral colours — black, white, gray, navy — tend to photograph best and read as timeless in a professional setting. Busy patterns like tight stripes or small checks can also create a distracting visual effect called moiré on camera, which is another good reason to keep things simple.

Let your outfit reflect your industry. how to prepare for headshot session A creative field often allows for more relaxed attire, while more traditional or formal industries typically call for a suit or blazer. Fit matters just as much as colour — a well-tailored piece will always photograph better than an expensive one that doesn’t sit right on your shoulders, so it’s worth trying on your outfit ahead of time rather than the morning of your session. If you’re early in your career and want more guidance, MasterClass has a solid overview on how to dress for work.

If you’ve booked a studio session with Alpina Photography, feel free to bring a few outfit options so we can see what photographs best together. Two or three options give us room to test what works with the lighting and background, and it’s genuinely helpful to have that flexibility rather than committing to a single outfit in advance. Just avoid anything overly trendy or flashy — simple, well-fitted clothing keeps the focus where it belongs: on you.

How to Pose for a Business Headshot

Good posture sets the tone for the whole photo. Stand tall with your shoulders back and your chin lifted slightly — this conveys confidence and professionalism from the first glance. Many people naturally lean forward toward the camera without realizing it, so it can help to consciously root your weight back through your heels before each shot.

At the same time, relaxed shoulders matter just as much as good posture. Tension reads on camera, so aim for a natural, approachable stance rather than a stiff one. Avoid leaning or tilting your head too far in either direction, as this can create unflattering shadows. If you’re not sure how a pose looks, don’t be afraid to ask — checking the screen between shots is a normal part of the process, and small adjustments often make a bigger difference than they seem to in the moment.

Find your best angle

Turn your head slightly left or right how to pose for a headshot photo during the session to find the angle that suits you best, and make sure your face is fully visible to the camera. Most people have a side they photograph slightly better from, and part of a good session is simply trying a few variations until we find yours.

Practice your expression beforehand

A genuine smile always photographs better than a forced one. Think of something that makes you happy rather than posing a smile directly, and practice in a mirror if it helps you find a relaxed, natural expression. A more serious look or a subtle smirk can also work well, depending on the tone you’re going for — and it’s often worth capturing a mix of both during your session, since different platforms or uses may call for a different feel.

Give your hands something to do

Resting your hands lightly in your pockets or on a nearby surface tends to look more natural than letting them hang stiffly at your sides. If your headshot includes your hands in the frame, a relaxed, slightly open hand position photographs better than a clenched or overly rigid one.

A strong business headshot should convey both professionalism and approachability. With a bit of preparation using the tips above, you’ll walk into your session ready to look and feel your best — and as your photographer, my job is to make the rest of the process feel effortless on your end.

Ready to book your Calgary professional headshots? As a Calgary headshot photographer, I’ll guide you through every step of the session so all you need to focus on is showing up prepared. You can book your session online in just a few minutes. Leave the details to me — I’m here to help you look your best.

Tips on what to wear for your maternity shoot

by patil | Mar 3, 2022 | Life, Maternity Photos

Tips on What to Wear For Your Maternity Photo Shoot

What to wear for your maternity photo session is an important point that needs to be decided beforehand. No panic! This can be a pleasant and fun experience for you!
You can start with your maternity photographer. If they have some outfits to your liking, you don’t have to go through the whole outfit decision process.
Inquire with your photographer if they have a maternity closet available for clients. If they do, you can ask them to share some pictures of the outfits. I have recently added a little section on my maternity photos page to give an idea about what style of clothing is available at Alpina Photography

In our maternity wardrobe, it is possible to find formal or casual dress options. Even tutus! There is no strict rule about what to wear for a maternity session. You can decide it based on what style or look white lace maternity dress you want for your maternity photos. For studio photo shoots, we usually recommend formal gowns. They in fact work in any setting from natural outdoor shoots to formal studio sessions. If it is an outdoor shoot in a natural setting, you can go with the casual styles too.

In my studio photo shoots, I like using loose fabrics to get a more artistic look. It is so versatile that you can get a few different impressions using the same cut of fabric. When it comes to loose fabric, I love laces, chiffons and tulles. They look very elegant and poetic in maternity pictures.

You can check out this video of Kelly Brown on Youtube: DIY Maternity Dress with Kelly Brown This gives an idea on how we drape fabrics on models as an alternative to sewn outfits.

Split open dresses gives you the option to show or hide your belly.

Flower headbands complement lacy outfits so well like an “angel” or a “fairy”. That innocence and purity of “childbearing” cannot be expressed better in pictures.

If you have a very specific style that you are after, you can either buy it online or have it sewn for you. Fabricland has a variety of amazing fabrics that you can buy in Calgary.

As for sizes, maternity dresses are easy to fit different body types, as they are mostly made of stretchy fabrics or adjustable straps. We have sizes from small to extra-large. If you are on the smaller side, you can choose any dress from small to large. We will make sure to make it look good on you during your photo shoot. If you are on the larger side, dresses from medium to extra-large should fit you nicely.

If you are planning a DIY maternity shoot

The most important aspect of a maternity shoot outfit is revealing the maternity belly. Whether it is made of stretchy fabrics or have a split open skirt under the bust, it must do a good job on showing your belly in a flattering way.

Decide whether you want a casual or a formal style. Then you can narrow it down by browsing maternity photos on the Internet and photographers’ websites.

Avoid stripes on your dress as it would make you look wider. Try to choose solid colours as opposed to busy patterns to draw the focus on you. Remember this photo shoot is not about fashion, but your pregnancy belly.

You can use your regular jeans for maternity shoot, just leaving buttons or zipper open. Maternity jeans are not a good fit for photography as it is hard to hide the bulky elastic section on the belly.

For ready-made maternity dresses, I can recommend two online stores: www.asosmaternity.com and www.pinkblushmaternity.com they have both formal and casual styles.

Here is a few maternity clothing ideas for you:

Boho style dresses are perfect for outdoor shoots in a nature setting.

Bandeau bralette and tutu skirt fitted under the belly can be a cute option.

Long sleeve stretchy crop top showing off belly goes perfect with jeans or stretchy tube skirts

For an elegant style, you can consider dresses with deep v neck and rich skirts.

Lacy dresses with long sleeve or cold shoulder.

To be on the safe side, choose solid colours whatever style you decide. Black, white, pink, red, blue. Any colour, just solids! There can be some exceptions where a floral print can be beautiful on a casual dress, depending on its model.

Dos and Don’ts when coming to your maternity session

Most maternity outfits that are used in photoshoots have transparent sections like lace or chiffon, so it is best to avoid black, white or colour underwear. Skin colour underwear is the best bet to hide it under the garment. If it is seamless, even better. If you have a tube or bandeau bra, bring it with you; it may come in handy for strapless dresses or loose fabric draping.

Prior to your maternity session, make sure to wear loose underwear so there is no marks on the skin from elastics.

If you need a hair cut or a touch up on your hair roots, get it done before your maternity session.

If your partner will be in the pictures, they should dress the same style as you. If you are wearing a fancy gown, they should choose a dress pants and shirt. If you are going with a casual style, your partner should match it too.

Don’t miss this deal expiring on March 31, 2022

Alpina Photography is currently offering a promotion in Calgary, Alberta where you can get $100 off on your maternity sessions. You can save instantly at the time of online booking. All you need is to enter the promo code SPECIAL100 during check out. Your session can be booked for months later but booking needs to be done until March 31, 2022. Don’t miss it, book it today: www.alpinaphotography.com/maternity-sessions

Contact Alpina Photography:

email: pinar@alpinaphotography.com

Phone: (403) 926-4832

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9 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Professional Photographer

by patil | Feb 1, 2022 | Family Photography, Headshot Photography, Life, Outdoor Sessions, Studio Sessions

9 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Professional Photographer

We all take photos with our cameras or cell phones daily. Especially with social media becoming an important part of our lives and the development of smart phones equipped with cameras pretty much shaped our habit of taking photos so, one can ask why I would hire a photographer after all.

During the point and shoot era, dreadful photos filled our photo albums. We kept them for the sake of “memories”. After many years of struggling with terrible picture quality and blurry images we took with our point and shoot cameras, finally we have cell phones that can take some fine photos as long as we have no problem with “image resolution” or “composition”.

Let me tell you about an anecdote from a few years ago:

We were at a restaurant, dining together with old friends first time after many years. I wanted to take a group photo as a memory from our get-together. My friend said, let’s ask the waiter to do it, so all of us would be in the picture. When the waiter took the photo, my friend wanted to see it before letting him go. I found it kind of offensive and unkind, thinking “who can fail to take a simple cell phone photo” My friend checked her phone and she burst into a laughter saying “our heads are missing” I was both shocked and embarrassed for both the waiter failing to take a simple photo, and us being such jerks making fun of this, but I couldn’t stop myself laughing either 😊

Paying attention to including all important human parts in the frame, the second photo was much better with some lighting issues.

Cell phone cameras are terrific tools as an aid in our everyday life. We use them often when we are shopping, when we want to document visible health issues to share with the doctor, collecting inspirations for our art project, file sharing and so on.

On the other hand, photography is a form of art, just like painting or music; not only a tool to document what there is out there. When taking a landscape photo or a portrait, no matter what camera we are using, the purpose is capturing our subject in a visual order that is pleasing to the eye, expressing the emotions in the moment, reflecting the mood of the environment. For a good photograph we need to melt technique and aesthetics in the same pot. If one of them is lacking, the photo ends up being a dull, lifeless picture. It may be ok for capturing everyday life and sharing only on the social media platforms. If you want some beautiful photos that you would like to display in an album or hang on your walls, then you need a professional photographer.

Let’s take a closer look at the 9 reasons why you should hire a professional photographer.

1. Artistically composed images

When it comes to composition, it takes more than capturing smiling faces with all body parts included in the frame. If you are looking for more than quick snapshots, you can take advantage of a professional photographer’s expertise, knowledge and experience. A professional photographer has a trained eye to identify the best positions and angles in each situation. They assess the current conditions and location to decide where and how to position the subject to get the best light and a meaningful composition. Good composition is a vital element for artistic images, making it interesting, attractive and unique.

2. Editing that is worth every penny

In most cases Images do not come out perfect straight out of the camera. We do a post processing to make them look their best. Sometimes the weather or current conditions at the photography location may not cooperate with the type of photos we want to attain. High-end editing tools like Photoshop enables us to turn a gloomy photo into a bright happy one, or vice versa. Cleaning up the photo off the bad looks such as a garbage bin, or a car parked on the side of the road makes a huge change on the photo.

Detailed skin retouch is another aspect of professional photo editing especially for portraits and professional head shots. When you hire a photographer, photo editing is part of the package. You can have outstanding images that you will be proud to share or display.

3. Professional Equipment for excellent results

Professional photographers utilize high-end specialty equipment to get the best results for their genre of photography. At Alpina Photography we have top-of-the-line studio equipment for portrait photography. Our most popular studio sessions are newborn, headshots, maternity, family and children’s photos. We also bring our equipment on site for on-location business portraits, couples and headshot sessions.

4. Strike a pose like a magazine cover

I often hear people say, “I am not photogenic”. I believe there is a right angle for everyone in which they look great. It is the photographer’s job to find it out and guide you through your photo session on posing to get the best shots. Portrait photographers are experienced photographing all body types and ages, so they know how to make you look slimmer, taller, younger or smaller. They steer you away from frequently done posing mistakes. Your photographer can advise on how to dress or make up for specific styles and looks.

They can also point you out the best possible time of the day to ensure the best lighting therefore greatest portraits. In Calgary, for outdoor portraits, I advise my clients the exact time and place for golden hour photos, for blacked out silhouette photos and so on. This little girl in the below photo in the below photo is not a model, but her mom was 😊

5. You can be in the photos too

You don’t need to sacrifice anyone from your family to take photos. When you have a professional photographer, everyone will be in the photos, looking their best.

I wasn’t aware of how important it is until I realized I was missing from every single photo I took through the years, except for only a few, which were strictly posed and taken quickly. It’s a matter of passion. Not everyone volunteers to take photos.

6. Easy access to the best photography locations

Photographers know all the best places in your city to take certain type of photos. As a professional photographer, I am always in search of new places for outdoor photography. In Calgary, I have a list of places for family photos, couples’ photos, business head shots or cake smash photos. To get the best results, I do pre-session excursions to the target location and make sure if it will look pretty on the session date. In Calgary, spring comes late, summers and falls are short, so we need to be on the lookout all the time and check the weather and if necessary, reschedule the session. After a strong windstorm, in place of a beautiful park, you can find a post-apocalyptic movie setting for your family photos. It always pays off to scout the place beforehand.

7. Getting high quality prints

Professional photographers usually work with high end photography print labs that only work with photography companies. The quick photo prints you will get from a local London Drugs or Walmart store will not please you as for quality, colour accuracy or sharpness as their printers are set for “low ink consumption” The bigger problem is, if your photos are taken in a different colour space than sRGB their printers will not recognize it and you may end up with lifeless photos with cold colours, unwanted tints or low contrast.

Another issue with prints is that most cameras take photos in 3×4 ratio. If you print your photos in different sizes such as square, 5×7, or 8×10, you will lose some of the image to fit in that size. Sometimes it is part of your arm or ear in a portrait that you must give up when you print it yourself. When you order your prints through your photographer, they take care of such cropping issues. As a professional photographer, I never order prints as is, but check them and see how they look in the desired ratio and make that photo fit nicely into that size. To be able to do this sometimes I have to go back to photoshop and re-edit the photo or add a section to make it look meaningful or centered.

Professional labs also offer better quality archival paper and variety of print papers such as metallic, fine art giclee or cotton paper.

8. Variety of photography props

You don’t need to worry about props or backdrops when you hire a professional photographer. At Alpina Photography, we have an abundance of photography props from umbrellas to wooden crates, from flower headbands to Christmas decors and newborn size beds. We maintain a big inventory of photo props and backdrops to make your photo project successful, whether it is family photography, kids photography, cake smash or newborn photography we have you covered. If you have a specific theme on your mind, you can also communicate it during pre-session phone meeting. We do our best to accommodate custom themes at www.alpinaphotography.com

9. Convenience

You don’t need to go through the process of planning, scheduling, choosing a location, deciding what to wear or how to pose, editing photos afterwards, finding a good lab to print them out. These are all your photographer’s job.

Hire a Professional Photographer!

If you’re in Calgary Alberta and looking for professional quality photos for your family album, for your website, or for the baby coming into your life soon, give me a call at (403) 926-4832 to discuss what you are looking for and how we can make it happen for you.

www.alpinaphotography.com

pinar@alpinaphotography.com

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Photo Shoot in the Snow

by patil | Jan 1, 2022 | Family Photography, Kids Photography, Life, Outdoor Sessions

When the white snow covers the earth, everything looks purer, cleaner and dreamier. While it is actually snowing, probably most of you noticed that magical silence fills the air as if you are in Narnia! Not a few blocks away from Trans Canada highway.

This is a precious opportunity for us photographers to go out and create something beautiful about winter season. New year comes with snow just like a new white page in our lives, ready to start filling it with colourful memories.

When I have an outdoor session in the snow, I always tell my clients to wear colourful clothings or accessories to stand out in that whiteness. With low depth of field, it is easy to blend background noises into the snow’s whiteness and I think portraits appear more distinct with a creamy white background that snow provides. Another advantage of winter shoots is that the sun is always low in the sky, shining in low power, giving us the perfect light. So there is not a narrow window for winter outdoor sessions unlike summer time. (we usually chase golden hour in summer days) We can do it any time of the day before it gets dark.

Of course it has challenges to take photos in the winter. First, it’s cold. The coldest weather that I had a family session was -10 ֯ C . It was difficult for little kids as they tend to get cranky in the cold, so I go to those sessions well prepared not to lose any time on choosing a good spot or thinking of poses or putting together a theme using props. So I do all these beforehand and when we meet for the photoshoot we start it immediately. Keeping little ones toasty is the most important thing. I recommend putting kids in snowsuits before going in the car, so they can get warm on the way and keep their body heat for a longer time. Those tiny handwarmers come in handy for winter sessions. You can slide the them in your gloves or boots, it keeps warm up to 8 hours. They are available in most stores from Canadian Tire to Costco. It’s a good idea to keep some in the car, you can never know when you would need them.

In Calgary, we are blessed with Chinook winds that gives us a break from cold winter. It is such a privilege in our cold country. We are lucky to have snow on the ground and wearing no jackets. I even remember one day we went tobogganing with kids and it was so warm and the sun was shining bright, we took off all our clothing layers down to a t-shirt! As well as -10 ֯ C we have a chance to do a photo session in the snow at +10 ֯ C temperature in this city.

Maternity sessions in the snow would also be great but it is best to do it on a warm Chinook day, so you can pose in a fancy dress instead of big winter coats.

During sessions, I don’t like carrying heavy camera bag on my back so I bring a sled to the sessions to carry my equipment and some props (such as blankets, lantern, garlands) in it and drag along. It also serves as a photography prop and keep little ones entertained.

If you are interested in booking a winter family session at one of our beautiful parks, all you need to do is to choose a date and book it on the Alpina website: www.alpinaphotography.com

Here is a few frames from recent shoots in Montalban Park (Montgomery), Edworthy Park and Confederation Park.

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Ballerina Photoshoot in Downtown Calgary

by patil | Sep 10, 2020 | Dance Photography, Outdoor Sessions

Couple days ago, I had a special outdoor photo session with a young and talented ballerina. It was such a fulfilling experience that I didn’t want it to end. A sweet combination of my favourite photography genres: Street photography, lifestyle, Portrait and Dance Photography

We planned it together with our dancer’s mom. The locations, poses, outfits and props.

Our first stop was Memorial Park Library. It is the first public library in Alberta, built in 1910.

This beautiful Victorian style sandstone building was a perfect place for ballerina photos with its strongly articulated entrance with ionic columns and lamp posts symbolizing enlightenment. I have always been fascinated with the classical portrayal of a ballerina lacing up her dance shoes. So I took some of those portraits on the stairs with balconies in the back.

Our second stop was Stephen Avenue Walk. My favourite photography location in downtown. The old Hudson’s Bay building would be a perfect place for some dance poses. This building is noted for its elegant arcade which wraps around the east and south facades. Us, photographers cannot resist when we see arches and pillars. That is why we choose it for many occasions from wedding portraits to architectural photography. It was a little difficult to find moments with no people in the background or Calgary transit bus or train passing by, but we made it.

The middle of Stephen Avenue Walk was where we took our next set of dance photos. This was an interesting experience for our young model as she never danced in the middle of a street before. She was very confident under the admiring gaze of people passing by. She was like a live art piece that brings beauty to downtown streets walking around on pointe, twirling and doing relevés, and assembles.

I love to use street furnishings and structures in my portraits, such as benches, lamp posts, hanging flower pots, stairs and bridges. The red dress worked great with red flowers at Olympic Plaza. We even improvised and used a broom as a prop that city workers left on site. 😊

Then we headed to Eau Claire for our waterside, bridge and bench poses. Some shoe lacing and stretching poses went very well and the time of the day was just perfect. 5pm.

I have tons of street dance portrait ideas in my head for fall, winter and indoor. I can’t wait for my next dance shoot.

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A sunday walk at Bowmont Park

by patil | Jul 12, 2020 | Family Photography, Life, Places We Go

A Sunday Walk At Bowmont Park

I love Calgary for offering beautiful nature walks just 5 min drive away. This Sunday we went to Silver Springs Boardwalk which is the upper side of Bowmont Natural Environment Park. Summer months are like a party in the nature areas. Flowers from all colors can be seen on the side of the pathways. I love the wild Alberta rose the best as it smells like heaven. The happiest flower of all is daisies. Symbol of youth and innocence. It’s not a flower known for its scent, but I love daisy’s wild scent. It takes me to my childhood.

Exploring the park

The wooden boardwalk all the way to the river is so cute and joy to walk on. The little streams come together and flow down to the river through a rocky path along with a small waterfall. The soothing sound of the flowing water is like a music to your ears. At the end of the boardwalk, you arrive a beautiful look out by the river. This is where we take our first break watching the birds bathing in the water and the people rafting on the river. From there we took a steep climb which wasn’t long and we were on the top of a hill overlooking Bow River, Paskapoo Slops, bridges and railroads. (Edit: That steep climb had actually been replaced with steps) This is my favourite spot to take photos. The view is amazing, sky is beautiful. I never did a family session here as there is some hiking and climbing involved, but I would love to if anyone is interested. From here you have a nice long pathway to enjoy the view of the beautiful valley and Bowmont Park. When the pathway forks you can either go down to the Bowmont park and little lagoon or continue to a high deck sitting on top of another hill. It is a nice deck with benches where you can enjoy the beautiful view and have some rest.

On our way back there was a crazy wind which later turned to a rain storm. It was like a natural attraction for the kids as they were walking against the wind gusts with hair flying in the air.

I enjoyed taking photos of my favourite people playing with the wind, laughing like crazy!

Seriously, does anyone want a family session at upper Bowmont Park? 😊

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Love is All Around: An engagement session in Calgary

by patil | Jun 25, 2020 | Couples Photography, Engagement Photos, Outdoor Sessions

Love Is All Around: An Engagement Session In Calgary

Coming up with the photo idea

Love, innocence, wisdom, humor… a few of the things I enjoy photographing. Several days ago I had a photo shoot where I got to capture “love”. This young couple are engaged and wanted some photos captured before their wedding. As soon as the session was booked, my creative juices started flowing. This is the perfect season to capture love with all the spring blossoms creating a beautiful backdrop. I envisioned those old movie scenes where two lovers ride a bike and fool around. I thought it would be a perfect engagement photography theme.

Planning the photo shoot

To turn the vision on my head into reality, I needed a vintage bike with a basket, a treed pathway with spring blossoms, a good weather with no clouds and sunset time. As my couple has been working from home since the Covid 19 outbreak, date and time wasn’t a problem. The most difficult part was the Cherry blossoms. I had to go to our shooting location and check the blossoms every day. Spring time in Calgary also comes with rain storms, so we also had to watch the weather and avoid any storm clouds. While checking with mother nature regularly, I started looking for a vintage bike to borrow and I was lucky enough to find one in my neighbourhood just a block away. It’s nice to be surrounded with people who generously offer their help. The bike was exactly what I was looking for. It even had a basket in the front!

We decided the day and time of shooting last minute based on the weather and blossom status. It requires a lot of effort and cooperation to put everything together for a fine photograph. I have plenty of passion that fuels me to go through all those due diligence and preparations.

The power of team work

Working with people who listens to you and cooperate during posing, makes a world of difference. As a photographer, you get to focus better on your job, pay more attention to little details and be more creative. My style is not imposing my ideas, but rather share them with my clients and see if they like it too. I do this during the planning stage of the session, way before the shooting day. In addition to the theme we agreed on, I also listen to their requests during the photo shoot and let them lead the way when we’re done with staged poses. I like that the bride-to-be brought a pair of high heels for some specific poses as it looks much more flattering with high heels. If we didn’t discuss the theme, mood and style before, she wouldn’t think of bringing extra pair of shoes.

As we started our photo shoot right before sunset, we had opportunity to get some shots with the most beautiful light of the day making your skin glove with a warm hue. In the end, it was a fun session for everyone.

If you are looking for a special engagement session with attention to detail, give me a shout. I would be happy to help realize your dream engagement photos.

www.alpinaphotography.com

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Cake Smash In The Park

by patil | Jun 4, 2020 | Cake smash photography, Kids Photography, Outdoor Sessions

After a 2-month Corona virus lock down in Calgary, I had my first regular photography session last Friday. It was also my first outdoor cake smash session. Little McKenzie just turned 1 and her family wanted to celebrate this big milestone with a fun cake-smash. Since it is the most beautiful season of all, with the weather warmed up and trees turned to green, I wanted to give it a try and use the nature as my backdrop instead of paper or fabric backdrop and the sun as my main light instead of studio strobes. I was so excited. I started working with the color scheme based on the outfit mom wanted to use for cake smash. I prepared matching banners and made a whole new flower hoop which would go perfect with spring theme. I put together some other settings for different looks during the session. Even though it is a photo shoot with a focus on baby smashing and eating cake, to make it more versatile I always add different props to the scene before introducing the cake to the baby. In a park setting it is easier to change background by simply moving from one place to another. For an outdoor birthday session, I chose Edworthy Park and set up my studio at the meeting place before the clients arrive, so we could start as soon as they come. Babies at this age don’t stay up too long and get tired easily, so I don’t want to waste any of this valuable awake time.

I brought different outfits for each different settings.

First a fairy dress with a matching headband to go with the flower hoop. I used a big wooden bowl and some fluffy layer in it for baby to sit.

Second outfit was pink jumper to use with the pink-yellow decorated balloon basket. Third one was baby’s own cake smash outfit with a fluffy pink tutu skirt and a onesie that to be used with birthday garlands and cake.

I even prepared a fourth setting as a bonus if baby endures all three stages and still doing good, McKenzie succeeded to reach this bonus stage. Main prop for this setting was a white toddler size rocking chair with blue wool layer staged with some white/blue flowers in the back and a mini white lace umbrella attached to the chair.

Since this is a photo shoot conducted with Covid safety measures it was a touchless photo session, wearing a face mask.

As communicated with before, mom was going to be the main person to pose the child. So she followed my directions on where and how to place the baby, which way she should be looking, propping the feet so this cutest part of the baby can be seen in the photos.

The cake was made by grandma and brought to the site. As always, we started with non-cake poses. After the flower hoop and the balloon basket we switched to the most exciting stage of the session: Smashing the cake. 3 year old brother helped a lot at this stage, showing his sister how to smash the cake and letting her feed him cake and make her laugh so hard! After some rather serious looks, we finally were getting some big smiles and laughs. Cake’s sweet taste may have helped too.

At the end, we did some family poses and the bonus setting. Baby McKenzie did great throughout the session.

It was a very fun photoshoot for everyone. . Instead of sitting in the studio, we were enjoying outdoors in a picnic mood. Those cute 1 year old hands covered with cake icing will always be remembered with these photographs.

I loved this outdoor cake smash idea soo much that I want to do all my summer time cake smashes in the park as long as mom wants it too.

Here is some shots from this session. Click on images to view higher resolution.

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