Calgary Grad Photos: Capturing a Milestone

by patil | Mar 26, 2025 | graduation portraits

Calgary Grad Photos: Capturing a Milestone

Graduation is one of life’s most significant milestones—a moment that represents years of hard work, growth, and the exciting transition to new opportunities. The high school years are a transformative time when kids turn into young adults, filled with dreams and passion for the future. It’s a period of self-discovery, learning, and forging lifelong friendships. For families, seeing their child graduate is an emotional and proud moment—one that deserves to be captured and cherished. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing this special time for Eric in a Calgary grad photos session that beautifully balanced timeless studio shots with dynamic outdoor imagery.

Classic Studio Portraits

We started the session in the studio, where we used professional studio lighting to create a classic and polished look. These portraits are a must for graduation—they provide a refined and elegant representation of this accomplishment. Eric wore his cap and gown, adding a traditional and formal touch to these images. The controlled lighting helped highlight his features and the details of his academic regalia, ensuring that these portraits will stand the test of time. Calgary grad photos taken in the studio offer a timeless way to commemorate this achievement.

Outdoor Portraits at SAIT Campus

After the studio session, we headed to SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) to take advantage of its beautiful campus as a backdrop for Eric’s outdoor graduation portraits. The late afternoon light was perfect—soft, warm, and flattering, creating a natural glow that added depth to the images. Calgary grad photos taken in this golden hour lighting truly enhance the moment.

One of the standout locations was Heritage Hall, an iconic building on SAIT’s campus. As one of Calgary’s historical landmarks, Heritage Hall features stunning brick architecture and classic design elements that lend themselves perfectly to portrait photography. Its grand facade provided an academic and distinguished atmosphere, making for a fitting and visually compelling backdrop for Eric’s portraits.

In addition to Heritage Hall, we explored other picturesque spots on campus. We captured some portraits between the trees, adding a natural and serene feel to the session. Another meaningful location was the SAIT Centennial Time Capsule, a landmark that symbolizes the institution’s legacy and future. The mirror-like reflective metal surface of the globe beautifully complemented the idea that everyone holds their own unique future in their hands, making it a symbolic and inspiring element in the photos. These outdoor Calgary grad photos not only showcase Eric’s journey but also capture the essence of the city’s academic pride.

A Timeless Celebration

This session was more than just a photoshoot—it was a celebration of Eric’s journey and achievements. Graduation marks both an ending and a beginning, and capturing this moment in both classic and dynamic ways ensures that it will be remembered and cherished for years to come. Calgary grad photos provide a lasting memory of this important milestone.

For proud families, these portraits become treasured keepsakes. They will find their place on the living room console, in carefully arranged frames on the mantel, and in the brag corner of parents’ and grandparents’ homes. Each time they glance at these photos, they’ll be reminded of the dedication, perseverance, and bright future ahead. Congratulations, Eric, on this incredible accomplishment!

Capturing Timeless Love: A Winter Wedding Portrait Session at Baker Park

by patil | Jan 7, 2025 | Couples Photography, Wedding Photography

Capturing Timeless Love: A Winter Wedding Portrait Session at Baker Park

Calgary is home to some truly breathtaking locations, and Baker Park in the city’s northwest is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting spots for a wedding portrait session—even in the heart of winter. With snow-covered pathways, frost-kissed trees, and the serene Bow River blanketed in white, Baker Park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a magical setting for capturing unforgettable moments.

A Last-Minute Winter Elopement to Remember

bride portrait in the park This particular session was unique, as the couple had planned a quick elopement, deciding to tie the knot on a crisp winter day. With little time to spare, they made last-minute arrangements for a photography session at Baker Park. Despite the rush, the spontaneity added an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to the day.

The couple arrived with radiant smiles, their love evident in every glance and gesture. The bride, wearing an elegant off-white wedding gown stood out beautifully against the snow-covered landscape. The groom, in a tailored charcoal suit and a colourful boutonniere on his collar exuded charm and sophistication.

The Portrait Session Experience

Posing couples for wedding portraits is a crucial aspect of capturing beautiful, timeless images that reflect their love and connection. As a photographer, my role is to guide them into natural, flattering poses that highlight their chemistry while making them feel comfortable and confident.

groom holding up the bride

We started our photoshoot at the park’s iconic archways. This charming structure is a popular choice for couples who want a romantic and classic look. The elegant lines of the arch create a natural frame, drawing attention to the bride and groom. I guided the bride and groom to relax, interact, and focus on each other rather than the camera. Used gentle prompts, such as asking them to whisper something sweet or share a laugh, to evoke genuine emotions. That’s the key to beautiful wedding pictures.

After taking a few shots on the stairs down the archway, we continued to the pathways, where the snow created a natural frame around the couple.

The brown tree branches and snow on the ground created a nice and elegant contrast, offering a warm yet serene background for the bride-only shots. I gave the tiny lace umbrella that I brought to the session with me to the bride to use as a prop in a few shots. We got some great looks with the sun in the background and the bride holding the umbrella on her shoulder. She was beautiful like Snow White. 😊

Next, we moved to the riverside. The Bow River, partially frozen and shimmering in the winter light, provided a stunning backdrop. The couple shared candid moments of laughter and affection, making each shot feel genuine and heartfelt. Their laughter echoed through the crisp air, their love was radiating warmth against the winter chill.

I had a few specific poses on my mind before coming to the session. I chose the tree lined pathway for the pose where the groom holds up and kisses bride’s hand while walking on the pathway. The dark trees behind with golden sunrays shining through them made a great backdrop for this pose.

Since it was cold, we tried to make the best of our time to get as many beautiful shots as possible during our session.

Tips for couples: How to Prepare for Winter Wedding Portraits

1. Dress for the Weather: Layering is essential to stay warm without compromising style. Especially in Calgary, you cannot predict the weather, and it can get chilly before you know it. Accessories like shawls, scarves, and gloves can keep you warm while enhancing the winter aesthetic.

2. Embrace the Snow: Don’t shy away from the elements—incorporating snow into your photos can create magical, one-of-a-kind moments.

3. Time It Right: Aim for mid-afternoon to capture the soft winter light, and consider the golden hour for a touch of warmth in your wedding portraits.

4. Bring Essentials: Pack hand warmers, hot beverages, and comfortable footwear to stay comfortable throughout the session.

5. Choose a Skilled Photographer: A photographer experienced in winter conditions can navigate the challenges of cold weather and bright snow, ensuring stunning results for your wedding portraits.

Final Thoughts

A winter wedding portrait session at Baker Park is nothing short of enchanting. The combination of the park’s natural beauty, the pristine snow, and the couple’s love created a series of portraits that felt straight out of a fairytale. For couples considering a winter elopement or wedding in Calgary, Baker Park offers the perfect backdrop to celebrate and capture your love story.

Even if your plans come together at the last minute, remember that spontaneity can lead to some of the most cherished memories. Let Baker Park in the winter be the setting for your happily ever after, and treasure the magic of your wedding portraits or couples portraits for years to come.

If you have an upcoming engagement, wedding, anniversary, or just for a casual couple’s portrait session, you can give me a shout and we can together bring your vision to life and create some beautiful memories that you want to display on your walls.

Pinar@alpinaphotography.com

Family Photo Session at the Calgary Central Library

by patil | Jan 5, 2025 | Family Photography, Headshot Photography, Kids Photography

Family Photo Session at the Calgary Central Library

The Central Library as a photography location

Calgary’s new central library has been a popular venue for all kinds of photography since it was first opened in 2018. It has been defined as an architectural masterpiece by the world’s leading magazines. When it comes to creating lasting memories with your family, choosing the right location for a photo session is key. The Calgary Central Library, with its stunning architecture and versatile spaces, is a perfect backdrop for your next family photoshoot.

family session at the library In this blog post I will share my experience with a big family photo session I recently did at the Calgary central library and explain why it would be a great location for photography sessions.

I did a quick photo shoot at this location about a year ago. During a recent big family session, I had a chance to explore the space in depth from a photographer’s perspective.

In winter months I continue doing outdoor portrait sessions as long as it is not too cold. This weekend was warm enough, but my clients specifically wanted an indoor space for their extended family session for comfort and outfit change purposes.

Libraries often symbolize knowledge, learning, and growth, making them an interesting place for a family photo shoot. Also, a variety of spaces within a library can provide multiple different looks for your shoot without needing to change locations.

Therefore, I proposed the central library as the session location and my client loved the idea as it is a perfect place to reflect their values as a family who attach great importance to reading and education. They were celebrating their 50th anniversary as a couple and wanted to include their single and married kids and grandchildren visiting from Edmonton in their family pictures.

Before the photoshoot, I checked with the library website to learn about their photography policy and be prepared. Calgary central public library allows photographers as long as they keep their photo shoot low key without using flash units or tripods and pay attention to not block the walkways and stairs. Since this is a big family session with 7 people, I needed to act swiftly when taking photos on narrow passages and stairways. You can find more information about the library’s photography policy at this link : https://www.calgarylibrary.ca/about-the-library/media-centre/photography/

Shooting a family session at the library

On the session day, I arrived at the library early to locate a few good spots for group photos, couples and individual portraits.

When I met with my clients at the entrance of the library, we started our photo shoot right outside at the cave like entrance. The big wood walls arching over the ceiling provide a nice warm and natural background for portrait photos. This spot offers photos a stunning architectural perspective and depth, creating a natural vignette with daylight in the background, resembling the view from the end of a tunnel. We captured lots of different group photos here. Single family, big family, grannies and grandkids, uncle and nephews, grannies alone…

family session at the library The second stop of our photo shoot was the main atrium with towering ceilings. I of course was going to include that spiral wooden staircase creating a cascaded look over the atrium in the background of the photos. That’s the Calgary central library’s staple look. It was a Saturday afternoon and as you can guess there was a lot of human traffic in this area. That was the biggest difficulty I had during this photo shoot.

When we were done in the atrium, we went upstairs to the reading area. We captured some group photos here sitting on the stairs and some more photos in front of the spiral staircase as it continues climbing up all the way to the fourth floor. The library offers cozy, sunlit reading areas, perfect for softer, more serene portraits or candid shots. We used the geometric shapes on the windows in the western side of the building. Kids loved sitting on the slanted window ledges posing with their uncle and mom.

Children’s play area was great for kids’ photos. The circle boxes made a perfect frame for kids’ portraits. This space also gives families the option to entertain the kids during adults’ photoshoot.

The top floor of the building was great for individual portraits and couples’ photos with abundant light coming from the huge windows and a big depth that yields a soft nice bokeh in the background. There were plenty of seating options throughout the library from stylish armchairs to modern desk chairs and stools. I posed my subjects on a bench near the windows and took a series of portraits, even some headshots. I would come back to do more headshot sessions here.

Library offers lots of on-location props as well. A chess set in a seating area was one of them. I took some photos of the kids playing chess on the top floor. We used library books in another shot where everyone grabbed a book and sit on a layered wooden seating area.

The section with lots of white bookcases was our last stop. I took some kids’ photos here playing pika boo among the bookshelves. Kids had a great time during the entire session without getting bored for a moment. This was a big plus for a family with kids.

At the end of the day, everyone was happy to choose such an elegant place for family photos, kids had a fun time and I enjoyed the privilege of performing my art at such a beautiful, iconic building.

Why choosing Central Library as your photo location

If you ask me why central library would be a great location for your family photos, I would put it in three main bullets:

1. Architectural Beauty

The library’s design is a photographer’s dream. The unique honeycomb-patterned façade, sweeping staircases, and abundant natural light create dynamic and eye-catching backdrops. Whether your family photos are formal or candid, the library’s modern aesthetic will add a touch of elegance.

2. Indoor and Outdoor Options

The Calgary Central Library offers a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. The landscaped plaza outside is perfect for sunny-day shoots, while the atrium’s warm, wood-paneled interiors ensure beautiful photos year-round—even when Calgary’s weather is unpredictable.

3. Kid-Friendly Environment

If you’re shooting with little ones, the library’s interactive Children’s Library can be a fun and colorful setting. You can capture moments of your kids exploring books, playing with toys, or just being themselves in a vibrant, engaging space.

How to book your family session

At Alpina Photography, we offer family photos in Calgary throughout the year in variety of places. You can choose between beautiful Calgary parks, indoor places like central library or even your own house.

If you are looking for a family photographer in Calgary for your single family (mom-dad-children) or your big family with uncles, grannies, cousins or friends, Alpina Photography is the right address. Single family session takes roughly about 45 min and comes with 5 free edited digital images, while big family takes about 1.5 hrs and comes with 10 images.

You can choose your session location and date and book it directly from our website:

www.alpinaphotography.com/family-photos

Looking forward to meeting you soon!

senior couple at the Calgary Central Library

kids portrait at the Calgary Central Library

family portrait at the calgary central library

Christmas Sessions In Calgary

by patil | Nov 7, 2023 | Family Photography, Kids Photography, Life, Outdoor Sessions, Studio Sessions

Christmas Sessions in Calgary

It’s that time of the year again, and I am so excited for Christmas photo shoots. If you are wondering what your options in Calgary for a Christmas photo session are, let me tell you about our Christmas themed sessions at Alpina Photography.

Christmas is hands down, the most festive holiday of the year. It’s a premium family time that brings people together, taking a break from the everyday hassle and connecting with each other. As a child, it was my most favourite holiday which felt like living in a fairy tale. Decorating the house, writing post cards for the family and watching Christmas movies was the biggest fun for me. Years passed and I grew up be a mom of two kids, but the inner child gazing into the snow globe and dreaming stayed the same.

Photography being my passion, I live a double Christmas joy capturing holiday memories for families, painting a picture of love and happiness.

Instead of Christmas minis, which feel like serial production with the same theme and concept, I tend to do regular family sessions with Christmas theme customized to each client. If you feel the same and want to go beyond the cliché mall Santa photos we can together create a personalized Christmas session for you. In that manner, we can capture unique photos for your family with the choice of location, decors and style on your mind. If you are busy, you can leave the whole session design to me, which is my pleasure. Like many other portraits sessions, Christmas family photos can also be done both outdoors or in the studio.

Ourdoor Christmas Sessions

Christmas-themed outdoor photo sessions can be a fantastic way to capture the holiday spirit and essence of the season against a natural backdrop. In the outdoors, we can create beautiful photos with the winter’s natural soft light, landscape in the background and if we are lucky, snowflakes falling from the sky. Besides, the whiteness of the snow covering the ground makes beautiful bright photos where you can add some vivid colours with clothing and accessories.

Here you can read more about winter time outdoor sessions from a previous post: Photo Shoot In The Snow

When we do outdoor portrait sessions, you can determine the style and feel of the photo shoot. We discuss your ideas and vision for the outdoor Christmas session. You can share your preferences for locations, props, and the overall style you want to achieve. The location can be your favourite park, an inner city neighbourhood or downtown Calgary. As for props, we can incorporate some small items such as holiday garlands, cozy blankets or coffee mugs. If you have a specific Christmassy article, place or vehicle, we can definitely use it in your photos.

Outdoor sessions result in more candid images with some action shots and genuine emotions. These are not posed photos where the photographer tells you exactly where to stand and what to do. The biggest benefit of outdoor sessions is that large outside space gives a wide range of focus and framing options from landscape to portraits, from action shots to shallow dept of field. Not being confined in a limited space gives the photographer freedom of focal length and bokeh (blurred background) options. We get the advantage of being creative with composition, using variety of different lenses including wide angle, zoom or prime lenses.

Studio Christmas Sessions

Christmas photo sessions performed in the studio could be the right option if you are looking for posed photos, staged with curated decors and colours in front of a certain background. Alpina Photography has a wide selection of Christmas props and decors, especially for children.

My home studio is located in Montgomery NW and free street parking is available. Studio sessions take about 45-60 minutes in average. Since it is indoor, we are free from the weather conditions and you can dress as fancy as you want. Definitely this is the right time to shine under the studio lights!

As a portrait photographer who doesn’t believe the portrait photos has to be taken in a certain way, I am always open to ideas and personal touches during a photo shoot. Indeed, it is a perfect balance of what you envision for your photos with the experience, creativity and mastery that the photographer brings to the table.

For studio Christmas sessions, coordinate wardrobe choices for yourself and any family members involved in the session, ensuring that everyone is dressed in a way that complements the festive theme.

If you need Christmas outfits for your kids, I may have something for you. Wardrobe usage is free. We will be discussing the style, background and clothing during our pre-session phone meeting. Some clients prefer plain backdrop with a touch of Christmas décor in the back. If you are one of them, you can share your vision during this meeting as well.

Whether you choose outdoor or studio session, on the day of the photo shoot, relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience with your loved ones. Since a relaxed and joyful atmosphere will help create beautiful, candid holiday memories.

Ready to start planning your session together? Get in touch!

If you want to secure your session date, you can book here

How To Prepare For Your Headshot Session

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

How To Prepare For Your Headshot Session

It is the photographer’s job to set up the lighting in the best possible way, guide you through the photo shoot, provide posing suggestions, and help you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. On the other hand, there are few things you can do to prepare for your headshot.

Preparing for a good headshot photo involves several aspects, including grooming, make up, clothing, and posing. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a successful headshot.

Grooming and Make-up

A natural, polished look is best for a business headshot. Make sure to get a fresh haircut or trim, shave or style facial hair, and clean and moisturize your face before the photoshoot. This will ensure that your skin looks clear and bright in the photo.Avoid heavy or dramatic makeup, as this can be distracting in a professional setting. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and provides light to medium coverage. Be sure to blend the foundation into your neck and jawline for a seamless look. make up for a headshot photo Highlight your eyes as they are an important focal point in a headshot. Use neutral eyeshadow shades to create a subtle definition and apply mascara to lengthen and volumize your lashes. Keep your lips simple. A natural-looking lip color is best for a business headshot. Choose a lipstick or gloss that is close to your natural lip color, or opt for a subtle, neutral shade.

How to dress for your session

When choosing what to wear for a headshot photo, it’s important to keep in mind that the focus should be on your face, so it’s best to avoid clothing with bold patterns. distracting graphics or logos. Solid colors work best for headshot photos. Neutral colors like black, white, gray, and navy blue are timeless and work well in professional settings. Dress in a style that represents your profession or industry. For example, if you work in a more creative field, you may be able to wear more casual attire, whereas a more formal industry may require a suit or blazer. If you are a new graduate or just starting your career, here is some more information on how to dress for work.

If you booked a studio headshot with Alpina Photography, you can bring a few outfit options to the photoshoot to see what looks best on camera. Just avoid anything too trendy or flashy.

The goal of a headshot is to showcase your face, so keep the outfit simple and let your face shine.

How to pose for a business headshot

Good posture is key in any headshot. Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your chin slightly lifted. This will convey confidence and professionalism.

Relax your shoulders to avoid a stiff or uncomfortable look. You need to create a more natural, approachable look. how to pose for a headshot photo

Avoid leaning or tilting your head too much, as this can create unflattering shadows.

Find your best angle: Experiment with different angles by turning your head slightly to the left or right. This will help you find your best angle and ensure that your face is fully visible in the photo.

Practice your facial expressions: Smiling is always a good idea for a portrait, but try to avoid a forced or cheesy grin. Instead, think happy thoughts and let your smile come naturally. Practice your smile in the mirror beforehand, and aim for a natural, relaxed smile. You want to convey a sense of warmth and approachability in your photo.You can also try a more serious expression or a slight smirk for a different look.

Use your hands: You can use your hands to create a more natural and engaging pose. Try placing your hands in your pockets or lightly resting them on a nearby surface.

Remember, a business headshot should convey professionalism and approachability. With these posing tips in mind, you can create a photo that showcases your best self.

If you didn’t do it yet, you can book your business headshot with Alpina Photography in minutes through our website. www.alpinaphotography.com/headshot-sessions

Leave all your worries behind, I am here to help you look spectacular in your portraits.