Blog: Newborn, Maternity, & Milestone Photographer in Okotoks AB

Welcome to my blog, a space where the beauty of newborn photography is celebrated through the heartwarming stories of so many families and beautiful images of them. I hope you'll enjoy these sessions, which capture the earliest moments of life and offer a glimpse into my cozy studio nestled in Okotoks, AB, near Calgary.

If you're looking for a newborn photographer in Okotoks AB, please contact me, and let's chat!

Maddie’s Newborn Session – Okotoks Alberta Canada

Dallas Newborn Photographer

I love that my clients trust me to style their sessions for them! It gives me the freedom to use some of my favorite backdrops and to try something new during a newborn session. Originally I had set up pink and creams for this little girls session but when Mom came in and said “we really like lavender” I totally scratched my original plan and pulled out of my favorite backdrops along with all my favorite little hats and bows and re-styled her shoot!

And I love it! I’m a sucker for purples and lavender!

I would love to be your newborn photographer! I service the Calgary Alberta area with a studio dedicated to Newborn Portraits in Okotoks. My studio services Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Aldersyde, Black Diamond, Airdrie, Cochrane Alberta Canada

Styling A Newborn Session – Okotoks AB

Dallas newborn Photographer

My Style. What is MY Style? When it comes to stylizing a newborn session, I like to keep things simple. I like to use soft neutral colors. Colors that don’t take away from your baby.

I really want to make the focus of your pictures on your brand new baby, not what the baby is wearing, or what sort of massive prop your baby is sitting in.

Your baby is new, and beautiful! I don’t have large bows or flowers for your baby girl to wear. I like simple, petite tie backs that don’t pull the focus away from your baby.

I would love to be your newborn photographer! I service the Calgary Alberta area with a studio dedicated to Newborn Portraits in Okotoks. My studio services Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Aldersyde, Black Diamond, Airdrie, Cochrane Alberta Canada

Little Sister with 2 Big Brothers – Okotoks Alberta Canada

Dallas Newborn Photographer

I’ve known Erin for… gosh, 10 years? Maybe longer? I know know.. we’ve known each other a long, long time. We used to work together for a year or so and then the company we worked for decide to merge our positions together, which meant one of us had to go and since I had worked there longer I was the “lucky” one who got to keep her job, but – I said nope. I turned in my resignation and told them to please keep Erin on board (and to be honest, it was a way out of that company – so many red flags!!)

Anyways, here we are 10 + years later and she was finally blessed with a little girl that I know she’d been praying for! You see, she’s a Mom of 2 (perfect!) boys but who doesn’t want a little girl to go shopping with, or paint your nails with?

The wait was worth it because this little girl is absolutely perfect! Perfect in every way! I couldn’t help but snuggle and squeeze her the whole session.

Her big brothers are just smitten with their little sister!

I would love to be your newborn photographer! I service the Calgary Alberta area with a studio dedicated to Newborn Portraits in Okotoks. My studio services Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Aldersyde, Black Diamond, Airdrie, Cochrane Alberta Canada

Smiley Little Guy at 3 weeks! – Okotoks Alberta Canada

Today’s session was a surprise Christmas present to the parents! While most of my newborn session take place within the first 5-14 days, this little guy was just over 3 weeks and let me tell you, he was full of smiles!

I would love to be your newborn photographer! I service the Calgary Alberta area with a studio dedicated to Newborn Portraits in Okotoks. My studio services Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Aldersyde, Black Diamond, Airdrie, Cochrane Alberta Canada

Another Twin Newborn Session – Okotoks Alberta Canada

I feel so lucky and so blessed to have been able to photograph my 3rd set of twins this year! I feel like it’s a huge honor to be trusted with not just 1 baby, but 2! These two slept the entire 3 hour session and were perfect together. It was a total last minute session, as their original photographer had a family emergency. I had decided to take some time off during the holidays to spend with my family, so I actually had an opening! I’m so glad they contacted me and I’m just in love with their entire session.

Alda Maternity Session – Okotoks Alberta Canada

I just about died every time I took a picture during this Maternity Session. As soon as the camera clicked I knew we had captured magic! Alda and I planned out her session over 2 months. Going over gown selections, location and accessories! When it came time for her session we actually rescheduled twice because the weather was not cooperating with us and I almost rescheduled again when I showed up at the location and it was raining! I’m so happy and pleased with her session and it was truly magical once the sun came out!

Sibling Newborn Session | Okotoks AB Canada

I can’t believe all the boys I’ve had in the studio this month and last! I’m not sure what’s in the water but all my Momma-To-Be’s have had a taste of it! Check out little jeffery and just how cute he is! I love getting siblings involved in the session. Sometimes they’re all about holding their new brother or sister and other times they really just aren’t sure about it.

I would love to be your newborn photographer! I service the Calgary Alberta area with a studio dedicated to Newborn Portraits in Okotoks. My studio services Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Aldersyde, Black Diamond, Airdrie, Cochrane Alberta Canada

Williams Newborn Session | Okotoks, AB, Canada

Oh Little William! You weren’t so little, but oh so cuddly, all 10 lbs of you! It was so great to finally meet you and having you into the studio with your big brothers. They’re so proud to have a little guy like you to protect.

I would love to be your newborn photographer! I service the Calgary Alberta area with a studio dedicated to Newborn Portraits in Okotoks. My studio services Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Aldersyde, Black Diamond, Airdrie, Cochrane Alberta Canada

A little Q&A about your newborn session

When should I book my newborn session?

As early as possible to be sure I’m available when your new bundle of joy arrives. I book up months in advance and some months are busier than others! I only take a limited number of newborns each months to ensure my availability to all my clients if their little one arrives a week early or a week late (sometimes 2 weeks late!) I highly recommend scheduling your newborn session 2-3 months before your due date.

How long will a newborn session take?

On average, a newborn session takes 2.5 hours, but some can take up to 4 hours, especially if we’re taking sibling and/or parent pictures at the same time. There’s no rush when we’re photographing your new baby! We take plenty of breaks to feed, change and cuddle your new bundle of joy.

Do I bring my baby to you, or do you come to my house?

All newborn sessions take place at my studio located in Okotoks, AB. There’s a lot of things that I need during a newborn session so it’s easier for me – and the parents – to come to my studio.

What if my newborn is fussy and it’s not a good time to photograph them?

Every newborn session is different. Some newborns arrive and are fully awake and in no mood to sleep. I will start with wrapped shots and some prop/fur backdrops. Usually after the first or second set up they’re tired and ready to sleep! If for whatever reason your baby will not settle and I feel like we aren’t getting the quality of pictures I promise, we will reschedule for a couple days later.

What should our baby wear?

When you’re getting them ready to come to the studio I suggest you dress them in something that does not need to be pulled over their head. During the session I’ll keep your baby diaperless and without clothes for much of the session.

Have you taken any workshops or had any training posing newborns?

Yes! I have taken multiple workshops on how to pose newborns safely. I’m constantly learning new posing techniques and take workshops multiple times throughout the year. There’s a lot to watch for when posing a newborn: starting with their little necks and heads, all the way down to their little toes. I’m constantly watching them during the session and am always within arm’s reach should there be any sudden movements from your newborn.

How long have you been working with newborns?

I’m entering my 8th year of being a family & newborn photographer and my 5th year of exclusively photographing maternity and newborns. It’s my passion!

Do you have props (blankets, baskets, hats and headbands)?

Yes! I supply all the props during your newborn session. I love when my clients schedule their session far in advance because I like to customize their session . If there’s a special blanket or heirloom you would like to include, please let me know in advance so I can plan accordingly. (Better yet, send me a picture of it!)

Do you do composites for difficult poses?

Yes, absolutely! Newborn safety is my number one priority during a session. I will never put your baby in harm’s way just to get a shot. (A “composite” is where I will take multiple images and “stitch” them together to create a particular pose.)

Do you have insurance?

I do have insurance that covers my equipment and my client should anything happen. I’m also registered in okotoks, AB and operate as a fully licensed business (a.k.a. – I collect and pay taxes).

I think that covers some of the most commonly asked questions but if there’s something I missed, please email me and I’ll be happy to answer any additional questions!

I would love to be your newborn photographer! I service the Calgary Alberta area with a studio dedicated to Newborn Portraits in Okotoks. My studio services Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Aldersyde, Black Diamond, Airdrie, Cochrane Alberta Canada

Twin Newborn Session! Okotoks Alberta

Can you believe all the cuteness in these pictures? A couple weeks ago I had twins in the studio. They were a month old when they came to see me and were perfect, perfect, perfect! I don’t think either of them work up during their entire newborn session. It was such a treat to photograph these twins and I can’t wait to watch them grow!

I get a lot of last minute sessions. Planning a newborn session is not something they cover in your birthing classes and I always leave a few dates open on my calendar for just this reason!

I would love to be your newborn photographer! I service the Calgary Alberta area with a studio dedicated to Newborn Portraits in Okotoks. My studio services Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Aldersyde, Black Diamond, Airdrie, Cochrane Alberta Canada

Reed’s Newborn Pictures

Little Reed! I love when my friends have babies and reach out to me for their Newborn Pictures. His hair was amazing and so are the rest of his family. I had them in for a full family + newborn session and it was so much fun. Big sister Arya is just smitten with her little brother. I’m looking forward to watching these two grow up!

I would love to be your newborn photographer! I service the Calgary Alberta area with a studio dedicated to Newborn Portraits in Okotoks. My studio services Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Aldersyde, Black Diamond, Airdrie, Cochrane Alberta Canada

Kade’s Newborn Session | Okotoks AB

Meet Kade! He’s a little super hero who came to see me when he was 2.5 months old! You see, Kade decided to take on the world a little bit earlier than expected. Born at 30 weeks he fought his way out of the NICU and is now home with his adoring parents. When he was born, he weighed just over 2 lbs and now, at 2.5 months old he’s almost 8 lbs! I mean, look at him! He is adorable and I can’t wait to watch him grow and do great things!

It was a total honor being able to photograph Kades Newborn Session. If your little one arrives early or late, don’t worry – The first step is to reach out and ask about my availability!

I would love to be your newborn photographer! I service the Calgary Alberta area with a studio dedicated to Newborn Portraits in Okotoks. My studio services Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Aldersyde, Black Diamond, Airdrie, Cochrane Alberta Canada

Archer’s Newborn Session | Calgary Alberta

There’s one thing I love about my job and it’s that I can make Momma’s very happy! I got an email late one night, and had this family into the studio the very next morning for a newborn session. Her photographer ended up getting sick and she was scrambling to find another photographer. I keep a couple days open on my schedule just for this reason! Things happen and I would hate for someone to not get these precious pictures of their baby because I was all booked up!

Enjoy!

Blog: Newborn, Maternity, & Milestone Photographer in Okotoks AB

Dallas Newborn Photographer

Dallas newborn Photographer

Dallas Newborn Photographer

Dana Menendez Photography is available throughout Calgary, Alberta including: High River | Okotoks | Black Diamond | Cochrane