Lethbridge Weddings & Portrait Photography by Tanya Plonka

This year was a time of huge change for Erin and Ross. At the same time they welcomed their new baby girl into their home, their beloved dog Lazer received a disappointing diagnosis from his vet. Lazer has been with them for years so he was like their first child before the kids arrived. They wanted to make sure their kids would remember what an important part of the family he was, so he became the centre point of their newborn family photos.

Newborn Mae was, of course, the other focus! Mae had arrived home only a few days before and had quickly settled in. She calmly slept through all of the noise and commotion of photos, including a very curious cat (we tried to get the kitty in the family photos, but she was not having it!) and her older brother loudly watching the Lion King. Big brother Kieran did great through photos and loved posing with his sister. This was his first time getting to hold her because he had just gotten over his cold. The Lion King was a great reward for his awesome modelling!

Lazer also did fantastic and loved snuggling with his family, though he was confused as to why he was suddenly allowed on the couch!

Zach’s family celebrated his arrival with an outdoor newborn session in Indian Battle Park. As soon as I met his family, the first words out of big brother Joseph’s mouth were, “This is my baby!” That love for his new brother came out in every photo. Joseph may be one of the most excited big brothers I’ve ever met! Even when we spent a few photos focusing on Zach, Joseph would jump back in for a moment to give his baby brother a quick hug.

Their family session was full of huge smiles and lots of action shots (including the hilarious gross variety when Zach spit up mid-photo!).

Mathias was surrounded by family and love for his Lethbridge newborn photoshoot. Not only did he get to snuggle his mom in photos, but all of his extended family was there! Mathias is the second grandson in the family (after his cousin) and his abuelos radiated happiness around the two boys.

He started out his session a little sleepy (minus many snack breaks) and then woke up to make the most adorable faces! I especially had a weak spot for this family being Disney fans and including that in the photos :)

Jessica and Jaedon’s emotional moments with their new baby girl

When Jessica and Jaeden gave me the address for their in-home family photo session, I was surprised because I had no idea where it was! I’ve shot a lot of newborn photography around Lethbridge but I’d never seen this address before, or anything close to it.

When I arrived (with the help of Google Maps), their property took my breath away. The family lives at a prairie resort, with sweeping vistas and a gorgeous reservoir – a little slice of paradise they get to enjoy with their new baby girl, Clarke.

As we set up for the photoshoot, the newborn of the hour was sleeping like a lamb. Little Clarke looked like a china doll – and never made a peep!

Baby C was adorable at her photoshoot with her big blue eyes and toothy grin! We started with an indoor photo session in their home where Baby C is happiest. She loved rolling around on their big bed and grabbing her toes. Once she had her fill of kisses from mom and dad there, we headed outside for early morning Henderson Lake family photos. Not only was I in love with her smile, but I loved watching the joy she brings her parents when they interact with her. Their grins are even bigger than hers!

(more…)

My friends have all been pretty quiet in the last couple years with life change news, so it was an extra big deal when I found out one of my best friends was having a baby! Normally I hop into my clients’ lives just before the baby arrives. I wasn’t used to this anticipation for months!

Alice arrived nearly right on schedule and within a week she was home and ready for her baby girl photo session. Everyone was starting to fall into the routine of having her around, but there was still so much excitement and joy. Alice was so sweet and quiet through her session and loved being snuggled by everyone. I look forward to watching her grow up… but not too fast!

p.s. One perk of doing photos for friends is being able to feast on cake at the end of the session. Cake eating usually doesn’t factor into the time, but I’d never be opposed if offered ;)