Babies & Bellies — Up & Away Studios - Alberta Family Photographer

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Kristy-Anne Swart

Calgary, Albeta

email: kaswart@mac.com
phone: (403) 875-6351

I don’t shoot a lot of weddings anymore as family sessions have become my primary focus. This beautiful bride saw one of my family sessions and contacted me about her wedding. It seemed like forever ago that we first met up to chat about her special day. Yesterday it was an honour to witness Christie and Neal say their vows. They were so gracious to everyone. So grateful they trusted me to capture their day.

I had my first batch of creek mini’s last night. They were so fun and the weather was warm, and some of the kids dived fully into the water. Deer were also spotted which is always a bonus. If you want in, it’s not too late. I can squeeze in a few more next week. #upandawaystudios

To some it might look like I take photos of them all the time, but this summer the moments have been rare, and mostly with my iPhone. I grabbed a few quick snaps of them yesterday since they came with me to a maternity session. It’s not a particularly great photo, with wild summer hair, but there are things about it that I want to remember... For instance, Lewis is in a stage of needing to wear soccer shorts everyday. There have been many tears shed as I have tried to convince him to wear something else. He says he can’t play soccer if he isn’t wearing them. So far he is winning this battle. He also must wear socks and runners... everyday. Currently I am tired of it but also know him well enough to know his stages don’t last forever and will try to remember these cute little quirks. Cosette is the chattiest chatter of all. Daily Darryl and I look at her and wonder where our little girl has gone. It’s serving as a daily reminder to appreciate each day. These two have such a cute relationship and I am beyond thankful for them.

I asked him what he loves about his mother. He said “ I love the way she balances her work life and family life, she does a great job of that.” This made me want to cry. His mom is a talented photographer @jenniferkapala and if she is anything like me and my other photog friends... this work life balance thing seems more impossible then a unicorn. Something I know I have struggled with, longing to give my kids everything in the midst of deadlines and goal setting. The thing is that maybe while we are stressing about finding this balance, our kids might actually be happy enough. They might actually think we are doing a great job. They might actually think we are loving them well. Maybe just maybe we are enough in the chaos and imperfect equilibriums. This moment was special. I felt how this comment must have touched her heart, it certainly has stuck with me through my week. #upandawaystudios

I do not like posting photos of myself. It feels too vulnerable. Especially without a hat, or a child to help cover some of me.
For a long time I have been shy. I have hid behind friends, my camera, or my character. I have always felt more confident in my heart and intellect then in my outer shell. I find it kind of strange that I can often pour out my heart into posts but struggle so deeply to show you a photo of my face. The inner parts of me I am proud of, but this outer part, I have neglected to love in the way she deserves. Here’s to finding peace with all of me, to being proud of all of me. I allowed my photo to be taken in this scenario because I really am a lay in the field dreaming type of person. I am posting it, because sometimes you might need to see my face to connect with me, not just my words. I am certain I am not alone in this. Thanks to @kristinanichol for the photo, I wish I had owned it more and not felt so awkward, but maybe it’s better that way.

Always longing to explore new ways of capturing connection. I have photographed so many families through the years, but I am still always learning new ways of seeing. I never want to just show up and do what’s expected, I hope to always at least change the melody a bit. #upandawaystudios

Remember the dream.
Remember the night
you first believed
maybe, just maybe,
it might come together.
Maybe, just maybe
this is something
worth pursuing.
Because even though
it may take time
to come together,
in this current season
you will come to know:
you have dreamed
not a weightless,
fleeting dream
but one that requires
slow and steady growth.
Hold onto this.
Because the truth is
things may happen
a little differently
than you were expecting,
and you may find yourself
watching others
walk into the seasons
you were praying for,
but none of that
will take anything away
from the beautiful things
that are still in store
for you.
You may find
you have to take
the longer, scenic route
but it will not
be without
the view of the hills, rivers,
and lakes that remind you:
in this big world,
there is still a place for you.
There is still room for you.
So remember the dream.
Then, lift it up.
Lift it high off the ground.
Lift it high off of the timeline
you assigned it to
and believe
with all you have,
there is still more to you.
There is more to this dream,
there is more to this journey.
And things may not look
like you thought they would,
but you can do so many
small, meaningful things for good
and along the way,
they will remind you
why you dreamed this dream
in the first place.
Because one day,
it will all add up
and you find yourself
standing in a library,
built tall of every
beautiful, honest thing
you ever made,
and then?
you will only keep dreaming
creating, making, giving...
inspiring others
to do the same.
You have permission to do that.
You have permission to work for that.
You have permission to remember the dream. -MHN

Did you hear? I picked the dates for creek mini’s. There is more info in my highlights. It’s so hard picking dates and it all depends on weather... August 9th is looking less then optimal for water photos, so I think I will change that date now. August 8th is looking gorgeous so if anyone is interested in a last minute session message me. The other dates are August 15th and the 24th.

We nearly cancelled the shoot, but this mom was brave and decided to take the risk despite all the rain. It was a very good call. I just briefly scanned some files and I am very excited about them. #upandawaystudios

Kids are at @wymbin camp for the next two days, and I am slaying my to do’s. I am typically limited to working in about 2 hour chunks in between parenting duties, which don’t get me wrong I love! I just find 2 hour chunks limiting, you are just starting to get into the groove or past the urgent email replies. Hoping I can accomplish so much these next two days I can be a bit more present for my little when they are home. Here is another image from a recent summer session. I just adore the light so much. Photographers are funny we get so so excited about light.