ROCKY MOUNTAIN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Johnny and Sam are always a fun time to photograph, no explanation needed. Hope you enjoy this gallery as much as I enjoyed photographing these two east coasters chilling in the mountains. PS: Johnny and Sam, I want to photograph your wedding day!

Calgary Engagement Photography Session

A Closer Look at Calgary Wedding Photography Packages

Maxine LaGarde PHOTOGRAPHY offers multiple photography options for all her wedding clients, alongside complimentary engagement sessions for all clients.

Calgary Wedding Photography Packages

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I’m dedicated to capturing every heartfelt moment. My wedding photography packages start at $3000 and include comprehensive coverage, from the morning preparations to the evening celebrations. As a Calgary photographer, I understand the unique beauty of Alberta’s landscapes and venues, ensuring your photos reflect the magic of your day. Each package is crafted to provide a seamless experience, with options for engagement sessions, albums, and more.

SMALL CEREMONIES AND ELOPEMENTS

For intimate gatherings or adventurous elopements, my small ceremony and elopement packages start at $2750. These sessions are perfect for couples seeking a more private celebration without compromising on stunning photography. Whether you’re exchanging vows in the Rockies or a cozy Calgary venue, I’m here to document your love story as a qualified photographer in Calgary.

Next DAy/ WEEK WEdding Photos

Too busy for all the wedding photos you want on your wedding day and want to enjoy the day candidly with your friends and family? I also offer next day or next week wedding photos. This styling option grants you the privilege of enjoying your wedding day without the stress of stepping away from your guests for photos. Recreate the styled, couple portraits the week later and enjoy your big day with your guests stress free.

For more information, please head to my Wedding FAQ’s page.

How to Choose a Wedding or Elopement Photographer in 2026: What Really Matters

So iPhones are so great these days, what’s the advantage of hiring a professional photographer to capture your wedding, family, engagement or maternity celebration? Hiring a photographer in Calgary, or your local area means you’re investing in a full service, which provides three different advantages.

Firstly, your professional photographer should have professional equipment, multiple cameras and lenses, to offer a variety of shots and angles, and artistic styles, which will will render exceptional image quality and cloud storage options that are ideal for high quality printing. Professional equipment means the quality of your images will supersede any iPhone of budget friendly option. In addition, a professional photographer will also cary a second or third camera body, in order to avoid camera malfunction. Having backup camera is one of the main ways to identify a photographer.

Secondly, a professional photographer will offer a variety of services that include a private viewing gallery to easily select and view your images, a professional platform where you can print your images, order unique products like albums, frames and calendars, and offer a seamless client experience. This photography platform will offer electronic contracts, user friendly payment gateway options, and seamless portals to a variety of supplementary services, like hair and makeup recommendations, styling options, and client feedback and questionnaires.

Lastly, a professional photographer will be able to offer you peace of mind and invaluable years of experience, recommendations and guidance. Trusting your photographer to select your specific location, selecting the perfect time of day for your session, especially for wedding timelines and large group photography, is invaluable. Especially for wedding photography, selecting a professional who has photographed dozens or hundreds of weddings can creatively ensure solutions and pivot when problems arise on your special day.

Professional Calgary Photographers

Why Drumheller Is the Most Underrated Photoshoot Location in Canada

There’s a place in Alberta that doesn’t feel like Alberta at all.

A place where the wind is warm, the light wraps softly around you, and the landscape feels almost otherworldly — like you’ve stepped into a desert somewhere far from home.

That place is Drumheller, Alberta, or some call it; the Badlands.

If you’re dreaming of a unique, visually stunning session, where the sunsets linger and the cotton candy skies magically appear out of nowhere — whether it’s an elopement, maternity, family, or branding photography session — the Alberta Badlands offer one of the most beautiful photography experiences in Canada.

A Landscape That Feels Like You’ve Left the Country

Often referred to as Canada’s desert, Drumheller’s Badlands stretch endlessly with sculpted hills, layered textures, and warm, earthy tones.

There’s something about being here that shifts your energy. It slows you down, opens you up, and creates space to be fully present.

For elopements, it feels intimate and almost sacred.
For maternity and family sessions, it creates a sense of connection and grounding.
For branding, it offers a clean, editorial backdrop that feels elevated yet natural.

And the best part? Some of the most beautiful locations don’t require long hikes — they’re right off the side of the road.

Quiet, connected moments in the Badlands—this is what eloping here feels like.

Movement, wind, and wide open space—perfect for couples who want an adventurous elopement experience.

Unscripted joy—these are the moments that make your photos feel like you.

A golden hour elopement in the Alberta Badlands—where the light, the landscape, and the moment all align.

Effortless Beauty at Every Turn

One of the reasons I love photographing in Drumheller is how effortless it feels. You don’t need elaborate setups, as the the landscape naturally creates the perfect setting for depth, texture, and movement.

From the hoodoos and the sweeping views of Horseshoe Canyon, to quiet backroads and the charming set up at Drumheller’s “Little Church”, every location offers something different.

Even areas near the Royal Tyrrell Museum bring a beautiful mix of history and natural scenery into your gallery.

The Light Here Is Just Magical

Yes, Drumheller’s light feels different. A photographer’s love language is light, and this is my favourite place to photograph because the Badlands feels like a playground.

in my opinion, it’s softer, warmer and more diffused.

If you’re lucky to get a few cotton candy clouds at sunset, the light will wrap around you — creating creamy skin tones, soft depth, and a dreamy, editorial finish straight out of camera.

It feels like a natural combination of open sky, dry air, and reflective earth tones working together to create something incredibly flattering and timeless.

A Real Session: Badlands Anniversary Photoshoot

I absolutely love this Badlands sunset anniversary photoshoot because my clients fully trusted me to capture their special day, the second time around.

Last summer, I had the pleasure of photographing Garrett and Kass’s beautiful city wedding at the BMO Centre. It was a beautiful and meantiful day, but like many weddings, the timeline can move quickly, and we didn’t have much time to step away for sunset portraits. For photographers, a wedding day can feel more like a checklist and less like an experience and an opportunity to be creative. Everything has to be pre planned and pre meditated, leaving less room to feel and express raw emotion and “in the moment” photo opportunities.

So we planned something intentional and creative, to celebrate with anniversary, one year later.

We met in Drumheller for an anniversary session — and it was completely worth the wait. My clients were able to celebrate their milestone in nature, in a more authentic and more natural pace.

The Badlands offered so much depth and drama, and paired with golden hour, the results were incredible. The warm wind, the soft light, and the open space created a session that felt relaxed, meaningful, and full of life.

I just love how these images turned out, and I hope you can feel that same energy when you see them.

Warm Wind, Open Energy, and a Grounded Feeling

Drumheller isn’t just visually beautiful — it feels different.

The warm wind adds movement and life to your photos. Dresses flow, hair lifts and toss, and everything feels a little more alive and wild.

There’s also something deeper here — a grounded, expansive feeling that allows you to relax into the moment.

And that’s where the most meaningful images come from.

The Badlands offer a cinematic backdrop for bridal portraits that feel both wild and elegant.

Intimate, connected moments in the the Canadian desert, Alberta Badlands—this is what eloping with Maxine LaGarde Photography feels like.

Soft light + natural textures = timeless bride and groom portraits in the Badlands.

Why Drumheller Works for Every Type of Session

Whether you’re planning an elopement, maternity session, family photos, or a branding shoot, Drumheller offers incredible versatility.

In one session, you can capture:

• Desert-inspired landscapes

• Dramatic canyon views

• Minimal, editorial roadside moments

• Quiet, intimate scenery

It feels like multiple locations in one — without the stress. I love encouraging families and couples to visit Drumheller and make an afternoon or early evening date out of the experience. There are so many beautiful gems to visit in Drumheller like Valley Ice Cream, or Dino Delights, located near the HooDoo’s, and also Last Chance Saloon for lunch, or eclectic brunch vibes at The Old Grouch. The town’s endless charm and dining experiences make visiting a fun weekend experience. If you’re not interested in lunch or ice cream, the Royal Tyrell Museum is always a hit with kids.

It’s More Than a Photoshoot — It’s an Experience

What makes Drumheller so special is that it feels like an escape.

You step away from your everyday environment and into something slower, quieter, and more intentional.

That shift allows you to connect, be present, and fully experience the moment — which is exactly what creates timeless, emotional imagery.

✨ Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together

If you’re feeling drawn to the light, energy, and landscape of Drumheller, I would love to document your story there.

At Maxine LaGarde Photography, I specialize in capturing natural, connected moments in a way that feels effortless and true to you — whether you’re planning an elopement, celebrating a milestone, or simply wanting to preserve this season of your life.

Ready to plan your Drumheller session?
I’d love to hear what you’re envisioning.

👉 Inquire here to start your experience
Maxine LaGarde Photogpgraphy

Alberta Badlands Maternity & Family Photography | Drumheller Photoshoot Locations Guide

Why the Alberta Badlands Are One of the Best Locations for Maternity (and Family) Photos Near Calgary

If you’re looking for a maternity session that feels unique from the typical mountain backdrop, the Alberta Badlands offer a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Just outside of Drumheller, the various landscapes that the Badlands offer have a warm, desert-like feel—often compared to Palm Springs—with creamy earth tones, soft skies, and warm glowing golden light that photographs beautifully.

Here’s why so many of my clients choose the Badlands for their maternity, family, or even engagement or elopement sessions:

A Picturesque, Desert-Inspired Landscape
Unlike the forests, mountains and the Rockies around Calgary, the Badlands feel expansive, minimal, and editorial. The textures and tones create images that feel organic, modern, and timeless.

The in-between moments always say the most.
The feeling that everything about to change.

Letting the light, the movement, and this season speak for itself. Maternity sessions in the Badlands feel effortless, warm, and deeply personal.

A little adventure, a lot of love, and the start of something new. These are the moments you’ll want to remember forever.

Iconic Locations Like the Hoodoos, Horseshoe Canyon & Royal Tyrrell Museum
From the dramatic curves of Horseshoe Canyon to the striking hoodoos and the surrounding landscapes near the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Badlands offer a variety of backdrops within a short distance—giving your gallery a diversity, depth and a fresh approach that doesn’t look like anything else in Canada.

A Romantic Stop at the Little Church
For couples wanting a softer, more intimate setting, the Little Church in Drumheller adds a quiet, romantic touch to your session. It’s a beautiful contrast to the rugged landscape and works perfectly for more emotional, close-up moments. It’s intimate setting is also popular destination in the Badlands.

Perfect for Families, Too
The Badlands aren’t just for maternity sessions—they’re also an incredible option for family photography. With wide open space and unique terrain, kids have room to explore, climb, and play naturally, which leads to more candid, joy-filled images. Not to mention, the Royal Tyrell Museum is just 10 minutes from the Hoodoos, this destination can make the perfect family day trip.

Endless Exploring & Natural “Hiking” Trails
The area is filled with easy walking paths and natural ridges, making your session feel more like an adventure than a posed shoot. This movement creates authentic connection and relaxed, storytelling images. Pairing this rugged landscape with a beautiful flowy bohemian dress and some fun hiking boots adds an element of dichotomy that creates unique content and stand out images.

Consistently Beautiful Light
The open landscape allows for uninterrupted golden hour light, creating soft, flattering tones and that dreamy glow that makes every image feel magical. My favourite type of light in the Badlands are warm sunset and soft pillowy clouds, creating the dreamiest and moodiest background.

Dreaming of a maternity session that feels natural, elevated, and completely unique?
Let’s plan your Alberta Badlands session.

Warmer, Drier Climate
The Badlands are often warmer and sunnier than Calgary or the mountains, making it a more comfortable and predictable option—especially for expecting moms and young families.

A True “Getaway” Experience
The short drive to Drumheller turns your session into more than just photos—it becomes a memory in itself. Many clients make a day of it, which naturally leads to more relaxed, connected images.

Less Crowded Than Popular Mountain Locations
While places like Banff can be busy, the Badlands offer more space and privacy—perfect for an intimate, stress-free experience.

Drumheller Mini Sessions

Stay tuned for my Dumheller mini sessions, coming this summer 2024. Mini sessions are advertised at a lower priced point and offer less time to capture photos but still offer the opportunity to have your family photographed in an adventure location. Adventure photoshoots start at $825, depending on the location, and include a full digital download gallery and travel fees. Adventure mini session in Drumheller start at $595 for 5 photos, or $705 for 20 photos, or $$775 for all photos. Photography sessions are 25 minutes long. Please email me at maxinelagarde@gmail.com to inquire.

Drumheller Mini Sessions Gallery

Fish Creek Park Summer Elopement

I loved photographing Jessica and Kelven on their laid back, summer elopement in Fish Creek Park. This tasteful and romantic elopement consisted of an intimate outdoor first look, a private and personal vow ceremony, followed by a playful sunset session in Fish Creek’s backyard. I love the results. Let me know what you think!

Elopement Photography in Calgary

Studio Family Maternity Session

If you’re thinking about booking a studio session for your family photos, they can a great alternative to outdoor photography as they offer a controlled lighting environment, and a variety of great furniture and props for your session. I loved photographing Eriel in her third pregnancy, alongside her beautiful family, in studio. We were able to get all the shots we needed in less than 45 minutes, and because the studio space features large floor to ceiling windows and tones of natural dreamy light, every shot was so easy to edit, yielding the classic photography style Eriel wanted for this photoshoot. I’ve missed shooting in studio and this cute little family reminded me of how much fun can be!

Studio Maternity Photography

Wedding Planning: What to expect from your wedding photographer

Planning a wedding is no easy feat and can easily lead you to feelings of overwhelm and indecisiveness. Choosing the right wedding photographer is easily one of the best ways to help streamline your planning process and recommend expert vendors and services. This article will discuss what exactly you should expect from your wedding photographer through out the wedding planning process and how choosing the right wedding photographer can help eliminate stress, provide peace of mind and expertise to help ensure your day runs smoothly.

The right wedding photographer will do so much more than photograph you and your partner on your big day. Other services include helping you create a timeline and save the dates, including a free engagement photoshoot, recommending vendors, providing input on colours palettes and florals, and meet up for location scouting and an initial coffee or wine date to ensure you and your photographer are a match. In addition to all this, your photographer should be communicating with you frequently before you your big day to ensure a plan is always in order. Here is my go wedding timeline I share with all my clients, that details when you’ll hear from me and what to expect until you tie the knot!

Wedding Photography in Calgary

Right away-

• Upon signing your contract and sending through your 50% deposit, your booking is official and I'll send you my preferred vendors list.

When you're ready

• Happy wedding planning! Feel free to invite me on Pinterest, send me images on Instagram, or email me any inspiration photos of your dress, venue, color palette or floral designs. I love all this stuff, so please include me if you wish!

• Start thinking of any special items you want photographed such as rings, special shoes, matching leather jackets, or anything else that tells your story. Do you want special accessories or fun props like balloons, sparklers, or smoke bombs in your photos? It's good for me to know these things in advance, so start planning and let me know as you go.

A few months before the wedding

• Start thinking of your COMPLIMENTARY engagement session. Where do you want to be photographed and what kinds of photos are you interested in? A complimentary engagement photoshoot is included in all my wedding packages, so please take advantage. I view the engagement session as a way to practice in front of the camera before the big day.

6 weeks before the wedding

• Expect to have the following four documents ready; Wedding Timeline, Wedding Photography Timeline, Wedding Vendor Checklist, and Family Photography Wish List. We’ll have a non negotiable, sit down meeting to go over all the details of the day with a fine tooth comb 6 weeks before the wedding. Please include your wedding planner in this process and have all documents ready in advance. Don't worry, I will help you too!

1 Month before the wedding

• Your remaining balance is due. Please send me your balance through e-transfer to maxinelagarde@gmail.com

10 days before the wedding

• At this time, we will go over all details and make a contingency plan for poor weather and any last minute changes.If you have a wedding planner, please invite them to this meeting.

Free engagement photoshoot for all my wedding couples

I love the way Kelven and Jessica’s YYC winter elopement photos turned out. We lucked out with this beautiful warm winter day in February in Crescent Heights, and Kelven and Jessica were so sweet to photograph. They were slightly nervous, as this photoshoot was there first time being photographed together. This is, hands downs, the best way to practice being comfortable in front of the camera before your big day, so I was thrilled to book their complimentary engagement session and help them create some great memories before their June elopement, later this year. All my wedding clients receive a complimentary engagement session when they book with Maxine LaGarde Photography. Please send me an inquiry if you’re newly engaged, and let’s book your free photoshoot!

YYC Winter Elopement Photography

Kick Ass Flash Course- By Justine Milton

This blog post is for all my photographer friends in the photography community. Last year I decided to invest in my business and in myself, and I joined a professional development community led by accredited and internationally published photographer Justine Milton. Yah, she’s kind of a big deal, and she really knows her stuff, so trust that if you join, you’ll be in great hands.

Justine offers a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive “Kick Ass Flash Course” to teach you all things “artificial light”. This flash course is jam packed so much useful information to teach you how to master using artificial light, in the most challenging lighting situations. Justine’s course explains, in-depth and specific examples on how to master artificial light to create soft and dreamy or moody images.  As I once specialized in natural light photography, I knew I needed to invest in this Kick Ass Flash Courses to improve my indoor photography skills, and especially to transform my wedding photography. Wedding photography is probably the trickiest photography of all. Often, you are photographing guests in uncontrolled lighting environments with various lighting sources, and distractions, with ridged time constrains.  Justin Milton’s lighting course helped me hone my skills on using artificial light and helped me put this new knowledge into practical use to level up my business. Justine goes over in detail the following topics.

·       CAMERA SETTINGS

·       FLASH SETTINGS

·       COURTEOUS FLASH USE

·       AMBIENT LIGHT

·       VIDEO LIGHT

·       ON CAMERA DIRECT

·       BOUNCE FLASH

·       OFF CAMERA FLASH

In addition to this comprehensive hands-on style of teaching, Justine is always available and ready to help her students learn. She recruits the help of her husband in the course videos, to help demonstrate and explain each concept. Her examples are clearly explained in great detail. She even shares her personal list of go-to flashes and camera gear and provides links on where to purchase your set up.

If you're interested in leveling up your business, learning some new skills from a real pro, and tapping into a new market of photography, Justine milton's Kick Ass Flash Course is definitely for you. For limited time only, I have a very special discount code to share with all of my readers. This discount code is available through to March 20th. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about this flash course, or if you're on the fence, I'd love to hear from you.

Discount Code: learnwithme

It takes 35% off the price of the course!