Welcome,
I'm so glad you're here
New Leaf Portraits is a boutique commercial photography studio located in Stavely, Alberta, specializing in newborn, maternity, milestone, motherhood, and family photography.
Serving families throughout Southern Alberta, including Lethbridge, High River, Okotoks, Claresholm, Calgary, Nanton, and surrounding communities.
Thoughtfully crafted for mothers, growing families, and those who value connection, authenticity, and timeless imagery. More than a photo session, the New Leaf Experience is designed to help you feel seen, celebrated, and beautifully documented through every season of life.
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The Story Behind New Leaf
I'm Dena — wife, mom of four, photographer, and the heart behind New Leaf Portraits.
Motherhood is where my passion for photography began. The fleeting seasons, the quiet in-between moments, and the connections that make a family uniquely yours are the stories I'm honored to preserve.
Located in Stavely, Alberta, my dedicated commercial studio welcomes families from across Southern Alberta. Every session is thoughtfully curated around connection, comfort, and creating imagery that feels just as meaningful years from now as it does today.
A Studio Experience Designed For families
As a mother, I know just how quickly these seasons pass.
My goal is to create beautiful, heartfelt imagery while offering an experience that allows you to slow down, feel comfortable, and simply enjoy the people you love most.
From the anticipation of pregnancy to the delicate details of your newborn's first days, and all the milestones and connections that follow, each experience is thoughtfully designed with your family in mind.
for those who value:
A calm, personalized photography experience.
Genuine connection over perfect poses.
Timeless, heartfelt imagery.
Beautifully documented motherhood and newborn moments.
Meaningful family portraits.
Gentle guidance, allowing natural moments to unfold.
Artwork and photographs to be treasured for generations.
7 + Years of experience
I specialize in newborn and maternity portraiture, with over seven years of experience photographing newborns and families. Offering a calm, baby-led studio experience designed with both baby and parents in mind.
Newborn sessions are unhurried and thoughtfully guided, with a focus on your baby's safety, comfort, and natural rhythms.
From delicate newborn details to meaningful parent and family portraits, every session is approached with patience, care, and an appreciation for the little moments that make this season so special.
A FEW WORDS FROM A NEW LEAF FAMILY
"Dena was incredible to work with. Quick to answer any questions. Her studio is lovely. She was amazing with the kids and had some nice little touches for the kids. We had the best time. We will definitely be booking more sessions in the future. Turn around time for completed photo galleries was super fast. I cannot recommend her enough!"
Worth the drive. Designed for your family
Families travel from Lethbridge, High River, Okotoks, Claresholm, Calgary, and beyond to experience New Leaf Portraits.
A dedicated commercial studio in Stavely, a thoughtfully curated client experience, and an approach centered around connection make each visit worth the drive.
"The love, connection, and tenderness you share will last forever — and it deserves to be remembered with intention, care, and artistry.
Because years from now, I want your photographs to remind you not only of how this season looked, but of how it felt."
—Dena Meldrum
"Ready to begin your New Leaf experience?
I'd be honored to document this season for your family in a way that feels calm, meaningful, and timeless."