Calgary Royalty Photography

Capturing Tradition, Fashion and Elegance: First Stampede Royalty Shoot at the Sam Center

The Calgary Stampede Royalty represents more than just a crown and sash—they are ambassadors of Western heritage, rodeo culture, and community spirit. I recently had the honour of photographing Breanna, this year’s Stampede Princess, for her first official shoot at the stunning new Sam Center in Calgary.

A Venue Rooted in Storytelling

The Sam Center, the newest addition to Stampede Park, is a beautifully designed space that celebrates the rich history and evolving legacy of the Calgary Stampede. With its interactive exhibits and thoughtfully curated displays, it was the perfect backdrop for this session, merging tradition with a fresh, contemporary setting. The warm, natural lighting and striking architectural features provided an incredible canvas to showcase Breanna in her role as Stampede Royalty.

The Fusion of Fashion and Tradition

One of the most exciting aspects of photographing Stampede Royalty is the seamless blend of Western tradition and modern elegance. Breanna wore a combination of classic Western wear—embellished jackets, boots, and, of course, her signature cowboy hat—paired with beautifully detailed pieces that reflected both her personality and the timeless style of the Stampede Royalty.

Every shot aimed to capture confidence, grace, and the deep-rooted pride of being a Stampede ambassador. Whether framed by the history-laden walls of the Sam Centre or in a candid, unguarded moment, the session was a perfect mix of past and present, a visual representation of what the Stampede Royalty stands for.

As a photographer and Community Builder for the Calgary Stampede, I’m excited to continue documenting Breanna’s journey this year and can’t wait to share more moments that highlight the tradition, ambassadorship, and hard work that go into being part of this iconic legacy.