Mini Session
Mini sessions are for children only and designed as a great way to capture updated photos of your children at an economical prices. Because of the time limit of these sessions we limit clothing changes to 2 different outfits. Mini sessions last 30 minutes and in that time, we can capture tons of great images!
To prepare for mini sessions, I ask that your child come ready for their session on time. If you need to get them dressed or work on their hair, please come 5-10 minutes early to do this.
I am used to shooting at lightening speed, and let’s face it – kids are pretty quick! So don’t worry. Even though this is a mini session, I will get plenty of images for you to choose from.
Newborn Session
Newborns are best when photographed between 1-3 weeks of age and around 7-8lbs/3-4kgs any bigger and you can head right from the hospital to me. Each baby varies, and premature babies may be photographed later. A baby is considered a newborn 4 weeks and under and newborn rates apply. If your baby is 6 weeks or older, I suggest waiting until they are 3 months of age. Generally acne will kick in around 3-4 weeks and stay for quite awhile. This doesn’t happen in all babies, but it is very common. In addition, 7 or 8 week old babies are not newborn and not holding their head up, and have a challenging time in sessions. However, regardless of what age you decide to come to the studio, I will do my best to capture every tiny beautiful moment! And acne can ALWAYS be retouched!
Let’s get onto the prep. The following items are ones that we suggest bringing to a newborn session:
Please know, that 99% of babies pee and poop in the studio. On the photographer – on Mom or Dad – on the materials – anywhere really – and it’s ok. We are prepared. We have materials and pads and boppies in the studio and they are all washable and I wash them after every session anyway. I also keep wipes on hand, paper towels, bag, blankets and a slew of other things to have on hand. So relax! You are going to be here awhile! For Dads returning to work, or if you are planning to grab lunch or dinner after, you may want to bring a change of clothes…just in case!
Blanket (s) – solid is best and the softer the better. If the baby is naked, I may wrap the baby in a blanket in between shots, or use the blanket in the shot. It is best to have a backup, in case accidents occur.
Pacifier- even if you are not sure if they will take it, or they hate it. So many babies take pacifier in the studio because they want to be soothed.
Food – if Mom is nursing – I suggest nursing at the studio before the session. This will relax and calm the baby. If you are bottle feeding, please bring an extra bottle. Even if a baby is fully fed, they will generally have an extra feeding at some point. This will not ruin their schedule, but you will find it will comfort them.
Nursery items – you are welcome to bring stuffies, silver rattles, or other nursery items that you would like incorporated into the session.
Clothing – I carry diaper covers for boys and girls in various sizes. I also have a slew of beanies, cocoons, wraps, headbands, flowers, baskets, and other simple props and clothing items to help you. Unless you have a great outfit that fits your baby, you don’t need to bring any clothing. Mom and Dad should match in tone, and try and keep things solid and simple. Stripes or patterns will be distracting and take away from the photo. I also ask that watches be removed during a photo session. The only cute faces, we want to see in photos are yours! 
Parents- I know that Mom – you have just had your baby and clothing choices are slim at best. I prefer parents to bring a change of clothing colour, black and white to do the standard photos. Also bring any shirts/clothing items matching in tone for family pictures if you are having them done.
Maternity Session
I consider pregnancy sessions to be one of the most magical sessions of all. Carrying the life of a child is a wonderful gift, and regardless of whether it’s your first, second or third pregnancy- each one is special enough to be captured. While I know that pregnancy sessions aren’t for everyone – to those that do choose to capture this time, I welcome you. I suggest that you come in when you have a nice round belly. This can be anywhere from 30-36 weeks, depending upon each individual. Everyone carries differently, and while most woman feel “huge” they generally are not, when being photographed. Therefore, I suggest that you take a good look at your growing belly from a profile view. Is it nice and round? If not, that’s ok too! Many woman come with “flat” bellies as the baby nestles in their back! Ok so you can’t tell if you are round? That’s ok, I will take care of you. Just make sure you don’t wait too long to come in! I want to capture woman while they are still comfortable, or semi- comfortable before those last few weeks!
I welcome the expecting woman and love to guide her clothing in a way that will flatter her ever growing belly. I carry plenty of fabrics in various colors and textures, perfect for wrapping the expectant figure. You are welcome you to bring any clothing guided below that might enhance your sessions.
Some suggested items to bring are:
Tank tops with built in bras
Lingerie of any kind – lacy panties and boy shorts are great, as well as soft flowing fabrics that will show the belly
Skirts that go below the belly are also great, as well as button down shirts that we can open to expose the belly.
Jeans that go below the belly – or we can tuck the maternity band in
Jewelry is also a great accessory
Any ultrasound photos
Some items from the nursery – such as baby booties, journals, stuffed bears, etc.
For husbands and children, I recommend solid color clothing. Whatever is comfortable – for men that may be jeans, or slacks of any color. For younger boys, they should be matching the Father. It is best to bring light and dark shirts so that if Mom is being wrapped in various colors, we can change accordingly. I love barefoot little children, so shoes are not necessary. Parents are preferred to be barefoot as well. For little girls, anything matching in tone that is pretty. Whatever you choose to bring, keep it solid and simple – and above all avoid busy prints and logos. (Patterned clothing is a personal choice. If you want to bring them you are welcome to.)
It is best to wear nude undergarments if at all possible. Strapless bras are very helpful when being wrapped – even if the bra is too small, it will still give you support. If you are planning on showing your belly, please do not wear any elastic over your belly a few hours prior to the session.
Lastly, discretion is always a top priority. Tasteful nudity is always available and I am generally alone when photographing a pregnant woman or couples.
Above all, relax. This is a wonderful time and I look forward to seeing you.
