MATERNITY SESSIONS 

Mama to Be: You are a Goddess! You are beautiful, you are powerful, and you are doing something incredible. 

Nine months may seem like a long time, but this is only a season in your lifetime, and you owe it to yourself to celebrate the beauty of your heart, soul, and body before your precious one enters the world. A Maternity session is a great way to do just that. I am ready to guide you and ensure you feel and look nothing less than the beautiful, powerful 
woman you are! As a Mama of two babes myself, I can relate on many levels! 

 

When is a good time to do a Maternity session?
Great question! I have found that a good time to schedule your maternity session for is between 30-35 weeks. That means it's important to book early in your second trimester. Booking in on the earlier side rather than the later (35 weeks) helps create less stress in case we have to reschedule due to weather or sickness. More importantly 30-35 weeks tends to be a sweet spot in your pregnancy where you feel great. From one mom to another, waiting until close to your due date you are tired and it hurts to move haha plus waiting, you run the risk of going into labour early and missing your session. 

 

What do I wear?
Of course dependent on the session - Some mamas prefer a maternity gown. Some mamas prefer jeans and a top! Some mamas prefer to wear less and some prefer to wear more! It's your preference but I am more than happy to give you some style guidance. It can also depend on the weather and your comfort level... but feel free to have a few outfits if you'd like. Partner should wear something they are comfortable in - preferably no ballcaps or neon colours or big logos... they just tend to be distracting. Hair and Makeup should reflect YOU! If you feel best a little "done up" - perfect. If you feel better "au naturel" that's perfect too! One thing I do like to recommend is to make sure your hands have had a little bit of attention, because they're going to be a star of the show! Whether you go for a full out manicure or just kept tidy and simple, just know that I will be photographing those hands a lot! 

 

Is there anything we should have on hand or bring?
The sky is the limit - Anything that suits your life, lifestyle and togetherness as a couple and family! A favourite blanket, ultrasound printouts (or an image on your phone works too!), little shoes or boots, a sentimental piece of clothing that the babe will wear, a sign, little "big brother or big sister" pieces for siblings and pets ... 

 

Where do we shoot?

 

Outdoor Maternity
The majority of my work is outdoors and on-farm, but I am happy to accomodate whatever location you'd like. 
I prefer to shoot during golden hour, which is about 1-2 hours before sunset for dreamy, flattering light. 

 

Lifestyle Maternity
We can also do a Lifestyle-Style documentary session, where you just pretend I'm a fly on the wall and document your pregnancy in your home. I will prompt and direct you to do things but these sessions 
are a lot of fun and relaxed. Think about a cozy time cuddled up with your honey on the couch, or maybe its you two making dinner, or setting up the nursery - or if there is already a sibling and furbabies, we include them too! These photos give a photojournalism vibe, where we focus on your connection and feel all the emotion. 

 

How long are these sessions?
Depending on what we do, usually an hour of shooting time.

 

What if I want a newborn session as well?
I offer a special rate if you book both maternity and newborn sessions together for once your bundle of joy arrives. 
Ideally, I find that newborns between 1-3 weeks are the best time to photograph. I shoot newborn sessions in a relaxed, lifestyle vibe. 

LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSIONS

WHAT IS A LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSION? 
Lifestyle newborn sessions are unique to each family. They tell your story, from the comfort of your home (or outdoors, if you prefer and if the weather cooperates). No rush getting everyone out the door, making sure the diaper bag is packed and baby is strapped in the carseat. In-home newborn sessions are my absolute favorite to shoot. There is little to no posing. From diaper changes to feedings to lounging on the couch, I document it all! 

 

WHAT TO EXPECT:
After your baby arrives, I like to have my mama's shoot me a quick message so I can start to find a good day for our session. Most of my newborn sessions take place when baby is anywhere from 1-3 weeks old. This is important because I like to shoot when baby is still in that soft and sleepy stage. And don't worry if they aren't sleepy - You'll want to remember your little one and every little detail. Trust me. 

 

WHAT TO WEAR:
Simple is best. Comfort is key. Keep colours neutral but don't be afraid to add a little bit of color! Whites, creams, grey, and subdued colours always photograph the best. Try and avoid bright and bold 
neon colors, big patterns and shirts with large logos can take away from the overall feel and look of your images. We want the focus to be on you and your little one, not what your shirt said. Same rules apply to siblings. Try and avoid clothing with characters, sequins and neons. From a cozy oversized sweater and leggings, to a pretty floral or linen dress, the options are endless for you mamas! 

 

One thing my Mamas always appreciate is the reminder to have your nails clipped (and polish if that's your
vibe...) but I do photograph your hands a lot - so you'll thank me later if your hands look fresh! A nice thing for a sister or friend to do if she comes to see babe before our session - paint your nails for you! 

 

HOW TO PREP:
Once we narrow down our session date and time - preferably during the day, for lighting purposes but most importantly is your (and baby's) schedule. 
I will ask what areas of you house you would like to session to take place in. I like to have clients pick one or two rooms that have the best natural light. Master bedrooms, living rooms, baby's nursery and spare bedrooms are most common. 
Opening all blinds and curtains before my arrival will help me to figure out which spaces are best. Please do not feel the need to deep clean your entire house before I come. Please. There is zero need to impress me, like at all..... I'm a mom... of two. So literally nothing scares me. However, if you can, try and declutter items on counters/floors in the spaces you'd like me to photograph in. Less is more when it comes to these sessions. That's why spare bedrooms are always clients' favorite rooms to shoot in because most of the time, those are the rooms with just a bed.
Also, keep in mind your bedding - if you have a white sheet/blanket/comforter definitely bust that out and lay it on top. The reason being, bright and bold colours will cast shadows and colours on skin, leaving a tint of whatever colour the blanket is. So if you can, keep it simple and plain. Whites and creams are always ideal. 

 

If you have older children, let me know before we schedule a time. I always like to make sure we aren't heading towards a nap while I'm there. I try my best to be flexible on the time of day we shoot to accommodate for such schedules. 
If possible, try and keep your house warmer than usual. Babies love being warm and cuddly and when the house is cold, they'll let you know if they don't like it. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

My baby is so fussy I'm afraid she'll cry the entire time you're here! 

This is the wonderful thing about lifestyle sessions. We can stop at any time. I give you all the time you need to relax and recompose. Babies cry - it's normal. Don't stress. And if they only want to cry - I'll photograph them that way. You'd be surprised at how I can capture sweet calm moments between big cries. 

 

My son/daughter is afraid of the baby or wants nothing to do with them. 

This was my life when I brought my second child home. My daughter and son are 21 months apart and my daughter wanted nothing to do with her new brother. It's normal. And I promise, it doesn't last. A new addition is a huge adjustment to a sibling! I never force or coerce kids to get in the frame. Sometimes a simple game of "can you show me baby's nose?" does the trick, sometimes it doesn't and we let them be. The goal is to never force a child or punish them if they're not feeling it. 

 

My house isn't Pinterest perfect.

Mine isn't either. Most especially during newborn stages. The goal for in-home sessions isn't about the state of your house. It's so much deeper than that. And really, all I need is one spot with some good light and I can create magic. I live in a 1 bedroom apartment with just 2 windows. We don't even have a crib! Some of my most favorite sessions had taken place in such a space! It's all about angles and light. Cribs are not necessary to show you have a newborn. 

There are so many other places inside your home that we can use! Couches, beds, even the floor! And I have a big basket that I bring along (two actually...) that we can put the babe in - with a small selection of different textured fabrics. 

Not to worry! 

 

How long does a typical session last?

Most sessions are about an hour of shooting time, but I am often there for around two hours. I like to leave extra time for feedings, diaper changes and fussy babies. 

 

Do you use or bring props?

No. Being a lifestyle photographer, I tend to lean more towards less is more. I don't have props, do bring my basket and fabrics. My goal is to capture you and your family organically.

That said, if you have your own mementos you would like to include in the session - PLEASE have them ready! I love precious heirloom quilts, or baby's first stuffy or perhaps their first tiny pair of boots... 

 

We are so awkward in front of the camera. Will you help pose us?

- Yes of course! I will definitely help guide you into a pose using prompts and then ask you to engage with your family.