Worried your little one might not sleep during your newborn session?  Fear not, we will still get some kick ass amazing photos and you won't care a bit your baby didn't sleep during part or most of the session!

Researching a service you haven't ever used before can be a daunting experience, especially when you have no real idea of what to ask or expect.  I've created a little list of 'questions' to ask while researching a newborn photographer and my answers to those questions.  My answers won't necessarily be the only 'correct' answer as there are many ways to run a business but it will give you a bit of a starting point while you are checking out your options.

1.  How long have you been in business and how long have you been photographing newborn babies?

Newborn photography is a completely different niche compared to other types of photography.  You can have basic photography skills and be amazing at photographing families outdoors but newborn photography can take years to really master and to have the skill set to 'know' babies!  As much as most newborns are similar they are also all just as different and that all plays into a newborn session.  We run on baby time and those sweet little ones call all the shots in the studio.  If multiple breaks are required to keep your little one happy and comfortable we take them and that plays into having experience to still keep those sessions within a 2 to 3 hr time frame.  Let's be honest no one wants to hang out in my studio for 4-6 hours just to capture newborn photos!

To date I've been photographing little ones for 15 years and have had hundreds of babies through the studio doors.  I've been called the 'Baby Whisperer' so many times I think I need a t-shirt!  Being around babies for so many years I've developed a few tricks to calm even the fussiest little one in just a few minutes and if you schedule a session with me I'm more than happy to share as many tips and tricks I can to help you get through those 3am fussy times.

2.  Do you have experience working with babies under a month old?

This is a great question to ask as you want to make sure the photographer you are hiring is knowledgeable in newborn safety.  What most people don't realize is that images with babies in buckets, swings, chairs and some poses are actually multiple images put together in post to ensure the babies are secure and not able to 'fall'.  This doesn't necessarily mean to the floor but we also don't want those sweet little faces to make contact with hard edged props.

You also want to make sure your photographer in knowledgeable in safe baby positioning and knows the signs of poor breathing and blood circulation.  This is an area I've invested in to ensure I'm fully aware of all things baby when it comes to proper breathing positions and circulation.  I always make sure baby's neck is in a good position for a nice open airway and we always watch for poor circulation and will take a baby out of position even if we haven't taken the photo.  No photo is worth the health and safety of your little one.  Baby safety trumps everything in the studio all the time!!

3.  Do you provide props, and outfits?

Definitely check and see if this is something your photographer offers and if so take advantage of it.  Those adorable outfits you see hanging in the newborn boutiques look sweet but don't always photograph great!  Most newborn photographers have custom made outfits specifically designed for newborn photography, along with hats/headbands etc.  If you have a specific item you would like to include from home check to see ahead of time to see if your photographer can accommodate it for you.  We've had special blankets, jewellery, stuffies, wedding dresses, a wedding veil and a sweet little chair.

My studio is fully stocked with outfits, hats, headbands, wraps, props etc in lots of colours and neutrals.  You can choose a colour theme and we set up prior to your arrival based off of your choice.  Or you can leave it all in our hands to create a beautiful setup for your little one. 

4.  How long does the session take?

Another great question!  The last thing you want to have happen is to have to leave before the photographer is done because you had another appointment scheduled that day.  I usually try and finish up in 2hrs but if we have a fussier baby it may be closer to 3hrs.  This is another area where experience comes into play, knowing how to soothe and comfort a little one will ensure you can get back to the session if baby is a bit fussy.  Over the years I've developed a fairly solid workflow that allows your little one as many breaks as they need and still gets the digital gallery I strive for.  While I can't guarantee any specific 'poses' or 'setups' I will do my best to get them for you.

I know you've all seen the sweet and adorable 'posed' photos we do here in the studio but did you know that we also love these super relaxed more natural photos as well!  Just let us know what your preference is and we can accommodate it.

I love the colour combo's for this adorable newborn session!  It was so fun to set up and pick headbands and outfits to match from our studio closet!  We have so many options here at the studio that we can customize your baby's photos to coordinate with the colour palette of your home.

As much as I love photographing sweet, squishy babies I also love having them return to celebrating their first birthday!  It's a huge celebration after a year of so many stages, from those adorable lip milk blisters, the first baby babbles, tummy time, sitting, crawling and possibly walking!  So many reasons to celebrate and we can help with a custom designed set up to match most birthday party themes or home decor.

Worried your little one won't sleep during your newborn session!  Not to worry we just photograph them while they are awake and wait for those sleepy little moments in between.  Babies this young are never on any real type of schedule so we make the studio as warm and comforting as possible with soft noise machines and keep your little one comfortable and follow their lead.  If baby needs a break we take it and then move on, if  baby doesn't love a pose we skip it and move on to the next one.  They get to call the shots :)

As much as I love doing colours during newborn sessions the classic soft pink with baby girls is always so pretty!

I don't offer outdoor family sessions regularly but if you are on the Baby Plan they are always included!  I love catching up and seeing how much they've grown!  Those sweet little personalities come out and their expressions crack me up!

Loved using our new blush rose wrap for this session!  We take pride in our careful curation of our props, wraps, outfits, etc and love that we have a great collection to suit any colour preferences you may have!  The studio is equipped with everything you can possibly imagine along with a selection of diapers, wipes, butt cream, receiving blankets, so if you forgot something don't worry we have you covered!

There is no greater compliment than when a family a family hires me to photograph their second baby!  Knowing they loved their first newborn session and trust me again is a wonderful feeling!  Plus it's always so much fun to catch up and see how much siblings have grown since I last saw them.