Maternity photography:
As mentioned before, the best time for your photo shoot is somewhere around 34-36 weeks. Your belly will be nice and full and we don't want to wait until the very last week! Early morning or late afternoon are good times, but we do want Daddy to be there if possible, so plan around his schedule as well. You might want to make a day of it, and get your hair and nails done for the occasion. Not only will you feel like a pampered queen, but you will have that extra bit of confidence that will definitely show in your maternity photographs! When you are so far along, any bit of pampering is welcome anyway (you might want to throw in a maternity-friendly massage while your busy). Once baby arrives and sleep-deprivation makes you feel more like a 5 cent coin than a million bucks, you will be grateful you had that last pick-me-up and the gorgeous pictures to proof it!
Newborn photography:
Newborn photography is done within the first 2 weeks after birth. It is alwasy my personal preference to do newborn shoot at the client's home in natural light, where Mom and baby is more comfortable and there is less disturbance.
If you are expecting and already know that you want to have newborn
pictures taken, then feel free to contact me
during your last month before baby is due. We can make all the
arrangements and I will be on stand-by so to speak. Newborn photography
always get priority, as the window of opportunity is smaller than
with older baby photography. I can travel to the hospital if you
want pictures of brand-new arrival, or you can phone me when you go home with your new bundle of joy and we can schedule a photo
shoot within the first 2 weeks. If we have made all the practical
arrangements before hand, the new sleep-deprived Mommy has less to
worry about!
Every baby is different and Mommy will know best what time of day is
best. The ideal time of day is when baby is sleepy, mid-mornings are
generally a good time. The lighting is soft and gentle in the
morning and most newborn babies have a good sleep somewhere
mid-morning. If baby has his or her best sleep during the afternoon,
then we schedule for later in the day.
Another factor is feeding times. By no means do I expect your
newborn to have 2 hour schedule that runs like clockwork but we can
always hope for the best. If you want some pictures of you
breastfeeding, we can schedule photo shoot for about half an hour
before baby's feeding time. We will hit the triple whammy where we
can take gorgeous intimate pictures of tender moments between
Mom and child, baby will be winded, which gives opportunity for
family photographs (especially if Dad can join in) and Junior
will be nice and sleepy and most willing to cuddle up and look cute
for the photographer.
Baby photography:
If baby is between 1 and 3 months, much the same as above applies.
Schedule photo shoot around sleeping and eating time, even bath time
can be included! You can also remove clothing a bit beforehand and
then we can dress baby in that cute favourite outfit after the first
nappy-only pictures have been taken. Remember to also keep Daddy's
schedule in mind, as we would love for him to be included!.
I also take appointments over weekends, so there are plenty of
opportunity to plan the best photo shoot that suits your unique
family.
Toddler photography:
The time of day is not critically important with the toddlers. As long as your toddler is well-fed and rested we are more likely to get good pictures. Bring along some drinks, snacks and one or two favourite toys.
Also, try to wake your toddler up from his or her nap about 20
minutes before photo shoot, so the puffiness around the
eyes can be gone along with any grogginess.