Maternity Photography
A recent maternity couple in studio for their maternity photography session. A pregnancy brings a lot changes to a couples lives. It can be both exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. Wondering how you will manage, if you are doing the right thing, taking care of yourself on a more serious note and in general waiting patiently for this little one to arrive. Sound familiar? Completely normal I promise ;) enter this sweet young nervous couple. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting them as a referral from another client. Thanks so much S! Mom to be was very timid in the beginning but we made sure she was comfortable, offered gentle guidance and she was a natural. Here are some of her gorgeous photographs we captured that day.
Natural Light Newborns:: On the flip side
I would have to say that 99.9% of my newborn photography is with studio lighting. However there are times when natural lighting sessions are done. Equally beautiful and just as unique for the new parents, newborn sessions really are hands down the most precious way to celebrate your little ones arrival.
Expecting or know someone who is? Contact me today for more info on how to book a Maternity Session OR a Newborn Session. Maternity sessions on location are SO much fun. Just take a look at a recent one with a stunning mama found HERE.
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Expectant and new moms:: Helpful Resources
I've compiled a list of some local businesses that are awesome and helpful for any new parent. Enjoy!
FitMom- Jennifer Rogers
Toronto Doula Group- Stephanie Alouche
Monkeywear Baby Carriers- Jenifer Clarke
Bubblegirlknit & Crochet- Lisa Charbonneau
Petite Chic- Nicole Koogje Vos
WeeHands-Sara Bingham
Lil-Sugar.ca- Meri
Weewelcome.ca-Maureen Dennis
Helpwevegotkids-Tracie Wagman
Ohbabymagazine.com-Sandy Pedrogao
Want to be featured or know a business who does? Contact me for more information. I'd LOVE to help promote.
Have a great Monday!
P
Newborn Session Tip #2: How to prepare for your session.
Today's blog post is part 2 of How to prepare for your newborn session. See yesterday's post for more information and helpful tips. Clothing:
Since the main focal point of our session together is your newborn baby, Things are kept to a minimum so that I can showcase the real reason why you are here. To announce and celebrate your newest family addition. Often times mom and dad prefer to focus just on baby and this is totally fine. However I do love it when mom is willing to jump in for a few photographs with baby. Whether you'd like a relaxed casual session with your newborn or both parents present, this session is as unique as you are. Your clothing is no different. I generally advise to keep things simple. Light airy clothing allows for some softer images. Mom, I like to suggest cotton knit camisoles, long or short sleeve tops ( solid colours work best) and don't be afraid to layer. This allows for us to hide areas that we are not ready to show off yet, and still feel beautiful and proud! Dads, again solid colours work well, refrain from busy prints/graffic tee's and button down shirts. Treat your newborn family photographs as one outfit. Compliment each other and know that be comfortable in your jeans ( for both) or mom in a light airy skirt.Wrinkles do show up in photographs so it's best to keep things neat and tidy.
I usually start off focusing my attention on baby and then encorporate any other images needed during the session afterwards. Should there be something unique to your family or a photograph you've seen on the website or blog and just have to have it. Please let me know. I love knowing that you've taken the time and done some homework researching prior to arrival.
Lastly, relax and don't forget to breathe. You are in wonderful hands and I promise to WOW you with the images we will create for your baby. A box of Kleenex will be close at hand :)
Here's a recent testimonial from a client:
"My husband and I had the most wonderful experience with Petra during our sons’ newborn session. She is amazingly talented and it shows through our beautiful pictures. I can't thank her enough for spending precious time with our sweet baby Daniel. She took this incredibly special time in our life and made it into memories we will be able to cherish forever. We are looking forward to doing many more family photo sessions with Petra King Photography in the near future."-Liz
See you soon.
P
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The Winter Sale is still going on till Feb 10th. To book a session today at these hot prices or for more
information. Please click the link HERE.
Newborn Session Tip #1 : How to prepare for your session
Having a newborn session is very different from any other portrait session your baby will have. Photographing a new arrival within the first two weeks of life is nothing shy of amazing. It also allows me to capture your little one's fleeting moments. These moments go by in the blink of an eye. Mom and Dad are sleep deprived, drained but oh so excited. Your newborn session is scheduled well before baby arrives. Once this is done, I like to keep in touch with my clients. I generally advise them to keep me posted with things. Most of my clients will call while in the hospital ( or on the way to the hospital) excited and slightly scared. I LOVE this. Some reassuring words and a good luck helps greatly. The final date and time for a newborn session is made once mom has had baby or JUST home. This way the session is not forgotten or put off until baby is older and the newborn stage unfortunately cannot be re-created. YOU:
It's also VERY important to take care of YOU! Believe me I've been there. Once baby arrives. ALL your attention and focus is on this new little life and everything else gets put on the back burner. However if you don't take time for you ( yes it can be done) in a short period of time you'll realize just how fast you crash. And it's NOT pretty. Your hormones are a screaming roller coaster mess and you cry at the drop of a hat. If you are participating in your baby's newborn session then there is nothing wrong with accepting help from family and friends so you can get ready too. I certainly do not expect ( nor want you to) go all out with pampering JUST for the session. It can be as simple as taking care of your hands, neat, clean trimmed nails, natural makeup ( the way you'd normally wear it) and having your hair brushed. Let's face it, even getting around to brushing our teeth and a trip to the bathroom made you feel a million bucks! :)
Baby:
All of my newborn sessions are done in studio. I am based out of Ajax and work out of my home. We are a pet free ( minus 2 fish), non-smoking household. Upon arrival to the studio, should baby be sleeping that's AWESOME ;) Let's leave baby as is until we are ready to get going. I will welcome you into my home studio. Get comfortable, and just relax. I've been so blessed during sessions both mom and dad have caught a few zzz's while entrusting me with their newborn. Love that! When working with your little one, the best way to photograph them is when they are sleeping. Belly full, warm and dry bottom allows me to create some gorgeous magical photographs for you and your family to adorn. We break for feeds, cuddles and changes so don't worry. We will most likely get a good mix of some of his or her personality. A newborns eyes are not able to focus yet so very often goes cross eyed. On special occasions though baby will give awesome eye contact to bring tears to any parent. It goes back to what I've said before. It's WHY I do what I do. Touching the heart!
Lastly as far as clothing for baby. Au naturel is best. I do add a few props in here and there for you, but our main focus is on our most important subject. Baby. The wrinkles, folds, squish and fuzzy adorable newness of your baby. A few items that come in handy are extra wipes, outfits to travel in just in case lol, burp cloths, diapers and a soother to calm baby.
Helpful tips such as these and what to expect is awesome! I love providing as much information as I can to my clients so that come session day. We are informed and ready to go! Stress free and a beautiful experience!
Drop me a line, I'd love to hear from you. Stay tuned for Newborn Session Tip #2!
Ajax,Durham Region,GTA Portrait Photographer:: Being in Business
Let's see a show of "Likes" if you know someone who is a photographer? I think it's safe to assume that we all know someone who is correct? In this day in age, anyone can purchase a digital camera as seen "on sale" and adopt the term, yes I am a photographer. However as much as companies make it more and more accessible for the general public to do so, only a fraction of that actually makes the decision to further their knowledge and new found skill. This cannot be done overnight. One must build a solid portfolio before thinking of taking the next big step...starting a business. The same applies to flash websites and photography blogs. One must learn and practice before opening up shop.
In the last 5 years I've been in business, I've seen a huge influx of photography businesses arise. Most are as I started out to be myself, known as MWAC=mom with a camera. Bearing in mind we all need to start somewhere, the amount of photography websites and blogs are a bit mind boggling. It's grown overnight and out there online for all to see, while the subject of quality hangs in the balance. Sure we all grow. After 5 years of business I am still growing. For that I will always do! I am constantly looking to steer myself in new directions, challenge myself and grow stronger as a person not just a photographer. The demand for business IS there, this we know. But as a good friend recently expressed, the demand for quality is on the decline! WHY?
Why is it that one individual will chance the quality of photographer (A) vs photographer (B)? Style? Price? Location? Convenience? How is it that we are so picky when it comes to the food we serve at our table for our family, the kind of car we drive and the quality of living we work hard for? Yet when it comes to preserving the memories of the ones we love MOST, we are brainwashed into thinking that the lowest price is the best! This my friends, always comes back to kick us in the pants. Quality does matter! Very much so. It's not all about providing one with digital images on a CD for $100 ( session fee may or may not be included) because let's face it. Those that choose to purchase these packages are going to share them online to every family and friend they have and then tuck that CD away safely in the back drawer only to collect dust. These images will be forgotten or pulled out once every few years. Professional portraits and artwork lives and breathes on your walls. It's a daily reminder of just who you are. What you have been blessed with and are proud of!
Being in business is tough. There is no doubt about it. I've said it once before, that very few find a balance between home and work. This rings more truer for those that work from home. But I DO love what I do. I DO work my butt off into the wee hours of the night to strive and provide the best quality that you deserve. As do all professional photographers. It is up to you to do your research. Figure out what works best for you. Professional photography is not for everyone. It is an investment. That said, it is the BEST investment you can make. After all isn't what's important most to you your family and the memories you will make together?
I'll end with some food for thought...
The goal is not to change your subjects, but for the subject to change the photographer. ~Author Unknown
A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety. ~Ansel Adams
Buying a Nikon doesn't make you a photographer. It makes you a Nikon owner. ~Author Unknown
Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera. — Yousuf Karsh
Which of the photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow. — Imogen Cunningham
My favorite: Be yourself, everyone else is taken. ~ Author Unknown
Thank you to all my clients both present and past. You are the reason why I work so hard. Just as you love your family, I LOVE mine. Time is special to all of us and sharing my talent with you to adorn for years to come is what matters most to me. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Love,
P