February Newborn Special: Toronto & Durham Region Photographer
Check out February's Newborn Special for Toronto and Durham Region Parents!
Not expecting? Feel free to pass it along to any mom to be! Such an AMAZING offer!
Classic 6 month old: Toronto Baby Portrait Photographer
An adorable classic 6 month old baby girl came into the studio for her milestone session recently. I could have just eaten her up! Not to mention how much she has changed since her newborn session. Check out how much Miss. Ava has grown and don't you just love her little bangles? I have one almost identical to her tiny ones. A family heirloom from my Great-Grandmother. So seeing her wear the traditional East and West Indian jewellery made me smile big time. For Ava's session I aimed to focus on creating some timeless and classic images. As with all photography, the focal point should be on your baby, your style and a chance for me to tell your story with others. I was thrilled when mom brought the PERFECT little dress and diaper cover for her session. It's SO important to envision your images. Remember that these images are going to be displayed in your home for years to come. Trends and fad's in fashion come and go however, there are some styles that never go out of fashion. I just LOVE the neutral palette with her beautiful skin tone. Thanks Aditi and see you at 1 year!
5 Tips for Photographing Babies: Toronto and Durham Region Newborn Photographer
Hey everyone! Hope you all had a fantastic New Year's? Thought I would start the New Year off with 5 useful tips for photographing babies. So how many of you new parents got a nice new camera for Christmas? I'll bet there are a lot more of you than you think! Planning on taking lots of pictures of your baby right? Not sure where to start? Well here's a bit of information and some helpful tips for you. Whether you are moving from a P&S (point and shoot camera) to a SLR here are a few things to consider.
1. Your babies " Happy Times" and Identifying them:
If you haven't already found out, babies like routine. Eat, sleep,poop and crying...right? Try to keep on track when baby is most settled and content. Although your newborn may not be smiling right now (other than gasssy smiles!) now is a great time to capture moments. These moments could be just after bath time, feeding or while cuddling etc. Find out when these are and go from there.
2. How to capture: Document vs Portrait:
Wanting to documenting your babies "firsts" is only natural. A first bath, first time meeting the grandparents, first car ride etc. These everyday moments are those that we take for granted and are often over looked when we are busy and on a tight schedule. Having your camera on hand helps to make sure that these precious times are not missed. If you prefer the look of a portrait photograph instead, then your style and set up will be different. Watch your angels (see tip #3) as well as bearing in mind the happy times. Anybody can take a portrait,however one that evokes emotion and is not just a candid snapshot is so important.
3. Finding the right angle:
Right from the beginning, babies are wrapped up from head to toe. Swaddled and usually pink, or a little on the red side. Some babies experience jaundice too. A babies skin is SO sensitive. Don't forget that they have been in water for the last 9 months! A few other things to consider is if there are any marks, scratches or temporarily misshaped heads that occurred during birth. All of which are completely normal and go away in time. So it's important to find the most flattering angle. How do you do this? By getting down low. Even if this means lying on the ground :) get close, and don't be afraid to try something new. A photograph can seem more intimate when you get close. This could mean by you physically getting closer to your subject (ie: baby) or by adjusting your focal length.
4. Pick your moments: (goes hand in hand with happy times)
Typically between the ages of 1-10 days your newborn is little and doesn't move too much. This is my favorite stage to photograph, since they grow and change so fast. During this stage, babies are very sleepy. They are easy to curl and when in a deep sleep and are generally pretty content. This is such an important time to photograph. Pay attention to the little details, try not to cut off any features, ears,nose,head,fingers etc.
5. Keep shooting:
Babies change every single day! It really is quite amazing. But if you were to actually go "looking" for these changes you will be disappointed. They are often so subtle that we don't notice them at all. Until there is a lapse of time in between. Try taking photographs of your little one on a weekly basis. You will be amazed at what you notice. A great example is the changes in growth from week one to week 6. Keep practicing!
It's also important to remember balance. Know when to put the camera down and when to document memories of your new baby. Let's face it..mom's and dad's need some time out too. Enjoy your baby and support each other in doing so. Parenthood is one of best clubs to belong to. Enjoy the ride!
Have fun and all the best for the New Year!
Till nest time,
P
Reflections of 2012
A Year in review. Yes it's been a busy year for us all and while it's hard to believe 2013 is just hours away, so much has happened for us all. New homes, new babies, milestones and some hardships too. What we must never forget is how Blessed we are. To live in a free country, to have food on the table and a roof over our head. Life has a way of throwing us a wrench at times but knowing we are strong and faithful, we bounce back.
I am thankful for each and every newborn,maternity and family session I was able to capture memories for this year has been nothing shy of amazing! Durham Region and Toronto parents, thank you SO much for choosing Petra King Photography. Can't wait for 2013!
Happy New Year!
xo
"You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream."
C.S. Lewis
Top 5 things when starting a newborn home business
Are you thinking of starting a newborn home business? Maybe you have and are feeling overwhelmed? Rest assured we all felt like that at some point in our career. We still do come to think of it. Running your own business from home is a lot of work! Here are some things that will help you get started and steer you in the right direction.
1. Being Organized
Everyone needs some sort of organizational flow. This will help you keep on track with things, prepare you for your day and help you through the unexpected issues or dilemma's that arise. Use a calendar, keep track of your personal and business schedules separately. Make a mental checklist of what is needed for your sessions, props, what lens you will be using, lightsource,posing etc so that as you are setting up you can walk yourself through your session to keep yourself focused.
2. Work/Home Balance
Do I hear laughing? At times it is stressful and very frustrating, however remember that your family must come first. This may mean working into the wee hours of the night at times, but it is can be done. Again, being organized plays a HUGE part. If you are not organized, the domino effect will quickly turn your week upside down. Those of you who have children at school during the day, schedule your appointments, sessions and editing time around school hours. For those of you with little ones, early morning hours or after bedtime/naptime may be where you need to be focusing to get things done. Try not to get ahead of yourself with unrealistic daily goals. Aim for 1-2 things to be done. If you manage more...high five to you! That's awesome!
3. Create exceptional service
Okay so you've taken the plunge now what? You have some sessions under your belt, building your portfolio and earning some money. Great! But your business along with countless others in your area offer the same thing. So what are you going to do about it? Well, at the end of the day, anyone can be a photographer. It does however boil down to you. Your style, your originality, your professionalism and not the just service you offer but an experience. Create an experience that will be beautiful lasting memories for any new parent.
4. Know your products
Whether you offer one product or 10, selling your products to your clients needs to be an enjoyable one. Pushy sales stink let's face it. Guide your client and get to know them. Likes,needs and must have's! Know your products. research your vendors and test them out yourself! It's your job to do that. At the end of the day if you are not confidant with it don't offer it! You need to represent what works best for you and your business. Life is full of choices these days. Market yourself well and you will attract the niche that you are aiming for.
5. K.I.S.S Rule (keep it simple)
Try to avoid taking on too much. Be it sessions, learning curve,marketing,accounting,social media,website and blog etc etc...the list seems endless at times. As a new business owner you need to keep things simple. This goes back to being organized. During your sessions, aim for 3-4 different set ups. Anything more at times will only be overwhelming for your clients and extra work for you. New parents are stressed,exhausted and still on an emotional high that baby is "actually here" It's your job to make this experience smooth, positive and most importantly stress-free!
Tiny Newborn Blessing
It was with utmost joy that I was able to photograph this beautiful tiny newborn blessing recently. I am very proud to introduce my newest niece to the world! Evelyn Alexandra joined a new wonderful family that couldn't love her more if they tried. She has perfect doting parents and big brother and sister are ever so excited she is here. You may recall mom's maternity session. I love all these exciting times we documented for mom and dad. the Danielle, Andrei...what a wonderful gift. Enjoy these fleeting moments as she is only little for a short while. All the details we captured that day are lifelong memories that I know you already cherish!
A new Father and Daughter= love
Lastly a quick thank you to Shirls over at " Love That Prop" Her gorgeous angel wraps were perfect and dainty for this little newborn! Go check her out and send her my regards!