Are you expecting? :: Newborn Photography and things to consider

First of all allow me to congratulate you and your significant other on your impending arrival!  Here are a few things to consider when choosing a newborn photographer.Research:

It's always best to spend some time and read up about your photographer.

-Everything from where are they located?

-Browse through their portfolio

-Does their style appeal to you?

-How far in advance do I need to book?

-There is more to the experience of custom photography than the dollar sign.

While there are more and more photographers to choose from, it's up to us business owners to educate our clients all that we do ( it's not just about clicking the shutter button),the products we sell and that at the end of the day the quality we produce and the experience you receive.  The whole package of custom photography.

There is another HUGE aspect of newborn photography.  It's a rather HOT topic within the photography industry for newborns.  SAFETY!

Your newborn safety is MY #1 priority.  There is no maybe, no I saw a shot that I wanted to replicate if you are cool with?!  I handle ALL my newborn clients with the utmost care ( just as I would my own children)  These tiny little beings who rely on us for everything, also entrust us with common sense!

I highly advise YOU to use your common sense when hiring a Newborn Photographer.  Trust that gut feeling!

Chances are if the shot looks too good to be true it is!  PLEASE....take care with ALL that you do!  Some of the artwork produced by proffessionals that have been in the industry for ages do compose composites. Advise for the newbies to the industry...DO not attempt to do this on your own, please!

Check out this link I read up on earlier today.  It's a compsote shot done and as you can see dad is holding onto baby.  Full props and I agree 100% with everything written in the posting.  The rest is the magic of the photographer both in camera and post processing.

Newborn Safety!

 

Dr. Seuss, author

"A person's a person, no matter how small."

Henry Ward Beecher, Rev.

"Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven."

 

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Aurora Newborn Photographer:: 7 days new

Earlier this week I travelled up to Aurora for a Newborn session for a sweet new arrival.  You may remember this gorgeous Maternity session from not that long ago.  Well, mom had we beautiful wee boy!  Meet little Blake.  8lbs, 15oz of pure delight!  I just adore working with newborn baby boys.  They certainly have such a different nature than newborn girls.  He was SO wonderful to work with.  Certainly the sleepiest little guy I've had in a while.  Just perfect!

Mom wasn't jokine when she said his days and nights were mixed up!  We rocked the session together.  Speaking of rawkin' check out his lil' faux hawk.  Fine, soft whispy baby hair is the best isn't it?  He's quite the charmer already, I left the session with HUGE baby fever ;)  Funny how as a mom that kinda never really goes away.

I also had the cutest assistant ever!  Let me tell you,  big sister Claire is quite the show stopper herself!  We were entertained by her whimsical tunes, sense of humour and giggles.  Quite the personality and expressions that are so evident in our session.  Claire adores her baby brother and is going to be a wonderful big sister!

 

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Oshawa Maternity Photographer:: tick tock...tick tock...

It's been a long time and coming for this wonderful couple!  I just KNOW they are going to make awesome parents.   Being a parent brings every emotion possible and some that you just aren't prepared for. However as many times as you re-read that Chapter in "what to expect when you are expecting" or listen to all your aunts and close friends tell you about "their" experiences, you honestly don't get it until you are IN it yourself.

I've had the pleasure of knowing this couple for the last 3 years now and I am thrilled to see them welcome a baby to their family.  The lovely and well mannered Mr. Ben will certainly be the guard dog for the family.  Can't wait to hear about those walks with baby.

Looking forward to meeting him or her in a short few months!  All the best and enjoy your sneaks!

Love,

P

Get ready for the best ride of your life!

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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

 

 

 

 

 

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Etobicoke, Toronto Newborn Photographer:: Baby boy

Meet beautiful Arden ( Love his name) I met him and his wonderful parents over Labor Day weekend downtown.  Thanks to dad for helping me out with the parking as a party had taken all available spots. We finally got things rolling only to find little Arden wide awake :) Newborn photography is one of my favorite without a doubt, however we really are at the mercy of babies especially when they are a little older. After pulling out all the tricks I knew this little guy had me beat! First time ever I think lol.  However I think we did great despite the circumstances.  Don't let the sleep shot fool you :D Thank you Arden, pleasure to meet you and I look forward to watching you grow! V & J...enjoy your sneak peaks!

 

 

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