Kelsey & Travis got married at the top of a cliff in her fathers backyard. Most of their guests watched from below and at the end, some of us ran, or in my case - slipped, down to join the party! I’m absolutely loving the vibe of all the backyard weddings this year, everyone is super comfortable (so comfortable in fact some may even wear their slippers) and everything you or your guests might need is right there!
Okay this session was so much fun! The idea: FOOD FIGHT except using Holi Powder.
I’ve been documenting this family for 6 years now and every time this mama comes up with the coolest ideas to make the session fun for her kids and even her and her husband too!
The youngest member of the Sibley family turns ONE this week and to celebrate they had a photo session. Little L was hoisted into the sky, stopped to smell the wild flowers, ate some cake and of course got messy. I’m so glad they choose Grandma and Grandpa’s house to document this milestone, where lots of memories are made!
These two took me on a little adventure around Ken Reid Conservation area, a place they’ve spent time and has a little bit of nostalgia. They brought their adorable little puppy & Brett even portaged a canoe into the conservation area! They love printed photo albums, the Tragically Hip, camping & adventuring as much as I do and that makes me so happy inside. I can’t wait to document their wedding day next year!
These two won my winter session giveaway and I has so much fun documenting them in the Northumberland County Forest before we lost all that beautiful snow. I always say how much I LOVE winter sessions, and this session made me love them even more.
I believe your family photos should be unique to you and reflect your real life. I want your children to naturally smile and feel comfortable in whichever environment we photograph in. When we are comfortable, we can relax and be ourselves, and those photos are what mean the most. So I’ve provided some ideas for you that might help you pick the perfect place or activity :)
Family Cottage or Property
Why not utilize a meaningful location that has memories and comfort. I think it is so important for your photos to be a reflection of your history, plus the photos will hold a little extra piece of your heart. Play in the water, go fishing, take a boat ride, I’ll be there to document it.
Get Ice Cream
A great way to end a shoot is by getting messy. I can take photos on our journey through town, get a few posed shots, and we can ‘accidentally’ stumble upon an ice cream shop and get some photos of your kids getting messy. Shhh... don’t tell your kids or they’ll basically run there.
The Beach at Sunset
Pack a picnic, a blanket and the beachball, go barefoot, wear big hats, build sandcastles, bring a float or even a boat. Everyone smiles at the beach.
Your Front Porch or Yard
You want to remember this moment in time, and what better way than to capture it where most of the memories are made. Have your kids ride their bikes, draw with sidewalk chalk, or blow bubbles. Meanwhile you can drink and have fun too.
The Comfort of Your Home
Have me document your Sunday morning routine hanging in your pj’s, making a big breakfast and drinking coffee. Or make cookies, and jump on the bed, just try and pretend I’m not there.
Images with Your Pet
What better way to capture your family than by including a beloved pet. Bring treats to hand out and even their favourite toy.
A Place for Adventure
Do you have a place you visit often as a family or have you wanted to visit a cool location and just haven’t yet? I’ll tag along and capture the hike, boat ride, or picnic.
Winter
Yes, this means big jackets and hats...but why not have a snowball fight, build a snowman,or have a campfire? I could even document you cutting down a christmas tree at a local farm.
Ask Your Kids Where They Want to be Photographed
Kids are so much more imaginative than we are, they could surprise you with an awesome idea we never would have thought of. Plus if they pick the spot, they’re bound to relax, have fun and be themselves.
I often get asked “where should we go or what should we do for our engagement session?”
Picking a place to do your engagement session isn’t just about choosing a pretty place in the woods with a nice background. I want your images to reflect your relationship together in this particular moment in time, this way when you look at them you are reminded of the way things used to be. This means choosing a location or activity that is a reflection of who you are right now together. The photos will have so much more meaning and feelings associated with them. Below I’ve provided some inspiration to help you think of the perfect idea that suits the two of you.
Where you first met
Whether your first meeting was a discussion at the library or fumbling for the door at the local coffee shop, going back to your beginnings is a marvelous memory.
A Beach You Love
In the morning and the afternoon, the sun creates magical light at the beach. For example, locally there are beaches in Bowmanville and Cobourg. We could also discuss going a little further, I’ve always wanted to photograph at Sandbanks Provincial Park.
Your Hometown
We can take a walk around your hometown to familiar locations, and discover new ones together. Photos in the downtown, alleyways, woods and the street can make for both fun and romantic pictures.
At the place you proposed
After all, what better way to capture an engagement than the place it all started.
A place for adventure
Have you wanted to visit a cool location together and just haven’t had time yet? I’ll tag along and capture the hike, boat ride, or picnic. I’ve always wanted to photograph a couple at the falls in Hamilton, Burleigh Falls, and Warsaw Caves.
Images with your pet
What better way to capture your new family than by including a beloved pet. Plus they are sure to make you smile.
Family Cottage or Property
Why not utilize a meaningful location that has memories and comfort. I think it is so important for your photos to be a reflection of your history.
Winter
Yes, this means big jackets and hats...but why not have a snowball fight, build a snowman, or have a campfire? Or stay cozy indoors cuddled up sipping hot chocolate or wine inside your home or Air BnB.
Rent an AIRBnB or Cottage
Not feeling an outdoor shoot, but want to order take out, cuddle on the couch, listen to music, or drink champagne? Book a intimate Air BnB for your session, and after I’m gone you can continue to make memories on your little mini vacation.
It’s normal to feel a little nervous before an at home Newborn Lifestyle Session, so below I’ve provided you with some tips to help answer your questions and make you feel more excited and less stressed.
I really can't think of a better place to document your newborn than in their first home, with all their special things. These sessions aren’t about props, backdrops, and frog-like poses. They are laid back photos of mamas and dadas (and big brothers and sisters) connecting with their new little one in a place that feels comforting, warm and real. My hope is for your child to look back and see themselves with a young mom and dad surrounded by all their special things, and hopefully it will help bring back some nostalgic feelings for years to come. I’ve heard those first few weeks go by faster than you can imagine, I promise documenting that time will be so worth it and I’ll make it super easy for you.
What about Lighting
I like to schedule newborn sessions based on when the light is best in your home. Most homes have the nicest light between 10am and 1pm, but before we decide, we’ll talk about which rooms are the brightest in your home and when. I suggest you pick one or two rooms preferably with light-coloured walls or bed spreads to help keep the focus on the baby and bring extra light into the room. You can even send me a phone photo taken during mid-day to ask my opinion. Personal tip: if it’s a nice day out we can even take some shots on your front porch in front of your baby’s first home.
Hide the Things
Don’t stress too much about cleaning your whole place before I arrive. It’s supposed to look lived in, and for a small little human, babies sure have a lot of stuff. At the end of the day, I’m there to focus on you and the interactions you have with your new addition. The easiest way to prepare your home is to just declutter whichever rooms you want to photograph in. If you have a chance before I arrive, grab an empty laundry basket and tuck all the little distractions or clutter inside and leave it somewhere we can't see it. This includes anything with cords, baby monitors, and changing table clutter. If you don't find time to tuck these things away, that’s okay—I don't mind helping. We don’t want to get rid of anything really sentimental, but it helps to clear out as much as possible from tabletops, shelves, and corners. If you have time, give windows and mirrors in the baby's room or the rooms you wish to be photographed in a quick wipe.
What to Wear
I love a relaxed and comfortable look for in-home newborn sessions. Since we’re just hanging out and soaking up sweet moments at home, you don't need to overly dress up. For Dad, a comfortable sweater or shirt in a pale/light warm colour and jeans can look great. Moms, you want to be soft and cozy maybe with a big warm sweater or flowy solid-colored tunic, maybe some stretchy skinny jeans, just think comfy casual. For baby, simple muslin swaddling blankets and basic onesies are your best bet!
Get Baby Comfy
Turn up the heat. Since we’ll be changing baby’s outfits and holding them without a swaddle for a few photos, it helps to keep them happy and warm. No need to make your house a sauna, but do turn up the thermostat a notch or two. A personal tip: If you remember, about an hour before I arrive, loosen the baby’s diaper to allow time for the diaper’s imprint marks to disappear. If the baby's skin is a little dry or flaky, try applying a small bit of baby lotion to those spots the day before our session.
Find Special Items
Collect any items you want used in the session beforehand such as homemade blankets or stuffed animals. We’ll go through these together to determine what and how we can use the items in your session.
The Takeaway
Use the brightest rooms and time of days possible. De-clutter but still leave it looking homey. Wear soft, light colours to keep the focus on the baby. Turn up the heat, relax and soak it all in!
