Soft baby hair, peachy round cheeks, and adorable toes…you’ll be so happy you chose to document your beautiful baby as she grows and changes altogether too quickly. Here you’ll find information about your baby session in the studio or outdoors.
Location & When to Book
Baby sessions take place in my natural light Elmvale studio (about 20 minutes north of Barrie, Ontario) or on location outdoors at a nearby apple orchard, fields/farm, and the beach. While I love photographing babies at every age and stage, I suggest booking when your baby is between 6-9 months of age. This is a “milestone” age where your little one is sitting solidly unsupported but not yet crawling. She’s full of emerging personality and adorable faces. Serious and soulful, or smiling and laughing – we’ll capture expressions that are uniquely your baby’s. As she grows up, you’ll catch glimpses of these expressions that will always be hers – beautifully so.
Studio sessions are typically booked in the morning around 10 am. Babies tend to be happiest in the morning, fresh after their night sleep and a breakfast-filled tummy. Baby sessions usually last 1-2 hours. Outdoor sessions take place in the late afternoon (after nap) or after dinner if you feel your baby will be content at this time when the lighting is soft and even.
Preparing for your Baby Session & What to Wear
I am quiet and easygoing by nature and follow your baby’s cues. If he is sensitive and wary of strangers, I’ll be sure to give him plenty of time and space to warm up to me before we jump into photographing. Often, I will ask parents to sit near baby to ensure he is safe and secure while allowing me the opportunity for eye contact and to captivate his attention and direct his focus to my lens. If he reaches out for mom/dad, I’ll ask you to snuggle him for reassurance before we continue. Please feel free to bring any special security items, a teddy or blankie that will be both familiar for baby and sentimental to incorporate. I also suggest tucking some finger foods and a bottle/s into your diaper bag in the event that your baby would like an easy snack during the session.
The studio is kept at a warmer temperature so that we can photograph baby in a simple diaper cover or onesie and keep him comfortable. Please feel free to bring along special outfits, selecting those that won’t make your images look trendy or dated. I am happy to make suggestions when you arrive. Most babies find changing outfits to be a disruption so it’s best to keep clothing changes to a minimum. As for mom and dad, light, neutral clothing is best. White and black can be quite stark. I recommend softer tones for your baby session; solid colours without a lot of patterning photograph well. The simpler, the better, in order to ensure your images will reflect connection/love and remain timeless.
Illness & Rescheduling
We want to be sure your little one is feeling well in order to allow her personality to shine. As a mom, I understand that illness can’t be predicted. If your baby isn’t feeling well, please contact me as soon as you can so that we can set up an alternate session date.
After the Session
Your password-protected, online proofing gallery will be posted 10-14 days after your session. The gallery includes 30-35 carefully selected and retouched session images. Minor retouching is included so don’t worry if your little one has a small scratch or a bit of skin irritation requiring retouching. As with my shooting style, my editing approach is clean and natural. Orders are placed by phone or email and I’m happy to further discuss what display options you’re most interested in, and to answer any pricing/product questions you might have.
The proofing gallery is posted for 7 days for ordering purposes. After this time, there is a reposting fee to have the slideshow posted for another 7 days. Keeping to a timeline, allows me to provide you with excellent care and quality of service. I will process your order so that your finished prints and beautiful final products are in your hands and on your walls for you and your family to enjoy as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
info@laurareive.com | 705-322-6546