Little session on the Prairies
Pink for girls, burgundy for boys. I love it. This is how you style a session.
These two kiddos are super cute and so are their mom and dad. This family fall session was taken out at Saddle Ridge Estates. Fall is my favorite time of year to shoot families and an evening sunset is the absolute best time for that sun kissed look!
Plenty of family snuggles and keeping warm by doing jumping jacks in between, this session had be working!
Couples in Love
Michelle and I went to school together. When I advertised to work on a fun couple Michelle she messaged me.
After so many years of marriage and a hard divorce I was more than thrilled to hear she had met someone wonderful and is extremely happy! Michelle and her new boyfriend Justin came our to see me at saddle ridge estates.
The intent of this session was just to laugh and be natural. I asked them to do a bunch of silly stuff which just made them giggle and laugh. It was so much fun. I am really diggin that natural unposed stiff part of sessions. I think all sessions should be fun. Not only are the photos great to look at, but you should also remember the experience as well!
Extended family session
Every summer I am asked to capture an extended family session. Seems that summer is the time when families get together. I love doing these sessions and wish I had some of my own family.
It's a lot of work to coordinate, but the memories are worth it. When planning on what to wear for extended family sessions I always say stay away from hats, bright colors, lots of patterns and don't dress the same. Everyone in the same color t shirt with jeans is boring and out dated!
I like to capture each couple and with their kids, grandparents with grand kids, brothers, sisters, and the whole gang.
Leanne and her boys
Leanne and I go way back when I used to work for Saskatoon Public School division. Now years later I can't believe her two older are now independent adults! It can be difficult to organize your older ones to make time for a family session. Boys (men too..lol) are typically not in favour of family photos but I shoot fast and painless as possible and even had the boys laughing. I think they survived.
We had this session at Saddle Ridge Estates and included an old 50's truck. I love this truck and incorporate it into many sessions!
Newborn safety during your session
Newborn safety
As a professional newborn photographer, newborn safety during a session is number 1 priority. I never put a baby's comfort or safety at risk just for a shot. These rules are posted in my studio for parents to see.
Below are a few studio rules that I follow so rest assured your little one is in great hands!
Number 1
I always wear my camera strap around my neck. My cameras and the variety of lens's I have are very heavy and made of hard material. This way equipment will never fall onto baby. I always take my camera off each time I am posing baby as I am careful my camera doesn't bump or swing onto baby. I have been known to lose my camera in this process!
Number 2
We never leave baby unattended. If I need to grab a wrap or something I ask the parents to grab it or I have them spot baby while I am getting needed items. This also includes having mom or dad be a spotter for some shots. Baby's have startling reflexes and we avoid falls at all times.
Number 3
We always support baby's head and neck. You are also told this in the hospital, but baby's heads are larger and heavier and they have not built up the strength their necks to control them. I also make sure when posing their neck isn't too far back which puts pressure on their delicate spine or too far forward that puts pressure on their esophagus. Some of my photos are composites which means I take a few pictures with mom or dad holding the head or neck and then I use Photoshop magic to remove those hands!
Number 4
I never force a bay into a pose and I watch their circulation. Baby's are like us and everyone has a different level of flexibility. I also don't want to unsettle baby so If I see they are moving or making faces, starting to cry in a pose I move them right away into a more comfortable pose. I also watch for limbs and color. If a baby's feet is turning purple, the circulation is being cut off or is very limiting so I move them into a different pose or make adjustments.
Number 5
I avoid fall risks. I have a variety of lens that allow me to zoom out when shooting right above a baby so I don't need to stand on anything. This is for my safety, but also for your baby's safety.
Number 6
I have a prop addiction and always adding to my extensive collection! I use safe props. My props are chosen for safety and the right size for baby. I love vintage props, but I carefully inspect them for splinters, nails, made of glass or anything that could hurt a baby. I have lots of soft materials that I use to make the prop comfortable and I also use weights at the bottom of some props so baby is more secure.
If you have more questions about safety measures or what to expect during your session, don't hesitate to reach me.
xoxo Sheila
The baby whisperer