Clothing

• First and foremost, always wear clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Clothing should fit - it shouldn't be too tight or too loose - and be free of wrinkles. 

• Avoid wearing clothing that is over the top. This includes any neon colours (neon pink, orange, yellow, or green), or bold statement patterns. Bold clothing will become the focal point in the photo and take away from you, the subject. Plaid is welcomed. 

• Note that narrow stripes can play tricks on your eyes. If you plan to share your photos on social media, it is recommended to avoid narrow stripes as they will create optical illusions online. 

• Avoid wearing all black. Any black that is worn should be free of lint or hair. 

• Avoid dressing everyone in matching clothing (like white t-shirts and blue jeans). Outfits should complement each other but don't need to match. 

• In the winter and fall, deep colours photograph best: maroon, red, navy blue, forest green, mustard yellow, etc. In the summer, pastels look best. 

• Dress for your location. Don't wear high heals in the forest or shoes on the beach. You should blend with your location and not look out of place.

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Props

• Props are welcome at any photo shoot. However, they should be kept to a minimum. The more props, the more time spent setting up a shot and taking away from traditional or candid shots. 

• When bringing props, be sure to keep in mind that we may need to walk a distance carrying your props in order to use them. 

• I have a blanket that I bring to all of my lifestyle shoots, but you're more than welcome to bring your own.

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Locations & Timing

• I will travel to any location. Locations that are further than 30 minutes outside of the city limits of Sault Ste. Marie will be charged a travel fee. 

• I do my best to be flexible in the scheduling of all photo shoots. However, depending upon the location, there may be an optimal time. Most locations are best shot during golden hour, the hour or two before the sun sets, though I know this isn't ideal for younger children.

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• Newborn sessions are booked from 10:00am - 2:00pm. If this timing doesn't work, I will do my best to accommodate. Generally, newborns sleep best in the mornings so this is why the session is scheduled earlier. 

• Newborn sessions are best done within the first 14 days of life. While this isn't always possible, it is what I strive for. Babies are most sleepy and content being wrapped and posed in their earliest days. 

• Sessions are done in my private, indoor, heated studio. My studio is located in my home in my basement. I keep the heat on and have a special heater reserved for baby. It is best to dress in layers and wear socks or bring slippers. 

• I have one of the largest selections of props within Sault Ste. Marie. There is no need to bring any props to your session. I have plenty of wraps, headbands, hats, outfits, buckets, and more. You are more than welcome to bring anything you'd like that is of sentimental value. Please notify me ahead of time if you are bringing props and let me know what they are so I can plan the session accordingly. I will do my best to incorporate some or all of the props. 

• Each session includes photos of the baby, as well as family and sibling photos if wanted. Family and sibling photos are captured first against a white backdrop. Please avoid wearing all white. Siblings are more than welcome to stay the duration of the photo shoot; however, it is important that we nurture a quiet and calm environment to ensure baby sleeps to get the remainder of the photos. I have some toys and colouring books for siblings. If two parents or guardians are present, I recommend taking the other sibling to a nearby park for play or out for lunch. A newborn session can be quite boring for anyone other than the parents! 

• A four-hour session is long. Feel free to bring food and drinks. I have water, coffee, and tea. You're more than welcome to use my WiFi also or to have a nap.

• Sessions are long because they are done best when baby is sleeping. We will constantly be changing and feeding baby to keep baby happy. 

• Before arriving to your session, please bring baby dressed in either a button-down or zippered sleeper. This way, if baby is sleeping, I can undress baby easily without waking baby up. Try to keep your baby up as long as possible before your shoot to make sure baby is tired.

• Please bring plenty of milk to your session. I strive to keep my studio a stress-free environment so you can feed baby in whatever way is comfortable for you - breast, bottle, or formula. I have a bottle warmer available for you to use. 

• I have diapers and wipes that are available for you to use. If you have a special brand you like best, please bring extra for the session.

• Baby will be photographed in a variety of poses that are safe. Baby will be posed in buckets, baskets, and/or on the beanbag posing pillow. 

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