Why Newborn Portraits are important - Toronto and Ottawa Lifestyle Photographer

Let's be honest, the first weeks of bringing a new baby home are stressful and the adjustment of around the clock care can leave you feeling exhausted. The simple thought of leaving your house, showering and getting dressed makes the heads of most new parents spin. So why in the world would you want to remember such a low point in your parenting life? Here is what I've discovered about the families who decide to welcome a photographer during the early weeks with baby.

The special bond formulating in the hours and days following the birth of your child cannot be described into words but we witness it beautifully in images (see image gallery below!). This new person you've waited so many months for has finally arrived and your heart is bursting, or better put, your heart is now walking outside your body. This new found love is growing with each passing hour but also something else is happening.... your little one is rapidly loosing their "fresh baby" look. The technical term is called the awakening period, you will notice your little one becoming more and more alert with each passing day. It is truly the most amazing and fulfilling thing to watch as a parent! Before you know it they've learned to roll, giggle, and in some cases walk before their first birthday! Making those 'fresh baby' days history!

Parents are often shocked at how quickly the first days pass and although they are exhausted they know that one day soon, they will want to remember the moments that bring them a sense of accomplishment in raising their child. To see a child grow and develop is an extremely rewarding experience. The endless effort and daily care to ensure a child is happy and healthy is very sentimental for moms and dads. To celebrate this journey, families choose to see the progress in photos and feel gratitude towards watching their family grow.

Below is the lovely Nikki and Reid with their sweet baby girl Quinn and sidekick Yoda. They will soon be welcoming baby number two and Nikki shares with us her experience in having images done in those first days! Thank you Nikki xo

You can learn more on how a newborn lifestyle session is captured by clicking here.

In Mom's words ...

We are very happy to do newborn photos again the second time around as we really loved our session with our daughter when she was born. Being able to look back on that time and see the bond she was already creating with not only us (her parents), but also our dog Yoda has been priceless. We were able to make a book of the photos and share them with her grandparents as well as keep a copy for ourselves to show to family/friends when they visit. Our daughter has started to enjoy looking at photos of herself as well and I can only imagine that this fascination will grow as she grows. Along with making the book, we also printed several of our favourites and hung them as decor in her bedroom. I believe photographs make beautiful artwork and love to see our memories hung around our home! The first few weeks with a newborn are such a whirlwind that we are very happy that we chose to capture it, even if only a brief moment in time. Our daughter has changed so much over the past year and it is wonderful to be able to remember just how small she was when she first came into our lives. 

Toronto Lifestyle Photography - Family Lynch

How sweet are they?! I first met the Lynch family when Landon was 4 months old! Today he is 4 years old and is joined by his sweet sister Layla (9 months old) and I couldn't be happier to be invited back to capture them as a party of four :)

In "MOM'S WORDS" ....

1) What was your biggest fear in hiring me or even considering having a photographer capture your family? Did it come true, if not, what happened instead? How do you feel about the purchase now?

I had no concerns as I knew that you would be awesome with the kids and that you would be able to capture amazing moments of our family. Since Landon is 4 years old he's at an age where he listens and understands. Yes he can be silly but we loved having those moments captured as well since that is a part of who he is. Layla just smiles all the time so we knew she would be easy to photograph.  I also think timing is everything. First thing in the morning when everyone has had a good nights rest also helps. The photos are all so amazing! We couldn't be any happier with them!!!!  My favourite ones are with the kids sitting on the couch. Especially the one where Layla's mouth is open and Landon is making a silly face! 

2) What did you enjoy the most about your session and why?  

You are so gentle, calm and funny. You really helped Landon feel comfortable. We truly enjoy spending time with you and having you in our most intimate space. 

3) If you where to tell your best friend about your photography experience, what would you say?!  

That they have to hire you!!! I will always recommend you. With both sessions we have had we have been so happy. Again your gentle demeanor and your way of making everyone feel comfortable goes a long way! Thank you again!!! 

Ottawa Lifestyle Photography - Emily + James, siblings

I first met Emily when she was 9 months old! She was sweet, shy and curious about the world. I remember vividly her smiles when she glanced over to mom or dad, you could feel the love she had for them! Fast forward a year and half later, Emily is now a BIG sister to James, who was equally shy on our first meeting. He did not fancy much to explore but rather preferred the safety of his mom's arms. This is a great example of how working with children can feel unexpected. I had chatted with mom before our session, she was sure James would be the more playful one and Emily still very much shy! It ended up being the complete opposite.

Most parents will feel the pressure of uncertainty when it comes to how their children will act during a photo session. In fact, it is the most common concern. The good news is, my job is centered around gaining their trust and allowing them to not feel pressured for smiles, giggles, or any other interaction. To me a photograph needs to represent a person in a true form, this can be very difficult to achieve if a child is placed in a new environment. So I asked mom to describe the experience in her own words, so new readers can better understand the focus around lifestyle photography.

"In mom's words"

Before the session, were you worried about how your kids would behave or act? Did it come true, if not, what happened instead?

Our session was a good example of "expect the unexpected".  My 3-year old daughter is shy and has has trouble warming up in photo sessions in the past, so I warned Irina she might need a little extra TLC.  But, unexpectedly, my outgoing little 1-year old was the one who had more trouble warming up. My daughter instantly got into it and posed for the camera.  They both eventually settled in and enjoyed themselves.

What did you enjoy the most about your session and why?

It was very relaxed.  Irina and I chatted, the kids played and photographs were taken.  I loved her space - it is light and airy and the kids felt free to just play.  The photos turned out beautifully.  She captured some great moments.

If you where to tell your best friend about your photography experience, what would you say?!

If you want an easy photography experience in a relaxed environment, visit Irina's studio.  She's wonderful.