Leading Ottawa Newborn Photographer. Specializing in newborn, maternity, family and baby photography in the Ottawa area.
Blog
Category: Families
Outdoor Newborn Photography – Ottawa & surrounding areas
Little Wagon Photography shares tips on photographing newborn babies outdoors in the Ottawa area.
As more and more people get vaccinated and Covid starts slowing down, we are thankfully able to start photographing outdoors once again. The reality with newborn sessions is that it usually takes place indoors. Photographers have a lot more control of the lighting, warmth, etc when photographing newborn babies in the studio. However, thankfully it is Summer in Ottawa and the weather has been helping us! This has made many of us step out of our comfort zone and take newborn sessions outdoors. 🙂
Ottawa has many beautiful parks to take advantage of and I am so glad that so many of my clients have been as excited as I am to photograph their little ones outside. As we do indoors, I still take a variety of photos of baby alone as well as with parents/siblings (depending on the package). The main difference is that when photographing newborns outside, I do mostly photos of them wrapped to keep them warm and content. Here are some tips to make those newborn sessions more successful when venturing out in nature:
1 – Keep baby warm! Newborns settle best when they are warm and swaddled. And even in warm summer days, outdoor photography can bring a light breeze that may affect baby’s temperature. So while naked photos of babies are adorable, I choose to keep them swaddled for most photos, switching wraps and styles but keeping them warm and content throughout our session.
2 – Make sure they are fed prior to the session. This goes with indoors and outdoors. A fed baby is a happy, sleepy baby. 🙂 I always suggest to parents that they feed baby prior to leaving the house. This will give them a chance to fall asleep in the car and arrive at the location ready to go. 😉
3 – Have mom/dad hold baby. There are so many different poses that you can do with baby while being held by mom/dad or sibling. And with nature as your background, you just can’t get it wrong. But choose the location wisely! Make sure there are no distractions behind them and choose areas that will compliment the photo.
4 – Make sure to choose shaded areas. There are 2 reasons for that. First, babies’ skin are very sensitive to the sun and it is super important to keep them safe at all times. The second reason is that direct sun will not only end up waking them up, it will also not help the look of your photos. Open shaded areas are always best regardless of the photo session you are doing. The exception is if you are photographing towards end of day. That beautiful golden hour allows us to photograph clients in open areas without any problems.
5 – Check the forecast! Just as we like to keep the studio warm for newborn sessions so that they stay sleepy and comfortable, it is important that you only photograph newborns outside if the weather will cooperate. Anything below 24 degrees celcius is a bit too cold for me. Even if it’s warmer, make sure you check to see if it will be a windy day or even if there’s a chance for showers. Although it takes a bit more planning to make it work, it is very worth it in the end. 🙂
Although I have mostly photographed newborn babies indoors in the comfort of my Stittsville studio, I must admit that I have fallen in love with outdoor newborn photography in Ottawa. Nature provides such beautiful backdrops and it’s hard to compete with that.
Phase 2 is soon opening up and clients will now have the option of photographing indoors or outdoors. You can see a list of my packages and see what would work best for you and your family. And please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Tips for photographing babies – Ottawa Newborn Photographer
Little Wagon Photography shares tips on photographing babies from the comfort of your home
Who doesn’t love taking photos of their baby?! Especially when they smile for you?? Sometimes parents try to capture the moment but the photo doesn’t turn out quite as they hoped. They have this vision in their mind but the outcome is a dark photo and a crying baby…
There are many little tips and tricks to photographing your sweet little baby. And for most you can use your own camera! Of course taking professional photos results in high quality, high resolution photos but those can be saved for special occasions (newborn photos, milestone photos, cake smash, etc). Follow the steps below and you will notice a big difference when photographing your sweet baby girl or baby boy.
1 – Get the lighting right. Lighting makes a big different when it comes to photography. While your camera flash may be of some help in certain situations, natural light usually works best for home photography. Place your baby by a window if indoors or choose a shaded area outdoors and Voila! You’ll notice a big different in the photo already. Just make sure to avoid the harsh sun rays by your child as sometimes those result in overexposed photos. Naturally sunlit areas without direct sun exposure are ideal.
2 – Take the photos at the right time. Don’t try to capture photos of your child just before nap time or when they’re hungry. That will only make things harder for both of you! Choose a time of day when your baby is happy, fed and rested. This will make those adorable baby smiles come out easily and effortlessly. 🙂
3 – Photograph growth by the month or milestones. Those are always fun to remember. Your baby will go through so many changes in the first year and photographing those little special moments will be fun to remember as time goes by. You can not only photograph by the month but you can also photograph milestones such as when they start sitting up, when a tooth comes in, when they start taking their first steps, etc.
4 – Keep the background neutral and simple, unless you are going for some type of theme. Removing clutter from around the area will help you focus the photos on your baby instead of everything else. Of course if you are planning for a styled photo session (let’s say for his/her first birthday) then by all means add the balloons and everything else that makes that date special.
5 – Play with them. That’s right! I find the best smiles come from playing with your baby while taking their photos. Playing peekaboo behind the camera is a baby’s favourite and there are many other ways to make your baby smile for some beautiful photography!
Photographing your child should be a fun experience for you and them. These 5 tips should help you achieve better photos and enjoy this precious moment with your baby. If you’re looking for professional baby photos in Ottawa, please feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help!
Have you ever wondered how newborn babies looks so peaceful and sleepy during their newborn session? A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to help the newborn photo session run swiftly. Here are some tips to help your newborn session go smoothly:
1) Feed your baby prior to leaving the house. Feeding baby prior to leaving the house will ensure baby is not hungry when they arrive to the session. This will help them fall asleep in the car and ensures they get to the session in a deep sleep. Photos of baby awake can be quite adorable. However, it’s really tricky to get them into some of those poses without them being in a deep sleep.
2) Bring a soother along. Sometimes we are told not to give our newborns a soothers in order to avoid nipple confusion. However, bringing a soother along will help transition your little one in between poses without waking them up. This is a one time thing that will help baby stay asleep if needed and will help us achieve as many poses as possible.
3) Be ready to feed your baby in the studio if needed. It doesn’t matter if you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed. Sometimes it is helpful to feed baby during the session to help him/her go back to sleep. It’s not always needed but I always recommend that parents come prepared.
4) If you choose to book a session with us, you will notice that the temperature in the studio will be warm in order to keep your baby happy. You will also notice there will be white noise in the background to mimic the sound your newborn baby was listening to while in mommy’s belly. We pay attention to all of these important details. 😉
5) Bring extra diapers, wipes and cloths. It’s always best to have more than less! Although baby can be nude for some photos, accidents do happen and it’s always good to make sure you have extras in order to keep your little one happy.
With over 10 years of experience, I am happy to talk further with you about how to make your newborn session successful and help you capture photos that will last a lifetime. 🙂
This year has been a little nuts, right? But we still want to celebrate Christmas and all the joys that come with it! That’s why I’ve decided to offer no-contact Photos with Santa. This gives you a chance of receiving a beautiful photo of your child/family with Santa all from the comfort of your home! All you need to do is send me the photo you would like to use and I’ll place it inside the frame Santa is holding. 🙂
For only $39+tax (or both for $65+tax), you will receive this beautiful digital photo and you can then print as many copies of it as you would like. This would make it for a wonderful keepsake for the grandparents and all of your loved ones.
You have the option of adding a small personal message and turn it into a Christmas Card (as seen on first photo) or not! The choice is yours. 😉
Here are the two options you can choose from (please note that my logo would not be included in your photo/card):
This keepsake will sure bring smiles for years to come. For more information on how to go about submitting your photo, please email me at info@littlewagonphotography.com or just send me a message by clicking here.
Fall Family Photography in Ottawa – Best locations
Fall Family Photography in Ottawa – Best locations. Fall is such a beautiful time of year. It’s my favourite time of year to do family photos in. The colours are just so pretty and I love being able to accessorize my outfits with scarves and other fun layers. We’re so very lucky to live in Ottawa as the colours here are spectacular this time of year. On top of that, we have so many beautiful places to take family photos in. Below is a list of some of my favourites:
1 – Gatineau Park – Gatineau park is by far one of the best spots to visit in Fall. There are so many beautiful backdrops to use for family photos and you can take advantage of many locations during Fall Rhapsody. The park is about 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa and you can visit trails, lakes and and many scenic lookouts.
2 – Eagle’s Nest Lookout – Located in Calabogie, Eagle’s Nest Lookout will amaze you with its beautiful view once you reach the top. You do need to hike to this spot so come prepared! And be prepared to take some beautiful photos as the Fall colours won’t disappoint.
3 – Arboretum – This is one of my favourite spots to photograph families all year round. Although the Arboretum doesn’t turn as colourful as some other parts of the city, the Arboretum is home to more than 2,000 varieties of trees and shrubs that make for some beautiful backdrops no matter the time of the year.
4 – Mer Bleue Bog – There are about 20 kms of trails to enjoy at this spot. You can also stroll the 1-km boardwalk to take some lovely Fall family photos. There are so many rare plants and bird life at this location that it’s just another reason to visit this beautiful place.
5 – Hog’s Back Falls – One of the prettiest waterfalls in Ottawa… and how beautiful will those family photos look with charming waterfalls, rocks and trees behind you? Make sure you walk around the area to enjoy various vantage points.
If you’re looking for a Photographer to help you capture those beautiful family shots, make sure to take a peek at my packages. Every year I offer Fall Mini Sessions and this year is no different! Spots fill up quick so make sure you reserve your booking soon. 🙂
Whether you are looking to get some professional photos done or whether you’re just looking to enjoy the Fall season on your own, all of the locations above will be worth a visit and definitely won’t disappoint. 😉
Ever wander why it seems so hard to take photos of your little ones? I’ve heard many parents tell me that as soon as they get the camera out, their children flee the scene. There are lots of little tricks that I’ve learned over the years as a professional Photographer that have helped me capture beautiful photos of newborns, babies and kids. While I 100% recommend getting professional newborn photos for optimum results (trust me, it has taken me many years to get to where I am), I do think there are many ways to get great everyday photos of your kids while at home.
1 – Keep it fun! There is nothing worse for a toddler than having to smile while the parent is getting upset at them for not listening or not smiling. Keeping a fun, light-hearted atmosphere will keep your children in a good mood, making it more likely for them to smile and have fun with you.
2 – Pick the right time to photograph. You know your children’s schedule best! Make sure that you select a time time to take photos that won’t interfere with their meal or nap time. I usually find that babies and little ones are quite happy first thing in the morning or after their nap time.
3 – Get down to their level. That’s right! Get down to the floor and make sure you’re eye level with them. This will instantly help you connect with your child more and get some beautiful photographs.
3 – Lighting. Lighting is key when taking beautiful photos. When photographing babies indoors, use a large window as your source of light. Turn off indoor lights and try to use a room with light walls to give you a more even appearance.
4 – Go outdoors. One of the easiest places to photograph children is outside. Pick a beautiful park and try to avoid the time of day when the sun is very high in the sky (that usually creates harsh shadows and squinty eyes). Cloudy days are wonderful but if it’s a very bright day, look out for a shady spot.
5 – Let them play. Sometimes people get so fixated about having children look straight into the camera that they forget to photograph all those special little moments of them doing everyday things. Follow them around, ask them questions and just photograph the simplicity of everyday living and playing. By the way, bath-time and sleeping time are also wonderful times to capture some magical moments of your babies. 😉
6 – Be silly! Whenever I am photographing children, I completely forget about my ego. I use funny voices, make animal sounds, ask silly questions and definitely use some bathroom humor with boys. You name it… I’ll do it all for some laughter! And that should be the same for you. Peekaboo goes a long way when photographing babies but don’t be afraid to get ridiculous with your kids. They’ll give you real laughter, which turn out to be the best photos.
Although I personally love getting professional photos of my family done, I do think it’s super important to capture everyday photos of your little ones. As they grow older, those photos will help you remember those moments and put a smile on your face. I hope some of these tips help you! And for any questions, please feel free to contact me here. 🙂
The last few months have been very trying for many due to Covid-19. As businesses start to re-open, I want to assure you that Little Wagon Photography will be taking all possible measures to maintain the safety of your family (and ours) during your family photo session. While Photographers are once again open for business, here are some of the things that I’ll be doing on my end to prevent the spread of the virus:
1 – Maintaining social distance. At this time, Little Wagon Photography will only be offering outdoor photography sessions in the Ottawa area. This will help me ensure that I can keep a distance of of 6 feet (or 2 meters) from your family at all times.
2 – Choosing the location wisely. While there are many beautiful spots in Ottawa to photograph at, I will be choosing photo locations that offer plenty of space for us to photograph at without being crowded by people around us.
3 – Bringing a sanitizer. Yes, sanitizers are finally available again! And I will be bringing one along for myself and any clients that would like to use it before/after our session.
4 – Wearing a mask. I’m lucky that my mom made some very cute masks for my family to wear. So I’ll be wearing a fashionable pink mask when you see me for your family photo session. 🙂
5 – Making sure we’re all healthy prior to our photo session. Prior to our photography photo-shoot, I will contact all clients to make sure everyone is feeling healthy and have no symptoms of Coronavirus (cough, fever, cold-like symptoms, etc). I will definitely let you know the same about me.
6 – Following local guidelines. At this time, Photographers in Ottawa are allowed to photograph outdoors as long as we keep 6 feet away from our clients and as long as we don’t exceed a group of 10 people. If these guidelines change, I will be letting all of my clients know ahead of our photo session.
My goal is to provide a safe environment and fun experience for all who are entrusting me with their photo session. If you have any questions about the above, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m looking forward to helping your family capture some beautiful photos for you to cherish!
Tips on what to wear for an outdoor family photo session in Ottawa
Considering what to wear for an outdoor family photography session in Ottawa can be a stressful thing for some but it really doesn’t have to be! Here are some tips on how to make this part of the planning fun and stress-free.
Allow plenty of time to plan for this occasion. The more time you have, the less stressed you’ll feel.
Take some time to go through your Photographer’s website and Pinterest to get some ideas. This will give you lots of inspiration and samples of colours, textures, etc that could work for you. It will also help you decide the styles that you like and the styles that you don’t like to make it easier for you.
Consider the season you’ll be doing your family photos in. The time of year you take your family photos definitely affects what you wear, especially when living in a city with all four seasons such as Ottawa. For example: in Spring, skirts, dresses, bright colours are all great choices. For Fall, you’ll be looking at deeper tones as well as more texture; adding vests, scarves, etc to your look.
Choose colours that go well together but that are not matching. Long are the days where everyone wore a black shirt and jeans for their family photo shoot. By choosing a colour scheme that you like and adding hues that go well with one another you will achieve a more natural look. A good rule of thumb is to choose two main colours and add softer tones to compliment your colour choice.
Keep the location of your Ottawa photo session in mind. Are you going to be surrounded by green trees (if so, avoid wearing green)? Will you be surrounded by pink blossoms (softer tones such as white and blue might look beautiful here), will there be fall leaves all over the ground? Choose a colour scheme that will go well with your background and not compete with it. If you’re unsure of your location, contact your Photographer so she can give you some feedback.
Avoid large patterns or logos. Your 2 year-old might want to wear his favourite t-shirt that has a large dinosaur on it while your 18 year-old might want to wear his favourite sweater with a huge logo written across it. In both situations, those could be quite distracting and take the attention away from your faces.
Make sure you’re all comfortable with the outfits you choose for your photography session. If your toddler is unhappy, you’ll all be unhappy… 😉
Consider your home decor. Since you might want to print some of these photos and display them throughout your home, make sure that you select clothes that you think would look good with the colour and decor of your home.
Accessories, accessories, accessories… a vest, a scarf, a hat… those are all cute pieces that can be easily included in your family photography session. Want a different look for a couple of photos? Just remove that scarf/vest/hat. They’re fun and easy to bring along so why not try?
Lay each family member’s outfit together to see what they look like as a group. This will give you a great final look to see if they’re working well together or if something needs to be changed before the photo session.
Timeless portrait. If you’re short in time or if coordinating colours is not your thing, opt for soft, neutral tones. Staying classic will ensure that you have timeless photos, regardless of what is in style or not.
Enjoy the process! This should be fun and the most important thing is that everyone is comfortable with what they’re wearing so that they can enjoy their time during the photo shoot. Ottawa is a beautiful place with wonderful scenery and a great Photographer will guide you with any help that you might need with the process. 🙂
Planning the Perfect Outfits for Your Maternity Photo Shoot
There’s no better way to celebrate your unborn than by having a maternity photo shoot. The only problem is: what to wear?
It’s easy to get stressed out (especially with pregnancy hormones!) but there are many ways to make choosing an outfit fun and a photoshoot to be proud of. Still worried? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
1. Tight Clothing
Not sure what to wear for a maternity photo shoot?
A top tip is to wear tight clothing to accentuate your bump. Choose a tight t-shirt or a bodycon dress as it will show your curves and remind you of the special months leading up to your little one’s arrival.
2. Solid Colors
Like the first point, you want nothing to detract from your bump. So when you’re brainstorming maternity photo shoot ideas, ensure you don’t pick a patterned dress anything that will detract from your pregnancy.
But if prefer patterns, have your partner wear patterned clothing instead. And if you find solid colors boring then add fun, bold accessories like necklaces and scarves to bring the outfit to life.
3. Consider a Maxi Dress
Pregnant or not, maxi dresses are a must-have in any woman’s wardrobe. There are two major advantages to wearing a maxi dress to your shoot: comfortable and stylish.
Comfort takes top priority when you’re pregnant if you want your maternity photographer to take a variety of photos. Maxi dresses also look incredible on a pregnant body because it’s so flattering.
It covers anything you don’t want to be shown but can also be pulled taut to show off your bump. If you’re shooting outside, a maxi dress can add a dramatic touch as it flows in the wind, creating movement in the photo.
4. Seasonal or Styled Photos
Before you Google “maternity photographer near me”, decide what time of the year you want the photos taken.
In winter months, you’ll want cozy jumpers and a snug setting whereas you’ll want bright and comfortable clothes in the summer. Knowing when you’re shooting gives you a great starting point for picking which colors to wear for your shoot.
You can even pick a style or theme by incorporating your favorite hobbies or interests. For example, if you and your partner love the outdoors then why not shoot at your favorite camping spot
5. Pick Two Outfits
Narrowing down to two outfits is a struggle especially if you’re not sure if you want casual or dressed up. So why not switch it up?
Not only does it give you options when choosing which photos to display in your home but it gives you some variety in the photos too. The best maternity photographers will welcome this as long as you inform them.
Are You Ready for Your Maternity Photo Shoot?
There are many factors to consider when you’re planning a maternity photo shoot. From deciding your outfit to infusing your own style into the photos, this is the perfect time to celebrate your pregnancy and the wonderful things that await you. Happy shooting!
Are you a Mom-to-be looking to do a maternity photoshoot? We’d love to help. Contact us here for more details.
Get Holiday Ready: 5 Creative Family Christmas Photo Ideas
Over 2 billion Christmas cards get sent each year. Do the family Christmas photos you send with your cards blend in with the crowd or stand out for their creativity?
Break free from the rut of sitting in front of a tree to try something a little more creative this year. Getting creative with your Christmas photo ideas makes your holiday cards more memorable for your recipients and makes them less likely to end up in the trash.
Choosing a professional photographer helps you make your Christmas family picture ideas a reality. Your photographer may have some tried and true photo ideas. But you can come prepared with these fun and creative photo ideas.
Holiday Action Shots
Instead of trying to get kids to sit still and look at the camera, let them have a little holiday fun by doing a fun activity. Have your photographer snap action shots while you enjoy the holiday activity as a family.
Baking Christmas cookies is an option that looks cute in photos. Grab holiday aprons for everyone, and add some fun sprinkles and holiday decorations on the counter. If possible, frame the shot so the Christmas tree or strands of holiday lights appear behind you as you make your cookies.
Decorating the tree is another option. Prep the tree with lights, then let the kids grab ornaments and decorate while your photographer goes to work.
These holiday photo shoots often produce unique, candid moments. Your kids get to move around and do something, which makes it easier to keep them happy.
Matching PJ Party
Instead of coordinating outfits for family photos, go casual and cozy with matching family pajamas. Pick a theme, and grab a pair of pajamas for every family member. Add Santa hats or slippers for a fun accessory.
One adorable location for this photo shoot is in your bed with a white comforter to create a neutral background. Another option is to gather on the couch and read a Christmas book together for the photo.
Tree Farm Shoot
Head to a local Christmas tree farm for unique family photo ideas. The trees make a pretty, natural backdrop, whether your photographer takes pictures of you walking down the rows, cutting down a tree, or posing next to trees.
Bring along a vintage sled for a creative prop. You can load up a tree on the sled, or pull the kids on it through the rows of pine trees.
Family Reflection
Instead of having your photographer take your photo directly, capture a reflection of the family. One option is to get a large, shiny ball ornament that’s large enough to show all of your faces. Have everyone look at the ornament, and have your photographer snap a shot of the ornament.
Another option is to use a mirror. You might have the family decorating the tree or doing something else near a large mirror. Snap a shot of the mirror with all of your faces showing in it.
Snowy Scenes
Pick a snowy day to capture creative family photos. Snow falling around you while you cuddle under a cozy blanket is a simple option. Hold cute Christmas mugs to pretend like you’re sipping hot cocoa while you pose.
If you’ve already had plenty of snowfall, let the kids have fun playing in it. Take pictures of you having a family snowball fight, making a snowman, or making snow angels.
Pick Your Christmas Photo Ideas
The best Christmas photo ideas for your family are the ones that let your personality shine. No matter which option you choose, focus on having fun and making the experience relaxing and memorable.
Are you ready to make your holiday photo ideas a reality? Contact us to schedule your family photo session.
