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.

Taking Maternity Photos: What are the Top Benefits?

Over 300,000 babies are born every year in Canada. That’s a lot of newborns and a lot of pregnant women.

If you’re currently among this number of expectant mothers, you may be wondering if you should take maternity photos.

With so many other questions pregnancy will bring, this one has an easy answer: yes! There are numerous benefits to having a maternity photoshoot done. Keep reading to learn about just a few of them.

1. Celebrate Baby

Most of the biggest events in our lives are captured with professional photographers from weddings to graduations. Having a baby is a big deal so why not celebrate it with pregnancy photos?

2. Embrace the Beauty of Pregnancy

You may not feel beautiful as your belly grows, but pregnancy truly is a beautiful and amazing thing that your body is doing. Having a maternity photoshoot is the best way to capture just how incredible your body really is.

3. Have Fun

It’s no secret that pregnancy is stressful. One of the ways you can relieve that stress is to get outside and have your photos taken. Relax and enjoy the session and you’ll find that some of that stress will melt away.

4. Get Creative

Part of what makes photoshoots so much fun is how much creativity is involved. If you want to pick a certain theme for your pictures, you can really let the creative juices flow to come up with awesome ideas.

If you’re not naturally creative, don’t worry. Your photographer will help you decide what types of photos you want to be taken so your pictures are exactly what you want them to be.

5. Meet a Newborn Photographer

If you want to capture breathtaking photos of your baby after he or she is born, then you’ll need the help of a newborn photographer.

There’s no better way to get to know a photographer than to have a photoshoot with them. Get to know your photographer during your maternity shoot and you’ll know if you want to use them for baby pictures, too.

6. Show Love to Baby

What better way to show your child you loved them from before they were born than to have pregnancy photos on hand? They make a great addition to baby books and family photo collections to show just how much your child was loved.

7. Create Memories

Although right now you may feel as though you’ll remember these moments forever, in 15 years when you have a mouthy teenager, it’s going to be hard to imagine them curled up quietly in your stomach.

One of the best ways to capture these moments is by taking maternity photos. Then it’s easy to look back and remember how things were during your pregnancy.

Ready to Have Your Maternity Photos Taken?

Now you know some of the reasons you should get maternity photos taken at some point during your pregnancy. Taking just a few hours of your pregnancy will provide you and your future child with a lifetime of memories.

If you’re ready to schedule a pregnancy photoshoot, contact us today. We specialize in maternity, newborn, and family photography so you can rest assured that your photos will come out great!

5 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Newborn Photographer

Your precious newborn is just the cutest! You can’t wait to commemorate their beginning with a baby photoshoot.

There’s no way you can settle for the first baby photographer you find or the nearest one. For your child’s protection and the highest quality photos, you have to sit down and talk with each possible photographer. Don’t be afraid to ask a million questions.

Here are the 5 most important questions to ask a newborn photographer.

1. Do You Have a Portfolio?

The first thing you should do is look at their portfolio. A portfolio will show how professional they are. Pay attention to how they present their work and the quality of their work.

Look at the color balance, exposure, focus, headspace, etc. Don’t hesitate to do some online research about photography.

The babies should look happy and comfortable if they do well with newborns. A lot of pictures of different clients means they have experienced and are probably great with clients.

Check their website; it should have a portfolio. Their site should be updated, have contact information, and have a personality. Client quotes and ratings are a plus.

Look for another photographer if you’re not impressed with their photos.

2. Where Makes Up the Final Cost?

Make sure you understand where the final cost is coming from. The session fee includes a set number of edited photos. You can, however, pay for additional photos you like.

The photographer may automatically charge you for photos you choose that have the parents or siblings with the newborn. You could have to pay extra for travel time if you don’t go to their studio.

Deposits are paid sometime before the session and could be 30% or 50% of the full session price. Depending on how much the session is, installments may be an option.

If they don’t tell you about their cancellation and rescheduling policies, ask them. Many photographers will have you forfeit your deposit or pay for the full session if you cancel or reschedule less than 48 hours or 24 hours before the date. Some even ask that you reschedule or cancel the session weeks prior.

3. What Will the Session Be Like?

Does the photographer have an assistant or two that help out during the shoot? Can you help with props and poses? Ask how many people are allowed to attend the session – parents, siblings, or others.

The photographer may let parents and siblings be in the newborn session. If you’re looking for a photoshoot with a lot of prop options, be sure to ask the photographer what kinds of props they have. They should have the same props in different sizes as babies come in a range of sizes.

4. Do You Have Insurance – and Do Composites When Needed?

You’ll know if the photographer is an actual professional if they have insurance and a business license. They should also have you sign a terms-and-conditions document that clearly states the most important terms and conditions. You have to be sure your newborn will be safe with the photographer.

Ask if they do composites for difficult poses. Don’t hire the photographer if they don’t know what composites are.

Composites are made using Photoshop. Multiple photos are edited and merged together to make the final photo, which is your newborn in a pose that is dangerous to do in real life. In actuality, someone (you or an assistant) is holding the baby in place the whole time!

Props such as chairs and hammocks, high places, and anything it looks like the baby is hanging from are times you’d want the photographer to do a composite. You can’t just place your newborn in a hammock above the ground.

If the photographer says they don’t do composites, it’s a red flag, but that could mean that they don’t do any poses that require a composite. Ask them about this.

5. How Much Experience and Training Do You Have?

With many people building photography websites, it’s hard to tell who are the real professionals. Anyone can buy a camera and look up how to pose newborns. However, professionals research and train so they can properly pose and handle newborns.

Ask them to talk about their experience in newborn photography. The more experience the better. Not all newborns behave the same. A professional will know this and an experienced professional will be able to handle however your baby behaves.

Ask a Newborn Photographer These Questions

Questioning someone like this may feel like an interrogation, but it’s vital that you choose the right photographer. You’re paying for amazing photos of your newborn child, so they should turn out amazing!

You also have to be positive that the newborn photographer understands how to properly deal with newborns and that your baby will be safe with them.

Feel free to contact us by filling out a form, emailing us, or calling us at 613-266-8934.

How to get real baby smiles during a baby photography session in Ottawa

How to Find the Best Professional Photographer in Ottawa, Canada

Googling “Photographers in Ottawa?” You’re in for an overwhelming number of search results. There are over 2,500 photographers in the Ontario area. 

Picking the first photographer in the search results isn’t always the best idea. 

Are you looking for a professional photographer in Ottawa? If so, read on and learn how to find the best one for your photography needs.

Narrow Your Search

Be clear about the type of photo shoot for which you’re hiring a professional photographer. When it comes to photography, there are many specializations. A few categories include:

• Landscape
• Wildlife, and outdoor
• Wedding
• Newborn and baby
• Fashion
• Portrait
• Sports
• Pets
• Events
• Photojournalist
• Real estate/architecture
• Food

When searching for a photographer, look for one that shoots the type of photos you want. If you want photos of your newborn, use a photographer specializing in newborns. 

Ask for Referrals

Ask your friends if they’ve used a professional photographer in the last few months to a year. A good photographer works well with clients and gets the right photos. She’ll deliver the photos on time in a way that works for the client.

If your friends had a great experience, they’ll love to share. Likewise, if the experience was bad, you’ll avoid making the same mistake they did. 

Look at the Portfolio

Take a look at the photographer’s website. Make sure the site is up to date. If it’s not, chances are the photographer isn’t a professional. 

Make sure there are lots of examples in the portfolio. Is the color balance good? How about the exposure? If all the photos are from one event, it’s likely the photographer lacks experience. 

Inexperienced doesn’t mean bad, but an experienced photographer can handle unexpected situations better. 

Style Matters

Does the photographer’s style resonate with you? If not, move on to another photographer. Every photographer has his own style. Not everyone’s style meshes with yours. 

Make sure you like the samples in the portfolio. Look for consistency. Do the photos seem too bright or too dark? Does it look like a style issue or a technical one? Keep looking for another photographer if the photos don’t “wow” you.  

What’s in the Package

With the advent of digital photography, there are many ways a photographer delivers photos. Are they printing the photos for you? Are they sending digital files? What is included in their packages?

A professional photographer doesn’t have hidden fees and charges. Ask for all the costs up front so you’re not surprised later.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy

A photographer puts in many hours getting your photos. There’s the photo session, post-production editing, viewing, and more. Most photographers have a cancellation policy and most ask for a deposit.

Be aware of the cancellation policies before you pay a deposit. 

Hiring a Professional Photographer

Hiring a professional photographer seems daunting. But take your time and do some research. Define your project and look for a photographer who understands your needs.

Is it a baby? Family photos? Use a baby or portrait photographer. Ask your friends for referrals. That’s often a great way to narrow the field.

Look at the photographer’s portfolio. Make sure you like the photographer’s style. Ask what’s in the package and the method of delivery. Make sure you’re comfortable with the deposit and cancellation policy. 

Now you’re ready for professional photos! Book your appointment today. 

7 Reasons to Plan a Fall Photo Shoot for Your Family

Fall images are almost always captivating. There are so many colors and unique landscapes during the fall season that there’s always something to see. So, why not schedule a fall photo shoot?

With all of the vibrant colors and crisp weather, it’s the perfect time to gather up your family and head out to your favorite picnic spot for family photos.

If you’re wondering why autumn is such a great season for photos, look no further. Here are a few good reasons to plan a fall photo shoot for your family. Keep reading to learn more.

7 Reasons to Plan a Fall Photo Shoot For Your Family

Autumn family pictures are ultimately the best. There are plenty of places to stage a beautiful photo shoot. It’s also easier to fit it in your schedule than during the busy summer months or holiday season.

If that’s not enough for you, these reasons will be!

Playing in the Leaves

The best time to take fall pictures with the kids is in the action. That’s right, let them play in the leaves and catch some images of their joyful, happy faces. Then, take your family photo with the leaves as a natural, colorful fall photography backdrop.

Suntan

A suntan leftover from summer gives you the advantage of appearing sun-kissed in your photos without battling the sweltering heat of summer. A darker skin tone will be lovely against a fall scene.

Accessories

Fall is the perfect time to show off your favorite accessories with your perfect fall style. Now is the time for scarves and hats and whatever else you like to wear during this time of year.

Coordinating Dress

Coordinating your attire for family photos is easier with fall colors. Fall colors are neutral and natural and show off your skin tone. Put your family in browns and greens with splashes of red or mustard to fit in with the landscape.

Neutral Tones

The neutral tones of a fall family photo will fit with any decor in your home as well as the homes of those you share your photos with. They won’t stand out nor will they get drowned out by other images.

Temperature

Summer can be very hot for taking photos and it’s no fun bundling the kids up in the winter to go anywhere, let alone family photos. Fall offers temperate weather with cool enough days that you can bundle up or warm enough days that you can dress down. The point is, you can be comfortable!

Fall Colors

Beautiful fall colors make stunning photos. Add your family to that backdrop and, voila! Instant perfection.

Final Thoughts

Planning a fall photo shoot could be one of the most fun activities for your family all year long. And, if you plan your session around Halloween, you can incorporate your costumes into the mix to make it even more fun for the kids.

Your friends and family will love the fall themed family photos because your excitement will show up in the pictures.

If you have questions, take a look at my gallery for more ideas. If you’re ready to book a session, contact me and we’ll get one scheduled!

Newborn Photography – serving Ottawa and surrounding areas

It’s been so nice taking some time to enjoy this beautiful Summer weather with my boys! The sun is shining, the heat is real and thank goodness for swimming pools and ice cream. 🙂

I met this family a few years back and it was so nice seeing them again as they welcomed their new baby girl! Their kids were seriously the sweetest and most well behaved kids ever. And this baby girl… I could have kept her all day here with me. 😀

Most newborn sessions last somewhere between 2-3 hours. What you see here are just a few photos to give you a tiny sample of the goodness that we captured. Newborn photography sessions are usually a mix of photos of baby on his/her own (on the beanbag as well as props such as baskets), family photos, photos of each parent with baby as well as sibling photos. We take time to feed and sooth baby whenever needed. Sessions are never rushed, so you can be assured that you will leave with some beautiful memories that will last you a lifetime (because all of our packages include high resolution digital photos!).

There are lots of tips on how to prepare for a newborn photo session beforehand. I always send clients some guidelines prior to their baby session with suggestions on how to prepare, what to bring, when to feed their newborn baby, what to avoid, etc. That way we can work towards having the newborn photo session go as smooth as possible.

Please feel free to browse through our galleries and take a peek at the different packages that we offer. Thanks for stopping by!

Family Photography Ottawa – Outdoor Summer Session

I often blog mostly about newborn sessions because, let’s face it, everyone wants to see photos of cute little babies! 🙂 But a lot of my work is spent outdoors photographing amazing families during the warmer months. Outdoor family photography sessions usually begin around March or April and sometimes go as late as December! But I’m all about going outdoors in Winter too for those more adventurous families. I have known this particular family for about 5 years now and I absolutely love watching their kids grow. The first time I met them, their daughter was just a little baby! It was so fun seeing the kids personalities fully formed now. They are such great and fun-loving kids!

There are so many beautiful places around the city of Ottawa to do family photos. You can turn most parks, trails, etc in a beautiful backdrop for your family photography session. Personally, I love photographing families towards the end of the day. The sun is softer and the lighting is dreamy. However, a lot of families with younger kids prefer taking photos earlier in the day. And that is totally ok! Many places offer beautiful open shaded areas that will work wonders for any photography session.

When clients book a session with me, we talk about location, best time to book (based on the light as well as their kids ages) and even suggestions on what to wear. And no, you don’t have to go buying a whole new wardrobe for your photo session. 😉 There are many simple outfits that will look beautiful for a family photo session. If I can give you one piece of advice is to avoid green! You don’t want to blend with the grass and the trees…

Please click here to see more samples of family photos in the Ottawa area. And feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the beautiful Summer weather!

Maternity Photography Ottawa – Juliana & Caio

I loved photographing this beautiful couple last week! These are actually dear friends of mine; Ju & Caio. 🙂 I first met them when their little guy was just a baby and I’m so happy that I got to photograph their maternity photo session as they anxiously await the birth of their newborn baby girl! I cannot wait to meet her!

Most clients get their maternity photos done between 32-36 weeks of life. However, that varies a bit if this is your second or third pregnancy. In those cases, many mommas are ready to take their pregnancy photos as early as 28 weeks (I was one of them!). As long as the belly is nice and round (meaning you can totally tell you are pregnant), you’re good to go! As a matter of fact, I don’t recommend that clients wait until the last minute to get their maternity photos done in case baby decides to be born a bit sooner than planned.

As for what to wear, there are a ton of options. In this case, this beautiful mom chose to wear a couple of cute tops with jeans. For the jeans look, ideally you want to go with a nicely fitted top or tank top to really show the curves. You can easily change the look by adding a cardigan, a scarf, etc. That way you can have a few different looks for your pregnancy photos without having to change the whole wardrobe!

Another option is to wear a flowy dress. I absolutely love that look for Summer time. This works especially well for petite moms. And yet another option is to go with a fitted dress! This look helps accentuate all of the right curves.

When booking a maternity photo session with me, wardrobe is something we definitely discuss. And I always tell my clients that one of the most important things is that they feel comfortable and love what they wear.

Please feel free to click here to see more maternity photos. And feel free to contact me at info@littlewagonphotography.com or 613-266-8934 if you have any questions. Enjoy your day! 🙂