Leading Ottawa Newborn Photographer. Specializing in newborn, maternity, family and baby photography in the Ottawa area.
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Category: Newborn
Precious Moments: The Best Newborn Photography Tips from Little Wagon
Welcome to Little Wagon Photography, your trusted partner in preserving the most precious moments of your little one’s life. As a premier newborn photography studio based in Ottawa, Canada, we understand the importance of capturing the magic of your baby’s first month and have some great newborn photography tips to share. From tiny toes to adorable yawns, every moment is worth cherishing.
Navigating the first month with your newborn can be both exhilarating and challenging for new parents. To help you make the most of this special time, here are some newborn photography tips:
Embrace the Natural Beauty: Newborns are at their most angelic state during the first few weeks of life. Embrace their natural beauty by opting for simple, timeless setups that highlight their innocence. At Little Wagon Photography, we specialize in creating heartwarming setups that focus on your baby’s delicate features.
Timing is Key: The ideal time to schedule your newborn photo session is within the first 7-21 days of birth. During this period, babies are more likely to sleep soundly and curl up into those adorable poses that make for stunning photographs. Don’t worry if your little one is older; we can still capture beautiful moments at any age.
Comfort is Essential: Your baby’s comfort and safety are our top priorities. Our studio is equipped with cozy props and a warm environment to ensure your little one feels relaxed throughout the session. We take the time to soothe and settle your baby, allowing for a stress-free experience for both parents and baby.
Personalize Your Session: Every family is unique, and we believe your newborn photos should reflect that. Whether you prefer classic black and white portraits or vibrant, playful setups, we tailor each session to suit your style and preferences. Let us know your vision, and we’ll bring it to life.
Capture Milestone Moments: The first month of your baby’s life is filled with milestone moments worth capturing. From their first smile to those adorable yawns and stretches, we’ll preserve these precious memories for you to treasure for years to come.
Now, you might be wondering, why choose Little Wagon Photography for your newborn photos?
Expertise and Experience: With 14 years of experience in newborn photography, we have perfected the art of capturing timeless portraits that melt hearts.
Attention to Detail: We pay attention to every little detail, from the placement of tiny fingers to the angle of each shot, ensuring that every photograph is a work of art.
Safety First: As parents ourselves, we understand the importance of safety when handling newborns. Rest assured, your baby is in good hands with us.
State-of-the-Art Studio: Our studio is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment and props to ensure stunning results every time.
Unmatched Customer Service: From the initial consultation to the final delivery of your photos, we strive to provide unparalleled customer service and a memorable experience.
Ready to capture the fleeting moments of your baby’s first month? Contact Little Wagon Photography today to schedule your newborn photo session. Don’t let these precious moments slip away—let us preserve them for a lifetime of cherished memories.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding a new member to your growing family, let Little Wagon Photography be your partner in creating beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Essential Tips for Navigating Your Baby’s First Month: Advice from Little Wagon Photography
Congratulations on the arrival of your little bundle of joy! The first month with your newborn baby is a whirlwind of emotions, adjustments, and sleepless nights. As parents ourselves and experts in newborn photography serving Ottawa, we understand the importance of supporting families during this special time. Here are some helpful tips to help you navigate your baby’s first month:
Tips for navigating your baby’s first month.
Don’t forget about self-care:
It’s easy to get caught up in caring for your newborn, but remember to take care of yourself as well. Take short breaks when you need, nap when your baby naps, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from family and friends around you.
Create a Routine:
While newborns don’t follow a strict schedule, establishing a basic routine can create a sense of structure for both you and your baby. Try to create regular feeding times, nap schedules, and bedtime routines to help your little one feel content and safe.
Capture the Moment:
The first month with your newborn is filled with precious moments that you’ll want to remember forever. Don’t forget to capture these special moments through photos and videos. As experts in newborn photography, we recommend scheduling a professional photo session to help capture these memories for a lifetime.
Create an Enjoyable Environment:
A cozy and comfortable environment can help soothe your newborn and promote better sleep for everyone. Keep the nursery dimly lit for nighttime feedings, keep the ambience calm, and swaddle your baby to mimic the feeling of being in the womb.
Trust Your Feelings:
As a new parent, you’ll receive plenty of advice from well-meaning family, friends, and even strangers. While it’s important to listen to others, it’s also important to trust your instincts and do what feels right for you and your baby. You know your baby better than anyone else!
Celebrate all the Milestones:
From your baby’s first bath to their first smile, every milestone is worth celebrating. Take plenty of photos and write down notes to commemorate these special moments. Consider scheduling a milestone photo session with Little Wagon Photography to capture these milestones with our help.
Talk with Other Parents:
Parenthood can feel isolating at times, especially during the first few months. Connect with other parents in your community through mommy-and-me groups, online forums, or social media. Sharing experiences and tips with other parents can provide much-needed support and camaraderie.
Seek Help When Needed:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with postpartum emotions, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional healthcare provider. Your mental and emotional well-being are just as important as your baby’s.
By following these tips and enjoying every moment, you’ll navigate your baby’s first month with confidence and ease. And when you’re ready to capture these precious moments through professional newborn photography, remember that Little Wagon Photography is here to help.
Great items to start with your newborn photography business
It’s hard not to fall in love with newborn photography. Who doesn’t want to take photos of squishy little newborn babies for a living? And yet, starting your own business can seem like a daunting task. The good news is that it doesn’t take much to start your own photography business.
Of course you will need to learn how to operate a camera and how to pose a baby safely (that is the most important part of your job!) But once you’re familiar with your camera, lighting and have some experience handling newborn babies and posing them safely, there are just a few essential items to get you started.
A posing beanbag or something similar to lay baby on. You will need somewhere soft and safe to put baby on. There are specific beanbags out there that are made for photographers. These are easy to clean and easy to stuff to your liking. I have been photographing babies for almost 14 years and have had the same beanbag for all these years. It’s an investment into your photography business that will serve you well. Unfortunately I don’t remember where I purchased mine (it was so long ago!) but it looks something like this link.
2. A posing fabric or blanket. There are many lovely photography vendors out there that sell posing fabrics. But if that’s out of your budget, all you need is to go to a fabric store and get 2 yards of a stretchy, soft fabric for baby to lay on. You can even cut a piece of it to use as a matching wrap! Another option is to use a soft blanket that is long enough to cover the space. Just keep in mind that you want something soft that won’t be prickly on baby’s skin.
3. A backdrop stand. You will need something to clip your fabric to. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a stand. When I photograph newborns in client’s homes, a lot of time I will use the back of their chairs to clamp the fabric so it looks nice and smooth. There are photographers that will skip this step and fix it in Photoshop later. But if you’re new at photography, this step will help you save time when editing.
4. A basket or two! Just like with posing fabrics, there are many vendors that sell beautiful baskets/bowls to pose baby in. The good thing about buying through a vendor is that you know it will be the perfect size to pose a newborn baby safely in. That being said, you can also find some cute boxes/bowls in local stores that will work. The main thing is to make sure that these are safe and that they don’t have any sharp edges that could harm baby.
5. Wraps. As I mentioned above, if you purchase fabric at your local fabric store you can always cut a piece of that fabric to wrap baby in. Newborn babies love being swaddled. It makes them feel safe and comforted and it’s always my go to when babies are awake or not very content. Once you have a few wraps, there are many ways to wrap baby in order to get a large variety of photos.
Besides your camera, lighting (natural or not) and knowing how to pose babies safely, these are some of the basic items that will help you get started. If you’d like to learn more, we offer newborn photography classes that you can find here. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions!
Newborn Photography Safety Tips – Ottawa Photographer. When it comes to photographing newborns, there are some basic safety tips that should be used in every newborn photo shoot. Photographing newborns has become such a popular thing but it’s super important to hire someone who is trained in these safety techniques and has experience in the field. Here are some basic tips when photographing newborn babies:
1 – Back to the basics: wash your hands! For me, not only do I wash my hands but I usually also use clean gloves when handling baby. Having a hand sanitizer close by is also a great idea.
2 – Wash any blankets/wraps that have been used and clean any props. Every baby that comes in for a session should be using clean, sanitized props/fabrics. No germs allowed! 😉
3 – Having a set of extra hands: there are certain poses such as the froggy pose and the potato sack pose where it is always best and necessary to have an extra set of hands to help you with baby. Most of these poses are usually composites that are finalized in Photoshop. Baby’s safety should always come first and Photographers should never jeopardize safety for a specific pose.
4 – Posing: not every pose will work for every newborn baby. Don’t force baby into a pose he/she is not liking and move on to something that works best for him/her. Not only will it make baby happier, but it will also make it for a more natural photo.
5 – Siblings: personally, in my Ottawa studio, I usually do photos of siblings laying down with baby. This tends to be the safest, especially when siblings are still toddlers. Older kids can usually hold baby but you should once again have mom/dad close by to the child to ensure everyone’s safety.
6 – Illness: If anyone in your family or their family is sick, it might be a good idea to re-schedule that newborn photo session! Newborns are still so fragile that extra care should always be taken.
7 – Camera Strap: Always have your camera strap on and wear it around your neck when taking photos from above. That is a must for me!
While newborn photos are beautiful to capture and it’s something you can treasure forever, it’s important to take all the precautions to have a smooth, safe session. Newborns are tiny and fragile and their well-being should be the most important thing in every photo shoot.
I hope these help and thank you for stopping by! Please feel free to take a peek at some of my work 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!
Photographing twins is a lot of fun but it can also be quite challenging. Here are some tips to make the process of photographing two babies a bit easier.
1 – Since most twin babies are born before 40 weeks, you will most likely photograph newborn twins when they are past 14 days. That is totally ok! Since they were born earlier, I personally prefer giving them that extra time to develop and fill out a bit more. Rest assured that they will still be nice and sleepy for their newborn session. At the end of the day, you want to make sure that they are out of the hospital and that mom is also feeling her best.
2 – Set up your session per usual (warm the studio, use white noise, etc) and send your information package to parents prior to the photo session so that they know how to prepare as well as what to bring for their newborn session. This will help their twin newborn photo session go as smoothly as possible. If both twin newborn babies are asleep when they arrive at the studio, start by posing both babies together.
3 – There are many ways you can pose twin siblings together. There are harder, more intricate poses (which takes quite a bit of practice and patience to achieve) and there are simpler, more natural poses. Personally, I like the simpler and natural poses when photographing twins. Using a basket to lay them both in, swaddling them or even using parents as “props” is a great way to achieve those cute poses.
4 – Make sure to take photos of each twin on their own! Although these babies are twins, they are each their own little person and it’s important to capture their individuality. Don’t forget to photograph babies from different angles and to include those little details such as hands, feet, and close up of their little faces.
5 – Having mom/dad or a helper close by can be quite helpful when photographing twin babies. Especially if you are planning to do the more intricate poses. Never put a newborn in any danger to achieve a pose.
6- Keep in mind that newborn twins can be a little more sensitive to touch if they were poked and moved around quite a bit while at the hospital. Take your time and make sure you make them feel comfortable and safe.
7 – Have fun! Photographing twin newborns is not that common so enjoy the moment and have a blast!
Avoiding Photo Chaos! 5 Newborn Photoshoot Tips That Will Help Things Go Smoothly
Did you know that there were over 385,000 babies born in Canada in 2018? Every one of these will bring joy to their proud parents.
Parents want to look back upon those early months for years to come. For this reason, many parents arrange for a newborn baby photoshoot to capture those special times.
How can you make sure that you have the best photoshoot possible? Check out 5 important tips that will ensure that you have a memorable, and non-chaotic, photoshoot
1. Plan Ahead so the Baby is Safe and Comfortable
It should go without saying that safety is the most important part of the photoshoot. However, this may involve more than you realize.
Newborns are, of course, very fragile and need to be handled with extreme care. Any props that are used should be tested and even weighed to ensure that they do not pose a danger.
The baby should be warm and safe at all times. A good test is whether the tired baby is warm and comfortable enough to be able to sleep soundly.
2. Use Safe Lighting
The photographer will need to pay particular attention to the lighting during the shoot. Direct flash lighting can sometimes disrupt a sleeping baby.
Whether in-studio or at home, make sure that the photographer uses external flashes that are pointed at the ceiling or other surfaces rather than at the baby directly.
Using less or softer lighting is better in many cases. Babies have beautiful skin that is highlighted by subtle lighting. Overlighting will not bring out the best of the beautiful baby.
3. Choose Your Time
Newborn baby photoshoots should be done within 14 days of birth to capture the truly newborn look. During the first 14 days, babies curl up the natural position they were used to in their mother’s womb. This gives them a natural beauty and poses that they will lose after this time.
If you are planning to place the baby in small baskets or other props, you will likely need to do this in the first 14 days when the baby will assume this natural womb position.
4. Plan the Poses
Planning the poses you will use will save you a lot of time on the day of the shoot. Talking with your photographer and looking through their portfolio will give you an idea of the poses available.
Photoshoots are tiring and unexpected for a baby. Keeping them calm and happy can be a challenge. Planning efficiently how you will use your time will mean that you can minimize any stress on your newborn.
5. Create the Perfect Setup
Newborn babies are beautiful by themselves. However, with a prop or two, they can be even cuter. The reason for this is that later we forget just how tiny they were. Adding an appropriate toy or other items will give a sense of perspective.
A Newborn Baby Photoshoot and Much More
A newborn baby photoshoot can give parents memories and photos that will last a lifetime. It can create beautiful images that will be treasured and shared by family members for many years to come.
If you would like to create these memories for your family or someone that you love, then we would like to help. I have years of experience as a photographer and want to help you create these special images for your family. Simply contact us or follow our blog to find out more.
4 Key Benefits of Booking an In-Studio Newborn Photo Session
Over 370,000 babies are born in Canada each year. If you have recently welcomed a bundle of joy into the world, preserving memories should be one of your main concerns. The best way to document the first few months of your child’s life is by having photographs made.
Instead of trying to take on this difficult job by yourself, you need to hire professionals. With all the photographers in Canada, choosing the right one can be difficult. Before choosing a photographer, take the time to look at their previous work.
Once you have settled on a photographer, you will be ready to plan a newborn photo session. Here are some reasons why having an in-studio photo session is your best bet.
1. An In-Studio Newborn Photo Session Will Take Less Time
The main concern you should have when planning a newborn photo session is keeping your little one happy and content. While some people think having the shoot in-home is the best way to accomplish this goal, this is rarely the case.
If a photographer comes to your home, they will have to spend hours getting their equipment setup. The longer it takes the photographer to get ready for the shoot, the harder you will find it to keep your baby from getting fussy.
A photographer’s studio will already be setup up for a photo shoot. This means getting the pictures you want will take far less time.
2. The Studio Will Have More Props
Getting unique pictures is something most parents are adamant about. The best way to get these one of a kind pictures is by going to the photographer’s home turf. Typically, the photographer will have far more props in their studio.
While a photographer will bring some props to your home, they are limited by the amount of space in their vehicle. Instead of letting these limitations affect the quality and uniqueness of your pictures, have an in-studio photo shoot.
3. A Climate-Controlled Environment
Some new parents do not realize how problematic an outdoor photo shoot can be. Having nature as the backdrop of your pictures can be appealing, but this environment can be very uncomfortable for your newborn.
Therefore taking your child to a photographer’s studio is so beneficial. The studio will be climate-controlled, which means you and your newborn will be comfortable during the photo shoot.
4. Great Lighting is Vital
People unfamiliar with professional-grade photos do not realize just how important the right lighting is. A photographer’s studio will have large lights to ensure each shot is bright and appealing.
A home will have either incandescent or LED bulbs in place, which are not suitable for a photo shoot. The time and energy you invest in going to a photographer’s studio for these photos will be worth it in the long run.
Finding the Right Photographer Takes Time
Having a great newborn photo session experience is only possible with the right photographer. Doing some research is essential before hiring a photographer for this job.
Are you looking for great newborn photos and competitive prices? If so, contact us to find out how we can help.
Newborn Photography – Ottawa’s best newborn photographer shares tips on how to sooth a baby
Many parents ask me how I am able to get their baby back to sleep so quickly during a newborn photography session. To be honest with you, I wish I had known half of what I know now back when I had my babies (who are 9 and 11 years-old now!). The truth is, it takes time and practice to get the swing of things. Just like it took me time to learn how to pose newborn babies for photos, it also takes time to adjust and get to know what works and what doesn’t for your little one. For first time parents, everything is so new and overwhelming to them. At times, it may seem that you just don’t know what you’re doing. I know that was certainly the case for me and my husband back when we had our first son. But the truth is that everything is new for baby too! They have just spent the last 9 months enjoying the warmth and cuddle of being all snuggled up in mommy’s belly and suddenly everything changed for them. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to make this transition for both of you a little easier. Here are a few tips and tricks that I have learned over the years while photographing little ones:
1) The first thing I recommend is to make sure baby is clean (diaper change), fed and comfortable. Sometimes all baby needs is to be fed or to have a clean diaper! Babies usually start turning their heads, opening their mouths and putting their hands in their mouth when they start getting hungry. Although we’re told babies usually feed about every 3 hours, every baby is different and watching for these signs will help you keep baby happy and content.
2) Swaddle. For my kids, I was convinced that they did not like being swaddled. They would cry and get their arms out and I was certain they did not want to have their arms in. But the truth is that most babies looove being swaddled. If you think about it, they had just spent the last 9 months not really being able to move in mom’s belly; at least for the last couple of months before they came out. Being swaddled gives them a sense of security and comfort. At my Ottawa studio I swaddle them quite tightly for newborn photos but I always tell parents that’s not how you want to swaddle them at home. Click here to find some instructions on how to swaddle a baby at home.
3) Make sure baby is not cold. The truth is nobody likes being cold… at the studio I keep the temperature nice and toasty since the newborn baby will be naked while I photograph him/her throughout the newborn session. For my kids, before I changed them, I would always run the wipe or cloth under hot water so that I wouldn’t startle them with a cold cloth on their warm skin. Making sure baby is not cold at my sessions always helps them sleep and be comfortable.
4) White noise. Here is a link for the white noise I use throughout my newborn photography sessions. Back when I had my boys, which really wasn’t that long ago, there was no YouTube or apps that we could use. So we resorted to the vacuum cleaner, the hair dryer and things of that nature. Nowadays there are so many ways get these white noises and they really help! These sounds help mimic the sounds that babies heard while in momma’s belly and it’s yet another technique to help sooth your baby. 🙂
5) Rocking the baby. I always tell my clients that if their baby is moving, I’m moving with them! Sometimes when they’re laying on the beanbag while I do their newborn photos, they will start moving a bit and wanting to wake up. If I just put my hand lightly on them and start moving it slightly from side to side, they usually go right back to sleep. At home, you can rock your baby, put them in a swing and even go for a car drive. Moving and rocking them lightly is a great way to put them back to sleep.
6) Giving them a soother. I know, I know… we are told not to give them soothers. And I totally agree that if your baby doesn’t need one, then you shouldn’t give it to them. However, there are some babies that really have that need to soothe by suckling. It’s their instinct. And in that case, I recommend a soother. During my newborn photo sessions, I always tell parents to bring a soother along. In case baby starts waking up while I transition them in between poses, I put the soother in their mouth and they usually go right back to sleep.
I hope the tips above can help you a bit! Please note that these are just my opinion and you should always talk to an expert in case your baby is still having a hard time settling after you try all of the tips above. I know it can be tough in the beginning to find out what works for your little one and what doesn’t but this time truly flies by and soon they will be giggling and playing with you! Enjoy this time with them and make sure you get to rest as well. Thanks for stopping by! 😀
Building your family is an exciting and beautiful experience. Trying to get those wrinkly bundles of joy behind a camera can sometimes prove to be a trying experience though. Taking advantage of a professional photographer is always a great route to go. Professionals in newborn photography know how to capture those precious first moments in your baby’s life without causing them discomfort and making the experience enjoyable and fun.
Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of your newborn photoshoot.
Posed Versus Lifestyle: Which Will You Choose?
Most photography studios offer a variety of photoshoots you may choose from but they all center around two different styles. These two styles are posed and lifestyle.
A lifestyle photoshoot takes on a more journalistic approach. The pictures center around the baby or both of you while you’re doing something together. This can include you holding or feeding the baby, playing with them, or even sleeping.
A posed photoshoot is the more typical newborn photoshoot where you find a newborn resting on the beanbag and a variety of props. Considering your baby is tiny and new, a photographer will usually dress your baby in something simple. This may be a cute hat or a swaddle blanket surrounded by a creative backdrop.
Know What to Expect
When taking photos of babies, newborn or older, there are several things to consider before the photoshoot.
The most important factor to take into consideration is time. Photographers usually charge for a designated period of time for a photoshoot. Your newborn may not last very long before they get upset if they are either tired or hungry. At Little Wagon Photography we take all of that into consideration and make sure our sessions are long enough to make it all work. We also send you some guidelines ahead of the session to help you prepare so the session goes as smoothly as possible.
Another important factor to consider is the type of props you’d like to use. If the studio does not provide props or the props you’d like, be sure to bring them with you. This may include a specific backdrop you want that the studio does not offer or a special piece of memorabilia that is important to you and your family.
Live in the Moment and Let Your Baby Inspire You!
This is likely the first photoshoot your baby has ever had. Live in the moment! Be sure to soak in every precious moment you have with your baby and enjoy it as much as possible, even the tears.
Your baby has a character of their own. Use that to your advantage and communicate with your photographer if you want them to capture any specific facial expressions or movements that are unique to them. This will help the photographer capture your newborn’s unique personality.
Next Steps: Booking Your Newborn Photoshoot
You want your newborn photoshoot to be perfect, so be sure to choose the perfect photography studio! At Little Wagon Photography , we specialize in family and newborn photography and capture those special moments you’ll remember for a lifetime.
To learn more about Little Wagon Photography or to book a photoshoot, contact us today.
