LIFESTYLE SESSION INFORMATION

I am SO excited for your lifestyle session! 


Whether you are wanting a family session or newborn photos, I'm here to capture moments that tell your story. During your session I want you to relax, have fun and be yourselves! When you're having a good time the result is photos of real moments that capture who you are authentically. 

LOCATION AND TIME

If you already know where you want to shoot, that’s amazing – I’m always up for discovering new places. If you’re not so sure, then don’t you sweat it! I’ve got my own little index of locations for almost every scenario and we can go through them together.


Are you drawn to the forest greens?


Do you love the pastel tones of the beach?


Is there something about the movement of tall grasses that speaks to your soul?


Do you love the edge of urban environments?


The romance of floral gardens?


Keep in mind that we’re looking for somewhere where there aren’t too many distractions, where the light is soft, and where there’s enough space for us to move around and have fun.


I know we’ll find the perfect spot for your photoshoot!


In terms of when to shoot, I love to shoot when the sun is low in the sky (just before sunset or just after sunrise) because the kind of natural light that fills the sky at this time makes everything look magical. If you are doing an indoor session then midday when the sun is shining is best to get the most natural light into your indoor space. It is also good to keep your children's schedules in mind and choose a time when they will be the most alert and give lots of happy smiles :)


Location Ideas

Ojibway Park

Malden Park

Little River Corridor

Brunet Park

Jackson Park

Lakeside Park

Willstead Park

Colchester Beach

Two Creeks Conservation

Point Pelee

At Home session

WHAT TO WEAR

Deciding what to wear for your session can be overwhelming, especially if you don't consider yourself a fashion expert. I'm here to help every step of the way so feel free to text or email me photos of outfits ahead of time, that way I can help you decide what will work best given your location and the weather that day!


When it comes choosing colours for your outfits, I would recommend sticking to solid neutrals and earthy tones. Think cream, tan, camel, forest green, navy, black, brown, rust, blush, dusty rose, mustard yellow, misty blue, etc. When picking a colour, keep your location in mind. Choosing hues that compliment your surrounding is a great way to balance the focus between you and the environment. You don't want to blend into your background or be matching exactly with others in your photos. 


Pick fabrics that move and flow with you. Ones that add a cozy texture, or get picked up by the wind. Natural fibers like linen, cotton, or wool are amazing. Avoid stiff-seeming garments that need a lot of adjusting. Be careful with busy prints,

large logos, and neon colours as sometimes these detract from the most important parts of the photograph – you!


For newborn session I have a collection of outfits for babies that you are welcome to use!


STYLING YOUR SESSION

Props can be as simple as being part of your outfit like a hat or jacket. Whatever props 

you want to bring, make sure it makes sense with your location and outfit choices! Some 

more ideas for props and activities are riding bicycles, having picnic, getting cozy in a blankets, and even bringing your pet! 

HOW TO PREP

In the leadup to the shoot, get the kids excited about what’s to come. Show them some photos that I’ve taken, let them know that you’re really excited, that we’ll be playing lots of fun games, and there might even be delicious snacks on offer. This brings me to my next point...


Bring snacks. There are lots of variables in family shoots that are beyond our control. When photographing kids, I’ve learned relatively quickly that every plan is contingent on their mood. But snacks are an almost entirely failsafe mood booster for the little ones. Packing a stash of treats to bust out right when the kids need that slice of motivation buys us a lot of precious time and cooperation! Other forms of bribery might include a special treat like a movie or a trip to the ice cream shop after the shoot to get them looking forward to the entire day.


Also, If your kids want to bring their favourite stuffed toy or wear their favourite rain boots, let them if it means they will be happy and smiling in the photos! Authenticity is in the details.


WHAT TO EXPECT

If you walk away after reading this and only remember one thing, let it be this: have zero expectations. Embrace what

comes – the wind, the rain, the laughter, tears, whatever unfolds. It’s all about YOU and capturing your life exactly how it is on the day of your shoot. We’re not here to mimic the shiny perfect families you see on your feed, we’re here to tell your unique story as it shows up on the day of the shoot. Know that the magic will naturally unfold, and when it does, I’ll be there to capture it.


I’ll be sure to take some photos of you all as a family, as well as different combinations to capture all angles of the family

dynamic. Let me know if there are specific combinations that you’d like to see captured and I’ll make sure to prioritize based on what’s most important to you guys. I’ve got tons prompts up my sleeve for any scenario, so all you have to do is relax and go with it!