Niagara Newborn Photographer | Reflections of Life Photography

Meet Allie | Niagara Newborn Photographer

16. May 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

Meet Allison Joan. She was 7lbs, 7oz, and born on April 25th, 2012 at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. She’s our newest A Star Is Born baby. Here’s a bit about her, and her loving family.

What are your hopes and dreams for your new baby?
“We hope that Allie will always feel loved and supported to be her true self. Our goal is to give her many life experiences to help form the person that she will be. We hope that she develops an independent spirit and has the drive to set and reach for her own goals, no matter what they may be!”

Tell us a bit about the story of your baby’s birth.
“Allie’s dad is a public accountant, so April is his busiest month of the year, tax season. Her actual due date was May 5th, but due to some complications I was induced on April 24th. So Andrew ended up taking 3 days vacation in the busiest month of the year, she will never live that one down :) Allie was born at WLMH just like her brother. Mom & Dad say her delivery nurse, Jodey, was so amazing!”

Any funny stories to tell since Allie’s arrived?
“Big brother Carson was convinced that his new sibling was going to be a boy (we didn’t know in advance), but he is adapting nicely. His favourite thing to say when she is crying is “What’s the matter sweetheart?”, which he learned from his Nanny (my mom). Andrew and Allie always spend some quality time snuggling on the couch after Carson goes to bed each night! He is thrilled with Daddy’s little girl and is totally embracing all of the pink that has invaded our home.”

Was there anything that happened at your session that really stuck out to you?
“Whenever Allie is awake I always think of how curious her eyes seem to me considering that she is a brand new baby. But most of the time she is a pretty big sleeper. So it was really funny to me that she stayed awake for the whole session and seemed to reinforce my beliefs that she is very aware of her surroundings (even if it is just my thinking!).”

Tell us a bit about your session.
“I really enjoyed (our session) this morning. Your organization and the way that you thought of everything was really something! I so appreciated your patience and the time that you spent with our Allie. ”

Meet Sarah Isabella | Niagara Newborn Photographer

19. April 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

Meet Sarah. I’ve been photographing her two older sisters since they came into the world and I’m so pleased to announce her arrival! Sarah Isabella (Sarah Belle for short) Van Geel was brought into the world on April 2, 2012, weighing 6lbs 11oz.

How did Rob and Kim (her attentive parents) meet? Rob was friends with Kim’s brother Brent. They started hanging out together, going to movies together with a group of friends. They officially started to date at a Corn Roast one year. They are easy going and like to have fun with their kids. Rob and Kim hope that Sarah will grow up and become really close friends with her big sisters, and hopefully have no allergies. Big sister Anna doesn’t always pronounce certain words that well and it is really hard for them to differentiate when she wants her parents to ‘cuddle’ with her or ‘color’ with her. She gets really mad when they think its the wrong one. Something Rob and Kim have learned in the last 6 months is patience as they younger, but still big sister Leah has hit her Terrible Two’s. They also learned that Anna didn’t really have any Terrible Two’s and are very grateful for that now.

Their birth story was pretty routine, it was a planned c-Section at the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. Kim stayed for two nights, getting lucky the second night when Kim got a private room. Dr. Gai and as always many great nurses helped throughout the stay, especially a nurse named Lori. Kim is nurse at St Joesph’s Hospital in Hamilton and Rob’s an Electrical Technologist and and Electrician, mostly working at plants that make automotive parts.

In the future, they see themselves spending lots of time with family, doing active things with the kids, camping, skiing, hiking, biking, and maybe even dirt biking with the girls if Kim allows it. If they could take their family anywhere in the world, it would be Disneyworld world right now because Anna and Leah would just love it, they are so in to Cinderella and all the Disney Princesses. In the meantime, they visit parks in the area, they really like Happy Rolph’s and Zoo’s. Kim and Rob like to get away for dinner when they can (not very often) and they prefer simple meals so they’re into Turtle Jacks right now. (Hint to their relatives-gift card for date night!)

Something they loved about their session was how I was able to make the kids laugh and then quickly get a picture to capture the moment. Rob and Kim through their session was very enjoyable as they always, very relaxing, never feeling rushed. When asked if there was going to be any new babies coming in the next few years, they said only if they win the lottery, then absolutely yes. But if not then I think this will be their last little one. Congratulations, Rob & Kim, Anna & Leah. God bless you in your parental adventures!

Ready to book your session at Reflections of Life?

Filed Under: Baby Photography, Children's Photography, Family Photography, Newborn Photography, Niagara Photographer, Niagara Photography, Studio Photography Tagged With: burlington family photography, candid fun family photography, family, family images, family moments, family photographer, family photography hamilton, family photography niagara, family photos, hamilton newborn photographer, hamilton newborn photography, new baby images, newborn images, newborn photography, newborn portraits, niagara newborn photographer, niagara newborn photography, niagara newborn photos, niagara newborn portraiture, sleeping newborn pictures

Newborn Safety | Professional Newborn Photographer

1. April 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

As a parent expecting a new baby, you’ve spent a long time dreaming about who he or she will look like, how small their little feet will be and how good it will feel to hold your new baby in your arms for the first time. Now you’re considering how you’ll capture these moments in a timeless way, with a professional photographer you can trust. But how can you be sure you’re working with a professional?

There are some things you can look for in a professional newborn photographer to ensure you’re bringing your baby to a safe place for his or her newborn portraits. Here are some helpful questions for you to ask, as well as the answers you’ll want to hear.

How much experience do you have photographing newborns?

The answer to this question doesn’t have to be a specific length of time, but how many newborns they’ve photographed. You can also tell if a photographer has a great deal of experience by their posing. You want to see that newborn expressions are not strained, and that their hands and feet look comfortable and cozy.

Have you taken courses in baby posing or newborn photography?

Reputable newborn workshops contain information about newborn safety. They show professionals how proper posing is done, and how Adobe Photoshop is used to enhance an image. Here’s one example of an image I’ve done as composite. The baby is warm and swaddled in many soft layers of fabric, safely held in position by an assistant, or Mom or Dad, during both portraits. The two images are then brought into Photoshop and combined to create the final image.

The approximate weight of a newborn’s head is 25% of their body weight. This means that newborn babies are quite top heavy. When photographing, professional newborn photographers use weights in the bottom of their buckets or bowls, counteracting the weight of your new baby’s head to reduce any possibility of injury.

In this classic pose, the newborn baby’s head is carefully supported by an assistant’s hands, twice. The first image is taken with hands supporting the top of baby’s head, and the second is taken with hands supporting baby’s head under their chin. This way the pressure of baby’s head is not resting on their little hands. Newborns cannot naturally hold this position on their own. Again, I’ve done this image as a composite where the two portraits are then brought into Photoshop and combined to create the final image.

If you see images on a photographer’s website that you’re questioning the safety of, politely ask them how they were done. Most are composites, and a professional newborn photographer will be happy to put parent’s minds at ease.

How long do your newborn sessions typically last?

In my experience, it’s very important not to be rushed during your newborn session. If the room is quiet and calm, your baby will be more likely to sleep and be calm as well. You must have time to listen to the cues your baby gives during your session, for example, rooting. Rooting is when your baby will turn his or her head and open their mouth searching for food. If your baby is doing this, you will need time to feed him or her. Also, not every baby will do every pose you’d like. Every newborn is different and comfortable in different positions. A professional understands the cues babies will give, and will encourage and help you to care for your newborn during your session. During my newborn sessions, I typically need two hours to achieve 20-30 unique images. I ask my clients not to schedule appointments immediately following their session, so if we need more time we have it.

Do you have references?

Many professional newborn photographers have testimonials on their website, but feel free to ask for references from parents of other babies they’ve photographed. When it comes to professional newborn photography, there are no official guidelines or skills required to start up a business. To ensure you’re working with someone who is committed to proper business practices, I suggest asking the photographer you’re considering if they’re an active member of the Professional Photographers of Canada.

Written By: Karen Byker, LPPO, Reflections of Life Photography

Ready to book your session at Reflections of Life?

Filed Under: Newborn Photography, Niagara Photographer, Niagara Photography, Studio Announcements Tagged With: custom newborn portraiture, hamilton newborn photographer, hamilton newborn photography, new baby images, newborn images, newborn photography, newborn photography safety, newborn portraits, newborn safety, niagara newborn photographer, niagara newborn photography, niagara newborn portraiture, professional hamilton newborn photos, professional niagara newborn photos, sleeping newborn pictures

Meet Keegan | Niagara Newborn Photographer

1. April 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

On March 22, 2012 at 7:14 pm, Dr. Gai delivered 10 lb 12 oz Keegan David at the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. To help welcome to the world, his parents Wilma & Dave chose to make him an A Star Is Born baby.

How did Mom & Dad meet?
“Dave is a Realtor, he showed me some properties while my realtor was away. We hit it off, talked easily about pretty much everything. It was his bright blue eyes, honesty and boyish grin that captured me.”

What kind of parents do you think you are? What’s your parenting philosophy?
“Attentive, loving, caring, protective. You try your hardest to meet you child’s every need. Simplicity is best, pay attention to them, give them boundaries, teach them morals. They are a gift from God, entrusted to your care. We don’t take that gift for granted.”

What are your hopes and dreams for your baby?
“To grow up with a deep faith, to be firmly grounded, confident and secure, to be happy and a blessing to others.”

Any new babies coming in the next few years?
“Daddy hopes so, Mommy says…one day at a time.”

Anything you would like to mention about your session?
“How calm Karen is. She’s patient and willing to work with us in poses we wanted. The session was calm and professional.”

Ready to book your session at Reflections of Life?

Filed Under: Newborn Photography, Niagara Photographer, Niagara Photography, Studio Photography Tagged With: A Star Is Born, a star is born program, dr gai west lincoln memorial hospital, hamilton newborn images, hamilton newborn photographer, hamilton newborn photography, hamilton newborn photos, new baby images, newborn images, newborn portraits, niagara newborn photographer, niagara newborn photography, niagara newborn photos, niagara newborn portraiture, professional newborn photography, professional newborn photos niagara, sleeping newborn pictures, West Lincoln Memorial Hosital Foundation

Meet Brooklyn | Niagara Newborn Photography

26. March 2012 By admin 1 Comment

Brooklyn Taylor made her grand entrance two weeks early, on March 8^th, 2012 at 11:57 a.m. and weighed 7 lbs, 2 oz. She’s the newest A Star Is Born baby and one of her beautiful images will soon grace the walls of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Obstetrics Department.

Her parent’s hopes and dreams…
“It is our hope and dream that Brooklyn grow to be happy, healthy and compassionate, confident in herself and in her ability to realize her life’s path.”

The Story of Brooklyn’s Birth…
“Brooklyn’s estimated due date was March 23^rd, 2012. Clearly, she had other plans. On the morning of March 7^th, 2012, Sue woke up to find that her water had broken. As this was clearly unplanned, she was still expected to be at work that morning. Being a teacher, she had to make arrangements for a supply to come in, last minute, and then travel to the hospital to be evaluated. Being a first time mom, she had no idea if this was indeed labour, or something else.

Long story short … this was indeed labour. Because her water had broken earlier, the contractions progressed quickly. By mid-afternoon they were three to four minutes apart, but unfortunately she wasn’t dilating at an adequate rate. By 10:00 a.m., on March 8^th, the doctor ordered a c-section due to a “failure to progress”. After a difficult labour this was a decision that both Sue and Erin welcomed by this point. They were ready to meet their little girl.

As soon as Brooklyn was born, one of the doctors in the operating room said, “Now that’s a conehead if I have ever seen one!” LOL! Poor little girl was stuck and no doubt was having a difficult time finding her way into the world. Fortunately she is healthy and we are so thankful to have her.

We would like to thank Dr. Nwebube and the medical staff at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, in Grimsby ON, for their incredible level of support and kindness throughout our journey. We couldn’t have asked for a better team of people.”

“We enjoyed our portrait session very much. Karen was extremely accommodating, welcoming, and professional. We were incredibly impressed with how she was able to maneuver Brooklyn into the positions required for the photographs! “ Would you like to have your new baby featured on the Reflections of Life Photography blog?

Filed Under: Newborn Photography, Niagara Photographer, Niagara Photography, Studio Photography Tagged With: custom newborn portraiture, grimsby newborn baby photography, grimsby newborn photographer, grimsby newborn photos, halton newborn photographer, halton newborn photography, halton newborn photos, hamilton newborn baby, hamilton newborn images, hamilton newborn photographer, hamilton newborn photography, hamilton newborn photos, hamilton newborn portraits, new baby images, newborn images, newborn photography, newborn portraits, niagara newborn photographer, niagara newborn photography, niagara newborn photos, niagara newborn portraiture, sleeping newborn pictures

Meet Cies | Professional Newborn Portraits

3. March 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

Meet Cies. She’s new to the world and her super good sport parents enlightened me with a few words, below. Ceis is an A Star Is Born baby, and her image will be up in the A Star Is Born Hall of Fame in a few weeks.

How did the two of you meet? Let’s hear some details! What was it that made an impression on each other?

ALBERTO AND I MET AT A CAMPGROUND ON AN ISLAND OFF THE COAST OF SPAIN, NEAR WHERE HE IS FROM. I HAVE FRIENDS IN THAT AREA AND FOR YEARS WE HAD BOTH SPENT TIME CAMPING IN THOSE ISLANDS BUT WE HAD NEVER MET BEFORE. THE ISLANDS ARE CALLED “LAS ISLAS CÍES”, WHICH IS WHERE OUR BABY’S NAME COMES FROM. WHEN I FIRST SAW ALBERTO I NOTICED HIS BEAUTIFUL SMILE AND THE FACT THAT HE NEVER STOPPED SMILING. MY SPANISH LANGUAGE SKILLS WERE NOT AS GOOD AS THEY ARE NOW AND I MISUNDERSTOOD HIM WHEN HE TOLD ME HIS JOB. HE SAID HE MADE STEERING WHEELS AND I THOUGHT HE SAID HE MADE SAILBOATS…I WAS SO CONFUSED WHEN HE SAID HE HAD TO CARRY THEM FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER. HE ASKED ME IF I HAD UNDERSTOOD HIM AND I ADMITTED THAT I HADN’T. HE TOLD ME I DIDN’T HAVE TO BE AFRAID TO TELL HIM IF I DIDN’T UNDERSTAND BECAUSE HE WOULD BE HAPPY TO REPEAT HIMSELF AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED. I THOUGHT THAT WAS SO KIND! ALBERTO SAYS THAT WHAT MOST IMPRESSED HIM ABOUT ME WAS THAT I MENTIONED TO HIM THAT I WAS ANGRY AT MY FRIEND FOR FLIRTING WITH ANOTHER MAN AND NOT TELLING HIM THAT SHE HAD A SERIOUS BOYFRIEND. HE FELT THAT I SEEMED HONEST AND LOYAL. HE ALSO LIKED MY SUNBURNED NOSE!

Tell us a bit about you, What do you do? Not necessarily where you work, but what do you do there? Do you have any hobbies and interests?

I WORK IN THE FIELD OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. WHILE I WAS PREGNANT WITH CÍES I WROTE AND DEFENDED MY MASTERS DEGREE IN THAT FIELD, HAVING CONDUCTED RESEARCH ON POVERTY AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN HONDURAS. ALBERTO IS A FARMER, HE GROWS GRAPES AND MAKES WINE WITH MY FATHER. WE BOTH ENJOY PHOTOGRAPHY, FOOD, EATING IT AND COOKING IT, AND TRAVELING. ALBERTO IS A SOCCER FANATIC AND IS DEDICATED TO HIS HOME TEAM, CELTA DE VIGO.

What are your hopes and dreams for your new baby?

I HOPE THAT CÍES IS HAPPY AND GOOD. I DON’T MIND WHAT SHE CHOOSES TO DO WITH HER LIFE, BUT I DO HOPE SHE MAKES A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE PEOPLE AROUND HER. ALBERTO SAYS HE HOPES SHE IS SMART LIKE HER MUMMY…AND IF SHE BECOMES PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER THAT WOULDN’T HURT EITHER!

What’s your new baby’s name, weight and birth date?

CÍES KLARA MOLINA, 6LB 6OZ, BORN JAN. 13TH, 2012 AT WEST LINCOLN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. LOVINGLY DELIVERED BY MIDWIFE JENNIFER GASPAROTTO!

Any more babies coming in the next few years?

CÍES HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL BABY. SHE SLEEPS WELL, EATS WELL AND CUDDLES CONSTANTLY! WHILE WE UNDERSTAND THAT OUR NEXT BABY MIGHT NOT BE SO ANGELIC, OUR EXPERIENCE WITH HER HAS MADE US READY FOR THE NEXT LITTLE MIRACLE!

Did you enjoy your portrait session? Tell me a bit about what you liked and experienced.

WE LOVED OUR PHOTO SESSION WITH KAREN AND WILL DEFINITELY RETURN TO HER FOR FUTURE PHOTOS! HER EXPERIENCE WITH BABIES MADE IT MUCH EASIER THAT WE THOUGHT TO GET GREAT PHOTOS. OUR FAVOURITE MEMORY WAS THE MULTIPLE TIMES THAT CÍES PEED ON ALBERTO’S ARMS!