Christmas Sessions 2017
Christmas Sessions are here! Earlier this week I announced 2017's Christmas dates and this amazing event! I can't wait to work with all of you and your children. This event will be held in studio over 2 dates only. You and your children are invited to come in for some gorgeous updated portraits that will take place in my home studio. The studio will be decorated with Evergreens, along with reds and greens throughout. My modern, minimalist style will allow you to relax and connect with your children during the most magical time of the year! Relax and enjoy the surroundings and take home a treat for the little ones. Custom "greenery" accessories will be incorporated into your session for you. I guarantee your photographs will include sparking eyes and some sugar plum fairies to light up any room! A what to wear guide and how to prepare for your session is available.
Contact me to reserve your session today! Reservation fee is only $95.
Can't wait to see you in studio!
Baby Ella-Oshawa Newborn Baby Photographer
Meet Ella. Sweet little lady who recently came into the studio for her newborn family session. Mom and Dad are first time parents and although the word tired doesn't cut it at times they were ever so amazing during our session together. Ella, is a beautiful baby girl and has such a strong personality we couldn't help but giggle the whole time. She worked me hard, but in the end, I was able to work some magic and create some stunning memories for her parents.
Ella Annette...love her name.
Gorgeous glowing new mama!
One word...Proud ;)
Hee hee…that was my cue she was done…(newborn cut eye haaaa)
LOL....think she was done :D
L&C...thank you so much for bringing sweet Ella into the studio for her newborn/family portraits. It was so amazing to have met you three and I look forward to seeing her for her milestone sessions in the year to come. Enjoy, best of luck and see you soon! Petra
xo
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Our connection
Hello hello! It has been a beautiful hot summer morning here in Durham Region and I have been working on something that I wanted to share with you all. Let`s call it a little bit more "about me". Anyone can pick up a camera, aim, focus and press shutter button right? In our digital age, everyone is a photographer these days. How hard can it be? For me...photography is an art that comes in many forms and inspires me daily. There are a million ways to take a photograph, however it is not just about a snapshot. There is something that I need to create first. It's all about building that connection. I'd like to consider myself someone that is easily approachable and social-able. One who doesn't mind standing out in a crowd to talk and introduce herself and tell her story. I love inspiring and helping others just because. I have a big heart that way. But this post isn't about me tooting my own horn so to speak. I want you to understand that I did not practice my craft and skill for years wanting to be on a pedestal. That is not me. I LOVE what I do and want to share it out with all those who have the same values as I do. Should I inspire a handful along the way...then thank you! ;) It makes it all worth while and pushes me to do more. To do more for you and for myself.
A huge part of what I do is "how I do things" I first start off with a connection. Getting to know you better. Finding your needs and knowing exactly what I have to offer that will go above and beyond that. There is no magic formula, no step by step guide, or the latest downloadable app on how to. Merely all I do is talk with you, during our pre-consult. Be it via phone calls, emails and even visits in studio so that I can really understand how unique you really are. I learned early on in my business that every session is different. The way I make each and every one of you feel is SO important. Our relationship and friendship goes well beyond your photo session. That is what makes me different.
Every session is different and I LOVE telling your story. However there are times that I ask you to bring to something to the session that is unique to you. It can be as simple as a blanket, a onesie or a stuffed toy. I love being able to curate these memories using a little piece of your family heritage, will last a lifetime. These connections are important. How else do you expect to evoke and engage with your subjects if your heart really isn't in it to begin with? When my clients trust in me, this is where the magic happens. This is where THEY can be themselves and those natural belly laughs come out and hugs are given at the end of every session ( yes I am a hugger) Just good old fashion getting to know you. An open genuine interest in my clients and sharing some laughs in between. You have hired me for a reason. You are putting your trust in me to do an important job. A job that I am very honored to do for you. Having fun and enjoying is all part of your experience. However, how I make you feel from start to finish and beyond is what is really important
I am here for you. I am here for your children and I look forward to our journey together.
There is only one YOU! People connect to the real you when you are honest, and share a bit of yourself with them. This makes you relate-able and is SO important. Be yourself and be genuine.
These are the simple fundamentals of my business. They deserve to be treated with a stellar experience and customer service that makes them feel welcomed and valued and important. So don't be alarmed if I offer you homemade banana bread or cookies to go with yourrefrehments during your session :). So go on...whatever business you are in, curate an experience that will leave them "WOW'D" and I promise they will share their amazing time with all their friends and family.
P xo
Best ways to bond with your newborn
This topic is bound to arise even before your little one arrives. It's something that as a new parent we all want to know what works best to ensure that we are giving our children all they need. If your little one is already here and you are just home from the hospital Congrats!!! Now it's setting in that you have a new life to care for and maybe you are thinking...holy cow...where do we start? Breathe! Relax in knowing that first of all you are not alone, and secondly things will get easier. Speaking from experience and a mother of 2. I had my children 11 months apart.. That make you raise your eyebrows? LOL Good! Although I think that twins would have been easier. As my son was just 11 months and pulling himself up onto things when we brought my daughter home. What did I do? I bonded as best as I knew how and took one day at a time.
Being a NEW parent means that you don't have to know everything. Trial and error is normal and it is okay to feel depressed, exhausted and defeated some days. After all you have just expanded your family unit and your sole energy goes into providing every ounce of care for this tiny demanding, loud human. Here are 5 ways to help with bonding so that you feel more connected and hopefully more in control. Because, let's face it, there will be more than one occasion where you don't feel in control. Babies have a mind of their own and an agenda all their own. When those days come, we roll with the punches and try anything up your sleep to soothe baby.
5 Ways to help with bonding:
Skin to Skin- yes your L&D, Doula,Midwife knows what he or she is talking about. Babies feel most secure and comforted when there is skin to skin contact. Your natural body temperature will soothe your little one and it's an amazing emotional connection for the both of you. Your hormones will relax your body and babies have this 6th sense which is phenomenal. When you are calm and collected (even if you don't feel it) they will relax too. Especially if they ave a full tummy and a dry bum.
Get to know your baby- the skin to skin time helps immensely and its during this time that you can take in the little cues that your little one does. The little sounds they make, the way their chest rises and falls in a deep sleep, the way you swaddle a baby (hands tucked in or hands tucked out), soother or no soother, bounced gently or rocked, the way you softly soothe their forehead or hairline to ease them back to sleep. All these are unique to every baby. Not every baby is comfortable with all the above. So don't be afraid to try something and if it doesn't work, move on.
Baby wearing- both mom and dad's can do this and when done properly and safely reaps the rewards of a happy baby and happy (but tired) parents. What's the best way to do so? This topic I will go into more detail about in another blog post. Safety first! Always. Research together on what best suits your babies needs as well as your own. When snuggled and secure...enjoy getting outside and doing things together.
Shared feeding-whether mom is getting used to breastfeeding exclusively, topping up with a bottle or bottle alone, there are a lot of ways dad's can help share this task too. Talk to each other, help and support each other. Remember this is ALL new for both of you. Frustration and exhaustion play a huge part, but one day at a time. There are breastfeeding clinics, support groups and most importantly talk to friends and family to see what worked best for them. I am sure there will be many laughs and yes tears too. Work to support one another and be patient.
Talk to your baby- sing, play music, and instrument. Your baby knows your voice. In fact day old babies have this innate skill they are born with that allows them to tell the difference between rhythms. Music in the background, played or even mom or dad singing will soothe your baby.
You can educate yourself with books and videos and listen to all the tales that grandma's, aunts and girlfriends throw at you.But at the end of the day you will soon realize what works best for you. After all babies do not come with a manual. Enjoy this special time together, because before you know it...it's all high fives and fist bumps lol!
Summer Family Savings!
Family Sessions are on Sale! Head on over to the Summer Family Savings page for more details and to book your photography session today. See below for details and click the link to book. What to wear guides are available for those that need a little assistance as well as how to prepare. Book before August 31st, 2017, sessions run through till November 1st, 2017.
See you soon!
Contact me to book your session today!
Working from home
Hi! How are you?...no seriously... how are you doing? Lol...insert sighs and or groans of frustration here. I know that as I start to blog about this topic I have an army of mom's and dad's behind me chomping at the bit to add their tidbits and or rants in as well. This next topic...is one that goes out to all those who work from home. Moms, Dads, CEO's, The Boss, Head Honcho you name it. Whoever you are, whatever you call yourself, first of all THANK YOU for all you do. Working from home is so challenging on a daily basis isn't it? Not to say that working outside the home isn't. I get it. Believe me! I have been on both sides. However, as a parent who works full time on the home front and is there for the kids there is a certain level of balancing that comes into play. I am not a pro at juggling, but I have managed to keep all the balls in the air so far. Yes a few stumbles but hey...I am only human. Since we all have different work ethics and schedules we all realize that keeping the kids entertained, happy and fed takes away from you and the business you love. It is very tough especially if you don't have a sitter to rely on let alone the money to do so on a weekly basis. Yes summer camp is great but it is short lived too. If you ave friends and family to help out through your work week, well AMEN to that!
On the flipside...if you have young children that need constant attention AMEN to you! When do you find time to work? How the HECK do you make it work? Nap times? When your significant other comes in from work and you do a trade off? Maybe Grandma comes over to help keep them entertained. Or maybe you burn the midnight oil to clear a few things off your plate (was there for years too early on with business) Or are you single parenting...in that case. You are Saints! LOL Nonetheless it is very stressful.
My children are preteens and although they are independent to some degree summer days are still somewhat chaotic. Between hang outs, snacking, chauffeur, sibling rivalry and random annoying questions they ask when they KNOW the answer already. Yep...I'm eye rolling on that one lol. So where does this leave me? Somewhere in between haaa. I am a planner. I have OCD and everything has to be just so for me to tunnel in. So... that usually means wake ups between 5-6am. Quick workout and then tidy of house or throw a load of laundry in, wash dishes, wipe crumbs off counter and floor (dirty floors are a pet peeve of mine) Then...I start my day. Bright and early and water in hand. Do my days always start like this? Haaa NOPE. But that said we can only do our best right? Planning ahead at times doesn't come that easy as a business owner. I'm not going to lie, we all get into funks, we ride the ebb and flow with business levels but this is when your right brain kicks in. Constantly pushing myself and move in the direction towards my goals.
Here are a few things that help me to keep motivated:
Make a list. I am a pen and paper girl. I need to see things visibly in front of me.(my chicken scratch is on the other side of that notebook above)
Have your goals in sight. Make a vision board or use Pinterest to keep your motivated.
Set apps up on your phone for daily tasks. I like to use Asana Project Management I use the free version and allows you to set your own due dates for your tasks. Also helps with reminders for breaking your day into manageable pockets of time
Get up and take a break. Step away from your computer, remember to eat. Your brain needs food too and don't forget to hydrate.
Learn to not be so hard on yourself. Being self driven pushes you mentally and physically. Learn to self discipline and find a "balance" that works for you!
These are 5 of the things I do however I have teamed up with another local business who I would like to introduce to you. Meet Melinda from Picks and Giggles. Melinda is a busy mama and Event Planner for a semi annual Mom Tradeshow/Handmade Events that runs locally here in Durham Region. She has a few adorable little ones and how she manages to get it done through the week. Here are a few words to how she gets things done.
Nap time is a blessing.
Scheduling far ahead for family time and work time
Be passionate about what you do-passion leads to success
DRINK...lol just kidding
Ask for help if needed, I often use my parents as an extra set of hands so I can have that balance of spending quality time with the kids in the day, then after dinner-head out to Starbucks to get some quiet work time in.
Great advice Melinda, that you so much for taking the time to contribute. Remember its all about a balance and sometimes you figure it out sometimes you don't. Know that it is ok..just keep going and do your best. One day it will all come together. You will find your rhythm and be motivated to push yourself harder. Rally yourself around like minded business owners who are in the same boat as you. It helps to vent, laugh, celebrate the wins and be there in times of need.
Distance between your dreams and reality is called action...
You can do it!
P xo