Creative Portraiture
Baby Portraits | North Bay & Area Baby Photography Studio
As a newborn photographer, there is a certain “window” of time in which we prefer to work with newborn babies for portraits. The typical sleepy, squishy, posed studio images that you see in my portfolio are captured (ideally) between 5-21 days of age. When babies are older than that, if parents want those same sleepy photos, it can take much longer to settle and pose the baby as they become more alert as time goes on. In order for those poses to be achieved safely, baby must be deeply asleep, which for many older babies, doesn’t always happen. In “normal” times, when parents had the choice, if they missed the “sleepy” window, they tended to choose to wait until baby was older (like 6-8 months) when they reached their first milestone of sitting unassisted, to have them photographed instead.
What we’re noticing as an industry in THESE pandemic times, is that parents who missed their newborn window because of lockdowns are choosing to have their baby photographed as soon as possible, no matter what. Which honestly, is AMAZING because there is a whole period of babies life in that 2-5 month window where baby’s little personality is just beginning to shine through – first smiles, first giggles, bubbles, cooing, and all kinds of adorable cheekiness is starting to emerge.
This is amazing news for you if you’re a parent who was upset about not being able to access professional newborn baby photography after your baby was born during a lockdown. Not only are beautiful portraits still possible, but I have all kinds of availability for you in my Callander Photography Studio in July and August and onwards once I am allowed to reopen! Since these sessions take less time than a typical newborn session, I can fit more into my schedule (on weekdays, one session in the morning, and one in the afternoon with enough time for disinfecting the studio top to bottom in between).
The little doll in this blog post is 4ish months old. We wrapped him up and photographed him on the same sets that I use for newborns (without the strict posing) and the results DID NOT disappoint. The price point for these is lower than newborn portraits as well, because they take less time. You can choose to have just your new baby photographed, or incorporate siblings and family portraits in there too, the price point is the same no matter what you choose.
If you’re interested in grabbing one of these sessions once I’m allowed to open again in July, check out my packages and contact me!
Raindance Photography is Callander’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing clients from Callander, North Bay, Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
Myrtle the Alien Baby | North Bay & Callander Photographer
Guys, I’m dying. DYING inside because I can’t wait to share these! LOL! If you’ve read back two blog posts ago, you’ll have seen The Cherished Stuffy Session that I had with my daughter. In that post, I explained how she has always found real baby dolls absolutely terrifying. When I was growing up, baby dolls were my whole life. I played with those dolls until it was socially unacceptable not to anymore, so imagine my sadness when I proudly presented my daughter with her very first baby doll years ago and she recoiled in horror, bottom lip trembling and tears in her eyes.
Fast forward to Winter of this year, when we stumbled across this little alien baby doll online and she LOST.HER.EVERLOVING.MIND! She gushed and screeched and cried actual tears and begged and begged for me to bring this “baby” to our house so she could love it forever and ever. I said no. I mean, this thing was bloody expensive, guys. So then she marched to her room, unearthed all of her birthday money, threw it in my lap and said “Is that enough?” As it turns out, it was, and so 2 weeks into the pandemic, we adopted Myrtle. So regular baby dolls are apparently nightmare inducing, but this guy is what makes her heart sing. My girl, I tell you, she’s some kind of awesome! 😛
Now, Myrtle took so long to get here that the ongoing story was that he must actually be coming from Space! Eventually, after 3 months of waiting, we were actually starting to believe that maybe he ended up taking a wrong turn and was lost in another galaxy somewhere. But then, much to her delight, Myrtle arrived on our doorstep yesterday and I don’t think that Bill, our mailman, knew exactly what kind of awesomeness he was delivering when he dropped this guy off!
And, what does every proud new parent want when they welcome their new baby into their family? Newborn photos, of course! She asked if I could do a whole newborn session with him, just like I do with my clients. She wanted all the little details, right down to his 4 perfect fingers and 3 perfect toes. 😛 I was only too happy to oblige.
Without further ado, please enjoy these unique photos of my incredibly proud daughter and her new “baby”, Myrtle! I’ve got to say, I’m kind of smitten with him too – like seriously, how cute is he!? 😀
A Cherished Stuffy Session | North Bay & Callander Photographer
Remember a few months back, when I put out a model call looking for kiddos who had a cherished doll that they would love to be photographed with? I needed marketing material for a portrait series that I’ll be putting out (once this Covid craziness is over with). Why did I need a model, when I have two of my own in the house, you ask? Well, let me tell you. My boy child has no interest in dolls, and if he did, there’s no way he’d allow me to use pictures of him with it for marketing purposes. My girl child is (and always has been) TERRIFIED of actual baby dolls. So. I couldn’t get her to pose with a doll, but she WAS happy to pose with her beloved “Marcel”. A stuffed French Bulldog Beanie Boo that she purchased with her birthday money many, many years ago.
This kid always puts on a pretty good show for the camera, but she was seriously GLOWING with happiness to get to do a mock “newborn session” with Marcel. This beloved stuffy has been with her through 2 house moves, he’s been in the Operating Room with her (twice), has been to the top of the CN Tower with her (after having Starbucks Hot Chocolate spilled all over him, no less) and has accompanied her to every sleepover she’s ever been on. She’s even brought him to school for Show and Tell. THIS was the kind of “bond” that I was hoping to capture with kids and their dolls (or stuffies) and these images make my heart (and hers) happy!
Why I am sharing these with you now? Marcel is about to become a big brother! And guys, I CANNOT WAAAAAAIT for you to see what his little sibling looks like! This new “baby doll” hasn’t yet arrived in the mail, but when it does, we will be doing a whole “newborn session” just for it, and when I share it with you, I want you to keep in mind that my child finds regular baby dolls creepy… I’m dying inside with anticipation for this, it’s going to be like nothing we’ve ever seen before! LOL!
Anyhow, for now, here are some adorable images of my sweet girl and her cherished Marcel…
Have a great day!
Raindance Photography is Callander’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing clients from Callander, North Bay, Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
Spring/Easter Mini Sessions | North Bay & Callander Photographer
You’ve asked for mini sessions, and I’ve listened! I’m so excited to finally release the entire list of Mini Events for 2020 as well as their tentative dates for you to bookmark in your calendars. If you would like to make sure that you do not miss booking when it opens for each event, please “Like” and “Follow” my Facebook page. 🙂
Easter/Spring Mini Sessions open for booking TODAY! If you would like to book one of these sessions, please contact me and I will send you the booking form. If you do not receive a response within 24-48 hours, please check your junk folders. 🙂
What’s the Package? Easter Mini Sessions include your 20 minute in-studio mini session on the set shown below, private online ordering gallery, and 8 digital files of your choice delivered via online download in both colour and black and white. Upgrade options are available.
Cost? $140+hst
When? The Easter/Spring Mini Event will take place on March 27th and 28th, 2020, with timeslots from 10am-3pm available.
Where? Raindance Photography Studio, Callander (By Appointment Only)
2020 Mini Event List (with tentative dates)
Easter/Spring Minis – March 27/28
Celebrate Mom Minis – April 4/5
Pure & Simple Baby Minis (for babies 3-12 months) – April 16/17
Sweet & Simple Pet Minis – April 18
Celebrate Dad Minis – May 30
Tea Party Minis – June 6
Gone Fishin’ Minis – July 11
Pet Portrait Fundraiser (all $$ raised donated to local animal rescue) – September 19
Halloween Fundraiser (Free portrait event with donation of new unwrapped toy) – October 31
Christmas Baking Minis – October 10
North Bay Tree Farm Minis – November 7
Christmas Minis – Bed Set – November 13/14
Christmas Minis – Xmas in the Park Set – November 13/14
Santa Fundraiser – November 15
Celebrate Mom Minis will open for booking next week! Watch for it! 😀
Fine Art Mini Portrait Event | North Bay & Callander Photographer
I’ve been waiting 9 long months for my studio to be complete enough to launch my Grand Opening Mini Events! The day has FINALLY come and I’m so excited for you to all come and see my beautiful new space in Callander, Ontario! This event is available at Door Crasher pricing, in my classic fine art style, on the backdrop shown in the images below.
Fine Art portraits are clean, classic, and timeless and are perfect for immediate families, children, babies 3+ months of age, maternity sessions, and pets.
Package comes with 20 minute in-studio mini session, private online ordering gallery, and 8 digital files of your choice to be fully retouched in both colour and black and white and delivered via online download. Upgrade options are available.
AVAILABLE ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: Saturday March 21st and Monday March 23rd, 2020, between 10am-5pm.
Ready to book? Awesome! I can’t wait to meet you! Please click here and fill out the booking form to snag one of these timeslots: http://raindancephoto.ca/mach/view.php?id=66898
Don’t worry, if you’re not feeling this particular style, Kids Personality Portraits will be another door crasher deal, and booking will open TOMORROW! The Regular Annual Portrait events schedule will be released this Friday and booking will open for select events at that time.
Raindance Photography is Callander’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing clients from Callander, North Bay, Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
Nova – A Maternity & Newborn Blog | North Bay & Callander Photographer
A while back, I had the opportunity to meeting a glowing mom, expecting her second baby, and her beautiful little family. I am always super excited to work with clients for both a maternity and a newborn session, as it gives me the opportunity for some awesome Before/After Maternity/Newborn portraits! They arrived for their maternity session at my studio (now located in Callander) with a very typical, busy two year old son, who was full of energy AND smiles for me! A few weeks later, baby Nova arrived, and they returned for their newborn session, which turned out BEAUTIFULLY! Big brother was still wired for beans, and his sibling portraits actually turned out pretty funny, but since we got them even remotely close to one another, looking in the direction of the camera, and smiling, we just rolled with it! Sometimes we have to throw our expectations out the window when it comes to posing toddlers with their new siblings! lol!
A little update that my new studio in Callander is now nearly complete! Just a few finishing touches to complete and I will be in there shooting up a storm! I’ll be ready for newborn sessions as early as next week. If you’re interested in securing your newborn session, I have a special promo coming for the next FIVE people who book! Until I’m ready to release those details to the public, feel free to Contact Me to find out! 🙂
Raindance Photography is Callander’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing clients from Callander, North Bay, Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
2019 Client Appreciation Contest WINNERS | North Bay & Callander Photographer
The only thing I love more than holding the Client Appreciation Contest each year is ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS! This year, the participation was amazing, as always! Thank you to EVERYONE for your support through the years and to all of my clients last year who made this contest possible – without further delay, THE WINNERS!
GRAND PRIZE WINNER – Contestant No. 19 – Lindsey Jones
Drawn by random.org, Lindsey has won an All Inclusive Creative Portrait session (worth $960), which includes her portrait session, all high resolution digital files (between 35-60) on USB with print release in both colour and black and white as well as 4×6 colour reference prints. Congratulations Lindsey!!!
SECONDARY Prize 1 – Contestant No. 009 – Ashley Tran
This prize was chosen by our Grand Prize winner. Lindsey chose Ashley’s entry because it resonated with her on so many levels – having a young child in the house with a new baby, undergoing renovations, unfinished rooms and so many unknowns (I can relate to this one too!). Ashley has won a $200 Gift Certificate to use towards her next portrait session. Congratulations Ashley!
Secondary Prize 2 – Contestant No. 006– Ryan Shevalier
This prize was determined by the number of Facebook votes received on their entry. Ryan’s adorable image received a grand total of 90 votes as of closing time on January 21! He has won a 16×20” Gallery Wrap Canvas of his entry. Congratulations Ryan!
Secondary Prize 3 – Contestant No. 009 – Ashley Tran (Maybe Ashley should buy a lottery ticket today?) 😛
This prize was also determined by the number of Facebook votes received on their entry. Ashley’s photo of her two beautiful girls received 80 votes. She has won a 16×20” Mounted Wall print of her entry. Congratulations Ashley!
Secondary Prize 4 – Contestant No. 017 – Stephanie Chivers
This prize was also determined by the number of Facebook votes received on their entry. Stephanie’s photo of her beautiful twin daughters received 77 votes. She has won a $100 gift card to use towards her next session in 2020. Congratulations Stephanie!
Thanks again everyone! Congrats to all the winners! Looking forward to a great 2020! And remember, if you know someone who lives in North Bay, or surrounding areas, it would make me SO happy for you to spread the word that I am now located in their area. Rebuilding a business from scratch in a brand new town is hard work, and I am so incredibly grateful for all of the help and referrals you’ve all been sending me so far! I love you guys!
Sincerely,
Stephanie
Winter Portraits | North Bay & Callander Photographer
I know, I know… It’s kind of chilly in the winter and the sun doesn’t shine a whole lot. You know what though? It’s SO BEAUTIFUL! Where we live, here in the North Bay area, is so so so beautiful. Maybe it’s because I’m new to the area that I’m seeing all of this glorious beauty still… or maybe I’m crazy? LOL! Either way, if your family is the outdoorsy type that loves winter, why not consider some Winter Portraits?
Packages start at just $160+hst (you can find full pricing by clicking HERE, ON MY PRICING PAGE). 🙂
My little Snow Queen rocked it for me yesterday – I couldn’t pass up shooting in the beautiful falling snow, so I told her what I had in mind and she was aaaallll over the opportunity to be my little model! Out to the back yard we went (she wore winter boots, and changed into the heels when we were in position). We didn’t even move from the one spot we were in and the end result was so many beautiful pictures that I want to wallpaper my house with! Should probably get my boy child out there for a matching set so he doesn’t feel left out… 😉
If you’re interested in a winter session for yourself, please Contact Me! I’d love to hear from you! 🙂
PS: If you have a little Snow Queen that fits Size 8-10 girls, this beautiful green dress, crown, and shoes are part of my studio wardrobe and you are welcome to use it for this exact same session! Just let me know!
Raindance Photography is Callander’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing clients from Callander, North Bay, Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
Maddilyn | North Bay & Callander Newborn Photographer
I am SO.FAR.BEHIND on sharing some of my favourite newborn sessions! I met with this little lady a while back and she was a total gem to work with. Slept like a dream, and when she did wake, she gave me the most hilarious series of faces ever!
My studio completion has been delayed for yet another month, due to unforeseen construction circumstances. I’m DYING to have it set up and running again! But, for now, I am still bringing my little mobile studio to client’s homes in the North Bay Region for studio style newborn and cake smash session, and Lifestyle Portrait Sessions are becoming more popular as well!
If you’re interested in booking a session, please Contact Me and we can set something up!
Raindance Photography is Callander’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing clients from Callander, North Bay, Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
Welcome Levi | Callander & North Bay Newborn Photographer
There are some newborn sessions where babies are so sleepy, I never see the whites of their eyes. Then, there are some newborn sessions where I’m given the sweetest show of all of the most adorable facial expressions you can imagine – Levi’s session was one of these! He came in to my Studio super sleepy, and slept through all of his family and sibling portraits. When the time came for his solo segment, he was more interested in my camera and his surroundings than the backs of his eyelids. 😛 This gallery should be reassurance to parents that no matter how your baby decides to be during your session, we’re getting beautiful portraits no matter what! 🙂
If you’re expecting in December, and live in the North Bay area, my current pricing includes TWENTY digital files (twice as many as usual) AND a complimentary Memories in Motion Film (See examples of Studio Style and Lifestyle Examples). All sessions taking place in December will take place in the comfort of your own home (even the Studio Style sessions)! By January, 2020, my brand new Callander Photography Studio should be up and running and ready for all of your smiling faces! I am accepting newborn bookings from January to March at this time as well, and I will honour my current newborn promotional pricing, which includes the 20 digital files of your choice when you book your session in advance, as newborn sessions are best booked while you’re still expecting.
Please contact me for more information, or to book your session!
Raindance Photography is Callander’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing clients from Callander, North Bay, Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca