Barrie! I’m on my way back to see you and I have some time slots still available for my event in October!
WHEN? Sunday October 2 @ 4:15pm; Monday October 3 @ 7:30am, 4:15pm, 5:00pm, 5:45pm; and Tuesday October 4 @ 7:30am, 4:15pm, 5:00pm, 5:45pm. Rain date Wednesday October 5th.
*I do finally have an option available for you more adventurous types to go ahead and shoot in the rain (my equipment got a rain coat, and I bought a bunch of clear umbrellas for clients to be photographed with!)
WHERE? Barrie! Morning sunrise sessions will happen in The Field (near Essa Road). Evening sessions will be held at the Sunnidale Arboretum for backdrop versatility.
HOW CAN YOU REGISTER? CLICK HERE! Fill out that registration form, hit submit, and I will be in touch over the next day or so to start making arrangements!
I look forward to seeing you all again soon!
Stephanie
Raindance Photography is Callander’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in lifestyle newborn 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
Anyone who actually reads my posts is about to be saying “What!? Steph, make up your MIND already!” and I’ll be over here nodding along with you, because you’re right. I’ve flip flopped and just about committed business suicide for the last year or more, and it’s been an annoying, nauseating ride.
I’m about to get real & vulnerable, so bear with me. When I moved North, I couldn’t WAIT for my studio to be built so that I could begin to rebuild my business. I was so excited when it was completed in February, 2020 – I couldn’t wait to open my doors to meet all kinds of new people who might become part of my new client base. When the world flipped upside down in March, 2020, and made that impossible, I entered a downward spiral that I didn’t even recognize for a long time.
Not being allowed to work, I felt like I lost my identity. By the time the roller coaster had been going on for nearly two years, I’d completely forgotten who I was, what I loved, what made me happy; and had no bloody clue what I wanted to do with my life. I kept trying to fall in love with my job again – photography has always been one of the biggest loves of my life, but I just couldn’t find the passion. By January of this year, I had decided that I was going to close my business for good. Give it up forever. Walk away from everything that I’ve worked so hard for over the past decade. I cleared my calendar, turned away bookings, retreated inward in a way that I’ve never done before. It did not feel good.
Finally, one day this Winter, after suffering far too long, I picked up the phone and called my doctor. I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, and was prescribed meds and CBT. I felt like a failure. I felt ridiculous that I needed to ask for help from someone else. I especially hated the idea of antidepressants. Part of me is embarrassed to admit all of this, but another part knows that if this story can help even ONE other person to recognize this in themselves and seek out the help they need, then putting myself out there is worth it. My doctor tells me that mental health struggles are on the rise in an incredible way these days, and there is no shame in asking for help.
Looking back now that I’m feeling better, I can’t believe I thought that asking for help meant that I’d failed myself somehow. I can’t believe that I spent so long spiraling downwards that I just about threw everything away. This week, I stood in my studio, which I’ve recently announced that I was closing and felt my passion creeping back in, renewed like fire, like I haven’t felt in a long time. I have all kinds of new ideas that I can’t wait to try, and more than anything I feel EXCITED about the idea of REOPENING MY STUDIO DOORS again, and that feels pretty damn good. 🙂
If you’ve read this far, thank you! Thank you for your continued support, love, and understanding. If you’ve been following me on this roller coaster, I cannot thank you enough for always having my back even when my decisions didn’t make a lot of sense. The Studio will be reopening in May, and I will FINALLY be able to release those Grand Opening Specials that I never had the opportunity to launch two years ago!
Stay with me peeps, this is going to be good!
Much love,
Stephanie
Muah!
FINALLY! Booking is NOW OPEN for Studio Christmas Minis! This year, we have two sets for you – both fully interactive! T’was the Night Before Christmas is made for snuggles and cuddles. Bring your favourite Christmas book, teddy, and dress in festive jammies (if you want!) Winter Wonderland is full of SNOW (the warm kind 😉 ) and kiddos get to throw snow, blow snow, and even maybe have a little (tiny) snowball fight!
There are also two package options this year! One for those who know they just need handful of beautiful images for Christmas cards and gifts, and another for those of you who know you’ll never be able to narrow it down to a handful and want to pre-purchase them all! The All Inclusive package offers an early-bird savings of $140 over upgrading at the time of your ordering session, for those of you who love a good deal. 😉
WHEN? This year, there is no set date for this “event”! The sets will be up from now until November 7th. When you book, please note THREE possible dates and times that work best for you and I will find something mutually agreeable in my schedule. I am available Monday-Thursday 2pm-5pm, Fridays 9am-5pm, and Saturday October 30th and Sunday November 7th. 🙂
WHERE? The Raindance Studio in Callander, Ontario.
WHAT ARE THE PACKAGES?
BASIC – 20 minute mini session, private online ordering gallery, 5 digital files of your choice delivered via online download and 50% off Holiday Cards – $140+hst
ALL INCLUSIVE – 20 minute mini session, private online ordering gallery for prints and products (if you’d like), ALL DIGITAL FILES (minimum 30) without needing to choose, delivered via USB with matching 4×6 colour prints, & 50% off Holiday Cards – $350+hst.
HOW CAN I BOOK?
Click this link, fill out THIS BOOKING FORM, and wait for me to contact you to confirm your session date! 🙂 $50 deposit is required to hold your space (remainder of package fee including hst is due by the day of your session).
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to email me at info@raindancephoto.ca.
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
This year has completely gotten away on me. I keep thinking I have way more time to do all the things I want/need to get done, and then I look at the calendar and realize that I don’t. It’s October, time is barrelling on, before we know it the snow will be flying again! Usually, I’m able to get my marketing material out there for promotional events before people start inquiring whether or not I’ll be “doing minis” for the year. This year, I’m so behind the ball that I’ve nearly fully booked the “Tree Farm” event before I’ve even advertised them (so grateful!)
With all that said, I have TWO timeslots left for this years’ Tree Farm Mini Event, which will take place at Black Forest Park in North Bay again.
When? Saturday November 6th, 2021 @ 3:40pm and 4pm.
Where? Black Forest Park, North Bay (in the evergreen trees).
How Much? $140+hst includes 20 minute session (this is plenty of time for one immediate family, I’m efficient 😛 ) private online ordering gallery with options to upgrade your package, 5 digital files of your choice delivered via online download gallery, 50% off Holiday Cards & envelopes.
Is a Deposit Required? Yes, a $50 deposit is required to hold your spot (via EMT, PayPal, or Square for secure online credit card processing) with the remainder due the day of your session. Please do not send your deposit until I have contacted you to confirm that there are still timeslots left for you.
Awesome, how do I sign up? Click this link, fill out the form, submit electronically and I will be in touch within 48 hours: Tree Farm Mini Booking Form
Will you be having Indoor Christmas Minis this year? YES! Because the set is large and cumbersome (think multiple Christmas trees, piles of fake snow, twinkle lights, and snowballs) I haven’t yet set it up so that I can photograph it and show you what it looks like, which is why booking hasn’t opened for these yet. I plan to do this after my next studio cake smash session this week, and will open booking likely next week. They will take place some time in the first two weeks of November. There will be TWO sets (Winter Wonderland AND T’was the Night Before Christmas – think Christmas jammies and snuggles on a Christmas themed bed set). I know some of you are dying with anticipation for these, hang tight! They’re coming, I promise! 😉
For now, here are some of my Tree Farm favourites from last year! Enjoy!
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
Hi everyone! Earlier this year, I set a little social media goal for my business to reach 1,000 Followers on Instagram. I have nearly 4K followers on Facebook, and Instagram was feeling a little bit lonely, so I thought I’d give everyone a little bit of incentive to pop on over and show my IG social page some love! I was so thrilled to hit the 1K mark a few weeks ago, and as promised, in celebration I am giving away a FREE PORTRAIT SESSION to one lucky winner!
The Giveaway is officially open now! Please head on over to my Instagram Account @raindance_photography and enter for a chance to win! For logistical purposes, and because this was a goal specific to Instagram, the giveway will happen solely on the IG platform. If you don’t already have an IG account, this may be a fabulous time to get one! 😉
All of the legal mumbo jumbo and official rules and regulations are here, as well as instructions on how to enter. Good luck everyone! Can’t wait to see who wins! 🙂
INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS
NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER and Raindance Photography will never contact anyone for financial information of any sort during the course of any contest. If a participant is contacted privately by a user claiming to be Raindance Photography regarding this contest, especially asking for financial information, please contact @raindance_photography or email info@raindancephoto.ca and also report that user directly to Instagram.
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
Time seems to just be flying by too fast for me to keep up! My mind is still stuck somewhere in August, but the calendar reminds me that we’re mid-way through October, so I thought I’d better open up the bookings for the Tree Farm Mini Event this year! There are only FIVE timeslots available this year, so if you’re interested, please contact me soon!
WHEN IS THE EVENT?
Saturday November 7, 2020. Rain date will be Sunday November 8th, so please hold both dates, just in case. Timeslots run for up to 30 minutes every half hour from 1:30pm-4pm for best light (There are 5 timeslots, total).
WHERE?
North Bay, Ontario. Full location details will be given on booking.
WHAT’S THE DEAL?
$140+hst – Up to 30 minute session (immediate families only, or just your children, or pets… Whatever you need beautiful portraits of! Extended Families will need to book 2 timeslots so that we have enough time).
8 digital files of your choice in colour and black and white, in both print quality and web-format, which you choose from a private online ordering gallery. Upgrade options are available for anyone wishing to have more than the 8 images that come with the package. Files are then delivered via online download gallery as soon as full retouching is complete.
READY TO BOOK?
Great! I can’t wait to work with you! Please contact me to begin the booking process. I will send you a booking contract and styling questionnaire to get to know you and your family better, to help your session go as smoothly as possible. If you contact me and do not hear back, please check your junk folders.
I can’t even believe it’s that time of year again already! I thought I had so much time left before I needed to open bookings for my Fall Family Mini Event this year, but then the crisp weather snuck up on me and reminded me that NOW is the time!
I don’t even need to mention that this year is different than other years for so many reasons… We will be homeschooling our kiddos this year, and as a result, my availability has changed drastically, reducing the number of sessions that I can accept each month. These Fall Mini Timeslots will be offered at a discounted price over my regular minis, as they will all be happening on two days when I have availability. If you require a date that is different from what is offered here, it is possible, but regular rates will apply.
So, WHEN IS THE EVENT?
Friday October 9th and Saturday October 10th. Timeslots run for 20 minutes every half hour from 9am-11am AND 3pm-5:30pm (There are 9 timeslots each day, total).
WHERE?
Callander, Ontario. Full location details will be given on booking.
WHAT’S THE DEAL?
20 minute session (immediate families only, or just your children, or pets… Whatever you need beautiful portraits of! Extended Families will need to book 2 timeslots so that we have enough time).
8 digital files of your choice in colour and black and white, in both print quality and web-format, which you choose from a private online ordering gallery. Upgrade options are available for anyone wishing to have more than the 8 images that come with the package. Files are then delivered via online download gallery as soon as full retouching is complete.
READY TO BOOK?
Great! I can’t wait to work with you! Please contact me to begin the booking process. I will send you a booking contract and styling questionnaire to get to know you and your family better, to help your session go as smoothly as possible. 🙂 If you contact me and do not hear back, please check your junk folders. 😛
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
After three long months of not being allowed to pick up my camera and photograph clients as a result of the pandemic, I was so ready to jump back into it when I finally got the go ahead to see this adorable little family! We did a Mommy & Me session with a little something extra for Jill and Mac back in June, and I’m IN LOVE with how it all turned out! Memories in Motion Films always tug at my heart strings – to capture video of expressions, movements, and words so that we can look back and remember not just how we looked, but how our mannerisms were and how we SOUNDED as well. Nothing gets me more than listening back on my children’s tiny little voices from their younger years, now that they’re getting older and their voices are getting deeper all the time.
I will be offering a special promo for AUGUST ONLY, and there are only THREE of these deals available:
You can check out package pricing here. Contact me if you’d like to snag one of these offers! 🙂
For now, please enjoy this sweet session, and 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
As we near the end of May, I wanted to give you a bit of an update as to wear I stand on re-opening. At this time, photographers are not mentioned in any government documentation, and we have been pushing to be included so that we can be certain about the legalities of going back to work again, when the time comes. As of today, some wonderful colleagues have gotten an answer from the Canadian Government Agency for Essential Services that we may be able to begin taking clients again as long as we can adhere to strict physical distancing guidelines and wear proper PPE while doing so (newborn sessions excluded). No official green light has been given, and we have nothing in writing at this point, but this is very promising news!
Being that we are currently only in Stage 1 of the re-opening plan, I am not going to jump the gun and start having sessions immediately, but rather have decided that I will begin accepting bookings for outdoor sessions to take place after July 6, 2020 (obviously completely dependent on whether or not the numbers situation continues to stay stable or improve). I’m also keeping in mind that even though we may be granted permission to begin shooting again, many of my favourite locations (specifically beaches) are currently inaccessible to gather on, so I’m hoping that this restriction might be lifted by July.
In the meantime, I am working on developing updated studio policies, updated contracts, and acquiring the proper recommended PPE. I cannot WAIT to begin photographing your families again and will be offering a super awesome promotion that will be valid July-September, details will come soon!
To all of my Barrie clients who have sessions booked with me in June, I will be in touch within the next week to discuss options for rescheduling your session to July or August. If you would like to reach out and contact me about this sooner than that, please don’t hesitate to do so!
Thank you all for your continued understanding and support. I miss my clients so very much, and am so excited at the idea of being back at it (in some capacity) soon!
Take care,
Stephanie, Raindance Photography
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
What an amazing experience! Stephanie was super comfortable to work with and exceeded all expectations!
Stephanie is an amazing photographer who is very friendly and professional. We have always enjoyed ourselves and have felt comfortable and relaxed during our photo sessions with her. She is the type of person you feel like you’ve known… Read more
I just loved doing our gender reveal photoshoot. It was so much fun and I just love the pictures. I can’t stop looking at the blog!! I can’t believe I am having another girl! It is so awesome to have that moment captured forever.… Read more
Great with my baby and offers lots of choice!
We have been clients of Raindance Photography for years. She has documented my child’s life from around age one, and I treasure all of the photos she has taken. My son has some significant disabilities, and Stephanie has always been ki… Read more
Stephanie did our Newborn and mommy and me photos this year and did such an amazing job! The way she handled our daughter during the newborn session had my husband and I in awe.. she was so calm/gentle and so professional. I Highly rec… Read more
Loved our family photo’s! Very accommodating and great with kids 🙂 Excellent Customer Service! Nothing but 5*’s for Raindance Photography!
Amazing photographer, some of our best family photos are from Stephanie.
Just wanted to say thank you for the GREAT experience! I was so disappointed at the hospital when the nurses were too busy to get a family picture of the 3 of us. After having our photo session with you, I felt a lot better. You … Read more
We have had the pleasure of using Stephanie at Raindance Photography for at least 3 extended family photo shoots. Her work is lovely, she is friendly, great at communication and so adaptive when working with our family with ages baby t… Read more
Stephanie is amazing. She is always calm and able to capture great photos, even when the littles are not at their best! She is gentle, relaxed, and the children always respond to her! She does amazing work.
Steph did my son’s cake smash pictures for his first birthday & they were AMAZING. My family absolutely loved them all! We had a wonderful experience too, very professional, friendly & outgoing. We got the best smiles out of my little … Read more
Stephanie made our newborn session a special experience! Her studio is clean, organized, and professional. She totally takes control by helping sooth the baby. She definitely has the most care and patience I’ve seen and a special vi… Read more
From boudoir to kids to family – this lady will amaze you with her ability to capture your moment! The kids photos are so life-like, real… showing the personality, the age, innocence, and mischievousness! Family portraits are fun, r… Read more
Stephanie has been taking our family photos for years and they never disappoint! She’s amazing with the kids and always gets so many great shots that I have a hard time making decisions on which to get. Pro tip – get the package that i… Read more
Words can’t express the amount of admiration I have for this photographer. She is capturing all of the biggest moments of my familys life. She has a natural talent that you cannot teach anyone. Her pictures are beautiful and she is so … Read more
We have been having our photos taken with Steph at least once a year for the past few years! Every time I book an appointment, I am so excited. she is amazing with kids and always gets pictures when I don’t think we will. We are st… Read more
My husband and I have had the pleasure of working with Stephanie 3 times now and it was always a wonderful experience. She makes you feel very comfortable in front of the camera and she was also just amazing with my son when he was onl… Read more
Stephanie from Raindance Photography did our amazing family photos, she was absolutely fantastic. My family “may” have been at each other’s throats mere seconds before arriving at her studio, but with her friendly, easy-going nature, … Read more
I am a firm believer in the importance of recommendation. I think that when someone, or a company (big or small) goes above and beyond your expectations you should not only tell them, but tell others! My husband and I had such a diff… Read more