Callander Newborn Photographer
Studio Re-Opening Announcement | North Bay & Callander Photographer
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!
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
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
Studio Cleaning/Sick Policy Update – IPAC | North Bay & Callander Photographer
Well folks, it’s been a week, hasn’t it? Last weekend, I saw a meme floating around on Facebook that mentioned daylight savings time, a full moon, and Friday the 13th happening all in the same week. I laughed, and then sat back and watched madness unfold in front of my eyes over the next 5 days.
I’m not the type that gets caught up in mass hysteria. Heck, I don’t even generally watch the news. This week though, I’ve been following the development of Covid-19 and its impact on the world very closely. As a mom and a small business owner, I am left with some very important responsibilities: 1. Ensure the safety of my family (which includes 2 individuals with chronic lung conditions) as well as my most vulnerable clients; and 2: Continue providing a quality service and product to clients who need it, while also ensuring a clean and safe environment for all.
As a result of growing concerns, in order to protect both my own family and all of my clients, I am taking the following precautions in my studio:
- Disinfecting all surfaces between clients. Hard surfaces are washed with disinfecting cleaners. Soft fabrics and surfaces will be limited to newborn sessions only, and will be sanitized between each session. Fabrics (such as furs) that cannot go through the washer’s sanitizing cycle will be steam cleaned.
- Liberal ongoing hand washing and use of hand sanitizer during sessions, when needed. Proper hand hygiene is something I’ve always done and will continue to practice (especially with a previous background working in a hospital environment).
- I am also limiting access to my studio to healthy individuals only, and asking anyone who is exhibiting any symptoms at all (especially cough, sore throat, runny nose, respiratory difficulty or fever) to reschedule their session until they have been symptom free for at least 14 days.
- I am also asking anyone who’s travelled out of the country in the last month, or has had access to anyone who’s been in contact with infected individuals to reschedule to a later date.
- I am also committed to rescheduling sessions in the event that myself or anyone in my family exhibit symptoms of any kind.
- I am booking down at this time, only accepting one booking per day.
- I have temporarily placed all volume mini events on hold, so that clients are not arriving back-to-back.
- I will continue to stay up to date and informed through reputable news sources.
I understand that this is a trying time for everyone, and photographs are probably at the bottom of anyone’s list of priorities right now. However, if you do wish to book a session, but are unsure about the current climate and are afraid to put down a deposit to secure your space, I am waiving my Deposit/Retainer Policy for the next 12 weeks. Typically, in order to book a session, a client is required to put down a deposit to secure their time-slot. Due to uncertainty at this time, I will waive this requirement with the request that you give me at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule in the event of illness. Full payment will be due at the time of your session, but my hope is to eliminate any booking anxiety.
If you have any questions or concerns or would like to book a session for yourself, please contact me via this website or by emailing info@raindancephoto.ca If you don’t receive a response from me within 48 hours, please check your junk folders. 🙂
Much love,
Stephanie
Owner/Photographer
Raindance Photography
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
Noah | North Bay & Callander Newborn Photographer
Little Noah and his adorable family were my very first session of 2020. I can’t think of a better way to have started my year! His session was a sort of hybrid lifestyle/classic newborn session, which included some posed images as well as many candid ones. I’m in love with the resulting gallery, but I think I’m even MORE in love with his Memories in Motion Film (which are now available as an added upgrade to sessions for a limited time introductory price of $200+hst)
Studio newborn sessions are going to be available in my brand new Callander Photography Studio within the next 1-2 weeks, and I am SO EXCITED! I’ve had many inquiries for packages and pricing lately, so if you’ve been curious about booking a session for yourself, you can find my packages by clicking through to my pricing page here. I’d be happy to answer any questions that you may have, so feel free to Contact Me at any time. 🙂
For now, please enjoy this sweet film and images from Noah’s newborn session. Thanks for visiting!
**Enjoy with your sound on, for the best viewing experience** 🙂
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
Claire | North Bay & Callander Newborn Photographer
I had the opportunity to meet Claire and her lovely family back in November for her studio style newborn session. She was originally scheduled to come in to my studio for her session, but because of serious construction delays, I brought my little mobile studio to her home instead, and the show went on! 🙂 She was a dream to work with, and I was able to get a short, quick little Memories in Motion Film to help her parents remember just how little bitty she was in those first, fleeting days of her life.
My studio will be done in the next two weeks, now, and I cannot WAIT to start seeing aaalll the newborns, babies, families, kiddos AND pets in it as soon as my doors officially open! Keep your eyes peeled for grand opening door crasher deals! The first one will be at pricing that I have never offered before and will never offer again after this event, and I’m SO EXCITED! 😀 😀 😀
For now, enjoy some beautiful images and an adorable film from Claire’s studio newborn session! 😉
**Watch aaalll the way to the end (sound on) for an adorable outtake!**
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
Ava’s Lifestyle Newborn Session | North Bay & Callander Newborn Photographer
Late last year, I had the pleasure of meeting sweet little newborn Ava and her family in her Grandparents’ home in North Bay for a lifestyle newborn session. As you can see from these images, lifestyle newborn sessions take place in your home, using your surroundings as your backdrop; setting the scene for real, candid, raw emotion in your portraits. This session also included a Memories in Motion Film (LOVE these!)
I will continue offering Lifestyle Sessions in client’s homes, as I love them dearly. I have to share some exciting news, though! MY STUDIO in Callander is going to be complete and ready for business SOON! Like in the next 2 weeks(ish) soon! I am so excited, I can hardly contain myself! I will be offering a bunch of Grand Opening Promotional Mini Events – if you don’t want to miss them, I highly suggest subscribing to this blog (at the bottom of this website) or following my Facebook Page, as I will post here as soon as booking is available for those discounted events!
For now, please enjoy Ava’s Lifestyle Newborn Session!
And here are some of our favourite images from her 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
2019 Client Appreciation Contest | North Bay & Callander Photographer
I look forward to this moment from the very beginning of the year each year! There is nothing I love more than being able to host the Client Appreciation Contest as a big huge “Thank You” to every one of the clients who chooses to hire me each year. You could have chosen any one of a massive quantity of other photographers in this area, but you didn’t. You chose me, and for that, I am truly thankful!
So, in appreciation, each year I host this contest where you have an opportunity to win everything from an entirely free session to gift cards, canvas, and a mounted print!
So, What Are These Prizes!?
Grand Prize (Winner selected via random.org) – Complimentary All Inclusive Portrait Session ($960 Value)
Secondary Prize 1 – $200 Gift Certificate to use towards any Raindance Photography service in 2020. I’m always really excited about Secondary Prize 1, as it is chosen by the Grand prize winner! The Grand Prize winner will be required to go through the entries and select which one they think most deserves this prize!
Secondary Prize 2 (Winner calculated by number of Facebook Votes Received) – 16×20 Gallery Wrap Canvas (1″) of the entry submitted.
Secondary Prize 3 (Winner calculated by number of Facebook Votes Received) – 16×20 Mounted Wall Print of the entry submitted.
Secondary Prize 4 (Winner calculated by number of Facebook Votes Received) – $100 Gift Certificate to use towards any Raindance Service.
How Do We Enter?
- Choose 1 favourite image from your session with me in 2019. If you had more than one session with me, choose one image from EACH session!
- Tell me WHY it is your favourite image! (In one paragraph or less)
Entering this year couldn’t be easier. Just CLICK HERE and fill out the form, upload your image, and press “submit!”
Deadline for submissions is January 18, 2020, at midnight.
When Will Voting Begin?
The Contest Album will be uploaded to Facebook on Tuesday January 7, 2020, as soon as entries begin rolling in. Voting will run until January 21, 2020, at midnight. Winners will be announced on Wednesday January 22nd, via the Raindance Photography Blog.
