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Baby Mugshots are the funny way of capturing your tiny baby’s big personality with a series of expressions in black and white images.

When a Newborn Arrives Awake

When a newborn arrives awake for their session, I would worry in the past, but now I create Baby Mugshots. I simply will wrap the baby and let them squirm and look around. They can stay awake and we are able to capture their little personality. This often tires them out and soon they are getting heavy eyelids and wanting a little nap or snack.

It Is Not Always Simple or Easy

This looks like it is easy capturing the pictures but if you understand newborns than you understand how very hard the session can be. They have little head control and keep flinging their head and body around. Their little eyes are still immature and they cannot hold a gaze very well. Their eyes wander, they cannot typically track, which means to follow an object or focus on anything with intention for long. Sometimes their eyes are a little jaundiced and look yellow and many will have broken blood vessels. I would venture to guess 80% of newborns also go crosseyed majority of the time. While one cross eyes picture gives us a giggle, 9 are not as funny.

Patience is the Key to Capturing All the Sweet Expressions

Taking baby mugshots requires a very awake baby, if they arrive sleepy it may not work out. They are constantly moving around, their eyes are immature and not looking at the camera 95% of the time. Sometimes they are not happy being set down and want to be cuddled. Awake babies are often not content to be left alone. Often over 100+ pictures are taken to capture nine they are perfect for the collage.

The Funny Name of Baby Mugshots

The best part is the name of these sweet pictures. ‘Baby Mugshot’ is a bit of an oxymoron. You know that mugshots are for bad guys who broke the law and got caught but a sweet innocent baby? Nope! it makes a good joke and people are instantly intrigued.

Can I use this for my Baby’s Passport?

No. There are certain requirements for passport photographs and you should reach out to Service Canada to find out the requirements. I do not do Passport Photos but Shoppers Drug Mart on Crown Street or Staples on Rothesay Avenue in Saint John. I am not focused on capturing their perfect technical requirements for a passport but rather art for your home.

Baby Mugshots are the funny way of capturing your tiny baby’s big personality with a series of expressions in black and white images.

When a Newborn Arrives Awake

When a newborn arrives awake for their session, I would worry in the past, but now I create Baby Mugshots. I simply will wrap the baby and let them squirm and look around. They can stay awake and we are able to capture their little personality. This often tires them out and soon they are getting heavy eyelids and wanting a little nap or snack.

It Is Not Always Simple or Easy

This looks like it is easy capturing the pictures but if you understand newborns than you understand how very hard the session can be. They have little head control and keep flinging their head and body around. Their little eyes are still immature and they cannot hold a gaze very well. Their eyes wander, they cannot typically track, which means to follow an object or focus on anything with intention for long. Sometimes their eyes are a little jaundiced and look yellow and many will have broken blood vessels. I would venture to guess 80% of newborns also go crosseyed majority of the time. While one cross eyes picture gives us a giggle, 9 are not as funny.

Patience is the Key to Capturing All the Sweet Expressions

Taking baby mugshots requires a very awake baby, if they arrive sleepy it may not work out. They are constantly moving around, their eyes are immature and not looking at the camera 95% of the time. Sometimes they are not happy being set down and want to be cuddled. Awake babies are often not content to be left alone. Often over 100+ pictures are taken to capture nine they are perfect for the collage.

The Funny Name of Baby Mugshots

The best part is the name of these sweet pictures. ‘Baby Mugshot’ is a bit of an oxymoron. You know that mugshots are for bad guys who broke the law and got caught but a sweet innocent baby? Nope! it makes a good joke and people are instantly intrigued.

Can I use this for my Baby’s Passport?

No. There are certain requirements for passport photographs and you should reach out to Service Canada to find out the requirements. I do not do Passport Photos but Shoppers Drug Mart on Crown Street or Staples on Rothesay Avenue in Saint John. I am not focused on capturing their perfect technical requirements for a passport but rather art for your home.

One of the most difficult parts of stocking a newborn studio is what to carry. There are thousands of options for backdrops, props, accessories. In reality we need to carry every colour in the rainbow.

What colour do the majority of our clients ask for their newborn session? The answer is neutrals. Cream, white, grey or brown. Very simple and classic. They goal is for these pictures to look amazing in every room in their home.

Every now and then clients will tell us to surprise them. I personally love when a client types this in their questionnaire! I already know what colours are found in their home (because I always ask before designing the gallery) and this allows me use the colour wheel and pick pops of colour that will coordinate and compliment.

Choose Whatever You Want

Sometimes there is a new colour backdrop waiting to be used and I cannot wait till I hear the magic words to choose whatever…*insert happy dance*

The collage below is almost every colour I have in stock but I know I am missing a few. There are a few greys missing, creams and I know there are a couple bright pinks that a waiting for the perfect berry themed session. There are also multiple shades of blue I know I am missing from the pictures below.

Every Colour is Chosen with a Tone in Mind

Despite have such a wide variety, I still keep my colours within the rustic colour range. Nearly every colour is found not only in the rainbow but also within nature. I shy away from the overly bold and neon colours because I found they are not consistent with my style and rarely requested.

When booking your newborn session do not be afraid of a little pop of colour and feel free to refer to this collage in the future. My assistant and I love when people request a colour we rarely use!

One of the most difficult parts of stocking a newborn studio is what to carry. There are thousands of options for backdrops, props, accessories. In reality we need to carry every colour in the rainbow.

What colour do the majority of our clients ask for their newborn session? The answer is neutrals. Cream, white, grey or brown. Very simple and classic. They goal is for these pictures to look amazing in every room in their home.

Every now and then clients will tell us to surprise them. I personally love when a client types this in their questionnaire! I already know what colours are found in their home (because I always ask before designing the gallery) and this allows me use the colour wheel and pick pops of colour that will coordinate and compliment.

Choose Whatever You Want

Sometimes there is a new colour backdrop waiting to be used and I cannot wait till I hear the magic words to choose whatever…*insert happy dance*

The collage below is almost every colour I have in stock but I know I am missing a few. There are a few greys missing, creams and I know there are a couple bright pinks that a waiting for the perfect berry themed session. There are also multiple shades of blue I know I am missing from the pictures below.

Every Colour is Chosen with a Tone in Mind

Despite have such a wide variety, I still keep my colours within the rustic colour range. Nearly every colour is found not only in the rainbow but also within nature. I shy away from the overly bold and neon colours because I found they are not consistent with my style and rarely requested.

When booking your newborn session do not be afraid of a little pop of colour and feel free to refer to this collage in the future. My assistant and I love when people request a colour we rarely use!

Now Offering Headshots

We are growing a little and adding to what the studio offers: Saint John headshots are now available for clients to book. From a simple headshot that you can use on social media and to more contemporary that will allow you to stand out from the competition. Images that can be used on your social profiles, dating sites, billboards and printed collateral.

Why Headshots?

Why are we offering professional headshots after years of focusing and specializing in babies and families? Many of our parents are returning to work after their 12-18 month maternity and parental leaves. They feel the need to update their current profiles to reflect the new stage in their life. This was a need and request from many of our clients.

The focus of the studio has been newborns and families (and still remains the main niche) but every month our clients would mention they need a headshot. They wanted the same quality they have experienced with their family photos and above all they wanted it to be easy.

We also receive emails each month from new clients who needed a headshot yesterday (it is always rushed) and often the calendar wouldn’t allow such short notice. The schedule has been adjusted to allow for headshots each week.

How We Are Different

Our clients love knowing every detail is taken care of when it comes to their portraits and with headshots it will be no different. You need it to be fast, easy and simplified, we can make it happen quicker then a lunch break.

Unlike our typical sessions that require emails and planning, the headshots are streamlined and simple. Often time is lost between emailing, instead we decided to go with an online booking system. Pick the date and time that works best for your schedule.

Pay easily online and receive your receipt for tax purposes, show up and the entire session will take 10 minutes. Want more variety and full body poses? A contemporary headshot may be the session for you. This simplified system makes your life easier. As a result, getting headshots is less stressfull!

Classic and modern headshots that will give you the professionalism you need in your career.

Click here to review the two different types of sessions and book yours today.

Now Offering Headshots

We are growing a little and adding to what the studio offers: Saint John headshots are now available for clients to book. From a simple headshot that you can use on social media and to more contemporary that will allow you to stand out from the competition. Images that can be used on your social profiles, dating sites, billboards and printed collateral.

Why Headshots?

Why are we offering professional headshots after years of focusing and specializing in babies and families? Many of our parents are returning to work after their 12-18 month maternity and parental leaves. They feel the need to update their current profiles to reflect the new stage in their life. This was a need and request from many of our clients.

The focus of the studio has been newborns and families (and still remains the main niche) but every month our clients would mention they need a headshot. They wanted the same quality they have experienced with their family photos and above all they wanted it to be easy.

We also receive emails each month from new clients who needed a headshot yesterday (it is always rushed) and often the calendar wouldn’t allow such short notice. The schedule has been adjusted to allow for headshots each week.

How We Are Different

Our clients love knowing every detail is taken care of when it comes to their portraits and with headshots it will be no different. You need it to be fast, easy and simplified, we can make it happen quicker then a lunch break.

Unlike our typical sessions that require emails and planning, the headshots are streamlined and simple. Often time is lost between emailing, instead we decided to go with an online booking system. Pick the date and time that works best for your schedule.

Pay easily online and receive your receipt for tax purposes, show up and the entire session will take 10 minutes. Want more variety and full body poses? A contemporary headshot may be the session for you. This simplified system makes your life easier. As a result, getting headshots is less stressfull!

Classic and modern headshots that will give you the professionalism you need in your career.

Click here to review the two different types of sessions and book yours today.

Choosing outfits for an outdoor family session can feel daunting. If time is of the essence the stress can feel overwhelming. Sizes, colours, is there enough in stock? How about we say no matching but instead try coordinating?

Matching Causes Missed Focus

Focus goes to the outfit when everyone matches

It is a funny trick with the eye! When your brain sees everyone matches, the focus goes to the outfits. If the goal was to have people notice the faces rather then the outfits, it produces the opposite result.

The fit may not flatter everyone. 

Children are built differently, adults are too and that universal outfit may not flatter everyone in the same way. There is nothing worse then wearing an outfit that you know is unflattering or uncomfortable. You might able to hide it from the camera for a few minutes but not for the entire session. Trust me, I have seen the results.

Shopping Stress

Finding all matching in everyone’s sizes can be more stressful. You can often find 3 out of 4 but that fourth will cause grey hairs. Every store will be devoid of that one simple and standard white shirt you covet and because the theme is everyone is the same, there are not options.

Try Coordinating Colours and Theme

Coordinating is using similar colours or a theme. The first question I ask is, think of the colours already found in your home and what would coordinate in the room your pictures will hang? Do you have a light and airy living room? Or dark and moody? Modern?

If the final result is going to live on a wall in your home, let the style of the room and colours of the room be the guide. More casual and country? Or maybe a little formal and dressy? Keep everyone’s outfits on the same level of style.

Colour Building Blocks

Denim, khaki, black, grey and white are all considered neutrals, use those as your base. Those colours will all mix and match nicely together. Consider these the building blocks for colour. You can add or take away from them. 1-2 people can wear denim and another khaki pants and it doesn’t look off. The entire family could be in building block colours and look good together.

Add 2-3 Colours

Now you can add 2-4 colours. This may feel a bit scary but you know the building blocks are the foundation, adding a couple colours together is the fun part that gives you more options. I love to use Pinterest for inspiration and if you click on this link it will take you too a board I made there with loads of outfit suggestions.

Happy Shopping

I hope these tips help for figuring out what everyone should wear when they have an outdoor family session.

Matching in the studio works a little better because the background is the exact same. It aesthetically looks better compared to taking those same outfits outside into nature. Outside, try coordinating and avoiding the white t-shirts.

Choosing outfits for an outdoor family session can feel daunting. If time is of the essence the stress can feel overwhelming. Sizes, colours, is there enough in stock? How about we say no matching but instead try coordinating?

Matching Causes Missed Focus

Focus goes to the outfit when everyone matches

It is a funny trick with the eye! When your brain sees everyone matches, the focus goes to the outfits. If the goal was to have people notice the faces rather then the outfits, it produces the opposite result.

The fit may not flatter everyone. 

Children are built differently, adults are too and that universal outfit may not flatter everyone in the same way. There is nothing worse then wearing an outfit that you know is unflattering or uncomfortable. You might able to hide it from the camera for a few minutes but not for the entire session. Trust me, I have seen the results.

Shopping Stress

Finding all matching in everyone’s sizes can be more stressful. You can often find 3 out of 4 but that fourth will cause grey hairs. Every store will be devoid of that one simple and standard white shirt you covet and because the theme is everyone is the same, there are not options.

Try Coordinating Colours and Theme

Coordinating is using similar colours or a theme. The first question I ask is, think of the colours already found in your home and what would coordinate in the room your pictures will hang? Do you have a light and airy living room? Or dark and moody? Modern?

If the final result is going to live on a wall in your home, let the style of the room and colours of the room be the guide. More casual and country? Or maybe a little formal and dressy? Keep everyone’s outfits on the same level of style.

Colour Building Blocks

Denim, khaki, black, grey and white are all considered neutrals, use those as your base. Those colours will all mix and match nicely together. Consider these the building blocks for colour. You can add or take away from them. 1-2 people can wear denim and another khaki pants and it doesn’t look off. The entire family could be in building block colours and look good together.

Add 2-3 Colours

Now you can add 2-4 colours. This may feel a bit scary but you know the building blocks are the foundation, adding a couple colours together is the fun part that gives you more options. I love to use Pinterest for inspiration and if you click on this link it will take you too a board I made there with loads of outfit suggestions.

Happy Shopping

I hope these tips help for figuring out what everyone should wear when they have an outdoor family session.

Matching in the studio works a little better because the background is the exact same. It aesthetically looks better compared to taking those same outfits outside into nature. Outside, try coordinating and avoiding the white t-shirts.

My favorite lenses for newborn photography are pretty simple despite the hundreds of options on the market. After a decade of photographing newborns in my studio these are my personal opinions of what works best for my style.

Sigma Art 50mm 1.4 for Nikon

This is my go-to always grabbed lens. It is a workhorse, captures beautiful images, fast for toddlers and lovely bokeh. It is heavier than the Nikon 50mm 1.4/1.8 but I do not mind the extra weight. I can say this is my favorite lens for newborn photography.

These lenses have a tenacity for front and back focusing so calibration is a must. (FoCal is my tried and true calibration method). Using a mirrorless camera has made this a little easier to handle but I still expect there will be a day in my future to do some maintenance on the lens.

I love the fact that with a 50mm there is little distortion and it closely resembles what our human eyes can see.

If you are not a professional, grab the Nikon (or Canon) 50mm 1.8, they are great little lenses and affordable (if you could call buying lenses affordable).

Sigma Art 35mm 1.4 for Nikon

This baby sat on my camera for 5+ years and truly it is like an old friend. LIke the 50mm from Sigma Art, it is fast, sharp, and produces beautiful images. I have recalibrated that lens so many times I have lost count. 

It gives a wider perspective and therefore amazing outside but can produce some distortion. I learned the hard way that it would make babies’ heads and hands look too big if I was not careful! 

This lens is amazing for being able to shoot much closer to your subject. On the rare times I am working alone, this is my go-to lens of choice. Also it is perfect for standing on top of babies and photographing them. 

When I bought my first DSLR I realized I couldn’t use the lens my camera came with in our tiny little house. the 35mm 1.8 was the answer that I needed. The kids would be playing and I could snap their pictures easily and with room to spare.

Nikon 105mm 2.8 Macro 

You expected another Sigma Art lens? This lens was originally bought for wedding photography and macro images of the rings. In the studio it can create the most beautiful macros. 

Tiny details of babies that mother’s stare at daily and never want to forget. 

Macro shots are not something I do for every session but always if requested. They look amazing in albums.

Favorite Lens for Newborn Photography?

It would be the 50mm! When it comes down to it this is and has been my favorite for a long time.

This is a peak into my camera bag of my favorite lenses for newborn photography. I know other photographers will have different opinions, my friend swears by here 24-70mm! This will all come down to what works best for them and their style.

My favorite lenses for newborn photography are pretty simple despite the hundreds of options on the market. After a decade of photographing newborns in my studio these are my personal opinions of what works best for my style.

Sigma Art 50mm 1.4 for Nikon

This is my go-to always grabbed lens. It is a workhorse, captures beautiful images, fast for toddlers and lovely bokeh. It is heavier than the Nikon 50mm 1.4/1.8 but I do not mind the extra weight. I can say this is my favorite lens for newborn photography.

These lenses have a tenacity for front and back focusing so calibration is a must. (FoCal is my tried and true calibration method). Using a mirrorless camera has made this a little easier to handle but I still expect there will be a day in my future to do some maintenance on the lens.

I love the fact that with a 50mm there is little distortion and it closely resembles what our human eyes can see.

If you are not a professional, grab the Nikon (or Canon) 50mm 1.8, they are great little lenses and affordable (if you could call buying lenses affordable).

Sigma Art 35mm 1.4 for Nikon

This baby sat on my camera for 5+ years and truly it is like an old friend. LIke the 50mm from Sigma Art, it is fast, sharp, and produces beautiful images. I have recalibrated that lens so many times I have lost count. 

It gives a wider perspective and therefore amazing outside but can produce some distortion. I learned the hard way that it would make babies’ heads and hands look too big if I was not careful! 

This lens is amazing for being able to shoot much closer to your subject. On the rare times I am working alone, this is my go-to lens of choice. Also it is perfect for standing on top of babies and photographing them. 

When I bought my first DSLR I realized I couldn’t use the lens my camera came with in our tiny little house. the 35mm 1.8 was the answer that I needed. The kids would be playing and I could snap their pictures easily and with room to spare.

Nikon 105mm 2.8 Macro 

You expected another Sigma Art lens? This lens was originally bought for wedding photography and macro images of the rings. In the studio it can create the most beautiful macros. 

Tiny details of babies that mother’s stare at daily and never want to forget. 

Macro shots are not something I do for every session but always if requested. They look amazing in albums.

Favorite Lens for Newborn Photography?

It would be the 50mm! When it comes down to it this is and has been my favorite for a long time.

This is a peak into my camera bag of my favorite lenses for newborn photography. I know other photographers will have different opinions, my friend swears by here 24-70mm! This will all come down to what works best for them and their style.

There is something amazing when it comes to twins and this is how a session with twins is a little different compared to a singleton session.

The Cost is Not Different (despite the work being double)

The number one question from expecting twin parents is if the cost is double? The answer is NO, the cost is the same as it is for a single, or even triplet session. Why? Because the cost in the studio remains the same. The time for the session may be longer but it is pretty close to our average session time. 

An Assistant (not a parent) is Necessary for Twins

I prefer to use an assistant for every session, without one I am limited on the style and posing. Safety is a huge aspect of our work. With twins I need a second set of hands and need to help. Parents are sleep deprived (double!),  Mom is recovering and Dad is caring for Mom, therefore, I have an assistant to make it easier. 

Two people to help rock, cuddle, and keep safe hands inches away. When we do the pictures with one baby, the other is safely in the arms of someone else. We need all sets of hands!

Less Variety but Same Number of Images

Normally with every posed newborn session we aim for 4-6 setups but with twins we are doing double the work. Sometimes we have one (or two babies) who need a little extra love and the workload on our end is doubled. We aim for 3-4 setups max with twins but the upside is the fact Mom’s have two babies and that means often large galleries of images to choose from. There will be doubles of certain setups to account for each twin. This is one major reason how a session with twins is a little different because there are less setups.

We Have Limited Doubles for Props/Wraps

The studio is full of amazing props from all over the world, tiny outfits and cute little headbands. We pride ourselves on the large collection.

A very tiny amount is doubled for twins. Financially it doesn’t make sense to buy doubles every time, when we do not book multiples often enough. There are a few matching wraps, a couple matching headbands and bonnets. We often aim for similar but different colours. Some parents want everything matching, some nothing matching and some want a mixture.

We Hurt after a Session with Twins

My regular assistant and I LOVE doing twins because they are amazing and fill us with awe. What we don’t love is how our bodies ache after a long session with twice the burping, double the swaying, the back ache from being bent over the entire session with zero down time. It is worth the pain every time. We feel how a session with twins is a little different compared to a singleton after each session.

There is something amazing when it comes to twins and this is how a session with twins is a little different compared to a singleton session.

The Cost is Not Different (despite the work being double)

The number one question from expecting twin parents is if the cost is double? The answer is NO, the cost is the same as it is for a single, or even triplet session. Why? Because the cost in the studio remains the same. The time for the session may be longer but it is pretty close to our average session time. 

An Assistant (not a parent) is Necessary for Twins

I prefer to use an assistant for every session, without one I am limited on the style and posing. Safety is a huge aspect of our work. With twins I need a second set of hands and need to help. Parents are sleep deprived (double!),  Mom is recovering and Dad is caring for Mom, therefore, I have an assistant to make it easier. 

Two people to help rock, cuddle, and keep safe hands inches away. When we do the pictures with one baby, the other is safely in the arms of someone else. We need all sets of hands!

Less Variety but Same Number of Images

Normally with every posed newborn session we aim for 4-6 setups but with twins we are doing double the work. Sometimes we have one (or two babies) who need a little extra love and the workload on our end is doubled. We aim for 3-4 setups max with twins but the upside is the fact Mom’s have two babies and that means often large galleries of images to choose from. There will be doubles of certain setups to account for each twin. This is one major reason how a session with twins is a little different because there are less setups.

We Have Limited Doubles for Props/Wraps

The studio is full of amazing props from all over the world, tiny outfits and cute little headbands. We pride ourselves on the large collection.

A very tiny amount is doubled for twins. Financially it doesn’t make sense to buy doubles every time, when we do not book multiples often enough. There are a few matching wraps, a couple matching headbands and bonnets. We often aim for similar but different colours. Some parents want everything matching, some nothing matching and some want a mixture.

We Hurt after a Session with Twins

My regular assistant and I LOVE doing twins because they are amazing and fill us with awe. What we don’t love is how our bodies ache after a long session with twice the burping, double the swaying, the back ache from being bent over the entire session with zero down time. It is worth the pain every time. We feel how a session with twins is a little different compared to a singleton after each session.