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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.

Why is it so hard to get your new baby to sleep? Some babies are amazing little sleepers and others need a little help. Here are my top 3 ways to help a newborn sleep.

1. Shushing Machine

Babies spent 9 months listening to the loud whoosh sound of your heart and now they are in this huge QUIET world. Some babies find the silence lonely and unfamiliar. When your baby is crying what do you do? Shh, shh, shh! You naturally make the familiar heartbeat sound that soothes them (nature is amazing!) but doing this for a few hours is exhausting.

Here at the studio in Saint John, we use the Baby Shusher here. This little machine can sit in their crib or dresser, uses double A batteries, can be turned up or down and lasts about 30 minutes. I love the fact the batteries are screwed in for extra childproofing and safety. 

Babies will listen to the familiar whoosh sound and fall asleep.

2. Swaddling

Swaddling is an art. We swaddle your babies everyday and can say some babies love to wiggle out. Those swaddle wraps that are on the market are awesome! If your baby is struggling to sleep, swaddling may be the answer. As they get older they love to stretch out but when they are fresh and newborn, swaddling may make them feel all squished and comforted like the womb again. 

That mild pressure of feeling like they are being held can help them drift off to sleep and stay asleep a little longer. For safety reasons follow the manufacturers instructions and next swaddle around the neck.

3. Warmth

The third way to help babies sleep is about about the temperature. Babies have immature little systems and do not regulate body heat as well as we do. They like it WARM. If their hands or feet are cold, they are often too cold. Turn the heat up, dress them in more layers. Use sleep sacks for crib sleeping to keep them warm and safe. 

Often parents complain their babies wake up the moment they lay them down and often it is because of that cool bed feeling. We might love to lay down and feel the cool side of a pillow but babies do not. Rub the mattress with your hand and warm it up before lying your baby down. Do not use a heating pad (there are cases of babies being accidentally burned) but rubbing and making friction can do the job. 

We Use these Tips

I hope these 3 ways to help a newborn sleep will help! As professional baby handlers we are using these tips for every session to help a newborn to sleep because we know how critical each one is for a good nap! They may not seem like the simple answer but all three can help little ones drift off to sleep easier.

Why is it so hard to get your new baby to sleep? Some babies are amazing little sleepers and others need a little help. Here are my top 3 ways to help a newborn sleep.

1. Shushing Machine

Babies spent 9 months listening to the loud whoosh sound of your heart and now they are in this huge QUIET world. Some babies find the silence lonely and unfamiliar. When your baby is crying what do you do? Shh, shh, shh! You naturally make the familiar heartbeat sound that soothes them (nature is amazing!) but doing this for a few hours is exhausting.

Here at the studio in Saint John, we use the Baby Shusher here. This little machine can sit in their crib or dresser, uses double A batteries, can be turned up or down and lasts about 30 minutes. I love the fact the batteries are screwed in for extra childproofing and safety. 

Babies will listen to the familiar whoosh sound and fall asleep.

2. Swaddling

Swaddling is an art. We swaddle your babies everyday and can say some babies love to wiggle out. Those swaddle wraps that are on the market are awesome! If your baby is struggling to sleep, swaddling may be the answer. As they get older they love to stretch out but when they are fresh and newborn, swaddling may make them feel all squished and comforted like the womb again. 

That mild pressure of feeling like they are being held can help them drift off to sleep and stay asleep a little longer. For safety reasons follow the manufacturers instructions and next swaddle around the neck.

3. Warmth

The third way to help babies sleep is about about the temperature. Babies have immature little systems and do not regulate body heat as well as we do. They like it WARM. If their hands or feet are cold, they are often too cold. Turn the heat up, dress them in more layers. Use sleep sacks for crib sleeping to keep them warm and safe. 

Often parents complain their babies wake up the moment they lay them down and often it is because of that cool bed feeling. We might love to lay down and feel the cool side of a pillow but babies do not. Rub the mattress with your hand and warm it up before lying your baby down. Do not use a heating pad (there are cases of babies being accidentally burned) but rubbing and making friction can do the job. 

We Use these Tips

I hope these 3 ways to help a newborn sleep will help! As professional baby handlers we are using these tips for every session to help a newborn to sleep because we know how critical each one is for a good nap! They may not seem like the simple answer but all three can help little ones drift off to sleep easier.

A couple of weeks ago I had a great conversation with a doctor about the normal things your baby does. This doctor was also client and second time mom. We were able to chat over the next hour about what we see as professionals who see and handle babies. The best part was her confirming our knowledge of what was completely normal newborn behaviour.

They Never Stop Moving

Newborn are always wiggling and twitching in their sleep. Remember being pregnant and the constant feeling of them against you? Yup, it continues! The difference now is their reflexes are kicking in and that are not squished in a ball. How much they move varies baby to baby, some will never stop they little horizontal baby wiggles and others will have quieter moments.

Spitting Up

Amazing how much they can spit up and so quickly! It can feel like they have spit up their entire meal (and yes, sometimes they do!). Some babies will spit up frequently and they remain happy. Some will have a little overflow, burb and bring a little up. It can feel a little scary and worrisome when they do this and frustrating when other mothers nod their heads and do not have the same level of concern as you.

I know I am in this club, my oldest spit up constantly and we kept receiving blankets on hand to catch the mess. He was happy and calm but every meal meant a spitting up until he was about 6 months old.

If you baby is showing discomfort, curdled milk, discoloured milk or loosing weight seek medical help.

Never Wanting to Be Put Down

Newborns have spent 9 months in the womb and this big world can feel a little lonely and scary. Being in your arms means feeling safe and it is comforting to them.

It can make our lives as parents difficult because all we want is a little sleep! It is completely normal that your baby wants to be held 24/7.

Options are to swaddle your baby. There are swaddles on the market that will keep baby safe, give that gentle pressure that will feel like your arms.

You can trade time with your partner, while one cuddles and one sleeps. Call a friend or take up the offers from others who have told you to call them anytime. This is your village reaching out.

Wearing your baby in a carrier can give your arms back to you as well. There are so many carriers out there and even groups on social media for families who do ‘baby wearing’.

It’s Normal to not know what a normal baby does

It is completely normal to not know if what your baby is doing is normal! They are little strangers who did not arrive with an instruction manual. The best resources are to ask any friends and family, your family doctor, and nurses. Always go with your instincts and if some thing feels off to seek medical attention.

A new baby can feel overwhelming and second guessing yourself and this is all part of being a parent.

A couple of weeks ago I had a great conversation with a doctor about the normal things your baby does. This doctor was also client and second time mom. We were able to chat over the next hour about what we see as professionals who see and handle babies. The best part was her confirming our knowledge of what was completely normal newborn behaviour.

They Never Stop Moving

Newborn are always wiggling and twitching in their sleep. Remember being pregnant and the constant feeling of them against you? Yup, it continues! The difference now is their reflexes are kicking in and that are not squished in a ball. How much they move varies baby to baby, some will never stop they little horizontal baby wiggles and others will have quieter moments.

Spitting Up

Amazing how much they can spit up and so quickly! It can feel like they have spit up their entire meal (and yes, sometimes they do!). Some babies will spit up frequently and they remain happy. Some will have a little overflow, burb and bring a little up. It can feel a little scary and worrisome when they do this and frustrating when other mothers nod their heads and do not have the same level of concern as you.

I know I am in this club, my oldest spit up constantly and we kept receiving blankets on hand to catch the mess. He was happy and calm but every meal meant a spitting up until he was about 6 months old.

If you baby is showing discomfort, curdled milk, discoloured milk or loosing weight seek medical help.

Never Wanting to Be Put Down

Newborns have spent 9 months in the womb and this big world can feel a little lonely and scary. Being in your arms means feeling safe and it is comforting to them.

It can make our lives as parents difficult because all we want is a little sleep! It is completely normal that your baby wants to be held 24/7.

Options are to swaddle your baby. There are swaddles on the market that will keep baby safe, give that gentle pressure that will feel like your arms.

You can trade time with your partner, while one cuddles and one sleeps. Call a friend or take up the offers from others who have told you to call them anytime. This is your village reaching out.

Wearing your baby in a carrier can give your arms back to you as well. There are so many carriers out there and even groups on social media for families who do ‘baby wearing’.

It’s Normal to not know what a normal baby does

It is completely normal to not know if what your baby is doing is normal! They are little strangers who did not arrive with an instruction manual. The best resources are to ask any friends and family, your family doctor, and nurses. Always go with your instincts and if some thing feels off to seek medical attention.

A new baby can feel overwhelming and second guessing yourself and this is all part of being a parent.

This week gave me a nice little surprise, Enchanted Hill Photography was included in the Top 70 Newborn Photography websites. Considering there are thousands and thousands of newborn photographers it was nice to be included within this list.

Privately I was geeking out a little because some of the names are ‘big’ names. They are the educators and the artists that are leading the industry in artistry and technique. I have taken online courses from a few of them and to be in a list alongside of them? That is pretty exciting to me!

I know that anyone can make one of these lists and I have no idea what the criteria was but I am still a little humbled to have been noticed. I don’t post as much as I should on social media to market my work but my website I try to keep up to date.

This website has been live for 10 years and has had some drastic changes! It looks so different from 2011 and I keep changing it every few months to make it a better experience for anyone who comes opens it up in their browser.

If you want to scroll down you will find my website at #60!

There are so many amazing photographers and websites out there and I am sure if this was a large panel making this decisions the results would be completely different. Whatever the reason I am still thankful that someone took notice and included me in their list of the top 70 Newborn Photography Websites for 2021.

This week gave me a nice little surprise, Enchanted Hill Photography was included in the Top 70 Newborn Photography websites. Considering there are thousands and thousands of newborn photographers it was nice to be included within this list.

Privately I was geeking out a little because some of the names are ‘big’ names. They are the educators and the artists that are leading the industry in artistry and technique. I have taken online courses from a few of them and to be in a list alongside of them? That is pretty exciting to me!

I know that anyone can make one of these lists and I have no idea what the criteria was but I am still a little humbled to have been noticed. I don’t post as much as I should on social media to market my work but my website I try to keep up to date.

This website has been live for 10 years and has had some drastic changes! It looks so different from 2011 and I keep changing it every few months to make it a better experience for anyone who comes opens it up in their browser.

If you want to scroll down you will find my website at #60!

There are so many amazing photographers and websites out there and I am sure if this was a large panel making this decisions the results would be completely different. Whatever the reason I am still thankful that someone took notice and included me in their list of the top 70 Newborn Photography Websites for 2021.