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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.

Last year, my husband and I escaped to St Andrews for the afternoon with our 3 girls. Kingsbrae Garden is only about 20 minutes from our home. We have shot a few weddings there and the Garden Cafe is one of our favourite restaurants. Usually when we are there we are working but this time we enjoyed ourselves immensely.

We went the end of June and it was still quiet due to Covid preventing the summer tourist season. This suited the girls perfectly. They roamed the paths, explored the playground and had front row to seeing all the animals. We leisurely (as the girls would allow us) walked through the garden.

We talked our older girls into throwing a dress on (they were not overly impressed) and went out to dinner afterwards. The perfect afternoon.

My older girl ventured onto the bridge first, she known no fear. My youngest was much more cautious but finally went with some coaxing.

Kingsbrae has so many quaint little playhouses. They explored to their hearts content. I love that is the all about exploring, not overly stimulating and perfect for my girls.

Kingsbrae is perfect for school age kids, they have the space to wander, roam and run! The girls were so tired by the time we finished exploring and slept so good that night. Worth every penny.

There are so many beautiful little spots that are unexpectedly gorgeous. This is the back of a shed and covered in greenery and those peonies!! She wasn’t thrilled I asked her hold still for 3 seconds.

These guys were highly interested in what we were doing and the big camera. They kept coming over and were very friendly. The little girls thought they were pretty neat but both agreed they didn’t want one for a pet.

My youngest was fascinated but the sun dial. She examined it for a good amount of time. This spot is so pretty and there is a little opening in the cedar hedge to to go another section of the garden.

If there is a playground or play structures my girls will sniff them out! This all declared that the afternoon at Kingsbrae was amazing because they were able to climb into the castles.

The real reason we spent the afternoon at Kingsbrae garden was for pictures. I have captured so many other families and brides here but not my own. Hopefully I can convince my boys to come with us next time!

Every path and road was fully explored. The led the way, we loitered. They would tell us to hurry up because they were so curious and impatient.

Last year, my husband and I escaped to St Andrews for the afternoon with our 3 girls. Kingsbrae Garden is only about 20 minutes from our home. We have shot a few weddings there and the Garden Cafe is one of our favourite restaurants. Usually when we are there we are working but this time we enjoyed ourselves immensely.

We went the end of June and it was still quiet due to Covid preventing the summer tourist season. This suited the girls perfectly. They roamed the paths, explored the playground and had front row to seeing all the animals. We leisurely (as the girls would allow us) walked through the garden.

We talked our older girls into throwing a dress on (they were not overly impressed) and went out to dinner afterwards. The perfect afternoon.

My older girl ventured onto the bridge first, she known no fear. My youngest was much more cautious but finally went with some coaxing.

Kingsbrae has so many quaint little playhouses. They explored to their hearts content. I love that is the all about exploring, not overly stimulating and perfect for my girls.

Kingsbrae is perfect for school age kids, they have the space to wander, roam and run! The girls were so tired by the time we finished exploring and slept so good that night. Worth every penny.

There are so many beautiful little spots that are unexpectedly gorgeous. This is the back of a shed and covered in greenery and those peonies!! She wasn’t thrilled I asked her hold still for 3 seconds.

These guys were highly interested in what we were doing and the big camera. They kept coming over and were very friendly. The little girls thought they were pretty neat but both agreed they didn’t want one for a pet.

My youngest was fascinated but the sun dial. She examined it for a good amount of time. This spot is so pretty and there is a little opening in the cedar hedge to to go another section of the garden.

If there is a playground or play structures my girls will sniff them out! This all declared that the afternoon at Kingsbrae was amazing because they were able to climb into the castles.

The real reason we spent the afternoon at Kingsbrae garden was for pictures. I have captured so many other families and brides here but not my own. Hopefully I can convince my boys to come with us next time!

Every path and road was fully explored. The led the way, we loitered. They would tell us to hurry up because they were so curious and impatient.

I love posing newborns, it is difficult and never guaranteed but really showcases every little detail your baby’s face. Lately I have been pushing my skills to include relaxed newborn posing.

What is Relaxed Newborn Posing?

What exactly is “relaxed newborn posing”? It looks simple, as if your baby was stretching and then places themselves in a position on their own. Focusing on your baby and not the props. Black and white look equally as stunning as it does in colour.

Dreamy, simple, so natural and a bit like lifestyle photography. The perfect blend for families who are trying to decide what style of newborn photography they want showcased in their homes.

It is Easy?

It is also the hardest posing to do with a new baby. The first time I saw this style I was immediately drawn it and my clients love it as well. The downside? Incredibly hard to do well. Babies need to be in a deep sleep, any small movement meant starting all over. Every tiny detail has to be perfect.

Why is it so hard? We will blame it on the Moro Reflex. When babies feel like they are not being held, and lack of pressure on their arms and legs they instinctually flail their limbs. Startling themselves and waking up (it is the same feeling we get when we miss a step and your heart jumps to your throat). Often in newborn photography we wrap the babies because it is soothing, they feel secure and safe. Remove those wraps and they feel vulnerable.

The effort is completely worth the end result. I like to add this relaxed posing into each session if the baby is sleepy enough and will allow us to pose them just right. It takes some serious baby whispering to achieve this relaxed and natural pose (which is anything but).

What about Siblings?

I love that this can allow brothers and sisters to join in as well (it is often easier with older siblings but sometimes we get lucky and they are as awesome as this big sister! ) Once we have a few pictures taken we can ask if the sibling would like to come over and hold their baby’s tiny little hand. Maybe a little kiss on the forehead? If the older sibling is a bit too young and not overly interest (which happens quite often!) we will stick a little treat of in the baby’s blanket and get their attention that way.

I love posing newborns, it is difficult and never guaranteed but really showcases every little detail your baby’s face. Lately I have been pushing my skills to include relaxed newborn posing.

What is Relaxed Newborn Posing?

What exactly is “relaxed newborn posing”? It looks simple, as if your baby was stretching and then places themselves in a position on their own. Focusing on your baby and not the props. Black and white look equally as stunning as it does in colour.

Dreamy, simple, so natural and a bit like lifestyle photography. The perfect blend for families who are trying to decide what style of newborn photography they want showcased in their homes.

It is Easy?

It is also the hardest posing to do with a new baby. The first time I saw this style I was immediately drawn it and my clients love it as well. The downside? Incredibly hard to do well. Babies need to be in a deep sleep, any small movement meant starting all over. Every tiny detail has to be perfect.

Why is it so hard? We will blame it on the Moro Reflex. When babies feel like they are not being held, and lack of pressure on their arms and legs they instinctually flail their limbs. Startling themselves and waking up (it is the same feeling we get when we miss a step and your heart jumps to your throat). Often in newborn photography we wrap the babies because it is soothing, they feel secure and safe. Remove those wraps and they feel vulnerable.

The effort is completely worth the end result. I like to add this relaxed posing into each session if the baby is sleepy enough and will allow us to pose them just right. It takes some serious baby whispering to achieve this relaxed and natural pose (which is anything but).

What about Siblings?

I love that this can allow brothers and sisters to join in as well (it is often easier with older siblings but sometimes we get lucky and they are as awesome as this big sister! ) Once we have a few pictures taken we can ask if the sibling would like to come over and hold their baby’s tiny little hand. Maybe a little kiss on the forehead? If the older sibling is a bit too young and not overly interest (which happens quite often!) we will stick a little treat of in the baby’s blanket and get their attention that way.

This is the #1 question most people ask when they inquire. I completely understand too! I have 5 children of my own and babies are expensive! You need to research and purchase a carseat, a crib, diapers, clothes, a bed, bedding and the list goes on and on!

They Grow Up and Out

Here is the thing no one really warns you about, all those big purchases? Someday they will be gone. Your baby will grow up and the crib will be packed away, shuttled to the basement or sold. Eventually you will not need those strollers because those chubby little legs will be thinned out and running ahead of you.

The only thing you will have left is a big kid and the memories. This is why pictures really are so valuable, they will take you back to the moment your life changed forever.

Quality and Service

The how much a newborn shoot can cost will wildly vary! This depends on the quality of the service and what is offered. A higher quality photographer will have pictures that are very consistent. You know exactly what you pictures will look like because of this high quality!

There are some photographers who have a studio, here at Enchanted Hill we have a commercial studio (outside of the home in a commercial building). Some photographers do not offer props and outfits and others like us will have a client closet and studio full of every props and every colour you would ever desire.

Time

The time commitment to the session will also affect the price. How long will the session be? Posed is often more time consuming than lifestyle and the amount of editing that will happen as well. Some photographers will capture the images as is whereas others like us will edit away scratches and blemishes.

How much is a newborn photo shoot? Here at Enchanted Hill, at the current time, newborn pictures begin at $375+tax. Some people invest more and spent $600-1200, it depends on your budget and wants. This price is subject to change.

This is the #1 question most people ask when they inquire. I completely understand too! I have 5 children of my own and babies are expensive! You need to research and purchase a carseat, a crib, diapers, clothes, a bed, bedding and the list goes on and on!

They Grow Up and Out

Here is the thing no one really warns you about, all those big purchases? Someday they will be gone. Your baby will grow up and the crib will be packed away, shuttled to the basement or sold. Eventually you will not need those strollers because those chubby little legs will be thinned out and running ahead of you.

The only thing you will have left is a big kid and the memories. This is why pictures really are so valuable, they will take you back to the moment your life changed forever.

Quality and Service

The how much a newborn shoot can cost will wildly vary! This depends on the quality of the service and what is offered. A higher quality photographer will have pictures that are very consistent. You know exactly what you pictures will look like because of this high quality!

There are some photographers who have a studio, here at Enchanted Hill we have a commercial studio (outside of the home in a commercial building). Some photographers do not offer props and outfits and others like us will have a client closet and studio full of every props and every colour you would ever desire.

Time

The time commitment to the session will also affect the price. How long will the session be? Posed is often more time consuming than lifestyle and the amount of editing that will happen as well. Some photographers will capture the images as is whereas others like us will edit away scratches and blemishes.

How much is a newborn photo shoot? Here at Enchanted Hill, at the current time, newborn pictures begin at $375+tax. Some people invest more and spent $600-1200, it depends on your budget and wants. This price is subject to change.

As of Sunday, I can now say I am an Award-Winning Photographer! This has been a huge goal of mine for man years and to have finally achieved this first step has been amazing!

There are so many different competitions that a photographer can enter but I wanted to choose something that had a higher purpose and peer-reviewed. I choose to go through PPA (Professional Photography Associations ), the world’s largest trade organization for photographers. Their International Photography Competition was held and judged the past few days and I am excited to say 3 of my images were awarded merit!

I also had two images that the judges argued and discussed going to a higher level for the competition. Overall they did not score higher but I was given great information on what to do better next time and how close I came!

This process of learning has taken almost a decade of study and practice and the advice of good friends in the photography world. I loved learning a new technique of editing, I also love finding the ‘story’ and titling my images.

The competition bug has bitten me and now I cannot wait to enter my next competition.

As of Sunday, I can now say I am an Award-Winning Photographer! This has been a huge goal of mine for man years and to have finally achieved this first step has been amazing!

There are so many different competitions that a photographer can enter but I wanted to choose something that had a higher purpose and peer-reviewed. I choose to go through PPA (Professional Photography Associations ), the world’s largest trade organization for photographers. Their International Photography Competition was held and judged the past few days and I am excited to say 3 of my images were awarded merit!

I also had two images that the judges argued and discussed going to a higher level for the competition. Overall they did not score higher but I was given great information on what to do better next time and how close I came!

This process of learning has taken almost a decade of study and practice and the advice of good friends in the photography world. I loved learning a new technique of editing, I also love finding the ‘story’ and titling my images.

The competition bug has bitten me and now I cannot wait to enter my next competition.