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Photographing maternity sessions in my studio has always been one of my favourites. There I am able to control the light, I do not need to worry about the weather and it is easier to schedule. No worries about what the rain clouds plan to do on those days!

Once a client books we begin sharing ideas of what they want from their session and I was seeing a common trend. A modern style and approach. It was also not quite the same as I was producing in the studio.

I love their inspiration and I wanted to achieve what they desired, plus, when I see what others could create I needed to know HOW. This meant studying on my part, talking with other photographers and eventually educators. My goal was to create beautiful, modern and stylish maternity photos in my small Saint John studio.

A few courses later I was better understanding what was holding me back and as always it was equipment I didn’t own. A large investment later I was excited to get started and this gorgeous maternity session made all the hours of learning come to fruition.

This client and I had a great conversation during her ordering appointment. She wanted to feel beautiful and celebrate this pregnancy. Using the lighting and new soft boxes we were able to create different looks in the studio that was redefining maternity sessions in Saint John.

The goal was to have people look at her pictures and say, ‘Wow!’ that we accomplished!

Photographing maternity sessions in my studio has always been one of my favourites. There I am able to control the light, I do not need to worry about the weather and it is easier to schedule. No worries about what the rain clouds plan to do on those days!

Once a client books we begin sharing ideas of what they want from their session and I was seeing a common trend. A modern style and approach. It was also not quite the same as I was producing in the studio.

I love their inspiration and I wanted to achieve what they desired, plus, when I see what others could create I needed to know HOW. This meant studying on my part, talking with other photographers and eventually educators. My goal was to create beautiful, modern and stylish maternity photos in my small Saint John studio.

A few courses later I was better understanding what was holding me back and as always it was equipment I didn’t own. A large investment later I was excited to get started and this gorgeous maternity session made all the hours of learning come to fruition.

This client and I had a great conversation during her ordering appointment. She wanted to feel beautiful and celebrate this pregnancy. Using the lighting and new soft boxes we were able to create different looks in the studio that was redefining maternity sessions in Saint John.

The goal was to have people look at her pictures and say, ‘Wow!’ that we accomplished!

Update:

09/07/2024 I was recently informed there are now signs posted that Spyglass Hill is now Private. Personally, I feel sad this gem is no longer available for sessions but respect the owners decision.

As a photographer in Saint John, I heard about Spyglass Hill in Rothesay, NB. I finally went this mythical little spot and made a mistake. It is easy to miss if you are not looking.

When another friendly photographer, from Valley Photography gave me the correct directions. The pathway leading up to the hill is heavily perfumed with the scent of the ferns that surround the path. The little forest is quite enchanting before you see the hill.

First Impression of SpyGlass Hill

After a 5 minutes hike you reach the crest and receive your first impression of SpyGlass Hill in Rothesay. It is breath taking and awe inspiring. Having grown up in local Quispamsis, I had never knew this little piece of paradise existed. The views are incredible because you can see all of the greenery of the town of Rothesay. You can also see the Saint John River. The magic is the fact that all the houses and subdivisions disappear from this vantage. Miles and miles of greenery with only a classic little white church steeple peaking from the trees.

It is hard to believe that you have left the hustle and busy Rothesay Road and now in this quiet little world. People love this slice of paradise! There are trash bags at the path entrance, you see people carefully picking up trash and people understanding that SpyGlass Hill is a privilege.

SpyGlass Hill is a Photographer’s Dream

As a photographer, SpyGlass Hill is a Dream. On any given fair evening you will find the hill teeming with hikers enjoying the quiet and many small groups of photographers.

From the top of the crest where you can capture the entire valley and Saint John River, to the paths down below in the small little fields. Every change in path, direction and bush will give a photographer an entirely different look. Clients will look back on their pictures and wonder how their pictures look like they changed locations in under an hour.

SpyGlass Hill changes every season. From the brown greenery in the late spring, the brighter greens and flowers in the summer and the hazy red golden light in the fall. Winter makes the trip too difficult due to the icy paths.

Paving Paradise? The Possible End of the Landmark

Sadly as the song says, they may pave paradise and there may be a possible end to this landmark. SpyGlass Hill in Rothesay, NB, is for sale and a development is proposed. Apartments, condos, townhouses, houses…

It is heartbreaking to all those who dearly love this little spot of paradise. There are so few green spaces the public can access and none with the rare beauty and unique attributes as SpyGlass can offer. Where can you walk in a busy town and feel like you were transported into the countryside? In Facebook posts people have requested that the town purchase the property and leave her as is for the people to continue to enjoy. However, there is not movement towards this action.

SpyGlass isn’t flashy, she doesn’t have any amenities, signage or fancy anything. That is the beauty of this magical place.

Update:

09/07/2024 I was recently informed there are now signs posted that Spyglass Hill is now Private. Personally, I feel sad this gem is no longer available for sessions but respect the owners decision.

As a photographer in Saint John, I heard about Spyglass Hill in Rothesay, NB. I finally went this mythical little spot and made a mistake. It is easy to miss if you are not looking.

When another friendly photographer, from Valley Photography gave me the correct directions. The pathway leading up to the hill is heavily perfumed with the scent of the ferns that surround the path. The little forest is quite enchanting before you see the hill.

First Impression of SpyGlass Hill

After a 5 minutes hike you reach the crest and receive your first impression of SpyGlass Hill in Rothesay. It is breath taking and awe inspiring. Having grown up in local Quispamsis, I had never knew this little piece of paradise existed. The views are incredible because you can see all of the greenery of the town of Rothesay. You can also see the Saint John River. The magic is the fact that all the houses and subdivisions disappear from this vantage. Miles and miles of greenery with only a classic little white church steeple peaking from the trees.

It is hard to believe that you have left the hustle and busy Rothesay Road and now in this quiet little world. People love this slice of paradise! There are trash bags at the path entrance, you see people carefully picking up trash and people understanding that SpyGlass Hill is a privilege.

SpyGlass Hill is a Photographer’s Dream

As a photographer, SpyGlass Hill is a Dream. On any given fair evening you will find the hill teeming with hikers enjoying the quiet and many small groups of photographers.

From the top of the crest where you can capture the entire valley and Saint John River, to the paths down below in the small little fields. Every change in path, direction and bush will give a photographer an entirely different look. Clients will look back on their pictures and wonder how their pictures look like they changed locations in under an hour.

SpyGlass Hill changes every season. From the brown greenery in the late spring, the brighter greens and flowers in the summer and the hazy red golden light in the fall. Winter makes the trip too difficult due to the icy paths.

Paving Paradise? The Possible End of the Landmark

Sadly as the song says, they may pave paradise and there may be a possible end to this landmark. SpyGlass Hill in Rothesay, NB, is for sale and a development is proposed. Apartments, condos, townhouses, houses…

It is heartbreaking to all those who dearly love this little spot of paradise. There are so few green spaces the public can access and none with the rare beauty and unique attributes as SpyGlass can offer. Where can you walk in a busy town and feel like you were transported into the countryside? In Facebook posts people have requested that the town purchase the property and leave her as is for the people to continue to enjoy. However, there is not movement towards this action.

SpyGlass isn’t flashy, she doesn’t have any amenities, signage or fancy anything. That is the beauty of this magical place.

So many years ago (over 8!) I was a brand spanking new photographer. I have a camera and one lens and nothing else. My portfolio consisted of a small handful of families, a few babies and hundreds of my three kids (8 years ago I only had the older kids).

Goodlife Photography was gracious enough to allow me to second shoot at her weddings. This was amazing because Julie was kind enough to allow a green photographer to tag along, learn and observe. Allison and Greg’s wedding was one of those second shooting gigs.

Fast forward Allison was a client of mine for dog grooming, they live up the street and I see her here and there.

When she messaged for a maternity session I was over the moon happy for her and Greg! They have waited so very long for this little prince to arrive.

She had a beautiful red gown, I had a black gown and we had a small town with limited variety to shoot from but I also know how pretty this little hidden gem could be in the sunshine.

We had hoped for snow and we didn’t quite get enough to completely cover the brush and grass but the bright spot was it was easier to walk around.

I loved her hair and makeup! So perfect! Honestly, how many times do we get to dress up in a gorgeous gown, wear lovely makeup and do our hair like a princess? Not enough times!

When I spied her scarf she wore on the walk with her winter coat I knew I had to use it with this black gown. Sometimes it works out beautifully!

So many years ago (over 8!) I was a brand spanking new photographer. I have a camera and one lens and nothing else. My portfolio consisted of a small handful of families, a few babies and hundreds of my three kids (8 years ago I only had the older kids).

Goodlife Photography was gracious enough to allow me to second shoot at her weddings. This was amazing because Julie was kind enough to allow a green photographer to tag along, learn and observe. Allison and Greg’s wedding was one of those second shooting gigs.

Fast forward Allison was a client of mine for dog grooming, they live up the street and I see her here and there.

When she messaged for a maternity session I was over the moon happy for her and Greg! They have waited so very long for this little prince to arrive.

She had a beautiful red gown, I had a black gown and we had a small town with limited variety to shoot from but I also know how pretty this little hidden gem could be in the sunshine.

We had hoped for snow and we didn’t quite get enough to completely cover the brush and grass but the bright spot was it was easier to walk around.

I loved her hair and makeup! So perfect! Honestly, how many times do we get to dress up in a gorgeous gown, wear lovely makeup and do our hair like a princess? Not enough times!

When I spied her scarf she wore on the walk with her winter coat I knew I had to use it with this black gown. Sometimes it works out beautifully!

I am not sure who’s idea it was but the end result was some maternity modelling magic. Genevieve Flynn Photography, Valley Photography and I put out a model call for a few new Mom’s to be. We wanted to stretch our skills a little bit, play with light, posing and push our own artistic boundaries. With regular session I always shoot what I know, my clients come to me for guaranteed results and their sessions are not the time to play with light and risk a fail. With three photographers sharing our knowledge with each other and trying things we had never done before there were a few failed setups that didn’t look good and it was okay! Some of my favourite setups to date happened during this session! And now I am excited for anyone who decides to book a studio maternity!

I placed the announcement on Facebook that we were looking for models and over 10, 000 people opened up the ad! I was a bit shocked and excited that so many people were spreading the word and curious to what we were cooking up! Patience Cole Makeup Artistry did hair and makeup and four amazing women signed up for the experience!

Genevieve, Brittany and I went through all of the candidates (there were so many amazing women!) and chose four, had a day where we sat down and made lists of setups, clothing, props and lighting we wanted to try. With so many people in my small studio and so many ideas flowing, we wanted to be as organized and as time efficient as we possibly could be.

Many hours of shooting later, very hot and tired, we were excited with what we accomplished!  Katelyn, Monique, Casey and Janelle were so amazing to work with! Their girls looked flawless thanks to Patience, they were good sports about trying weird poses and letting us decide every pose and all the wardrobe.  Thank you girls for the fun!!

I am not sure who’s idea it was but the end result was some maternity modelling magic. Genevieve Flynn Photography, Valley Photography and I put out a model call for a few new Mom’s to be. We wanted to stretch our skills a little bit, play with light, posing and push our own artistic boundaries. With regular session I always shoot what I know, my clients come to me for guaranteed results and their sessions are not the time to play with light and risk a fail. With three photographers sharing our knowledge with each other and trying things we had never done before there were a few failed setups that didn’t look good and it was okay! Some of my favourite setups to date happened during this session! And now I am excited for anyone who decides to book a studio maternity!

I placed the announcement on Facebook that we were looking for models and over 10, 000 people opened up the ad! I was a bit shocked and excited that so many people were spreading the word and curious to what we were cooking up! Patience Cole Makeup Artistry did hair and makeup and four amazing women signed up for the experience!

Genevieve, Brittany and I went through all of the candidates (there were so many amazing women!) and chose four, had a day where we sat down and made lists of setups, clothing, props and lighting we wanted to try. With so many people in my small studio and so many ideas flowing, we wanted to be as organized and as time efficient as we possibly could be.

Many hours of shooting later, very hot and tired, we were excited with what we accomplished!  Katelyn, Monique, Casey and Janelle were so amazing to work with! Their girls looked flawless thanks to Patience, they were good sports about trying weird poses and letting us decide every pose and all the wardrobe.  Thank you girls for the fun!!

A quick and easy spot for maternity pictures in Saint John is the Irving Nature Park. Here you have the options of beach, fields, rocks and evergreens.

It is perfect for fall time after the leaves have blown away.

A quick and easy spot for maternity pictures in Saint John is the Irving Nature Park. Here you have the options of beach, fields, rocks and evergreens.

It is perfect for fall time after the leaves have blown away.

Majority of my clients love to have their maternity pictures taken outside. In February, the weather was unpredictable; cold, wet with snow storms and Danielle booked a studio session in my Saint John studio. The results were gorgeous and elegant maternity pictures!

Not only is Danielle beautiful on the outside, she is also incredibly smart and was weeks away from her university graduation! She chatted about what she had left to do to complete her degree. Her little girl came with her and she was so well behaved. Quietly playing while her mama was photographed. We worked away from set up to set up.

Being in the studio there was no worries about the weather being poor outside or the temperature. Playing with the gowns in the studio and the ones she brought, different lighting and backgrounds, I was able to give her a gorgeous gallery of images.

Thank you Danielle! It was a pleasure to have done these for you!

Majority of my clients love to have their maternity pictures taken outside. In February, the weather was unpredictable; cold, wet with snow storms and Danielle booked a studio session in my Saint John studio. The results were gorgeous and elegant maternity pictures!

Not only is Danielle beautiful on the outside, she is also incredibly smart and was weeks away from her university graduation! She chatted about what she had left to do to complete her degree. Her little girl came with her and she was so well behaved. Quietly playing while her mama was photographed. We worked away from set up to set up.

Being in the studio there was no worries about the weather being poor outside or the temperature. Playing with the gowns in the studio and the ones she brought, different lighting and backgrounds, I was able to give her a gorgeous gallery of images.

Thank you Danielle! It was a pleasure to have done these for you!