Mommy's Time Out

The Art of a Baby, a division of SVP Photography a Calgary based Portrait Studio is super excited to share the new session that is just for those Moms who need some time out.  If you are new - or not so new - to mommyhood, you know the feedings, diapers and sleepless nights all take a toll on your energy.  You need your energy to be there for your little one(s) and your big one(s) too! So we created a special session just for Moms!

Every mom wants precious portraits of their sweet babies and it puts one more thing on the to-do list. When do you look after YOU? When do you get some Time Out?  We would love to pamper you while we photograph your little one!  Kerry, who is a Mommy Pro with many children and grandchildren of her own and Shelley, who worked with young children from birth to 6 for over 20 years prior to becoming a professional photographer, will create precious images of your little one while you either enjoy a full body massage or have a mommy makeover with one of our amazing stylists.  

We showcased this session at the Fall 2017 Baby & Tot Show. Our draw included the session and one beautiful desk art portrait with duplicate gift prints for the grandparents and a web-ready file to share on social media.  Jocelyn was our grand prize winner.  Her little one was just wee, so she opted for the Mommy Makeover and being included in the portraits at the end of the session.  She also joined our Baby's First Year Program so stay tuned for her baby's next portrait!

Jocelyn wrote this about her experience. "Thank you, Shelley. Your team pampered me with a wonderful day of hair and makeup that made this new Mom feel human again. Then photos with my baby girl and a wardrobe that made me feel beautiful!  You directed me to ensure my last few baby pounds stayed hidden and I felt truly beautiful and so blessed to share such beautiful moments with my baby girl. The photos are so amazing and really capture our mother/daughter love."

Baby's First Year Portrait Program.....| Calgary Baby Photographer, SVP Photography

My month of February was spent recovering from a virus, but I did spend time building a whole new Baby's First Year Program and Child's Portrait Program which includes a triple frame with a portrait to celebrate your baby's development as they learn to push up from their tummy, sit up and stand up.  It also includes either a beautiful 10x10 inch album or image box for you to fill with your favourite images from each session.  

 Mia was my first baby and this portrait is from the newborn ad on session.  We have already photographed her push up portraits! Time flies way too fast. If you are pregnant call to book a complimentary session to learn more.  The first year is such an amazing time of firsts, savior those moments in timeless portraits that add to your home's wall decor.  

Shelley @ 403.281.8429

Calgary Portrait Photographer, Shelley Vandervelde

Ok, I've been super busy and not on my blog for too long.  When I came to create a new post I see little boxes where my images used to be....  So this is a test post to see what is happening. Images from my nieces first birthday session and her big brother who enjoyed the cake!

Calgary Baby Photographer | Shelley Vandervelde

When Should I Have My Baby's Portraits Taken?

As a Calgary Baby Photographer,I'm often asked "When is the best time to photograph my baby?"  I love it when people ask this when they are newly pregnant as this provides for the best opportunity to tell your baby's story in portraits. I encourage my clients to have five portrait sessions over the first year and a half.
Baby's first portrait is during the 7th month of pregnancy, that is if you don't count the 3D ultrasounds done today.  They are precious for sure as you see your little one for the first time, but it may not provide you with a portrait that adds to your wall decor.  The prenatal portrait can be fully clothed, fun & sassy or a discreet nude with an artistic flair. If this portrait is done as part of your baby's story you will want to consider the other sessions and coordinate them to create a consistent look to your wall collection or album.

Baby's second portrait is best done within the first ten days following their birth. If you are breast feeding your baby will be amazingly content and sleepy on the day your milk descends.  Images taken during this first week are often not possible later on.  At this age the baby's vision if very short so the most precious images are of them being cuddled.

Four months of age is great for portraits that shows a more alert and interactive baby.  It is also a great time to photograph those pudgy little fingers and toes.  They are opening their hands, holding their feet and often putting both in their mouth.  A few of the classic photos taken at this age is the over the shoulder portrait and the one of them on their tummy holding their head and chest up.  I encourage Mom to keep in touch and call when her baby is holding themselves up for extended periods when laying on their tummy.

The next great age for portraits is when your baby can sit unassisted and without you needing to be within arm's reach to catch them if they tumble forwards or back.  This is a tricky to catch at just the right time, as you want to make sure you have the portraits done BEFORE your baby starts to crawl, or they will be gone just before the shutter clicks nine times out of ten. These portraits are typically done around eight months of age.

The last portrait of the Baby's Frist Year is the one of him or her standing.  Again, timing is everything.  Your baby needs to be able to stand holding onto furniture and may also be cruising. However, if you wait too long and she starts to walk for more than one or two steps at a time, the photographer will have a tough job capturing images.  If you are considering having your baby's first year photographed, you will want to choose your photographer early and maintain communication to time each session well.

Your child may not appreciate these images as much as you do as they go through school or even college, but imagine them being able to show their own child what they looked like as a baby.
As a Calgary Photographer, I love photographing babies.  Every session is different and every baby gives their own uniqueness to the images created.  Not having your heart set on a specific pose or image allows you to appreciate your little one for the images she allows the photographer to take.  These are the ages and stages I love photographing.  They create precious images to be shared through the years.
Shelley Vandervelde, MPA
Master of Photographic Arts
Professional Photographers of Canada
Canadian 2012 Portrait Photographer of the Year
403.281.8429

Ana, Calgary Baby Photographer, Shelley Vandervelde, SVP Phtotography

Ana is turning 3 this week. Irena & Jack had portraits done well before she turned one and these are a gift from a friend for Ana's third birthday! Happy Birthday Ana!