Why I became a lifestyle photographer
I get a little too personal on this blog post, but I wanted to share why I am so passionate about lifestyle photography.
I didn't know it then, but these next two photos were taken on important days that changed the course of my photography career.
The first photo, the one you see right below, was taken on my daughter’s first Valentine's; at the end of the session, a light bulb went on in my head, and I knew I HAD to be a photographer for the rest of my life. It was fun and energetic and I loved it! It filled my heart with so much joy and passion!
I was standing there, holding my phone, and suddenly, it hit me like lightning! I thought, "Wow, if I can capture such stunning shots (yes, I toot my own horn sometimes, lol) with just a phone, imagine what I could create with a professional camera! I can definitely master this new skill; I just know it!"
I was my own cheerleader! My confidence soared, and I could feel the excitement building up inside me. I was absolutely ready for this change, and nothing would stop me!
The photo that started it all.
I used my phone, no filters or editing, and I just knew it: Photography is my passion!
And so I went on and started taking classes during my “free” time, which we know as moms, there’s very little of it. But I was in! I learned and practiced as much as I could.
I focused on learning newborn photography. The type of photos where you position babies in buckets, small tiny cribs, or other props and capture their images in various poses, often with a particular theme in mind, with teddy bears, flowers, and other toys, and the babies may be wrapped in different styles.
A couple of years passed, and I was ready to kick the gears as a professional photographer in Montreal (“The best!”, according to my mom!). I had the knowledge, the gear, the props, and even the newborn! LOL! No, I didn’t have another baby just so that I could photograph him… well… maybe…. Don’t tell him!
But oh boy, did this kid have different plans for me!
That’s when the second photo comes in; as you can see in the background, I had the posing table ready with the fabric, the swaddle, the pillows underneath, and the whole enchilada! I was happy and ready for the session!
Cellphone selfie
My photography journey took a sharp turn just moments after this photo.
Well, I tried the first day, and it didn’t work. All he wanted was to cuddle in momma’s arms; I thought, “Well, no problem, I’ll try again tomorrow,” so I did. I tried again the next day; same story… the moment I put him down, he would wake up and start crying.
Then I tried a third time, “Third time’s the charm” I thought to myself…. But, aah, the third day! It was the same story; baby boy was born to be a momma’s boy, and that’s all he wanted, period.
This was new to me; my first baby had moments when she preferred to be with me, but for the most part, she was comfortable sleeping by herself or cuddling in someone else's arms. I was not ready for this plot twist! “Aren’t all babies the same?!” I thought. LOL!!!
Returning to the story following the second photo, he was swaddled on the posing table, crying out and trying hard to escape the swaddle. I put my camera down and went to the bathroom to cry. Don’t worry; my husband was right there; he kept our baby safe.
But now I was thinking, “Great! I can’t even photograph my own newborn! My career is over before it even starts.” “I’m done”. “This is it”. “Forget about photography.”
I took a few extra minutes, dried my tears, went to hold my baby, and laid down on the sofa. I had given up.
As the day passed, I kept thinking, “This can’t be”. “I can’t give up.” “There’s gotta be something else I can try.”
I then remembered I had seen a workshop for Newborn Lifestyle Photography but hadn’t paid much attention then because it was not my genre.
So I went on Mr Google to look for more resources, I found a photographer in the U.S. whose story was somewhat similar to mine. She changed her photography style when her (I think second) kid was born, in this case, it was her who didn’t want to put him down.
She went on to share more things that made me sympathize with her and realize that THAT is what I wanted to do: capture my baby's first moments, focus on the love, the connection, our relationship, us! - Lifestyle photography was my answer.
In-home lifestyle photography
That’s me taking a photo!
You might be wondering, “What exactly is lifestyle photography?”
It’s all about being yourself in front of the camera, the joy of being in the moment, and embracing the uniqueness of your family.
Lifestyle photography is a unique way of capturing the essence of life itself. It goes beyond just taking great pictures and instead aims to capture emotions and connections. it focuses on showcasing your current stage of life.
With a lifestyle photoshoot, you have the power to make any moment special, no matter how big or small. Sometimes, the most ordinary moments can turn out to be the most beautiful and worth capturing forever.
And so, here I am! A mom turned artist and hoping to do the same for you, to help you enjoy those first months of your newborn just the way you want to. Whether you want to hold them or if THEY want you to hold them, it’s all good!
They have been in your tummy for almost TEN months (who said 42 weeks is nine months?!) I’m not here to tell you you HAVE to put your baby down on a posing table; I will take amazing photos whether your baby is in your arms or not.
I want to help you relax, enjoy the experience, and allow me to capture the love, the connection, your relationships…YOU!
I service the West Island of Montreal and would love to connect with you and your family!
Looking for a memorable photo session in Montreal? Let's chat! I'm here to help you bring your vision to life. Contact me today to book your session and make it one to remember.
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