Photography

Edmonton Newborn Photography by Kelsie Kelly Photographer {Baby Dominic|}

Now that we are stuck in -30 temps for what feels usually like half a year, I will be spending a lot of time blogging all of my 2021 sessions. I will also be telling you all about the NEW Kelsie Kelly Photographer luxury photography studio; it’s not just different pricing, but a whole new approach to providing every client the highest level of service from inquiry to the delivery of images.

This year I have had a lot of time to think about what being a professional photographer really means, and I realized that there was a big disconnect in the way I was delivering images as it related to the why of photography for me. Capturing fleeting moments. You will see this phrase a lot and for me capturing fleeting moments means that it is my job to provide a service to families who want to remember. Because what happens when years down the road that digital file I sent to you goes missing, or social media become obsolete? Will you remember where you saved these images in 15-20 years, will they be easy for your children to share with their children one day? It’s a harsh reality, but technology isn’t always fool proof.

I have been providing printed products to families all along and seeing the joy and gratitude from a recent client when I delivered her son’s first year album melted me. There is just something so magical about seeing you most precious memories in print. I want all of the families I am so privileged to capture to have the opportunity to feel this joy. I can’t wait to share all of my exclusive products with you soon.

In 2022 I challenge you to -

Not use technology and social media as your only source of storage for your photos.

Make sure you are present in your family photos, not just the one always taking the picture. You are always beautiful in the eyes of your children.

Display your photos like art work, not just for you, but for your children. They love seeing their family together in pictures and studies show that children who grow up in homes where photos of them are displayed grow up with a greater sense of confidence and belonging “When a child sees a family portrait with them included in the photograph they say to themselves “These people have me as part of what they are, and that’s why I belong here” - Judy Weiser - so powerful.

This past year was the year of baby boys for me and I was lucky to meet little Dominic in studio when he was just shy of 2 weeks old back in August. Before his arrival his gorgeous mama, dad and big brother came to the studio for a family/maternity session and Khyrstine was just glowing. I was so happy with the images they chose, so many fleeting moments of the whole family waiting on then loving on the newest member of the family. Khrystine requested neutral props for Dominic’s portraits, and I was so excited when they were open to trying some black and white set ups, the contrast and moodiness is so me. Thank you both so much for having me capture this special time for your family.

Edmonton Newborn Photography {Workshop learning with Dewdrops Photography}

Hello friends. It has sure has been awhile. The past 20 months of being open, then closed, then open again made time for me to start comparing myself too much to others and lose some of the passion I had for photography. I started to think my business would never recover and my goals that I had set for 2020 and never attained would also never be met.

Fortunately, I have the most amazing and supportive family and also the most giving clients who returned to me as soon as it was safe to do so. I started meeting new families again and I am happy and relieved to say that my photography business is finally up and running at the same capacity it was before COVID. 2022 is going to be a big year and I can’t wait to share more details with you all soon about the the exciting changes that will help me grow my photography business to a place I always dreamed of.

Back in early 2020 I had plans to grow the newborn and maternity photography side of my business to a higher level. I have always taken any opportunity to learn how to be a better newborn photographer and in March 2020, right before the world shut down, I was lucky to attend a workshop with Kelly Brown, a wonderful and talented photographer from Australia and known world wide. I left that workshop with so many goals and so much confidence, only for everything to close. Weeks stretched to months without any babies to photograph, and my Stand in Baby really helped, it just wasn’t enough.

Fast forward to 2021 and I started photographing babies again but definitely felt a little rusty. Every year I also take part in the Milky Way Newborn Retreat, an online retreat, and the 2021 retreat was just what I needed to get going again. I started offering studio maternity sessions for the first time, and was blown away with the response and amount of bookings. But I needed a bit more of a push to bring myself to the level I needed to be to offer the best newborn photography experience to my clients and grow as a professional photographer.

I have been a fan of Amy McDaniel | Dewdrops Photography for several years and after learning online from her for many of those years I always dreamed of training with her in person. Luckily those plans came into fruition early this year and in October 2021, just after my 30…something birthday, I got on a plane to rainy Seattle and drove to Olympia, WA to attend a 2:1 two day newborn photography workshop.

To say the experience was incredible would be an understatement. Watching Amy pose babies on day one I couldn’t believe the care and patience she took to pose each baby (we had 4 little ones that day). I got so much from just observing her up close, watching her pay attention to every detail and move baby between poses effortlessly and with so much confidence. Here are a few of the baby’s I was lucky to capture on the first day.

We were sure blessed to have such beautiful and sleepy babies to photograph. I couldn’t wait to get back to my hotel that night and edit some of the best newborn photos I think I’ve ever captured. That night though I also had to prepare for day 2 - the day I would pose the babies with one of my photography idols over my shoulder. What was instilled in me the first day though gave me confidence I never had before and I couldn’t wait.

And what a day 2 it was! We had two gorgeous babies, one sweet little one returning for the second day. I am so grateful to the parents of these little babes who gave me this amazing opportunity to learn. I posed baby in all the new poses I want to add to my session flow in 2022 and with Amy’s gentle guidance I attempted poses I had always admired but never had done before. I had the most patient little man first and was able to pose him exactly like I wanted to with such ease. Little Kelani was a bit more of a struggle, but just like in the real world no baby is alike and some just require a little more patience. Here are the images of the baby’s I posed and photographed on day two of the workshop.

Miss Amy I cannot thank you enough. You have provided me with the confidence to grow my newborn photography business to the level I always dreamed of. Training with you was a dream come true and was everything and more than I expected it to be. Special thanks to Sandi, a newborn photographer from California, who was a pleasure to train with.

When you book a newborn session with me you can rest assured that I will provide a professional and comfortable experience and pose and photograph your baby safely and with years of experience and education from some of the world’s best newborn photographers behind me. Book your 2022 session now and you won’t just lock in 2021 pricing, but you might be a part of a the big news I have coming early next year. Contact me or visit link below to learn more about my newborn packages.

Edmonton & Area Family Photographer {Choosing the best season for your family session}

Well I am back for my 6th year photographing beautiful Edmonton area families. I am so lucky to still see many of the same families year after year, a huge shout out the the amazing families that have already booked their 2021 session date. I absolutely love seeing your families every year and sessions naturally become easier and easier as we all get to know each other a bit better. While I am starting to transition my business more towards newborn photography, I am still offering family sessions to any Edmonton and area family looking for updated family photos. The good news is that once I have photographed your family once, you will always be able to book again, but at some point in the next year or two I plan on only taking new newborn clients. If I have photographed your family I want to remind you how much your referrals mean to me, if you have any friends of family looking for a newborn or family photographer I sincerely appreciate you sharing my info.

This year I have a couple new packages available for family sessions. My Heirloom package sessions are offered on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, are 1-2 hours and include 20 images of your choice. New this year I am also offering a Keepsake package which is offered weeknights only (Mon-Thurs), are 30-60 mins and include 12 images of your choice. Hopefully one of these packages works for your family.

Sessions all take place 1-2 hours before sunset. All sessions you can see on my updated website have been shot at this time, aka golden hour, and this is to ensure that your photos have the most gorgeous light, color and contrast that isn’t available mid-day. I know the thought of keeping your kids up 1-2 hours later than usual is scary, but trust me I will give you all the prep you need to make your session a success. My sessions are pretty laid back and fun and rarely do I get cranky kids I can’t get some genuine smiles out of.

Your photo delivery has also changed a bit in 2021. This year you will receive a soft proof gallery 2 weeks following your session. Soft proof means that your photos will be cropped and color corrected only. Once you place your order I will apply more hand edits, including skin retouching, and your final high resolution professionally retouched images will be delivered 3-5 days later via your private online gallery.

Choosing when you to book your session depends on many factors, including the season and look you want, what nights of the week work best, how late your kids and stay up. I hope the following images and tips help you choose the time of year that works best for your family. Don’t ever hesitate to reach out if your have any questions at all.

Winter Family Photos

Winter Family Photos

Winter family session are offering in November only. The average temperature ranges between 0 and -6℃. The sunsets in November between 3-4pm which can be convenient for families with little ones who can’t handle staying up too late. All of my family sessions are within 1-2 hours of sunset and in winter we can get that beautiful golden light as early as 3pm in November. Temperature is usually the main reason for rescheduling as I tend to reschedule if it is really windy or if the temperature is below -8. Some of the reasons I love winter family sessions are the adorable array of touques I see on little ones or when families bring hot chocolate to share with each other during the session. There are also some amazing winter events in YEG that I would be happy to photograph your family at including the beautiful Ice Castles and Glow Edmonton; or we could hit up an Edmonton area rink for some skating or hockey themed family photos. In home sessions are also available this time of year, I’d be more than happy to come photograph your family baking Christmas cookies or snuggling up in front of the fire place. Snuggles to keep warm are what I love most and your kids will be more than happy to get nice and close during a winter family session. 

 
Spring Family and Graduation Sessions

Spring Family and Graduation Sessions

Spring family sessions are offered in May to mid June. Weather can be fairly unpredictable (it snowed the year my daughter was born on May 7th and then 30 degrees on her first birthday!) but the average temperature ranges between 15-21℃. The days get a bit longer but no too long for little ones. Sessions will take place between 7pm in May to 8:00pm in early June. Some of the reasons I love spring family sessions is the light - I always seem to catch the most beautiful light this time of year. Plus- no bugs! The mosquitos don’t generally get bad before late May, but spring brings the beauty of summer with green grass and cherry blossoms by mid to late May. Spring is also the perfect time for grad sessions; I can capture the new grad the afternoon of graduation between the ceremony and banquet or the week or two before or after. Book your graduation session today by contacting me directly, spots are already booking up. 

 
Summer Family Sessions

Summer Family Sessions

Summer family sessions take place between mid-June and August. This short and sweet season can see temperatures between an average of 21-23℃ with spikes a lot warmer. Thunderstorms are the main reason for rescheduling. Summer days are long! On the longest day of the year in late June the sun doesn’t set until after 10pm. Session times will range between 8:30pm in June down to 7:30pm in late August. This can seem alarming to some families who’s kids are in bed by 7 (like mine!) but trust me, our session will be so fun and action packed that any kid can handle one later than usual bedtime - Don’t worry! I will also be sure to prepare you for this later session with my family prep guide that I send to every family when they book a session. I love summer family sessions! Everything is green, flowers are bloomed and we can dip our toes in the water in some locations. I find dressing for a summer family session a bit more laid back too (not as many layers and kids can even go bare feet!). I would love to go berry picking with your family ( I know a couple good wild spots) or even photograph you amongst the big blue sky and canola fields in mid to late July. The main con - mosquitos! I carry a good supply of repellent to every session and tend to avoid areas where they are particularly bad; you can definitely prepare for mosquitos but it is something to keep in mind if you have little ones who are really bothered by them. Families also tend to gather this time of year, so if you are looking at booking an extended family session book a date when every one is home. Overall summer is a very popular season for family photography for good reason, book early to avoid missing out!

 
Fall Family Sessions

Fall Family Sessions

Last but definitely not least - Fall. The ever popular fall family sessions take place between very late August to early November (if we are lucky - as we saw in 2018 fall can turn to winter very fast!). Temperatures are sweater weather nice with an average temperature that trends down from 17 to 0℃. Days start to get shorter which means earlier session times ranging between 7pm in late August to 5pm in November (prior to day lights savings), perfect for little ones. Cancellations are generally rare except for very cold days. The beautiful fall colors are the main draw, but they are honestly fairly unpredictable. My suggestion would be early to book between mid-September until early October - that would be the best bet in an average year. These session dates book up fast! In 2020 my fall was fully booked by April. What don’t I love about fall sessions! Bugs are generally gone, weather is fair and the warm tones really suit my editing style the best; mostly I love that I usually get to see the same beautiful families year after year. Book now - some dates are already booked!

 

I hope that this helps you decide when the best time is for your 2021 family session! It’s going to be an amazing year, I hope you will join me! 

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{Hello 2021} Edmonton Newborn | Maternity | Fresh 48 | Family Photographer

Ahhhh deep breath….I’m back and ready to put 2020 and the hardest year for my business behind me and start 2021 with fresh goals, fresh ideas, more confidence and hopefully a lot more newborn babies. First things first - A brand new website! And with that brand new packages for family, newborn, maternity, fresh 48 and baby sessions that I am sure you’ll love. 2021 family session dates are also now available for online booking - book now and get the date that works best for you. All images on the site are from the past year and a half - I felt that I have grown so much as a photographer in the past year and a half and wanted to show you the work that is the best reflection of what you will receive when you book a session with me.

2020 was going to be the year I grew more than ever, photographed the most babies, and did more studio sessions than ever before. Then COVID hit and we all know what that has affected so many lives and so many small businesses. Your family’s health and safety has always been my number one priority, and as hard as it is I will continue to follow all AHS guidelines which currently only allow me to photograph families outdoor or in studio. Crossing my fingers that restrictions will be eased on January 23rd and I will be able to get back to my in home newborn sessions.

When you book any session this year you can rest assured that your deposit will be transferred in the event a health order prevents me from doing your session. In studio I am currently following all orders which include wearing a mask and washing hands frequently. I also have an awesome disinfectant fogger from a fantastic local business Maverick Fire and Safety that I use before and after every session to clean and disinfect all spaces and surfaces clients come in contact with. As always, newborn props, wraps and backdrop are always washed before and after any newborn session. I allow 24 hours between each booking and always require clients to reschedule if an immediate family member is sick.

I’ve made some exciting changes to my studio as well, including new studio lighting and a more comfortable seating area for parents. I can’t wait to shoot more newborns, sitters and cake smash sessions this year.

Thank you so much to everyone who continues to support and trust me to capture your family safely. I am so passionate about capturing your memories and hope that you will take me a long for a ride with your family this year. Please check out my new website and packages and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all. Together we will get through this all and I hope all of our sacrifices pay off soon and we can all get back to doing the things we love very soon.

Please enjoy some off my favorites below from 2020

Kelsie

Edmonton & Area Maternity & Newborn Photographer {Baby Vida}

I’m back! after a much needed couple weeks off I am ready to officially hit 2020 running. Our second Disney Cruise once again far exceeded all expectations, we had the most amazing time and can’t wait to go again in a few years. If you are looking for the perfect family vacation, I cannot recommend Disney Cruise Line enough. Here are some highlights from our trip.

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From one wonderful trip to the next - this Friday I am off to Toronto for Kelly Brown’s newborn workshop. Kelly has been an inspiration to me since I started my journey as a newborn photographer, and I cannot wait to learn from her in person. One thing I love about photography is that no matter how long you have been at it there is always room for growth and always something new to learn. This year I plan to shift the majority of my focus to newborn photography. I love babies and love capturing this special times for families, such fleeting time that they will never get back. Check out my new newborn package offerings, including a brand new Bundled Mini package for families with a smaller budget who are just looking to capture baby alone.

I will still be offering family sessions, but dates will not be released until mid-March, and openings will only be offered between May and October. Very limited openings will be available for online booking soon, be sure to join my VIP group on Facebook for the chance to book first and receive special discounts.

I met this beautiful family on the second day of 2020 for a romantic winter maternity session. Keren was just glowing and you could just sense the anticipation for this new baby from both mom and dad to be. We lucked out with the most gorgeous weather and golden light, what an amazing start to the year. Keren wore one of my maternity wardrobe gowns which I am now happy to offer to all maternity clients in 2020.

Edmonton maternity photographer_keren.jpg

Beautiful, and I mean seriously beautiful, miss Vida arrived a few short weeks later right on her due date - during one of the coldest snaps on record. I arrived to be greeted by beaming grandparents visiting from BC, so happy to spend time with their newest grand child, for Keren’s mom her long awaited first grandchild. Mom and dad were just smitten with joy for their precious baby girl, so many heart melting moments. Vida (which means life) was just an angel for me, even when she was awake and so alert for much of the session. Keren & Zach, thank you so much for inviting me into your home to capture this exciting new chapter of your lives. Wishing you all the very best as a family of three.

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