Both newborn sessions give you beautiful photographs of your baby, but the difference is whether you'd also like to be in the pictures.
My mini newborn session focuses entirely on baby, with natural portraits, tiny details, and wraps, colours, and props.
My family newborn session includes all of that, plus time for photographs with parents and siblings.
If you're tired or unsure about being photographed, that's completely normal. Perfection isn't our goal. What matters is having photographs of your family together, and I'll guide the posing, lighting, and wardrobe so you can feel comfortable.
What Happens During a Mini Newborn Session?
Mini newborn sessions last approximately two hours and are designed for baby-only photographs.
I usually begin with natural photographs on a simple white backdrop. I love these images because they're timeless. They'll look beautiful in your home regardless of how your decorating style changes over the years.
This is also when I capture those little stretches, expressions, and the way your baby naturally positions their hands.
We'll photograph all the tiny details, too: fingers, toes, lips, eyelashes, and everything else you want to remember about how little your baby once was.
Afterward, we'll move into wrapped poses. By changing the outer wraps, colours, textures, and props, I can create plenty of variety without constantly disturbing your baby.
You don't need to bring outfits, wraps, or props. Everything is ready for you in my Cordova Bay studio.
What Makes a Family Newborn Session Different?
Family newborn sessions last approximately three hours. We spend an additional 45 minutes to an hour photographing your family together, while still allowing plenty of time for baby-only portraits.
I like to create a variety of family photographs without making the experience unnecessarily complicated.
We'll photograph Mum with baby, Dad with baby, both parents together, and siblings with their new little brother or sister.
I work through different combinations efficiently so you have plenty of choices without spending the entire session posing for family portraits.
Depending on the time available, we can also use different lighting and backgrounds. I love offering families a choice between soft natural window light, bright studio portraits, and darker, moodier images.
You don't have to choose just one style before your session.
What if We Have a Busy Toddler?
I've photographed plenty of toddlers who are excited about their new sibling but aren't particularly interested in sitting still for photographs!
I adjust the posing to suit their age and temperament.
With very young or active siblings, I often have a parent safely holding the newborn while I bring the children close enough to capture their expressions and connection.
Your baby's safety always comes first. I won't place a newborn in an unsafe position just to get a particular photograph.
Once we've finished the family portraits, siblings can leave with Dad or a grandparent if that's easier. We can then concentrate on the newborn photographs without expecting little ones to wait patiently for hours.
Will We Still Get Plenty of Baby Photographs?
Absolutely!
During a family newborn session, we still have approximately an hour and a half devoted primarily to baby.
We'll photograph natural expressions, wrapped poses, close-up details, and more advanced newborn poses when your baby is comfortable and cooperative.
Some poses take more time and patience than others. I always work at your baby's pace, allowing breaks for feeding, soothing, and cuddling whenever they're needed.
What if I'm Not Ready to Be Photographed?
This is something I hear from parents often, especially mothers who are recovering from delivery, feeling exhausted, or simply not comfortable with how they look.
And I understand.
But I want you to remember something: nobody ever said you had to look like a model to deserve a beautiful family photograph.
Your children won't look back at these photographs wondering whether you had lost the baby weight or whether your hair was perfect.
They'll see you holding them when they were brand new.
That's what matters.
Having said that, I do everything I can to help you look and feel your best. I've carefully considered the lighting, posing, and clothing options available in my studio, including a curated client closet.
You don't have to figure everything out yourself.
Of course, if you're recovering from a difficult delivery or simply aren't ready, a mini newborn session is a wonderful option.
Which Newborn Session Should You Choose?
Family Newborn Session — $525 + tax
Family newborn sessions last approximately three hours and include photographs of your baby with parents and siblings.
We'll create a variety of family portraits using different combinations, lighting styles, and backgrounds.
You'll also enjoy the same beautiful baby-only photographs offered in the mini session, including natural poses, wrapped portraits, close-up details, and more advanced newborn poses when appropriate.
Mini Newborn Session — $375 + tax
Mini newborn sessions last approximately two hours and focus entirely on your baby.
We'll capture natural newborn poses, beautiful wrapped portraits, and close-up photographs of tiny fingers, toes, lips, and eyelashes.
By changing wraps, colours, textures, and props, we can create a lovely variety of photographs for your gallery.
Which Newborn Session Is Right for Your Family?
If you'd love photographs of yourself, your partner, and your children together, I highly recommend the family newborn session. It's a wonderful opportunity to capture those first family portraits while your baby is still so tiny.
It's surprisingly difficult to get a beautiful photograph of the whole family once you're home with a newborn. Someone is usually missing from the picture because they're the one holding the camera! And those first family photographs become even more meaningful as your children grow.
However, I also understand that not every family feels ready for photographs so soon after welcoming a baby. If you're recovering from delivery, feeling exhausted, short on time, or simply prefer baby-only photographs, the mini newborn session is a wonderful option.
We'll still have plenty of time to capture a beautiful variety of newborn photographs, including all those tiny details you'll want to remember.
Whichever session you choose, my goal is to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable for you and your baby.
Not Ready for Family Photographs Just Yet?
If you really do want family photographs but you're not feeling ready for them right now, there's another option!
You can start with a baby-only newborn session and return when your baby is around six or seven months old and sitting independently.
My Baby's First Year collection includes a mini newborn session, a sitter session with family portraits included, and a first birthday cake smash, along with a miniature custom-made album featuring photographs from your baby's first year.
This way, you can still have those beautiful family portraits you've been hoping for, while giving yourself a little more time to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Ready to Plan Your Newborn Session?
If you're trying to decide between the two sessions, think about what feels doable right now. Your recovery, your energy, and your family.
There's no rush to be perfect. Your newborn will change quickly, and whichever session you choose now, you'll be glad to have those memories.
My newborn photography studio is located in Cordova Bay, serving families throughout Greater Victoria, BC.