Are you expecting a little bundle of joy and already have a toddler running around the house? A maternity photo session is a wonderful way to celebrate this special time in your life, but if you’re worried about how to manage both your growing belly and an energetic toddler, we’ve got great news! An in-home maternity session in Komoka, Ontario, can be the perfect solution — easy, relaxed, and fun for everyone involved. Here’s why:

Why Choose an In-Home Maternity Session in Komoka?

Maternity photos capture the beauty and excitement of pregnancy, but they also allow you to reflect on the love and growth of your family. With a toddler in tow, capturing natural moments at home can create a more relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels at ease. Instead of worrying about traveling to a studio or outdoor location, you can stay in the comfort of your own home, allowing your family to shine in a space where they feel most comfortable.

1. Comfortable and Stress-Free

One of the main benefits of an in-home maternity session is that it takes away the stress of planning. There’s no need to worry about getting everyone ready for an outing or keeping a toddler entertained in a new environment. At home, your little one can run around, play with their favorite toys, or even take a break if needed.

The relaxed environment allows you to focus on enjoying the moment. A comfortable setting also means you can wear your favorite maternity outfit, curl up on the couch, or even enjoy some quiet time in your bedroom — all while being photographed.

2. Capturing Genuine Family Moments

The best maternity photos are the ones that capture authentic, candid moments between you, your partner, and your toddler. A staged studio session may leave you feeling like you’re posing, but an in-home session creates the perfect opportunity for natural interactions. Whether it’s your toddler giving you a hug, laughing with your partner, or simply resting their hand on your belly, these moments tell a unique story about your growing family.

An in-home maternity session allows your toddler to be themselves. They’re less likely to feel uncomfortable in a new location, and they can interact with their environment while I get to capture the joy of your pregnancy in real-time.

3. Personal and Meaningful Setting

Your home is where your family lives, laughs, and makes memories. Why not use it as the backdrop for this beautiful chapter of your life? Many families love to capture maternity moments in their cozy living rooms, bedrooms, or even the backyard. Each room in your home tells a unique part of your family’s story, making the photos feel even more personal and meaningful.

Whether you have a nursery ready for your new baby or your toddler’s favorite spot in the living room, incorporating elements of your home into your maternity session can bring extra warmth and emotion to the photos.

4. A Fun Experience for Your Toddler

Let’s face it — getting a toddler to sit still for posed photos can be a challenge. But with an in-home session, your little one can move freely, explore their space, and be their playful, energetic selves. Whether it’s jumping on the bed, playing with family pets, or simply cuddling with mom and dad, these playful moments create memories that are just as special as the posed shots.

You can even incorporate some fun props — like a small chalkboard with the baby’s due date, or big sibling shirts — to help keep your toddler engaged while still capturing beautiful, family-oriented shots.

5. No Time Constraints

Another huge advantage of in-home maternity photography is the flexibility it offers. You don’t need to rush through a one-hour photo session. At home, you can take your time, allowing your toddler to settle in and your family to naturally enjoy the process. It’s not about the number of photos, but about capturing real, heartfelt moments in a comfortable and easygoing environment. You can break for snacks, nap time, or even a quick wardrobe change for mom or your toddler.

How to Prepare for Your In Home Session

Preparing for your in-home maternity photo session is simple and stress-free. Here are a few tips to ensure your session goes smoothly:

• Keep it natural: Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. Light, soft fabrics like maternity dresses, flowy skirts, or cozy sweaters work great for maternity photos.
• Declutter your space: You don’t need to turn your home into a photoshoot studio, but clearing away clutter in the areas where you plan to take photos can help make your images look clean and focused on your family.
• Let your toddler be involved: Encourage your toddler to interact with you during the shoot. Whether it’s giving you a kiss on the belly or holding your hand, natural, loving moments will make your photos come alive.
• Relax and have fun: Remember, the goal is to capture real moments, so don’t stress about perfect poses. Enjoy the time with your family, and let the photographer work their magic!

Book Your In-Home Maternity Session Today!

In-home maternity sessions in Komoka, Ontario, offer a relaxed, fun, and meaningful way to celebrate your pregnancy and your growing family. With no pressure, no rush, and the comfort of your own home, you can focus on creating beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

Are you ready to capture this special time in your life? Contact me today to book your in-home maternity session and start planning the perfect family photoshoot! Not in Komoka? That’s OK! I work out of Chatham-Kent and photograph families anywhere between London and Windsor, Lake Erie to Lake Huron!

I know you are getting sick of hearing me say this, but today I am sharing (again!) my top 3 reasons why home is the best location for family photos – especially for those families with little ones. This is a hill I am willing to die on, and here are the reasons why

1. Everyone is most comfortable at home

It goes without saying that your home is where you are most comfortable and most able to be yourself. Children are much more comfortable with strangers when they are at home in their comfort zone. There are places they can retreat to, familiar toys and blankets and an overall feeling of safety. Especially when kids are shy, meeting you in your home creates a sense of safety that is unmatched.

A bonus is that dads can often “take a break” too. Family photos isn’t always a dad’s favourite activity, but being at home gives them some freedom to wander and be helpful in other ways

2. Nostalgia value

Think about the photos you see of your childhood now and how much you love reflecting on the little details in the background. Documenting your home as it is today, as it functions as a part of your family, aids in telling a better story of your family. Incorporating your home gives the session a much higher nostalgia value for later in life!

3. Your prints will match your decor

This one is very obvious, but if you plan to print your images and display them in your home, you don’t have to worry about the colours of your clothing or images clashing with your decor because the images will include it! Your images will immediately compliment the decor of your home, and fit seamlessly into your existing decor once you print your new images.

I’m confident you don’t need any more convincing, but if you do, reach out today and we can chat more about possibly meeting at your home for your next family session!

I’m not joking when I say the number one question I get asked when planning photography sessions is “How can we include our pets in the session?”. And of course my answer is a resounding YES!! There are a number of ways we can make sure they are incorporated into your family session, in a safe and realistic way. They are very important parts of your family, so we want to make sure to capture them, too! Today I’d like to share a few tips on how to include pets in your next in-home photography session

3 Tips on how to include pets in your next in home photography session:

1. Set your expectations ahead of time

You know your pet better than anyone. Adjusting your expectations to match their personality is always my number one suggestion. If your dog is very hyper around strangers, maybe we don’t include him in photos until I have been in the house for a while. And what if your cat is really antisocial? We can move the crew into the room they are and capture them where they are comfortable. If you’ve got a new puppy who loves to play catch, we can get the family involved for some back yard fun and incorporate that into the shoot!

No matter the personality traits, taking them into consideration before hand and adjusting your expectations accordingly will set us up for success. And I can guarantee their personality will shine through in the photos!

2. Have treats on hand

Especially with dogs, treats can help motivate them. It’s a shame they can’t quite understand that we just want them to sit pretty and look into the camera for 10 seconds! However, having some treats on hand can definitely help me get their attention. I have found there are some dogs who are very put-off my by camera and do not want to look into the lens, but sometimes treats can get them more comfortable with me so I can get a look or two.

3. Safety first, always

I always use the utmost caution when including pets into sessions, especially with newborns. No matter how well trained they are. I will never leave your baby alone with a pet, and we use an extreme amount of caution when laying a baby near a pet. Like I mentioned earlier, you know your pet best and know what your comfort level is, but I will always air on the side of caution. Taking photos with the pet and baby in your arms, or you holding the baby near the pet is always the safest scenario.

At the end of the day, I can’t wait to include your furry bestie in your next session! They are important parts of our family and our stories. So the next time you are asking how to include your pets in your next in-home photography session, we can work together to make it happen! Get in touch today so we can start planning!

There are so many cute outfits available for babies, but they may not always be the best for family photos. Don’t get me wrong, I love how adorable matching baby sets are with the patterned puppy pants and a puppy shirt, but that may not have the timeless look you will be looking to display on your walls. See below for some tips for dressing baby for your next family session:

Keep it simple.

First and foremost: keep it simple. Simple textures and patterns (ie. a quiet plaid, small polka dots, stripes) are a great thing to incorporate into the outfit without it being over powering. Avoid loud patterns (like unicorns and trucks) and opt for something neutral and simple in order to ensure your photos are timeless. Often the simple outfits photograph the best, and allow the viewer to focus on the baby and family connection. They also generally make for the most comfortable outfits – putting your newborn in jeans and a cardigan may look absolutely adorable (I can confirm it does!!), but it may not be the most comfortable option for the session. I suggest a modern neutral onesie or two-piece outfit that you can pair with blankets or headbands.

Avoid tutus and choose simple accessories

Being a boy mom, I LOVE when I see little ones in tutus. No one in my house has ever owned or wanted a tutu and when I see one, I melt. They are so fun and whimsical, however they are also itchy and don’t “sit” well. Especially on babies who are laying down or being held the majority of the time. They may have a place for a toddler during a family session, but consider them a fun addition, not the base of the outfit.

Accessories like headbands are so fun to incorporate into the session. Keeping the bows small and simple allow for a feminine touch without the viewer being distracted.

Avoid bright colours

Bright colours are common in kids clothes, but they can cause reflections of that colour on baby’s skin, or onto the skin of those holding them. Keeping clothes neutral ensures that any reflection that does happen, doesn’t cause a colour cast. Side note, this is why I always wear white or gray to sessions 🙂

Coordinate with mom & dad

One of my top tips for dressing baby for family photos is for mom to choose her outfit first. After having a baby, your clothing options may be limited, and you don’t want to go investing in an new outfit that you don’t need. Choose your outfit, then make sure everyone else’s compliments yours. During a newborn session, your baby is being held for the majority of the time, so making sure your outfits are cohesive is important.

Match the room/blankets

If you have just spent time and money decorating a nursery of course I will incorporate it into the session. Finding outfits that look good in that space is important. Be sure that whatever baby is wearing compliments those settings well. If you have patterned blankets, I suggest a solid neutral coloured outfit.

If you are shopping online for neutral and inexpensive outfits for the whole family, I recommend Zara, Old Navy or Shop 61 for a local (Blenheim) option! I love what Shop 61 has to offer for the little ones in your life and highly recommend them!

When you book a family session with me I always share my session prep guide which also outlines other tips for preparing for your session. Reach out today to book your session and we can start planning together!

Brittany VanRuymbeke is a Chatham-Kent and Sarnia area lifestyle newborn and family photographer specializing in at-home sessions with families with young children

There are three things to consider when determining the best time of day for family photos for your crew. I have been photographing families for over a decade now, and taking these three things into consideration can help you decide not only the timing of your session, but also the location and time of year that is best for your family. Keep in mind that these are just guidelines and suggestions, but ultimately you know your family best! Let’s dive in!

1. Location

If you have a specific location you would like to use, take note of the lighting there throughout the day. If you are hoping to take photos at home, watch the light for a few days to see when your home is brightest. Is there harsh sunlight coming in? Which rooms are best lit during the morning? If you want to focus your time in your living room, what time of day is that room well lit?

Similarly, if you are hoping for the beach, there is typically little shade so you will want to shoot at the times where the sun is least harsh: golden hour and sunrise. Golden hour is always hailed as being the best time of day for outdoor photography, and when shade is sparse that is certainly true, but certain locations get dark quickly in the evening and earlier in the evening might be better.

2. Your family schedule (Naps/Bed time)

The majority of my families have little ones that are still napping, and we all know toddlers can be awful when it comes to skipping or cutting naps short. Every family has their own schedule, and some families are less flexible than others with bed times. Each parent has different opinions on this, and I totally understand that many people’s sanity is reliant on a schedule. If that is the case for you and your family, what time of day is best for everyones mood and engagement? If your toddler is happiest first thing in the morning, maybe we choose a morning in-home session. Or maybe your kids love the option to stay up late and play at the beach, then maybe a summer golden hour session will work for you.

3. Season

Have your heart set on a fall outdoor session? Keep in mind that here in Ontario fall is generally damp and cloudy, so even though sunset is not until 6-7pm, it is often too dark to shoot at the typical golden hour times. In the summer we are looking at harsh sun from 9am-5pm, which means a mid day session might be best indoors. Taking the season and weather into consideration is an important step in determining the best time of day for family photos.

Like I said off the hop: you know your family best! The best session is one that is low stress and high energy, so choose the best time of day for your family, and choose one that will allow you to be present in the moment with them. Still curious when you should book? Reach out today and we can discuss!

We are so fortunate where we live to have some beautiful spots so close by that are the perfect backdrops for family sessions. With two lakes surrounding us and endless kilometers of farm and woodland between, there are so many possibilities! Each location brings a different look and opens up new opportunities for activities. I have made a list of my tried-and-true locations for outdoor family sessions

My favourite local spots near Chatham and Sarnia for family photography

Erieau

Erieau has so many great things to offer: beaches, pathways, the pier and cottages. Not to mention the fish and chips or the woodfire pizzas and craft beer to grab after your session! It is the perfect spot for families to play, and for couples to get cozy.

Nichols Memorial Trail

This one is a bit of a hidden gem in the Wallaceburg area. Many people tell me they have driven by this spot for years and never stopped. It used to be a memorial forest owned by Nichol’s Funeral Home, but it is now owned and maintained by St. Clair Township. The beautiful trail leads back to some pretty rolling hills (as rolling as we can get in Southwestern Ontario!). This location is great during the fall and winter, but can get wet and very buggy if it’s hot and humid weather. The sunsets at this location are also the best!

Wilkesport Greenhill Gardens

Wilkesport Gardens are an absolutely beautiful and relatively new addition to our area. This is a privately funded park that offers a wide variety for any type of session, but it is a favourite of mine for extended family sessions because there is a large amount of space and activities. I will say that because the trees are young, it is best suited for evening sessions because the shade and light filtration is limited during mid day. However, it is a great central location for Chatham-Kent Sarnia Family Photography Session.

Brander Park

Everyone local knows Brander Park. It has a reputation as being the photographer go-to spot, and for good reason. The pond is beautiful and the willows create and awesome backdrop. Don’t mess with a good thing!

C.M. Wilson Conservation Area

This park has some amazing options in it, with the pond and the wooden bridge, multiple outbuildings, and some beautiful wildflowers it makes for a great spot to explore with a large family or small children. I often use this spot for extended families since there is so much space to work with!

Canatara Park

Canatara is a gem because it offers so much variety! Located right in Sarnia and on Lake Huron, you get the best of both worlds with green trails, and beachy vibes. This is a beautiful option year round, but also offers some gorgeous colours in the fall, and wicked sunsets in the summer.

Your home/farm/business

So many of us locals live in the rural areas of Chatham-Kent/Lambton, and it is always a pleasure to work with families on their own properties (or their friends/relatives). Having a connection to the location brings another level of personality to your images, and it is always fun to incorporate family heirlooms into sessions. Sessions at your own home or farm allow for a backdrop unlike any one else’s, and you know I love a cozy in-home session

Studio Sisters

Studio Sisters is a lovely little studio downtown Chatham that offers a warm dry place in the winter months! They always have it decorated beautifully and the neutrals are always the perfect backdrop for any kind of session, be it family or branding!

Other locations I would love to try for your Family Photography Session:

Downtown Wallaceburg, Chatham or Sarnia

There are some really wonderful spots downtown that are hiding in plain sight. Downtown sessions are great for a more urban feel – and are usually close to craft beer (just sayin!). Urban session are a fun way to play with light and lines, and they also offer so many options for things to do. We can even grab a pint at Sons of Kent, Refined Fool or Glasstown Brewery before, during or after your session!

Sarnia Art Gallery

I’ve shot a wedding here, but it would be really fun to explore with a family! It is so bright and fun, and they are so helpful there. Perfect for a rainy afternoon.

I am always up for exploring a new location with you! If you’ve got something in mind, let me know and we can make it happen for your next Chatham-Kent Sarnia family photography session!

I have at the utmost privilege of documenting this family from the beginning. Ian and Stephanie asked me to photograph their engagement session and wedding in 2019, their son’s newborn session in 2020, family sessions with extended families, and now their daughter’s newborn session in 2022 (yes, I am a year behind in blogging sessions!)

As always when you are welcoming a newborn to a home with a toddler, there are lots of breaks and snacks, but there are also lots of snuggles and giggles. This sweet little family does not disappoint when it comes to showing affection, and it makes for a smooth and fun gallery of images.

Dresden Newborn Photographer in home session checklist

If you are looking to book an in-home newborn session with me in the Chatham-Kent/Sarnia area, here is what you need:

1. A newborn baby. Although I am just as happy to do any type of family session in your home
2. At least one room in your home with a bright window and neutral colours. Most homes these days are painted in neutrals which is great for an in-home session. Variety is great, but don’t worry too much if there is only one bright spot in your home. 90% of this session was shot in the dining nook of their kitchen because the light was prettiest there.

If you are looking for a Dresden Newborn Photographer who specializes in at home sessions, please reach out today! I can’t wait to meet you!