Category Archives: Babies

Bonding Through Breastfeeding, A Photo Essay

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One of the most unexpectedly fascinating parts of becoming a grown up has been watching many of my peers become parents. My little sister and most of my close female friends are now mothers. I love seeing the diverse ways they choose to raise their children. Parenthood has brought about new characteristics, new strengths, weaknesses, new insights and new joys in each of them.

I can recall a recent conversation with a high school friend, mother to a beautiful 6 month old baby girl, where she said something like, “I had always heard that breastfeeding created a special bond between mother and child, and I thought I knew what it was going to be like, but really I had no idea what it would be like.” She was amazed at the depth of the bond that this relationship created between her and her baby.

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Not every mother is physically capable of breastfeeding her child. As far as I’m concerned, any parent that is keeping their baby healthy by feeding it a whole bunch of times every single day is doing a great job. Some of my friends used formula, some dedicated moms pumped every 3 hours for months on end to provide the benefits of breast milk to their offspring, and some lucky women have the natural ability to provide sustenance directly from their bodies. For those who are able, it seems to me that breastfeeding has been a blessing. Besides the practicality of having portable infant food that is naturally fortified to provide exactly what your particular child requires, there’s also the added benefit of strengthening the bond between parent and child. Babies that are breastfeed are for the most part, healthy and content, and I’m happy to be able to share imagery that helps normalize this practice.

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When another friend of mine who is also a longtime client had a baby girl of her own in the spring of 2015, she too discovered that breastfeeding was a way to get to know her baby. She is determined to enjoy the process of becoming a mother and wanted to document the activity that had been such a comfort to her and her daughter in the first months after Miss R. was born.

The images in this blog post are lifestyle type pictures that we captured together one cold winter day. They are pictures that are deeply personal, but also important to share.

I’ll let Kate explain why in her own words.

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“Breastfeeding. I had no idea how much this simple act of nourishment and comfort would mean to me, or how much it would bring to my relationship with Rory. When she was tiny, it was the only way she’d sleep (which is incredibly healthy and normal!). As she grew, it was the magical substance and space that helped her get well when she was sick. It’s a sure bet to calm her and make her feel safe as she tumbles around exploring the world and her body’s abilities. And now, it’s the first thing she asks for when she’s had a mommy-less day at daycare. My body is amazing. It provides not just physical, but emotional and mental nourishment for my child.

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But breastfeeding can be really, really hard. Not just at the beginning when mum and babe are learning the whole dance of latching and positions and milk flow. It’s hard when they hit the age of distraction and won’t stay latched because everything else in the world is too interesting. It’s hard when you’ve been woken up for the umpteenth time that night and the boob is the only thing to put babe back into a sweet slumber. It’s hard when they are teething and bite your nipples like a little chew toy (and yes, there’s been blood!). It’s hard when you have to go back to work and begin to wean babe from the one thing that has brought you both so much comfort and countless hours of slumber. And, at any stage in your breastfeeding journey, it’s ESPECIALLY hard when you are out in public and babe needs/wants to nurse, yet you are fearful of the ridicule, stares or gestures from strangers.

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Public breastfeeding is something that I am very comfortable with. Not just because it’s the best (and easiest) thing for our family, but because it’s a movement I believe wholeheartedly in. It’s important to me to do all I can to help normalize breastfeeding, in real life and on social media!

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To commemorate my journey (one that I do hope will continue for quite some time yet), the amazing Emily Beatty Lister came and did a photoshoot with Rory and I nearly 7 months ago. I wanted to have something to remember this indescribable bond, and both tender and hilarious moments that Rory and I share when breastfeeding. Still to this day, the way she looks at me when latched; the way she can simultaneously eat and smile; the way she places my hands on her body and face; the way she plays with my fingers and face; the way she squeezes my breast with love, anticipation and fulfillment…all of it stops time for me and reminds me to be fully present with my child. It reminds me what a good job I am doing raising her, and how far we have come. Such powerful and important lessons.

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Raising a daughter in a world that sexualizes girls and teaches them from a young age that their value lies in their bodies and appearances is scary, but something I know I can counter by intentionally parenting a fierce, smart, aware little gal. Normalizing breastfeeding and desexualizing breasts is just a part of this process. For me, for Rory, for Steve…for all other mums and daughters and kids and partners. And so, I share .”

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Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful insights, Kate.

I’m looking forward to many more photo shoots with you and Miss Rory as she grows.

Want more resources regarding breastfeeding in our community? You can start here.

 

 

Christmas Themed Portraits With An Adventurous Family in Kitchener

Kitchener-Waterloo_family_photography_christmasIt’s hard to believe its already been an entire year since this festive holiday themed photo shoot with the Frey Family. I attended the same high school as Nick, and my little sister and her husband remain good friends with him, despite the fact that most of the time Nick and his family make their home in Kinshasa, capital of The Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. They live an adventurous life involving Christian ministry and flying planes into remote areas of The Congo to bring Internet Technology to the people there. In 2013, their travels brought them home for the holidays, and they spent several weeks staying with Nick’s sister, Charity and her sweet baby girl, catching up with friends and family.

Jocelyn, Nick’s wife, is herself a photographer, and I was honoured when she mentioned that she’d been wanting to do a shoot with me for some time. We scheduled an indoor/outdoor shoot in between their other holiday visits, and these are some of the most treasured shots that we created together that day.Christmas_photos_Kitchener_EBI2813*_8x10crop_webEmily_Beatty_Christmas_portraitsEmily_Beatty_Waterloo_portraits_holidayChristmas_photographer_KW_EBI2475editconfetti_webEmily_Beatty_Imagery_holiday_portrait_2013damask_red_holiday_portraits_Kitchener Kitchener_family_photographer_Waterloo_EBI2332editsparkle_webbokeh_holiday_portraits_Emily_Beatty_Imagery5x7FreyCard2013_web

Technically, there are six people in these photos! Since these images were created, Jocelyn’s bump has grown into an adorable baby boy, and the family of four is back in Africa while Charity continues to hold down the fort here in Kitchener. To the lovely Frey family, may 2015 bring you many more joyful adventures!

Sneak Peek: Rustic Glam 2014 Holiday Minis in Kitchener

Emily_Beatty_holiday_glamIf I had to sum up the theme for this year’s holiday mini photo shoots in just one word, I’d go with COZY. If I had to elaborate, I’d say we were going for rustic charm with a glamorous edge and a hint of vintage inspiration. The idea for this set began back in the summer when I paid a man in a church yard $25 for a lovely red vintage Canam Flyer sled. He had just personally refinished it by hand. The day before the minis, I raided my sister’s home and discovered yet another beautiful vintage sled, and the red tractor that my father made by hand for his first grandson. Excited to have some new props on hand, I planned the set around them and asked my clients to come wearing neutral and deep red outfits with a bit of sparkle here and there, and they did me proud! Furthermore, we had handmade hats and accessories provided by local business, Kissing Bridge Krafts. In the end, all the elements coalesced into some very festive holiday portraits of some gorgeous families. This is your first peek at this year’s holiday mini portraits, but it won’t be your last. Enjoy!Emily_Beatty_Imagery_Christmas_PhotoKnightFamilyXmas20148x10_proof_EBI3691edit_proofEmily_Beatty_Imagery_3xmas_EBI1705edit_proofEmily_Beatty_holiday_ministwin_photographer_Kitchener_Emily_BeattyCanadian_holiday_style_EBI2061editREDshoes_proofcouples_holiday_photos_KW_EBI1612editSQ_proof

 

 

Hero Themed Portraits For A Super 3 Year Old Girl

Emily_Beatty_0948Super_Pepper_edittext_*webThis little “super” model belongs to some very good friends of mine. The pictures were taken a few days after Halloween and a few days before Miss P’s third birthday, the perfect occasion for a fun dress up themed photo shoot. I’ve been dreaming of these images for many months, so its very exciting to finally see them come together here on the blog!

There are 3 reasons I’m so excited about these photos. 1) I genuinely love this kid. I mean, her middle name is literally, Awesome. You can just tell she’s destined for great things. She’s independent, outgoing, fun loving, and she’s got some pretty sweet dance moves for a 3 year old. 2) Her parents are both very creative, and they’re both huge comic nerds — which I say with the greatest affection. Their home is packed with toys and books. They even have a secret room full of collectables hidden in their basement behind a fake bookshelf. Most of the toys and outfits pictured here are items that Pepper’s mom gathered up from their home on the morning of our shoot. How many 3 year olds can truthfully say they have their own Batmobile? This one can! Basically, the super hero theme represents this particular family just perfectly. 3) We tried to create a very empowering, girl positive collection of images, and I believe Miss Pepper will enjoy seeing herself in these pictures as she grows up. I love that its a little girl that stars in my first super hero themed shoot.

We were able to tie in nods to Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, Adventure Time, Dr. Seuss, The Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, and Spiderman. I like to think that by the time Pepper is grown up, there will be more famous female super heros for her to share with the next generation. _EBI0919Super_Pepper_edit_*web

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Headbands and hair clips were all made locally by Kissing Bridge Krafts.

Spooky Styled Halloween Minis

KnightCard2014Witch_**Its no secret that Halloween is my favourite holiday. I’ve always loved the anything goes atmosphere and especially the dress up opportunities that come along with October 31st. Since becoming a grownup, putting together the set for Halloween minis has become my new favourite annual tradition. I always spend way to much time and money collecting new orange, green, black, white, and purple items to decorate with. Next I spend a small fortune on Bulk Barn candy, and finally I visit Nauman’s Farm in St. Clements to select picture perfect pumpkins to dress the set.

Minis are great because they give me an opportunity to fully celebrate Halloween for an extra day, while playing dress up with my favourite little clients. We don’t get any trick or treaters in my neighbourhood, so this is my excuse to get in on the cuteness even though I don’t have any kids of my own yet.

This fall I had 11 cuties from 3 weeks to 14 years old come out for a short and sweet mini photo session. It was a noisy, sticky, laughter-filled, joyful kind of day. I felt especially lucky to be visited by several brand new babies that I’ve been waiting an awful long time to meet. These are just a few of my favourite images from our spooky styled shoots. Enjoy!*_EBI8338edit_web _EBI7551edit_web _EBI8086_webhalloween_pattern_4*_EBI8436edit_web _EBI7995edit_** _EBI8306edit_web _EBI8146edit_web*_EBI8355edit_web

_EBI8555edit_web _EBI8038edit_**_EBI7967edit_**halloween_pattern_4_EBI7705editGRACE2_webThis shoot marked my first collaboration with Shawna of Kissing Bridge Krafts. She provided most of the cute knitted hats and handmade headbands that appeared in these images. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with to embellish our holiday mini portraits. Thanks Shawna!

Join EBI For Spooky Styled Halloween Minis in Kitchener!

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Halloween is without a doubt, my favourite holiday. I just can’t resist all the cozy fall traditions, costumes and dressup opportunities, tricks and treats. To celebrate the season, this year I’m once again hosting spooky, styled Halloween mini photo shoots for children at my home studio in Belmont Village, Kitchener.
EBIhalloweenminidetails2014webChoose a 15 or 30 minute session, and bring the kids in a costume or a cute outfit involving black/white/green/orange/purple. We’ll have some fun, snap some photos, and each child will leave with a little painted pumpkin souvenir and maybe a treat or two. You’ll have super cute digital photos to share with family and friends, and revisit every fall as your little one gets bigger and bigger._EBI6281editweb
BenhamBoyCard1To book a mini session, e-mail emily@emilybeatty.com to say hi, let me know how many children you have and how old they are, and share your top 3 choices for time slots. (Scroll down for options.) I’ll write back within 24 hours to confirm your time slot, and share more info about what to expect.
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These are some of the accessories that will be available for you to borrow for our minis.
You can stay up to date by joining or visiting the HALLOWEEN MINIS EVENT PAGE ON FACEBOOK.
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Baby Jack’s First Photo Shoot with Auntie Em

yellow blue and green laundry themed newborn photography shoot in Elmira, Ontario

The thing about my sister and her husband, is that they make really cute babies. Three so far, to be exact.

Little Jack here rushed into the world in the family’s living room back in March, on our grandmother’s 90th birthday. He’s happy and healthy and growing, fast. Like, really fast. He’s going to be a big boy!

For my sister’s third newborn shoot, we wanted to do something literally fun and fresh- and what’s more fresh than the smell of clean laundry and newborn babies? We created a washtub setup and theme in my home studio, and selected a blue, white, yellow, and turquoise colour scheme. I think you’ll agree the result is pretty adorable, even if Jack was fed up with us by the end of it!newborn-photographer-Elmira

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Welcome to the family, Baby Jack! Auntie Em can’t wait to take many, many more photos of you and your brother and sister. xoxo

Springtime Birthday Photos for Adorable 3 Year Old Twins

EmilyBeattyKitchenerTwinPhotographerI’ve known these girls since before they were born, and today they turn 3!  twin_photographer_kitchener_waterloo_Emily_Beatty

tulips_Emily_BeattyThis was a very last minute idea, just a handful of shots, just in time for the girls birthday party. The best part is, after many shoots together over the past 3 years, this was the first time the twins were able to collaborate by choosing their own outfits. On the way over, I stopped at the grocery store and picked up a few bouquets of spring flowers to bring some colour to the dull April Canadian landscape. Just by luck, the pink white and yellow flowers coordinated perfectly with the outfits the girls selected. It also just so happens that these two little ladies are about to be big sisters! Definitely cause for celebration. twin_photographer_POMBA_EmilyBeatty

3_year_old_twins_Emily_Beatty_ImageryHappy birthday to two very special, very unique little personalities. Love you M & L!

St. Patrick’s Day Portraits with Tiny Twin Leprechauns

Waterloo_twin_photographer_St.Patricks14*bonus_web“Do you have Irish blood in your family?” I asked their mother. “Oh yes!!!” she replied enthusiastically. After bringing her fraternal twin boys for Halloween photos, Christmas photos, and then Valentine’s Day photos, the obvious next step for this family was a mini St. Paddy’s Day shoot.

Our wee setup included plenty of shiny shamrocks, some of my grandmother’s silver candy dishes, foil wrapped chocolate coins, a chest full of golden booty and of course, beer steins. In a testament to their heritage, the boys began miming beer drinking with the empty mugs right away. And those hats! Did you ever see a cuter pair of leprechauns???

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Styled Portraits with Twin Two Year Old Ballerinas

Styled Valentine's Portraits I’ve loved these two little girls since before they were born, and I think my heart grew three sizes the day they walked into my studio in their brand new ballet outfits.

This styled session began with a vague, vintage middle school dance kind of theme, but the tutus and L & M’s wonderfully unique personalities brought it to a whole new level. When their mom walked in she clapped her hands and said, “It looks like the prom!” I styled the set with authentic vintage gloves, oversize pink marshmallows, apothecary jars, my grandfather’s vintage camera, and homemade cupcakes. Our shoot was timed to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but I have a feeling some of these images will be on display year round!twin_ballet_portraits_Kitchener_EBI6481edit*flip_web_EBI6294edit_webKitchener_kids_portrait_photographerEmily_Beatty_Imagery_EBI6171edit_web_EBI6387edit_web_EBI6227edit_web_EBI6465edit2_web_EBI6154edit_web_EBI6459edit_web_EBI6183edit1_web_EBI6364edit*_web_EBI6163edit_web_EBI6146edit_web5x7FRONTcardKnightVday2014_web

I see a great deal of dance parties in our future! Happy Love Day! xoxox