Fall sessions, Victoria bc

If you are ready for some gorgeous family portraits then now is the time to book! August and September are the best months of the year for a family photo shoot. The days are warm and dry, you have that wonderful sunny glow from a summer well enjoyed and you might just be ready for those cozy sweaters. (I know... too soon to mention sweater!)

As much as I adore summer and haven't yet had a chance to soak it in, the photographer side of me is already thinking ahead to fall photo shoots.  The crunchy leaves under my feet, crisp air in my lungs and the rainbow of warm colors painted across the horizon . . . UGH! I just love it!

So, with all that being said it’s time to get your fall photo session on the calendar!  I just want to give everyone a little reminder as events are rapidly fill up the calendar!  As of right now, I have very few weekend slots available so if that is the best time for your family give me a call soon so we can schedule your session.

As a special thanks, those early birds who book their fall session

before AUGUST 15th 

will get a super cute set of 5 mini photo magnets.

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These things are so cute! I made a bunch for my family and not only do they adore them , they keep asking me to make more!

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Also, if you’ve been thinking about fun and festive Holiday Cards for this year let us help you!  We have an unlimited amount of ideas and layouts to best represent you and your family this season!  Just let us know what you had in mind and watch us bring it to life! Please note, if this is something you are interested in, our cut off for your photo session is November 10.  That will give us just enough time process your cards and get them in time for you to mail out! So let’s get together and play in the tall grasses and leaves!

Sophie

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For this outdoorsy couple we just had to find an equally beautiful and wild spot that would fit their personality. Island View beach always has so much to offer as far as backdrops go. Turn in any direction and you have a different but equally stunning vista!

Obviously weather was on our side also but even in the rain this couple would radiate joy at the new life they are weeks away from meeting.

There may be aches and pains that come with pregnancy but having a photographic record of such an exceptional milestone in your life and your baby's life is so very important to capture. 

#existinphotographs #existinphotosforyourchildren

maternity photographer Victoria BC Maternity photo shoot YYJ baby bump photoshoot beach maternity photography session Victoria BC maternity photography beach pregnancy photos maternity photographer Vancouver Island

If you are in your 2nd or early 3rd trimester and were thinking of doing a maternity session... it's time to start making some calls! You wouldn't believe how fast those last few months and weeks go. I've had many moms come to the studio, see all the gorgeous maternity photos on the wall and bemoan the last minute hiccups that kept them from doing a maternity session. 

Sophie

Click here to check our availability.

A Mother's Day Special

Finding the right gift for that amazing woman in your life can be daunting but I promise you...

SHE WILL LOVE THIS ONE!

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Gift for Mother's Day

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This mother's day mini portrait session gift Includes:

• A 45 minute session
• 2 beautiful gift prints (5x7)
• 5 digital negatives (with printing release)

Here is how it works

Step 1.  Follow the link below to purchase your Mother's Day photography special.

Step 2.  As soon a payment is received you will get an email with access to a beautiful, ready to print letter that will describe the gift in detail. If you would like a more personalized letter  send me an email at sophie@sophiephoto.com or text at 250-661-2558 with the name and email info of the recipient, the name of the person(s) giving the gift or a special message if you want it added to the voucher.

Step 3. On Monday May 15th I will contact your giftee to organise a time, day & location for the photo shoot. I have a lovely home studio in Cordova Bay but I also do location shoot in home or outdoor sites such as Beacon Hill park, Island View beach and Elk Lake... We will also discuss clothing options, getting kids ready and other details.

The maximum number of people for a mini session is 5. Extra prints and digitals can be purchased at a later date. Additional prints are $20 each, digital negatives are $30 each and our silver heart photo pendant is $150. We are happy to reschedule in case of rain or health issues but there are no refunds.

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I'm happy to answer any additional questions you may have.

Special ends May 14th at 10pm.

Sophie

* Some restrictions apply.  

So you may not have baby photographed at his/her smallest but you still can get amazing keepsakes of all those precious baby details and mommy and daddy connection at 4 week, 2 months or even later!

Take Tyrus for example, he came to the studio at 5 weeks old. He did not want me placing his hands and he is very big and awake in mamma's arms but those images are still freakin cute! Mommy was super glad to share these with her family and she will have an amazing legacy to share with her gorgeous boy in a few years!

I especially love those sweet little curled up toes!

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I you have a sweet, adorable and cute as a button baby that needs to be photographed, CALL ME! I would love to create heart melting images for your family! 250-661-2558 sophie@sophiephoto.com 

We did get the shot but soon after he got very hungry and I think he fed for a good hour! Patience is the name of this game. It was very worth it though as he fell into a deep "milk drunk" sleep for the rest of our session. I especially love the mommy and baby shots from this session. The connection, love and perfect fit of these two was as powerful and beautiful to witness. I love being able to record such perfect life moments!

Enjoy!

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SophiePhoto newborn photographer Baby photographer Vancouver Island

If you are thinking of getting your own newborn captured and would like all the details, I would be happy to help! 250-661-2558 sophie@sophiephoto.com

When you slow things down, dress for the occasion and find a gorgeous location you are guarantied to find some magical moments to capture that will forever remind you of the simple beauty of life.

Enjoy the sneak peek!

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SophiePhoto Victoria photographer

Sophie Lecavalier photography studio

For your very own mommy and me session call Sophie at 250-661-2558 or email at sophie@sophiephoto.com

Having two boys of my own, I always overdo the pink it seems when I have a baby girl in the studio... In this case though, mommy was 100% ok with it so I went for it! I did throw in a touch of blue at the end to balance things out. 

With so many props in the studio I tend to get comfortable with a few and use them over and over. So, to avoid doing it too much, I ask my clients to pick a few that catch their eye. Grandmother Suyang suggested the flower headband. It's one I hadn't used yet and I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I might just use it again soon!

Enjoy the sneak peek!

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Newborn Photographer Vancouver Island

SophiePhoto Victoria BC

If you or someone you know is expecting and would like information about our sessions, availability and pricing please email me at sophie@sophiephoto.com or call 250-661-2558

 I first met Benjamin when he was 10 days old for his newborn session. He was so tiny and fair! I saw him again for his tummy time session, sitting up session and recently for his final milestone and I can hardly believe how much he has changed. I see it again and again but it still chocks and delights me!!! Benjamin is a particularly expressive little guy so I am quite happy I got to capture and share some of his cutest smiles with you!

The cake smash session starts with a bit of modeling and showing off. After some snuggles with mom and dad we pullout all the festive decorations and that giant cupcake which is made for smashing! Once we get good and messy, it's fun with the bath and bubbles. This part of the cake smash session is loved or hated by these little ones but either way the photos are priceless!!!!!

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''We are the most photographed generation ever, yet we are the ones who will have the least to show for it.''
- Mike Yost

Our kids and grandkids won't want to spend hours sifting through our digital archives to pull out the gems, if the the technology is even still available! It's up to you to bring out the meaningful images from your collection. Only you can be the curator of your life adventures!

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The thing is, you're busy, you have too many photos to choose from and you really haven't printed much in years! So how do you do it? How do you tackle this mountain!

First you have to understand what are the blocks in your way: Time, volume, doupt and cost. There may be more but let me help you with these four and if you still have challenges, write them in the comment section. I will be happy to help if i can.

Time

I can't give you more of it but i can give you the shortcuts that help me manage this giant task efficiently.

1.Have a plan. Choosing your end goal is a huge part of your success. A family album, prints for a scrapbook, a book with journaling, a folder with your "best of" for wall art, gifts, thank you cards... endless possibilities!

My goal was to have all my "best of" in a print ready folder by year and month.

2.Do a little at a time. Even if you have years worth of backlog, start with the most recent images and work your way back. As you get used to a workflow you will gain speed and motivation. It will get easier to tackle more images in less time. with success. 
Create small spreads on the go. (see best app post) In a previous post i mentioned some cool app like project life and journey that can help you manage you mobile photos in as little as 2 minutes while on the go. If you collect a month of these spreads you have enough for a test book.
Have a desktop "for print" folder and throw your favorite images in there as you go. The benefit of doing this is you have much less images to choose from when you are ready to make a print order. Also, if you save these on a USB key and share them with family you have backups of your best just in case! Even if its not all the good ones, its a very valuable start.
Make sure to add images that trigger strong emotions in there. Not just the pretty and technically perfect. I love the tantrum photos i kept of my kids and the little moments like us reading a book with a mountain of laundry piled next to us!
Email great shots to yourself from your phone if you don't have time to transfer the whole phone gallery to your computer.

3. Be decisive and DELETE! Plan 1 day per month to sort a month of photos. I often choose the first Sunday of the month to sort last months photos. I go through once quickly to eliminate the duds I DELETE THEM so i never have to do that step again. I go through a second time quickly while thinking of which ones i like enough to share with family. I go through one last time to select the ones that i think are good enough to go in a book. This last group is copied into a special (best of) folder. This step helps me so much when trying to build a book. You should aim to have only 20% of your total images left in the" best of" pile. I use Adobe Bridge to do this step. I know there are awesome choices out there but bridge and lightroom are the ones i recommend. This video quickly shows you how simple this step can be.
Watch "How to use the Adobe Bridge Review mode | lynda.com tutorial" on YouTube
 

Volume
 

1.Pick one event. Sort and print one small event like a trip, summer vacation or a birthday, instead of trying to manage a whole year. The reward from doing this once will fuel your motivation to do it again and again!

2. Have a system. Choose a way to incorporate sorting and or editing in your calendar. As with every other personal, non-critical task in your life,  "if it ain't on the calender, it ain't happenin!" Give yourself one day a month (or more) to take care of this project.
Journal. This will help you tell your story and select the best photos to visually represent special moments as you go.It might event remind you to take a photograph you wouldn't have though of otherwise.

3. Stay organised. Keep favorites in a special "to print" folder on your desktop and print from there once a month. 
 

Doupt

1. Practice. One of the reasons I hesitate to print is a worry about it being good enough. With all the editing software available you could easily work on one image for hours! If you print and realize one image deserves a bit more attention you can always go back and re-edit and reprint. Seeing your images printed in the first place is the starting point though. MAKE MISTAKES AND LEARN FROM THEM!. Perfection has no place in creativity! 

2. Don't compare yourself to others. We see all the amazing photographs on Instagram and Pinterest which can make us feel like our images aren't worth printing. I tell you stop doing that right now! Don't let yourself get handcuffed by those details. You are your own unique voice and as with everything else in life you may suck at first but with practice you get better. Photography is all about sharing the world the way YOU see it. Anyone can take a photographs but no one can see the world exactly the way you do. Share that!
 

Cost

1 Keep perspective. Photography and photo albums can cost up front but remember the days of film when you'd pay 20$ to develop a roll with 5 ok pictures if you were lucky. Now, with the same investment you can select the cream of the crop! You can print a softcover book for less than 30$ nowadays!  (Check out blurb.com or social print studio) Give yourself a monthly budget for photography. You will be surprised how much you can get and how much it will come to mean to you. Create small inexpensive softcover books to start off then as you gain confidence bigger ones with striking photo hardcovers.

2. Remember the value of what you are doing. Call it your legacy, call it your creative outlet, call it a worthwhile hobby, just take a moment to realize the importance of photographs as a means to tell and recall the stories and adventures in your life. When you are in your 80's nothing will bring you as much comfort as those visual triggers of a life well lived! How much easier will it be to share your journey with loved ones!

I hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to comment with other ideas, advice or questions.

Holiday photo greeting card samples SophiePhoto Christmas photo ornament SophiePhoto Acrylic photo block SophiePhoto

Sophie

This November we are getting ready for that most crazy, hectic, exiting time of year. Christmas. Every year we try so hard to get ready ahead of time so we can enjoy our families, embrace our traditions and think of our loved ones all around the world.

That's why I'm so pleased to announce our xmas mini studio sessions.

Having holiday cards ready with lots of time to spare, having unique thoughtfully made photo gifts for those hard to shop for family members and having it all done while creating something special and unique for you and your children is as good as it gets!

holiday mini sessions Victoria BC 2016 SophiePhoto

This year we will have two fun sets waiting for you.

We have a white winter wonderland with milk and cookies, snow fluttering around and even a few woodland creatures. All we need you to bring is a red PJ or cable knit sweater for that punch of festive color!

Holiday Minis Victoria BC 2016

Christmas mini session in studio, Vancouver Island Sophie Photo

Or second set has a more cozy and snuggled up by the fire feel to it.

In the end you will have a beautiful selection of images to capture the mood of the season and great personal gift ideas perfect to take the stress out of this wonderful family celebration!

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These mini sessions will be on November 5th, 6th and 13th between 9am and 3pm

Option 1: 30 minute session + 3 digital files. Includes up to 4 people resulting in 15 - 20 images to choose from. $75 session fee is required to reserve your spot. Additional files, prints and products are available for purchase after your session.

Option 2: 30 minute session + all digital files. Includes up to 4 people resulting in 15 - 20 delivered files. $325 *Pre purchase Special!

A few rules do apply to these superfun sessions:

• Mini sessions include up to 4 people. If you have additional people or pets you are encouraged to book a full family session . Please call the studio at 250-661-2558
• Available for new and existing clients. (Please spread the word - your friends will thank you!)
• Location will be inr Cordova Bay studio.
• Session deposits are non-refundable but will apply to any session within the next year. Because this is a super discounted session already, it cannot be combined with other discounts or specials.

Meeting two people who are expecting a baby and then a few weeks later seeing them again as a fully formed family is such a cool experience. In a matter of months your role, your identity, your responsibilities change so radically but the gift that comes along with that is so fulfilling and rewarding that you just embrace it. Even the short nights... (ok, that's the worst)

Though I adore every one of these images I think my favorite is this one with daddy and son. First I have a soft spot for daddy & baby moments but the joy and pride on daddy's face sums up the emotion and intensity of the moment better than any words I can think of.

I sometime imagine this little boy holding on to this photograph throughout his life. Looking at it over and over. Having the corners curled and scratched from use. I imagine him looking at this image and letting that love from dad give him the courage to overcome every challenge he is faced with. Maybe I watch too many Hallmark commercials but this is the value photographs have had in my life so I can only hope it will be the same for others.

newborn photography , SophiePhoto Family photographer Victoria BC, SophiePhoto Newborn photographer Victoria BC, SophiePhoto Baby photography Vancouver island, SophiePhoto Newborn photo shoot Victoria, SophiePhoto Erik-170-Edit Newborn photograph, SophiePhoto

Investment

Maternity sessions

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This is one of my all time favorite locations in a city with hundreds of fantastic vistas. I love the paths, the woods, the tall grasses and the washed up logs where you can sit and enjoy a lovely view of pacific ocean.

Doing a maternity session here, allows my clients to walk around, be themselves and have photographs of the city where their child is born to be part of their life story.

What is the reason for pregnancy photographs?

You want a visual reminder of this very short and pivotal event in your life. You want to have something to share with your child when they ask where they came from. My boys never tired of hearing the story of their "arrival" in this world.

You also want something for yourself when you are in your eighties and nineties, reliving your life's greatest moments. These are the moments you will be most appreciative of having in print! 

Maternity session Victoria BC

I think this next image is my favorite from the session. I love the simple quiet moment shared between the two parents to be. I feel like it truly sums up the experience of expecting your first child where it's still just the two of you but it's soon to be three. This little one is already taking up so much of your attention but you can still enjoy a few more quiet moments before embarking on one of life's biggest adventures! maternity photo shoot Vancouver Island Island View beach pregnancy photoshoot SophiePhoto maternity shoot pregnancy photos BC

If you want more information on our maternity sessions check out our gallery, email us, or go strait to the investment page.

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SO it's time for the big reveal!

If you were at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair this weekend and entered for a draw at the Sophie Lecavalier Photography booth, I THANK YOU!

The Draw at our booth was for a Home Design Collection

This collection includes:

- A family or newborn session in our Cordova Bay Studio or outdoor location of your choice.

- A beautiful 16x24 Giclee canvas gallery wrap.

- A set of 3 mini accordion albums

- Ten Fuji pearl gift prints (8x10 or smaller)

This prize is valued at $875!

AND THE WINNER IS....  Tamara Krentz of Sidney BC

Woohoo!!!! Congratulations Tamara,  We will be giving you a call to make it official!!!

Again, to everyone who entered I thank you profusely for visiting and I very much hope to see you this year for your maternity, newborn or family sessions.

Contact us.

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maternity session at the beach

Maternity Sessions

These sessions are a wonderful way to capture one of life's most remarkable journeys. It's also the beginning or your baby's life story. Your child will be endlessly curious about where he came from, what you looked like carrying him/her and having beautiful images will help you share that important story with him/her.

Maternity sessions are often left to the last minute and before you know it, baby is already 6 weeks old. That's how fast time flies!

This is why I recommend you book your maternity session for the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy. The discomfort, fatigue and unexpected complications that can arise in the 9th month have thwarted more than one mommy to be from getting her photo taken. More importantly, it will be super hard to get your shoes on and off!

You have a choice between our super Cordova Bay studio for your session or an outdoor shoot at one of Victoria's many scenic locations.
Obviously some time's of the year are better suited for a cozy indoor session where you can change easily, get controlled soft lighting and have all the privacy you need for those stunning B&W art images.

However, their is something grand and dramatic about an outdoor session where you can incorporate the rugged nature Victoria has to offer, with the sweet simplicity of this special moment in your life. Thinking about which type of image you would most cherish in 30 years is a great way of choosing if you are on the fence.

I love things to be as simple as possible for my moms-to-be. It isn't very practical for you to buy a bunch of clothes that will fit you for a few weeks at a time so I have created a lovely selection of outfits that fit every body type and gowns that will make you feel like a goddess (which you are!) 
Spouse and children are always welcome in the maternity session!

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See maternity portfolio

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Investment

5 fav apps and why

These are 5 cool apps I’ve come across that I simply adore!

Beyond the candy crush, card games and farming simulators, there is a world of apps that are worth your time and will make your life infinitely easier. I have collected each one based on research, recommendations and just dumb luck. I have spent time exploring each one to see how user friendly, reliable and worthwhile they were. I hope you get hours of fun and value out of each one.

1. Journey

Journey is my absolute favorite app for journaling. I love how easy it is to navigate. You open the app, type in whatever is on your mind and done. If you feel inclined, you can add a photo or multiples from the live camera or your phone gallery. Another great feature is that you can set a reminder alert to make sure you add a few words every day (this has totally helped me keep it up). I value the password protection option as well to keep those prying eyes away. The most important feature for me though is the export options. You can save your entries to any storage or just your phone gallery. You can send it straight to the printer as a PDF with all your photos included or to a multitude of other spots. Write for a few months then print a paper version of your journal, trip or life adventures. It’s super easy, versatile and rewarding. A word of warning though, back up your entries in a second location once in a while in case your phone is lost or broken. It's only after looking back at a few months of entries that I truly came to realize the power and value of this journaling app. I hope you keep it up!

2. Gratitude Journal

This is as simple as it sounds. Take a few moments everyday to write down what you are grateful for. Be as eloquent or succinct as you like, but the power of positive, purposeful appreciation of your life will absolutely create happiness in your heart. I’ve given myself special challenges like 2 straight weeks of noticing things my hubby does that I am grateful for, 2 weeks of things I am grateful about my work and home. The mind naturally notices flaws but sometimes these challenges push you to notice things you take for granted and help you change your attitude towards them. How epic is that for just a few minutes of paying attention!!! This is the app I use but there are so many others that you can choose. Pick the one that works for you. Just remember simple is easy to do every day, complicated… not so much.

project life app layout Traveling layout project life app Sophie Lecavalier project life layout cat Sophie Lecavalier Photography

3. Project life 

OMG! This app is my absolute #1 favorite app for a creative outlet. It's so addictive! If you have an interest in scrapbooking, I know you will just ADORE this app (there is a fee though).  If you never got into scrapbooking because it’s too clutter-y or you just never know what to do with all those choices… this is the app for you! Basically you choose a layout add pictures and pick from hundreds of cards to add notes, memos and reminders. I use it as a note pad when I see something I like for my business but can’t act on it yet, I add recipes with photos of my kids making or eating said recipe. I use it for our regular family documentation. The possibilities are endless! It’s sort of like Pinterest but just for you! Once I have a good collection of fun pages in one theme I send them to a printer where they put it together in a soft cover book. I have a beautiful collection of these inspiration books and love them all!!!!! The best part is you can create a gorgeous layout in 2 minutes or less from anywhere, anytime. Here is a link to the blog for more inspiration. If you already have this app and use it in a different way please share it with us in the comments.

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4. Audible

OK this is my personal weakness. I don’t have much time to read anymore but I still love hearing stories. So I go to Audible, buy a couple of credits and download a few books. They’re mine for keeps so I can take as long as I want to start them. I’ve downloaded everything from motivational to business, from classics like the Pillars of the Earth and Shogun, which are massive books, to Vampire and Harlequin Smut (mostly my favorites…sshhh). I listen to them when I am folding clothes, doing laundry, working in Photoshop and even when I go for hikes. It’s also good when you have to nurse your little one in the middle of the night but your eyes are too tired to read. The audio books work out to be $15 Canadian unless you catch one of their special deals. I even have tittles for my kids who listen to the audio books when they go to sleep. Many libraries now have a similar service though their selection is often lacking in variety. If you are looking for inspiration, motivation or business and marketing insight I have a little list of tittles that are really worth your time. Just send me a quick email and I will be happy to share it! If you have some super must-read suggestions please add them to the comments!

5. Memo

I think memo is one of the most underutilized assets you have at your fingertips. Memo is an app you already have sitting on your phone. Of course you can add some pretty fancy versions if you care to. I am perfectly happy with the super basic model though. I use this app constantly! From grocery lists to ideas on the fly, with rough drafts of future blog posts and proposals or even voice memo recordings, this app is my memory saver. I never have good ideas when I’m sitting at my keyboard but when I go for walks, or drive around listening to the radio I get wonderful inspiration! I don’t use my phone when I drive but if you see some lady sitting in a random parking lot typing furiously or walking in the woods  with  her phone jotting down notes every two minutes… say hi, it might be me!

This note taking in the moment is something I read about from a journaling guru (Jim Rohn) He said that no matter how much you would like to remember an idea you had, it rarely comes back to you in exactly the same way so it’s always best to use inspiration when it comes! As soon as I can, I email myself the really good notes because I have accidently erased a lengthy memo more than once and it’s super disheartening. 

I hope these 5 apps get your imagination and creativity going. It’s time to appreciate the little things and do big things!

If you liked this post share it, if you have questions or comments let us know

Here are two post we will be adding next month:

- 10 Must have apps to help you create and print your photographs

- Easy to follow tips for bringing your best photos into the real world!

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This October we are celebrating pumpkin season! With the joyful colors, fresh air and sweet smells It's the perfect time to get out and play.

That's why I'm so pleased to announce our pumpkin patch mini sessions.

Watching the kids walk through a bright orange field to pick that one perfect pumpkin is a treat I always looked forward to with my little ones. To combine this special adventure with a mini photo shoot is going to be a blast!

These mini sessions will be held on October 13th, 16th and 23rd between 2pm and 5:30pm.

Option 1: 30 minute session + 3 digital files. Includes up to 5 people resulting in 15 - 20 images to choose from. $75 session fee is required to reserve your spot. Additional files, prints and products are available for purchase after your session.

Option 2: 30 minute session + all digital files. Includes up to 5 people resulting in 15 - 20 delivered files. $325 *Pre purchase Special!

A few rules do apply to these superfun sessions:

• Mini sessions include up to 5 people. If you have additional people or pets you are encouraged to book a full family session . Please call the studio at 250-661-2558
• Available for new and existing clients. (Please spread the word - your friends will thank you!)
• Location will be in Saanich on Oldfield rd., exact meeting spot will be discussed at booking time.
• In the event of heavy rain we will reschedule to the next convenient day. Light drizzle is fine, as we will add fun umbrellas to our session.
• Session deposits are non-refundable but will apply to any session within the next year. Because this is a super discounted session already, it cannot be combined with other discounts or specials.

Pumpkin patch

Pumpkins

To book your session or ask a questions emails us. We can't wait to chat!
 

baby photographer

Newborn Sessions

Few moments in life are as intense and profoundly emotional as those first few days at home with baby. This is a time when the little being you created curls up so trustingly in your arms, is comforted by your voice and reassured by your smell. You think those memories will be with you forever but over time, the photographs and videos you capture may be the only way you remember the incredible details and feelings you experience in those first days with your newborn. Try as you might, your brain can't remember all the emotions, smells, details of this whirlwind moment but one great image can bottle it all up for you.

When to book:

Newborn session are best booked in your last month of pregnancy or at 7 or 8th month when booking your maternity session. I save a spot on my calendar based on your due date. As we all know babies come when they are good and ready so we will confirm your actual newborn session on baby's birth day. If you just didn't get organized in time no worries! Just call or email to get our next available session.

What to expect:

Baby's safety and mom's comfort are always top of mind in my studio. I only do certain poses if they are natural and safe for baby. We use natural cleaning products. We keep the studio very warm so your little one will stay cozy and sleepy. I have all the props we could ever need and you will be able to watch all the cuteness unfold from our super soft daybed. ( where many a parent has dozed off!) I always include siblings and parents in each session as these images will become your baby's legacy one day.

Getting ready:

The only things you need to bring is a white and black top (no logo's, stripes or busy patterns) for your photos with baby. It's always good to bring a few snacks and something to drink. It will be tropical weather in the studio so make sure you dress accordingly. Often baby arrives to the studio already asleep. If you dress him/her in a white PJ or onesie, I can start capturing beautiful images right away!

Newborn photography studio Victoria BC

Family Newborn photography

Send us an email for more info

These are just a few of the benefits of having your photographs organized. Read on to see all the value you can get from turning your hot mess into a planned archive.

Time to organize your photographs

Even though I’m a professional photographer and have all the knowledge, software, experience and interest to sort my family photos I still couldn’t seem to get it done. I took so many shots that sheer volume was an issue. I also had run out of computer space so I put some on disks and some on externals and then the same ones on other externals and in the end I had such a confusing mess which was spread over 5 different technologies! I didn't dare erase anything as I wasn't sure if and where I had copies. Every November I would consider making a photo album for the family but half way through the organization I would get sidetracked and boom, time had run out. Enough!

I spent a few weeks thinking of how best to fix this problem once and for all. It took me 6 months to organize my 11 + years of digital photos. It was long and emotional but I am constantly realizing new benefits from this accomplishment.

"We are the most photographed generation in history but

in 50 years we will have nothing to show for it"

- Missy Mwac  

Other advantages to having someone organize all your photographs for you:

• You save precious time.
• You never have to suffer through the heart shriveling realization that you lost a bunch of images.
• You can sit with your children and show them their story in a book they get to hold and touch.
• You avoid the emotional roller coaster of narrowing down the pile.
• You get the perspective of an artistic person who can see precious moments you might miss or take for granted
• The jobs gets done!
• Each image in your best-of folder will be that much more poignant, valuable and meaningful to you. (Less is more!)
• You can get started on the projects that really matter like scrapbooking your family story.
• When your mother-in-law asks for baby pictures of your 16 year old you will be able to find them in seconds.
• When your images are reduced to the best, of you will realize you have more talent than you gave yourself credit for and will feel a renewed enthusiasm for photography so you will go on more adventures, see the world from a better perspective be happier, make everyone around you happier so they will smile more so your photographs of them will be even more beautiful which will make you want to take more photos and you will live a blessed life of gratitude and wonderment........ ") Just saying... it's happened before!

After going through this adventure for myself I shared my success with a few friends. They begged me to do the same for them. Knowing what a time consuming task this was I had no intentions of helping out so I laughed it off and we moved on. One of my friends did persist on the subject so we did a trade. I didn't think I could do for others what I did for myself but to get my house cleaned I was willing to try!!! 

In the end I did organize my friends images much faster than I did my own, I built her a book template with what I thought were some of her best images and she was ecstatic! Eventually I did the same for my family and for my other friends and the group just kept growing. 

Now I want to do the same for you!

What's the next step?

I made it super easy for you!

Step  1. COPY as many of your photographs as you want on a USB key or portable external drive in whatever messy mixed up pile you have. (it doesn’t matter how great or bad you think they are, I know you have hidden gems in there)

Step  2. Mail it to me.

Step  3. Wait for an email invoice and pay in full with an eTransfer or credit card payment.

• $50 per 100 photographs (0.50$ per photo)
• $500 per 2,000 photographs  (0.25$ per photo)
• $1,000 per 10,000 photographs (this is approximitely 1 year's worth of photographs) ($0.10 per photo)

Step  4. Get Your external or USB key back with all your images sorted, the best-of in a ready to print folder. You will also get a ready-to-print book template you can publish as is or customize  to your liking. This is a super valuable bonus that is worth hundreds of dollars just in itself! (I recommend blurb.com for printing)

Because I am still running a full time photography studio this service will only be offered to a limited number of people. There might be a waiting list so if you are keen to get started contact me soon!

Email at sophie@sophielecavalier.com 

Sample book design

F.A.Q

Q: What if I want to sort them myself in the future?

A: My sorting system is very basic, simple and easy to maintain. Once the photo mess is untangled you can easily continue on your own with a clean slate. I can share my favorite tools and resources with a comprehensive PDF booklet so you can have all your beautiful family treasures in a shareable, enjoyable format. Of course, you can absolutely keep me at your service to update once or twice a year!
 

Q: What size USB key should I use? Does it have to be new?

A: As long as your desired quantity of images fit on one key I don't mind the size. You can also use a portable external if you are sending large quantities. Please make sure your key/external is empty before you copy your photographs onto it. I do recommend a new key/external to avoid any technical issues.
 

Q: Do I send you my originals?

A: NO! Only send my a COPY of your photographs. In my sorting process I will be deleting images I consider blurry, duplicates or otherwise unusable. Usually 10% of your photos will be deleted. If you have a copy at home It's an extra safety net in case I delete something that really meant a lot to you. Don't rely on externals too heavily though as these devices do corrupt and break over time. Print, print, print!
 

Q: What if all my pictures are still on my phone?

A: Connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable and copy or transfer all your images to a folder named "photos from phone" on your desktop or other preferred storage folder. There are many tutorials for this on Youtube. 
 

Q. What if I have photographs from different phones and cameras?

A: This is not a problem. I will sort all your photographs by date so each folder will blend together. Every photo you have taken in a given month no matter the device will be in the same folder. Some issues may occur if you haven't set your date properly in camera settings but all phone camera's do this automatically.
 

Q: Can I send you my images through a link to cloud or dropbox...?

A: Not at this time. I might do this in the future but for now I prefer working with a USB Key or portable external hard drives.
 

Q: How do you sort my images?

A: I devide all photographs by year and month. You will have a folder for each year and  12 folders (one for each month) in each year folder. You will also have a 13th folder where I will save all your best-of in a ready to print format.
 

Q: Do you sort videos?

A: No I don't sort videos. If I find videos on your USB Key I will delete them. 
 

Q: What about privacy?

A: Your images belong to you. I just sort them. No copies will ever be made of your images. They will never be seen by anyone else than me. They will not be shared, used or printed. Your trust and my reputation mean everything to me. I respect everyone's creative ownership and I always delete all traces of your images off my computer the moment I get confirmation you received them safely.
 

Q: How soon will I get my sorted images back?

A: It will take 2 to 4 weeks to get your sorted images back depending on how many images you've sent and how many people are ahead of you.

If you are ready for the next step or have any other questions please reach out at sophie@sophiephoto.com

"I know you are busy but it's up to you to stop for a moment, 

take time to savor, celebrate and record this delicious connection 

you have with the people you love most of all. 

Exist in photograph with your children for your children and for you!"

You get up way to early, often after a short night. You let the dog out before you even take a bathroom break yourself. You want that cup of coffee so bad but it's cold by the time you finish it... if you finish it.

Life as a mom is fast pace, all about others and ... Totally awesome!!!!!

When those little arms wrap around you with adoration, fierce possession and a need for comforting, your heart melts. You can't imagine life being any different.

Mother and son

What if you had a wonderful photograph of that moment? Wouldn't you cherish it forever? I have, and I do! This is me with each of my boys. I remember thinking at the time that I would do a shoot like this again in a few weeks but that was 2 years ago. My Ben is now taller than me. I still want to make it happen but somehow it hasn't!

This mother's day I have resolved to have another session with my boys and I want to do the same for you!

Time flies, (eye roll for hearing that a million times but it does!) I know you are busy but it's up to you to stop for a moment, take time to savor, celebrate and record this delicious connection you have with the people you love most of all. Exist in photograph with your children for your children and for you!

This mother's day join us for a mommy & me mini session and get that love immortalized just like I did!

MOMMY&ME2016for-FB&blog

Does this event sounds like what you are looking for? 

Here are the details:

Bookings are available from Sunday May 1st to Saturday May 7th in our studio at 4874 Cordova Bay rd. or on location at Elk Lake and Island View beach.

Please keep in mind I take a very limited number of bookings to give each family the care and attention they deserve so contact me as early as possible to be sure you save your spot. 

In the 45 minutes mommy & me session I will photograph you with each of your children as well as all of you together. You choose 10 of your favorite images from your private online gallery in digital format and you also receive a custom designed Facebook banner in time for Mother's Day. 

Email or contact me here, I'd love to chat more with you about booking your own mommy & me session with me!

With special outfits, fun props and cheerful music we do a mini model session for your little one. Once we are done with that adventure, I bring out the banners, balloons and custom made cake (with your favorite colors). I encourage little ones to discover their special treat at their own pace. As they get more comfortable with this freedom you will see them digging in, smooshing, squishing, spreading cake everywhere! Some even dive in face first! It's high intensity awesomeness you won't soon forget.

cake-smash Cake-smash-Kayden-models

cake-smash-Gabriella

With our birthday girl/boy being so very messy, it's time for a bath. I clear out the cake mess and get ready for the puddles! A little tub of warm soapy water and a bubble machine is all it takes to finish off this high octane session with a magical touch.

cake-smash-tub-marisa

Check out our prices
Contact us to schedule your Cake smash session
See some of our past cake smash sessions

Baby Avery is a perfect example of why the six month milestone is so precious. The round legs, arms and cheeks will soon disappear as she will start crawling and walking those baby rolls away. She is getting stronger every day, her dexterity with small objects is rapidly evolving, she is starting on solids and you start seeing the person she will be when you look in her eyes. How crazy awesome is that!!!!

I thought my appreciation for these little details would wane over time but quite the contrary. The more little ones I meet and photograph the more fascinated by them I become. (Maybe it has something to do with my giant 13 year old who now wears size 11 shoes!)

1st year milestones - 6 months 1st year milestones - 6 months 1st year milestones - 6 months 1st year milestones - 6 months 1st year milestones - 6 months

I very much welcome comments and questions so feel free to jot down your thoughts here or as a message on our Facebook page.

Thanks for visiting!

Sophie

I’ve had so many highs and low’s since starting my photography business almost 5 years ago. I've often thought I would be better off closing the doors and getting a job with predictable income so as to be better in order to better support my family. I've also felt like the luckiest person to do what I love and get paid. Simply put; A ROLLERCOASTER!

One of the constant struggles through this process has been a compelling and consistent presence online.

I've changed websites multiple times. I tried to build them on my own, used readymade out-of-the-box sites and even paid a stupid amount of money to get a designer to build me a custom  one. So far none of these avenues have been the right fit. I could write several posts on this subject alone but many people have done so with grater eloquence so I will spare you! Suffice it to say, I'm still reaching for the right fit and don't think I will ever be quite done. 

The reason I mention all of this is to explain why this is my first post. It's not that I’m new to blogging... just new to this website provider. I do hope it will be a perfect fit for me as a newborn photographer but also for you as a visitor.

I very much welcome comments and questions so feel free to jot down your thoughts here or as a message on our Facebook page.

Thanks for visiting!

Sophie

Newborn photography - wrapped in yellow