Meg Tomlinson Photography Blog
0 Before the Frosting Flies: How to Prepare for a Cake Smash Session
Your baby’s first birthday is a milestone that deserves to be celebrated in a way that feels joyful, relaxed, and true to your little one. A cake smash session is exactly that — playful, a little messy, and full of personality. With just a little preparation, we can help make sure your little one walks into their session feeling confident and happy (and that you walk in feeling calm too)! Don’t Make It Their Very First Taste of Cake If your baby has never experienced frosting before, the texture can be surprising. Sticky, soft, sweet — it’s a lot for tiny hands and curious minds. I encourage my clients to try a small “practice run” at home about a week or two before your session. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. A cupcake topped with a bit of whipped cream, or even yogurt with a similar texture works perfectly. Let them explore with their hands. Let them squish. Let them investigate. This can help remove the “what is this?” reaction and replace it with curiosity and confidence when a bigger cake is placed in front of them at their session. Being a mom myself, I know this stage can be a bit sensory-heavy for one-year-olds. Should your little one find the textures overstimulating, I have simple alternatives on hand (such as a wooden spoon and one-of-a-kind wooden cake) as a comfortable alternative so the session can still feel relaxed and enjoyable. So you can rest assured that no matter what, you can leave your session with beautiful photos and a happy baby! Protect the Nap Schedule Mood is everything at this age. The best cake smash sessions happen when baby is well rested, fed (but not overly full) and in their natural happy window. If your little one thrives in the morning, we aim for that sweet spot. If they’re happiest mid-morning after their first nap, we work around it. A rested baby equals more smiles, more energy, and more willingness to dig into that cake! Keep Outfits Simple and Timeless Less is more. Soft textures, neutral tones, simple rompers or overalls photograph beautifully — especially if you love timeless, heirloom-style imagery. Busy patterns can distract from what truly matters: your baby’s expressions. I have a full client closet of carefully curated outfits that my clients are welcome to choose from, so you don't have to go out and buy something just for one short session. Barefoot is always perfect. And don’t forget: A backup outfit -- and extra shirt for you too as you may be wrangling your little one who's covered in frosting! Wipes Their favourite little snack (puffs, yogurt bites, goldfish) in case we need to hide them in the cake Something comfy for the ride home Bring a Comfort Item (Just in Case) Even the most outgoing little ones can feel unsure in a new space. If your baby has a favorite lovey, soother, or small stuffed animal, bring it along. We may tuck it out of sight during photos, but having it nearby can provide reassurance and help them settle quickly. Sometimes the comfort item even sneaks into a few sweet frames — and those can become some of the most meaningful images. Let Go of "Perfect Pinterest" Expectations Here’s the honest truth: not every baby “smashes.” Some dive in headfirst.Some gently poke.Some prefer to study the situation before committing.Some just cry and never touch the cake. And every single reaction is perfect. The magic of a cake smash session isn’t in how aggressively they destroy the cake — it’s in their personality. The frosting-covered concentration face. The hesitant fingertip taste. The full belly laugh. Those are the moments we capture. A Little Note for Parents: If you feel relaxed, your baby will too. These sessions are meant to be joyful and pressure-free. There is no performance required. No expectation for perfection. Just celebration. One whole year of growth.One whole year of love. If you’re a Kamloops mom who is planning your baby's First Birthday , I would love to create a custom Cake Smash Session to mark this milestone for you! I offer many Cake Smash themes - like "Where the Wild Things Are" Cake Smash Session shown in this blog - to more minimal, monochromatic style. I am always happy to collaborate and come up with something new while still staying true to my style ! Check out MY PORTFOLIO QUESTIONS? READY TO BOOK YOUR BABY'S FIRST BIRTHDAY CAKE SMASH? LETS CHAT!
0 Preparing for Your Maternity Session with a Toddler - A Gentle Guide For Kamloops, BC Moms Expecting Baby #2 (or #3)
If you’re pregnant (or hoping to be) and already have a toddler at home, you might be wondering just how a Maternity Photo session with them included may go. “Will my toddler even cooperate?”“What if they don’t sit still?”“Is this going to be chaotic?” My honest answer? It might be a little wild, yep!But it will also be tender, emotional, and beautifully real. As a Maternity and Newborn Photographer here in Kamloops, BC, I photograph this season often — and I promise you this: toddlers don’t ruin maternity sessions. They make them meaningful. Here’s how to prepare so your session feels calm, connected, and true to this season of life you are in : Toddlers don’t perform on cue — and they shouldn’t have to! The most powerful images rarely come from perfectly posed smiles, but instead from: A tiny hand resting on your belly A curious glance A shy cuddle Movement and closeness Your toddler being exactly who they are right now? That’s the real magic. n Kamloops, I often shoot my Maternity sessions during golden hour — especially in Summer and Fall when the light is soft and warm, and the temperature cools off a bit. If possible: Avoid nap transitions Make sure they’re fed beforehand Keep the day simple leading up to the session A well-rested, well-fed toddler changes everything. Toddlers love purpose. Instead of asking them to just “smile at the camera,” I might ask them to: Kiss the baby Listen for baby Hold mom’s hand Run up to give you a hug Walk with you through the grass Lead you to me When they feel involved, connection comes naturally. Soft fabrics. Neutral tones. Clothing they can move in. Whether we’re shooting outdoors in the Kamloops hills or in studio, comfort matters most. Scratchy outfits or stiff shoes are the fastest way to derail a toddler’s mood. Timeless and minimal always photographs beautifully — and it lets your connection take centre stage. I gently guide every session, but we don’t force moments. If your toddler needs a break, a wander or just a quiet minute - that’s okay. Some of the most meaningful images happen when we pause and let them come back in their own time. This season will be over before you know it. You are growing a new life while still carrying, loving, and mothering the one who made you a mama in the first place. That in-between space — where your toddler is still your baby, but not for much longer — deserves to be remembered honestly. Not perfectly.Not stiffly posed.Just truthfully. Bonus Tip: Bring Snacks (Yes, Really) Non-messy snacks are always welcome. Think simple, quick bites that won’t stain outfits. If your toddler has a comfort item — bring it. Sometimes it stays in the car. Sometimes it sneaks into a photo. Either way, it’s part of their story. If you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or quietly planning baby #2 while chasing a toddler around your living room — know this: You don’t need a perfectly behaved child for beautiful maternity images. You just need to show up as you are. The rest? I’ll guide. So all you have to worry about being present in this moment. If you’re ready to document this season in a timeless, softly moody way — one that honours both the baby you’re growing and the little one holding your hand — I would love to photograph it for you here in Kamloops, BC. Because this chapter matters, too. ????
0 How (and Why) I Choose My Outdoor Photography Locations For Kamloops Family and Maternity Sessions
A client recently asked, "Why do you choose the locations you do?" For me, when it comes to outdoor photography, location isn’t just a backdrop — it’s part of my creative process for every session. Every place I shoot is chosen intentionally, and there’s a lot of thought behind where we go and when we’re there. Light is always my starting point. I spend a lot of time scouting and learning my locations — how the sun moves through them, when the light turns soft, where it filters just right, what direction it comes from and when it disappears completely. Knowing this allows me to work confidently and efficiently, even when things don’t go exactly as planned. Like one evening, just a couple years ago. My daughter and I had just finished dinner clean-up and I'd just put her in the bath tub when all of a sudden I received a text from a client and realized I’d completely forgotten about our session! By that time, we had roughly 30 minutes before the sun was gone! No panic — because I had my go-to location 10 minutes from my house. I knew exactly where the light would be in those final moments, which direction to shoot, and how to move quickly without rushing the experience. The session came together beautifully, and you’d never know we were racing the sunset. That kind of confidence only comes from familiarity. (It is actually one of my very favourite Kamloops family sessions still to this day -- and it's the one you are seeing in the images throughout this blog post!) I also choose locations that offer privacy. Many of the spots I use are quiet and tucked away, so you can feel relaxed without feeling watched. Privacy creates comfort, and comfort creates honest images. When you’re not distracted by people passing by, it’s easier to be present and be yourself. Another reason I return to the same locations is simply trust. I know how to adapt if clouds roll in, if the light shifts early, or if we’re working with a tight window. Less wandering, less guessing — more creating. And yes, I intentionally gatekeep some of my best locations. When spots are over-shared, they quickly become overcrowded, overused, and lose what made them special in the first place. By protecting certain spaces I like to use, I’m able to keep them quiet and private. Most importantly, this protects your experience. You get space to slow down, feel comfortable, and stay connected to the moment. These locations aren’t just points on a map —I've taken the time to scout them out and they’re part of my creative process; knowing them deeply allows me to show up prepared, calm, and ready to create something meaningful, no matter what our timeline looks like.
0 The Real Cost of Cheap Photography (And Why I Changed My Pricing)
I told myself it was temporary, that "I'm new." I told myself it was how you “get experience,"how you "get clients." I told myself "I’ll just raise my prices later." What I didn’t realize back then, was that charging the next to nothing price wasn't helping my business grow — it was quietly burning me out. Cheap Pricing Has a Hidden Cost I was shooting constantly, editing late into the night, saying yes to everything and still struggling to make it make sense financially. The math never worked, because it couldn't work at those prices I was charging. It was quickly becoming an expensive hobby that was taking up a lot of my time. The “All-Inclusive” Mindset In the beginning of my career (when this was still just a side gig), I thought the answer to gaining and keeping clients was to give more photos. Bigger galleries. Everything included. 30+ edited images, delivered every time. But here’s the question no one ever really asks:How many of those images actually get shared, printed or displayed? Most don’t. I've seen it personally.They sit on phones, hard drives, and cloud storage — all those images carefully edited, thoughtfully captured, to be rarely seen or thought about again. When images are handed over in bulk, they lose their intention. They become something to scroll past instead of something to live with. Editing dozens of photos just so they can sit hidden on a device doesn’t serve the work, the client or YOU (the photographer.) Burnout Isn’t Sustainable A business that isn’t profitable isn’t sustainable. Truth: It's just an expensive hobby that you have. A photographer who never stops working, may quickly find themselves not enjoying the work at all. Once I shifted my pricing — and my approach — everything changed.I focused on creating fewer, stronger images. Images meant to be printed, displayed and revisited over and over again. Images chosen with care instead of buried in excess gallery full of similar or the same images. I worked less, but better. I showed up more present for my family. The work itself held more meaning. And my expensive hobby became a sustainable and profitable business. Undercutting Hurts the Entire Industry You may not realize it, but charging next to nothing and giving your images away doesn’t just affect one business. It plays a part in reshaping expectations across the ENTIRE photography industry - the very one YOU hope to be profitable in. It gives clients the message that photography is disposable, not a luxury. That someone will come along who will always do it cheaper. That education, experience, and talent don’t carry any real value. And eventually, when you need to raise your prices to survive and be profitable (and you will!) , you’ll be left undoing every single one of those very expectations. Price With Purpose From The Start Fair pricing isn’t about greed. It’s about longevity. It’s about building a business that allows space for creativity, for family and for a life outside of work — while honoring the value of the images themselves.It's about building a sustainable business and keeping this industry sustainable.
0 Why I Don’t Chase Photography Trends | Kamloops Newborn & Family Photographer
Trends: They come. They go. If you’ve spent any time scrolling Social Media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, you’ve seen how quickly photography trends change. One year it’s bright and airy, the next it’s dark and moody. Certain poses, props, and editing styles suddenly appear everywhere — and just as quickly, they disappear. Trends in photography move fast—sometimes faster than a newborn growth spurt. As a Kamloops newborn and family photographer, I’ve watched countless photography trends come and go. And through all of them, I’ve remained steadfast in one thing: a timeless, consistent style that puts families first. Here’s why I don’t chase trends — and why that matters for your photos. Photography Trends Come and Go — Memories Don’t Trends are designed for the moment. They’re influenced by algorithms, social media pressure, and what’s currently popular online — not by longevity. What looks “in” today can feel dated surprisingly fast. I often hear parents say: “I loved these photos at the time, but now they don’t really feel like us.” That’s exactly what I aim to avoid. When you book a Newborn, Milestone or Family session with me, the goal isn’t to create images that match this year’s trend — it’s to create images you’ll still love years from now. A Timeless Photography Style That Lasts From the very beginning of my career, I chose to focus on a timeless, natural photography style that prioritizes Soft, neutral tones ,consistent lighting, simple, intentional styling and genuine connection. Your photos shouldn’t immediately reveal what year they were taken. Instead, they should feel classic, emotional, and true to your family. This approach ensures your images age beautifully — whether they’re hanging on your walls or tucked into an album you flip through years later. I’ve Seen the Trends — and the Regret As a professional photographer serving families in Kamloops, BC, I’ve seen what happens when trends fade. Presets change. Editing styles fall out of favor. Props that once felt exciting suddenly feel distracting. You know what never goes out of style? Emotion. Connection. Simplicity. By staying consistent instead of trendy, I ensure my clients never feel like their photos belong to a specific “era” of social media. Why Consistency Matters for Families Many families I photograph return year after year — for newborn sessions, milestones, cake smashes, and family photos. Consistency matters when you’re documenting a growing family. A timeless style means: Your newborn photos still complement future family sessions Your gallery wall feels cohesive Your images tell a continuous story When trends change, consistency disappears. When style remains timeless, your memories stay beautifully connected throughout your family's growing journey. Your Story Comes First — Not the Algorithm I don’t photograph for trends, viral reels, or what’s performing best online. I photograph for families in Kamloops who want images that feel real, emotional, and lasting. Your story deserves more than a trend.It deserves photographs that still feel right years from now. Looking for a Kamloops Newborn or Family Photographer? If you’re drawn to timeless, emotion-filled photography and want images that won’t feel dated next year, I’d love to work with you. Serving Kamloops, BC and surrounding areasSpecializing in newborn, baby, and family photography
0 Why Your Baby's First Year Deserves More Than Just One Photo Session
The first year of your baby’s life is a season unlike any other. It’s not just about watching them grow—it’s about how quickly everything changes. One day you’re holding a sleepy newborn who fits perfectly in the crook of your arm. A few months later, they’re smiling, rolling, sitting, and suddenly they’re a small person reaching for you with intention. Before you know it, you’re planning a first birthday and wondering how the year disappeared so fast. That’s why the first year deserves more than just one photo session. The First Year Isn’t One Moment—It’s Many So often, parents book a newborn session and think, that’s enough. And while newborn photos are incredibly important and meaningful, they capture only the beginning chapter of a much bigger story. Your baby’s first year includes tiny, curled newborn days, bright, curious eye contact around 3–4 months, sitting, giggles, and personality shining through at 6–8 months, and standing, clapping, cake smashing, and celebrating one whole year! Each stage is fleeting. Each stage looks different. And once it’s gone, it doesn’t come back. Newborn Photos Capture Details—Milestone Photos Capture Growth Newborn sessions are about those tiny, brand new details: tiny fingers and toes, flaky skin, the sleepy, curled up poses… Milestone sessions are about growth: the way your baby smiles and giggles, their shyness or sense of curiosity and all the developmental milestones they’ve newly mastered. By documenting more than one stage, you’re not just photographing your baby’s arrival—you’re capturing the full story of their first year. Babies Change More in One Year Than Any Other Time There is no other year in your child’s life where growth happens THIS fast. Their face changes. Their expressions change. Their personality unfolds right in front of you. Looking back at multiple sessions from their first year allows you to see that transformation in a way a single session never could. Photos Become More Meaningful Over Time In the early days of becoming a new parent, photos feel SO special. You take millions it feels likes! Years later, they feel priceless. One day, they will become reminders of how small your baby once was, proof of how much love surrounded them from the very beginning, and images your child will one day cherish. When you document the first year intentionally, you’re creating a visual legacy—not just for now, but for the future. The First Year Is Worth Remembering Fully You’ll never regret having too many photos of your baby - However, you WILL regret not capturing more of the moments that mattered most. The first year isn’t just about milestones—it’s about becoming a family, learning each other, and watching your baby grow. And that story deserves more than just one photo session. Are you a Kamloops mom who’s currently pregnant, expecting a baby in 2026? Maybe you missed the Newborn window but still want to capture these important Milestones? Let's chat! I’d love to help you document your baby’s First Year!
0 5 Questions To Ask When Booking A Newborn Photographer
Perhaps you are just newly pregnant or maybe you are anticipating the arrival of your baby any day now and the search for the perfect newborn Photographer may be starting to cross your mind. Choosing a newborn photographer is much more than booking a session — it’s trusting someone with your brand-new, fragile, tiny human. Those first days are tender, hazy and incredibly fleeting - therefore, the person you choose to document them should feel like the right fit in every way. Whether you're expecting your first baby or adding another little love to your family, here are five essential questions to ask when searching for a newborn photographer in Kamloops (or anywhere, really). Having the answers to these questions will help you feel confident, informed and completely at ease when the day of your session arrives. 1. Are You Trained in Newborn Posing and Safety? Above everything else (even budget!), your newborn’s safety should ALWAYS come first. Professional newborn photographers , like myself, understand the importance of investing in professional training on proper handling, safe posing, temperature control, and how to support a baby’s delicate airway and joints. Don’t be shy about asking: Have you completed newborn safety training? Do you use composite images for more complex poses? Will there be a spotter present? How many babies have you photographed? How many years experience? A skilled newborn photographer (2+ years experience) understands that no photo is worth risking a baby’s comfort or well-being. Safety is the foundation of every session, and continuing to invest in education will show commitment to their craft. Over my 9 years of photographing babies, I personally have attended multiple 1:1 in-person workshops alongside two of the industry’s top leaders, and continue to further my education via online classes and workshops. 2. Are you Insured? This is and SHOULD be a big one. Next to training and safety, a professional newborn photographer will be fully insured. I carry full liability insurance for my business. 3. What Style of Newborn Photography Do You Offer? There is a huge array of styles when it comes to photography. Every photographer has their signature style — whether it be light and airy, colourful ,prop-heavy or minimal, or moody and timeless. Make sure their aesthetic matches what you envision for your baby’s photos and that you align with their style. If you’re drawn to: Soft tones Simple posing Relaxed, lifestyle posing Minimalism Moody colours …choose a photographer whose portfolio consistently reflects that. When you connect with a style, your final gallery will feel like art you’ll cherish for decades. My style can be described as earthy, minimalist , monochromatic and timeless. My goal is to produce heirloom-quality portraits , where your loved one remains the focus. 4. What’s Included in the Newborn Session? Before booking you may want to ask what your experience will look like from start to finish. Important things to inquire about: Different package options What props, wraps, or outfits are provided How your final images will be delivered Will a deposit be required What your image delivery timeline may look like post session A clear understanding of the process ensures you know exactly what you’re investing in — and what to expect during your time in the studio. I offer my clients three different newborn session package options, each including a different number of images and offerings for all budgets. 5. When Should I Book My Newborn Photographer? Top newborn Photographers book up quickly — especially during fall and spring baby booms. To avoid stress or disappointment, it’s best to reserve your session during your second or third trimester. If you have a due date, it’s time to book! Most photographers pencil in your due date as a placeholder of sorts, then confirm a date for your session once baby actually arrives (early, late, or right on time… we know they like to surprise us). If your baby is already here, don’t panic — many photographers leave room for last-minute openings, so it’s always worth reaching out. Choosing the right newborn photographer isn’t just about photos — it’s about trust, comfort, and finding someone whose work you resonate with. When you know the right questions to ask, you’ll feel confident walking into your session and excited to see your baby’s tiny details preserved in a way that feels timeless. If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Kamloops who loves moody tones, simple styling, and documenting families with gentle honesty, I’d love to welcome you into my studio. Ready to book or have more questions? I’m here to help every step of the way!
0 Baby-soothing Products Every Newborn Photographer Needs!
The goal of any successful Newborn Session is to get beautiful portraits of your baby in poses, all the while keeping them calm and content in the process. We all know babies can be challenging. They could be fed, burped and all needs met yet may still need a bit of extra soothing. We also know that not all babies are the same. While some may like the sound of a loud SHUSH , others may just need a gentle vibration to soothe them into that slumber needed for a successful Newborn Session. In this post I will talk about 3 Must-Have soothing tools that I keep handy in my studio and use frequently in my sessions. First, you've got to set the overall environment. When baby arrives to my studio, the lights are already off (except for the modelling light from my PLM) and my White Noise Machine is already going. The White Noise Machine I currently use is no long available on Amazon so I can't link it, but I would suggest looking for one that also has Brown/Pink noise, or fan noises. I find these sounds to be less harsh than regular WHITE noise is. Next up, is the Shhhhussshhing. After you've shushed enough times yourself during a Newborn Session, you find something that does it for you. Many of us in the industry use these little devices because they are small and portable. They easily tuck next to baby in a prop, or near them on the table. The loud shushing noise of these can really help to 'snap' baby out of a crying or fussing fit. You can find it on Amazon [HERE] If you want a cheaper option, the same company does also offer an App for both Android and iPhone users for a one time purchase of about $6.99. Rocking. Some babies just need that little bit of movement to lull them. But what if you're like me and you use a table to do your posing and don't use an assistant - making it difficult to jiggle, pose and perfect baby all at the same time?! Even the initial transition of putting baby down onto the table from my arms can be a big one, resulting in baby needing some settling. That's where the RockIt comes in. What is it? The RockIt is a portable baby rocker device that you can strap to a stroller, or bassinet etc to make it rock slowly or quickly. It sort of mimics the constant gentle jiggling movements of a car ride. I have mine strapped to the leg of my table in just a way so that it rocks the table if I need it. Super handy for those extra fussy or touchy babies while going through your table flow! Get it [HERE] Another option that may serve better for Newborn Photographers using a bean bag instead of a hard surface table for posing, would be the Baby Brezza soothing mat. This mat can be easily tucked under all your posing layers , offers multiple soothing rhythms and can be easily controlled via an app on your smart phone. Get it [HERE] Last but not least, the Lullavibe. It does exactly what it sounds like. It is a totally portable soft covered paddle that offers soothing constant vibration. I find this especially comes in handy for use when you’ve got baby in the potato sack pose , or when you have baby in pose on the table. A little vibration to the bum or back seems to do the trick in most cases! I like this tool as well because it offers just a bit of weight which can help keep baby feeling secure when rested against their little bodies. Get it [HERE]
