Questions Parents Ask

Book during pregnancy — ideally in your second or third trimester. Your due date is held in the calendar, and the exact session date is set once your baby arrives, in that early window when they are 7–10 days old and still sleepy and curled. Availability is limited each month so every baby gets an unhurried session.

Maternity photos are best taken between 25–36 weeks of pregnancy, when your bump is beautifully round and you are still comfortable moving and posing. Booking ahead secures your spot, especially if you plan to pair it with a newborn session.

Newborn sessions take place in my private home studio in Pickering. Maternity sessions take place in my private home studio in Pickering, in a larger reserved studio for a more spacious and elevated indoor setting, or outdoors on location — whichever setting best suits your vision.

Rental studio fees, when applicable, are quoted separately and confirmed before booking.

Wraps, props, bonnets and backdrops are all provided and styled for you, in soft, timeless tones. You do not need to buy outfits for your baby — just bring a special item if there is something personal you would like included. Maternity gowns are provided in the studio, and selected studio wardrobe pieces are included in the maternity collection where available.

Once your collection is confirmed, your booking proposal will be sent with your contract and booking fee invoice. Your session is officially reserved once the contract is signed and the $100 non-refundable booking fee has been received. For newborn sessions, your space is reserved based around your due date, and the exact session date is confirmed once baby arrives.

No — a free pre-booking consultation is available if you'd like one, and it is completely optional.

For baby: feeds, nappies, a change of clothes, and anything that helps them settle, such as a dummy. For parents and siblings joining photos, simple clothing in soft, neutral tones photographs best and keeps the focus on your family.

Beautiful Gem Photography by Shan is based in Pickering, Ontario, in Durham Region, and serves families across Durham Region — including Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa — as well as Scarborough, Toronto and York Region.

Newborn collections from $595 — Pearl $595, Sapphire $895 (Most Loved), Diamond $1,295. The maternity collection is $650. After your gallery, additional digital images for the Maternity Collection and The Pearl Collection begin at $50 per image, albums begin at $750, and wall art begins at $550. See the Investment page for full details.