I’m so thrilled to offer such a unique, amazing high quality heirloom to my clients. Not only are Baby Couture Albums unique with the luxurious imprinted leathers, fabrics, silks and velvets we can offer but there is also premium photographic prints used during the binding process… Something that only Rainbow Eleven clients know about You’d have to see it to believe how beautiful it is!!

The great thing about this to me is the ability to use so many different fabrics, leathers and textured materials in my custom design. I love being able to mix leathers with textures and do something creative and unique, something really personalized and special for your baby!

I love this design so much, I named it “Sabre” after the adorable newborn in the image. The leaves in this design are actually a raised velvet texture and there is a gorgeous strip of rich black leather down the middle. I LOVE the way it frames the image and creates this striking yet opulent look.

You can see the texture and the way the velvet leaves are raised here. Also the gorgeous quality of the spine. Such perfection!!

Look at the craftsmanship of this binding and spine. This is what a high quality album looks like! You can see the thickness and durability of the pages so the photographic print binds perfectly and seamlessly to the page. Baby Albums really do make me happy!

I think being based in Toronto means that I’m lucky enough to have so many amazing clients with so many different tastes and styles. Like for instance Makio’s parents, Funky music producers with an amazing sense of style. I always love to have my clients input and get a sense for what they are drawn to when creating my design. I love, love, love this texture and the way it plays off of the fresh lime colour of the baby sling. Sometimes my clients leave the creativity and design solely up to me and that’s so much fun too.  This texture is so vibrant and so much fun. I named this style after the featured baby as well, I call this design “Makio”

I love doing the less than obvious when it comes to my Baby Couture designs. I love playing with negative space and doing the unexpected. Having a single image on a page allows your eye to enjoy the image with ease, it really is a beautiful thing isn’t it?

And don’t forget about the adorable details… They grow up way too fast, don’t they.

These handcrafted albums truly are a dream…

I just got these albums in late yesterday afternoon and wanted to share them with you all before they go to their new home These are not Baby Couture they are our Premium Leather Albums in 10×14 and 10×10. Still uber gorgeous,  and in luxurious leathers.

Thanks for taking a peak at some of the awesome options we have to create fine art pieces of your baby’s first photography experience. To me this is my craft and a work of art, my vision is not complete until I can present my clients with a luxurious album to hold on to their memories of this very special time. Can’t wait to photograph your baby or newborn soon!

I’ve been photographing so many brand new babies these days it’s so had to keep them up to date on the blog! I think last month was our best month ever for Rainbow Eleven with lots of wonderful new babies to photograph. I was really happy to get a phone call for this baby session as these clients found my work from shooting the cover of the 2010 Baby and Toddler Guide. The Baby and Toddler Guide can be found all across Toronto at many of The Bay, HBC, Zellers, Thyme Maternity locations. Thyme Maternity also distributed copies to 45,000 expecting and new parents at the Toronto BabyTime Show. I’m so thrilled to be a part of such a resourceful guide for new parents! I’ve also been getting so excited over the fact that many of my amazing clients are bringing along so many meaningful items along to the baby sessions.

Ananda’s mom and dad thought it would be nice to customize their session and incorporate some very special fabrics from their wedding day. Her wedding lengha and sari were so beautiful and made the most unique backdrop for cute baby Ananda.

Ananda’s mom fell in love with this little white beanie I had in my studio. It was so cute on her. She looked like a little elf that had dozed away into dreamland

I also had this new flowy pink velvet flowered fabric that Ananda could snuggle in. Look at how wide eyed she is! Super sweet!

I was so excited that I could get creative and finally use my wooden bowls from Indonesia! I was waiting for a baby that was tiny enough to curl up inside. She was so content and sleepy that we had trouble moving her from this cozy nest. But we had no trouble getting many different angles and perspectives on this sleepy newborn Check it out!

I love this one, snug as a bug in a rug!

Happy as can be!

We finished off the session with these two cute little shots. I love photographing a sleepy, peaceful baby especially during these suspended newborn photographs, lol.

What an fun and amazing baby session we all had. Thanks so much Ananda’s mom and dad for choosing me and making the shoot so enjoyable for me. I really loved being the artist to create these cherished images of your new little girl! Congratulations to you both!

He is such an expressive little guy with so much personality, he was a lot of fun to photograph.

What an adorable guy! I call this one,  ‘Here’s lookin’ at you kid.”

Look at those stunning eyes! So shiny and bright!

See what I mean about the unique expressions! He had a few…

…And a smile for his mom and dad too!

Hani’s parents were really excited about the new baby couture album line that I’m designing. They live in Toronto, Canada and also in Jordan so once the album is complete we’ll be shipping it all the way to the Middle East so the whole family can enjoy the amazing album we’ve designed for little newborn Hani! We’ll be doing a custom 10×14 baby album that is creative and unique to really personalize  little Hani’s first few days in the world.

No baby album would be complete with out the tiny little details that really show how special newborns are. Every time I have the opportunity to photograph a new baby I always feel as though I’m creating a portal for families to visit their memories when their baby has long since grown up. Without professional images of your little one it can be difficult to really remember all of these beautiful little details.

I love this shot above. Such a peaceful, sleepy little guy snuggled up in this flowing fabric.

Thanks so much for bringing Hani by for his very first photo shoot. He was a great model and a great baby! We’ll post his Baby Couture Album very soon!

This post is from a few months back but I’d love to share it with you all. I’m very passionate about working with local Toronto Charities and Camp Oochigeas is definitely one of our faves. Camp Oochigeas is a amazing camp for kids with cancer, where they can go to play and have fun with other kids and still continue to undergo their chemotherapy treatments. Camp Ooch also provides kids with 680 year round programs at no cost to the families. It’s such an important, life changing experience for the kids that’s why this charity is so close to our hearts!

We were so honoured to be asked this year to cover the gala and auction at The ROM, Royal Ontario Museum. The lavish gala raised over half a million dollars in one evening and had over 700 of Toronto’s most generous in attendance. The evening hosted a very special spokesperson, child actress and cancer survivor, Heidi Hayes. Heidi spoke about how Camp Ooch changed her life and helped her through the really tough times while she battled cancer. She also spoke about all of the great friends she made while along the way. You may recognize her from her hit movies History of Violence with Viggo Mortensen. There were a lot of tears, laughter love at the gala and we were so happy to be a part of it all. If you’d like to donate to Camp Ooch and help a local child’s fight please do so here DONATE.

Thanks to our friend and amazing Event Planner Currie Ross for contacting us to help support Camp Ooch.

We thought we’d play with a very basic little digital camera we had shaking around. We made a family movie inspired by the Super 8 video’s my Opa used to make when he was a cinematographer.

It was a lot of fun! Let us know what you think

Music: “Brand New Day” by Joshua Radin.

It takes very special parents that want only the best for their baby and this is what Baby Couture is. A way to have something very custom that is as unique as your baby. I had so much fun with little Sabre and his mom and dad during his session, they really, really love this cute little guy.

He was a dream to photograph and slept all through the session like a little koala in a tree What a sweetie!

He even let me get him into froggy pose… Isn’t he so cute with his chubby cheeks!

It was so nice to incorporate some of the beautiful fabrics from his parents wedding day in his photo shoot.

When Sabre did wake up he was bright eyed and bushy tailed and had a good time peaking at me from behind my camera.

Look at those big sparkly eyes! He’s such a happy little guy

I loved playing with all of the vibrant colours but I wanted to do something a bit more creamy and neutral too. I think this goes so beautifully with his peachy complexion. Super cute!

This teddy bear hat has been a big favourite of almost every client that has come into the studio. It’s made it’s fair share of appearances on the blog. It’s so adorable everyone always wants one or two shots with it. I totally love it too!

Thanks so much to Sabre’s amazing parents! I really enjoyed spending the time with you and adorable newborn Sabre. I’m also very excited to share with you all the new Baby Couture line coming very soon… Who says babies and fashion can’t mix!

Glad to see you all back and checking into the Rainbow Blog! We’ve had a very busy shooting week but I couldn’t wait to blog this when it came in. I have to say, I was so excited when Makio’s package was shipped to the door. The anticipation was killing me as I tore through all of the tape and cardboard to see what was inside. I mean I already knew what was waiting for me… A gorgeous 10×14 Custom Baby Album and 3 Rave books (for Makio’s happy new family members), but I couldn’t wait to see how the final product turned out!

Since Makio’s parents are such cool people and are naturally very creative working in the music industry, I knew they would choose a unique design that would really showcase Makio’s newborn photography. They took it one step further and upgraded to a Metallic paged Album for their special little guy. It really  gives a richness to the book and makes the images pop off the page!!

Check out the quality of the binding, it’s like nothing we’ve ever seen from any Album company out there.  All of our high end Baby Albums are hand crafted to perfection and it shows.

What a unique and creative way to do an Album cover. I love the way the black strip balances with the photo square. Very stylish and very modern! Who says Baby Albums have to be boring, frumpy and just like the guys next door. Why not go for  quality and style with a custom piece that compliments your decor and reflects your personality! Stay tuned to the blog, we have many more baby shoots to blog and lots of gorgeous Album options coming soon!

Here is baby Layla’s album at one month old,

Have a wonderful day!

I love how newborn babies at Makio’s age can still fit in the palm of their Pappa’s hands. I love how peacefully he’s sleeping, like a baby Koala in a tree . I love this shot below and made it a double page spread in his baby album.

Makio’s mom loved some of the shots she saw on my site in what she’s coined as Froggie Pose, lol! I had to get a shot of him just for her. She was absolutely delighted when we got it just right and he held in Froggie Pose for us!

Here he is a few seconds later, still an adorable shot. Just look at those chubby little cheeks!

Everyone knows by now that I love sleepy newborn poses, but shots I really, really love are those gorgeous sparkly eyed newborn shots. Take a look at those beautiful catch lights, there is no doubt about it, I love, love, love natural light when it comes to lighting my baby photography sessions!

Here’s another cute shot. I was so happy when I got these new photography props in. This little teddy bear hat was so sweet and was perfect for Makio’s skin tone. Super adorable!!

This little, fuzzy green hat was also perfect for him as well. He looks like a sleepy little elf, doesn’t he!

No newborn shoot is complete with out those tiny detail shots I love so much! These shots always look great in the album or as a large print in your home. I sooo love baby details!

I had so much fun designing Makio’s 10×14 baby album and once it arrives I’ll post the finished product on the blog. I do create an album for almost every client and Makio’s parents are so creative you’ll love the cover design they came up with. It has to be one of the best cover selections I’ve seen yet! Plus I love this session so much that I can’t wait to see what their metallic baby album looks like. I’m sure it will be dreamy!

I had a chance to use a little baby bucket during this session. I wanted to continue with the oatmeal tones as it goes so amazingly with Makio’s skin tone. What a sweet little guy he is!

Speaking of new baby photography props I was so excited to do a suspended newborn shot. I loved this new baby sling I ordered and couldn’t wait to use it. He’s such a good little sleeper, he really seemed to like this little newborn hammock!

Such a happy boy, he’s even got some dimples to go with his smile. Too cute!

It was really nice to capture a shot with mom and dad at the end of the shoot. He’s such a lucky little boy, his parents love him so much! Can’t you just feel the love they all share. You are all truly blessed and congratulations on such a happy time in your lives.

It was such an honour to photograph beautiful baby Jesse. He’s actually the newborn baby of my friend Natalie. The newborn session was the first time I had a chance to meet this sweet little guy and I was thrilled to be able to have him by the studio for his first photo shoot. Before I continue with the rest of this gorgeous little guys photos I just wanted to show you a quick before and after. Jesse is no doubt a handsome boy. Most babies that are his age experience common skin bumps, redness, baby acne or little scratches. Jesse had a few little bumps and scratches here and there, I just wanted to give you all another example of the difference retouching makes. Retouched photos are a beautiful way to remember your newborn with out any distracting elements. We have all of our images professionally retouched so you can enjoy your images for years to come, without any of the elements that can lead your eye away.

I love his cute little newborn toes, so tiny and soft

Nat loved the little teddy bear hat I have in my treasure chest of goodies. It’s so soft and fuzzy, no wonder Jesse fell fast asleep!

One thing Jesse loves is being swaddled. He was so toasty warm in his little cocoon, it was nice to see him relax and drift off to dreamland.

Thanks Nat for bringing Jesse to Toronto for his very first photo shoot. I really enjoyed having you both by for his adorable newborn session!

I love this shot of Lauren… Every time a wave splashed her toes she would scream with delight!! Super adorable! Do you recognize Lauren? Yes, she’s the model I used for the cover of the Baby and Toddler Guide 2010! I also won a Baby Photography  Award with one of Laurens images. I think this little girl is destined to shine!

What a happy family, look at those smiles!! Dad Sean is an awesome orthodontist, with smiles like that, they should use their own photos in a magazine ad, you all look like models anyway

What a fun and relaxed shoot. I always feel like the best creative juices flow when everyone just relaxes and enjoys the fun of photography. Lauren had a great time during the shoot. She thought she was just having a play date with mom and dad! To me,  that’s the best way to capture pure, real images of your loved ones. I love candid moments and true smiles!

I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter, kinder, more genuine family to photograph. I’m very honoured to have captured the true spirit of you all in my photographs. Much love to you all!!

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We all had an amazing time at the Baby Time Show at the International Center over the last three days! There was an incredible turn out of over 45,000 parents-to-be and parents with children 5 and under. The Rainbow Eleven booth had a lot of great interest especially in the fine art baby albums, and many attendees took advantage for the baby album show special

The BabyTime Shows are the biggest and busiest consumer events entirely dedicated to pregnancy, birth, babies and toddler. Because of this, I was totally thrilled that The Baby and Toddler Guide was handed out to all the attendees at the Thyme Maternity booth through out the weekend. It was great seeing so many parents reading through the guide at the show… and it was really nice to see little Lauren’s image on the cover!!

The BabyTime Shows consistently deliver a high volume of targeted individuals who come to see the very latest must-have products, meet the people behind the brands, and get expert advice and information, all within a interesting and fun setting. There were so many cool products and companies at the show like Lindsay Brewda’s, Grace Announcements

…And some of the coolest strollers I’ve ever seen in my life… Orbit Baby Strollers!! If you haven’t yet, I’d highly suggest checking these companies out, both amazing products…

Ok, now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for… The winner of The BabyTime Show draw for a free photo session with Rainbow Eleven is…

Congratulations Josette Lafleur!!! You’re the winner of the complimentary Newborn Session!

You will be contacted soon to set up a time to schedule your session

Thanks again to all that stopped by the Rainbow Eleven booth! We had a great time chatting with you all and introducing you to Rainbow Eleven’s custom newborn and baby photography!

This awesome guide will be available at all Bay locations, Thyme Maternity, major baby and toddler shows, doctors and midwives offices, children’s stores, play centres, child care centres, and from participating advertisers. Be sure to check out the Baby and Toddler Guide website for more helpful info as well!

I thought I’d share this cute little movie trailer with you all. My friend Andrew of Sorlie Arts sent it to me and I think it just looks adorable It’s a documentary about 4 babies from around the globe following their lives from newborn to one year. Babies premiers at cinemas Mother’s Day (cute huh?)

I absolutely LOVED photographing beautiful little Jordana. She was to tiny and sweet. I had a fab time spending the day with her parents Pat and Jackie too, they really adore baby Jordana with all of their hearts. It’s so nice to see new family’s begin and to be there to photograph this very special time in there lives.

I always encourage clients to bring materials, fabrics, and any meaningful items along to the shoot. Baby Jordana’s parents we’re happy to bring along a few things like a gorgeous Tiffany & Co. necklace a present from mom and dad, a rose that symbolized Jordana’s middle name, Rose and a ducky grandma gave as a gift!

I love having a chance to use my sheepskins and wooden bowls. It’s always nice to have a neutral, classic look to some of the photographs. Doesn’t she look like a happy newborn, sleeping away!

At the very end of the shoot it was so nice to get a chance to photograph mom, dad and Jordana together. Jordana even give us a little giggle.

Thanks so very much to Pat and Jackie for choosing me to photograph your beautiful baby girl. Jordana is very blessed to have such amazing, loving parents that care so deeply for her I’m thrilled to have been there to photograph such an exciting time in your lives!! Thanks again guys!

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Thanks so much to all the speakers, photographers, film crew, those who lent a hand out and came out for an Awakening!

I’m so excited to share this post with you all. We had a fabulous time at the Awaken Workshop this weekend at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto. It was especially nice that our album supplier Finao came down and hosted a party for all 75 attendees. We were so happy to have Christine and Harold along to show us some more of the products they offer and I was very stoked to see my album designs as the sample baby albums on display =) We miss you guys already… we’ll have to do another Awaken Workshop soon!!

In case you were wondering, yes, these are Rave Books! And yes, this is just ONE shipment from my album company, lol! With all of the newborn photography sessions I’ve been doing over the last little while, it’s really nice to see all of my favourite baby photographs come to fruition in these beautiful Rave Books.

Rave Books are a great addition to your Baby Albums and make amazing gifts for friends and family!  The great thing about them is that they come in silk, leather, faux leathers and so many gorgeous prints, they really are like nothing else I’ve seen done with coffee table books for baby photography.

I love the way the Rave Books sit completely flat so that you can run a panoramic image across and not interrupt the photograph. I also love the fact that the pages don’t stick straight up (like most small photo books), so where ever you open the book you can enjoy the spread of photographs with ease. It really is the best way to keep your favourite baby photographs close at hand

Because of the quality, beauty and design of the Rave Book, we’re happy to say that Rainbow Eleven no longer carries the traditional style photo book.

These books have so many amazing features like amazing print quality, photo insert covers and customized name imprinting. What a beautiful way to showcase your images for everyone to enjoy!

I’m delighted to be co-hosting and speaking at the exciting Awaken Workshop this weekend here in Toronto. We have 2  of the comped speakers tickets that have just opened up and are on sale now!! Click HERE if you want to sweep them up!

Thanks so much to everyone that has made the 1st Awaken Workshop such a success.  We’re looking forward to a fun and a very inspirational weekend with you all. Don’t forget to sign up HERE for the Finao One Playdate After Party as well. Awaken Workshop attendees are automatically on the list.

See you soon!

~Charlotte