Lemons & Ants
Leslieville [Pape & Dundas St. East] M4M 1W1 Toronto, ON, Canada

With the new year, we thought it was a great time to re-introduce ourselves. As parents of three young children, our photographic journey began about 6 years ago and was inspired by how quickly things moved and changed with these little humans. We wanted to soak in every little detail including the laughter, soft smiles and big dramatic cries. And soon after we found ourselves chronicling the magical memories for parents wanting the same for their families. We fell in love ...with Newborn Portraiture really quickly soon after. Working with newborn babies is magical and we’re so honoured by every set of parents who will allow us to be part of this precious time in their lives. Having gone through it three times ourselves, we remember the intense exhaustion that often accompanies it but triumphing over it is the giddy intoxication of caring for this little human being who is a mini replicate of you. With this in mind, we wanted to give our clients the best of the best and so we went for the certification into the APNPI (Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International). This involved months of intense submissions as we would be judged on everything from Newborn Safety, Lighting & Composition to Technical Camera skills. As partners in business and life, we’ve spent the better part of 20 years attuning to each other and we often find ourselves naturally complementing each other to give you a well-rounded perspective of the day. As photographers, we see ourselves as storytellers and often your new story begins on this day. Love, Anthony & Le Man

Newborn Session When preparing for a newborn session, particularly in the winter, is to warm up the space we are shooting in. When shooting in the studio or travelling to parents' home, we ask mom and dad to turn up the room temperature to ensure baby is nice and cozy. A space heater also does wonders and helps to simulate body warmth that baby is accustomed to during the first few weeks of birth. During those much-needed skin to skin contact and snuggles. A hot water ...bottle under several layers of blankets does wonders and puts the baby in a lull, making posing much easier. In between takes, we ask mom to feed and top up baby so that they can stay warm and fuzzy. These are just some of the few things to keep baby right at home during our newborn session with us. Along with baby, you'll feel right at home with some hot beverage, snacks and wifi to binge on Netflix or be right at home to nap on our couch, one of the preferred choices for tired parents. =) #torontonewbornsession #brandnewbaby #leslieville #familyshoot #family #leslievillefamily #newborn #calmingbaby #baby #peaceathome

Happy first day of virtual learning! How was the start of the week? For us, it's 3 laptops, 3 separate rooms and a great workout for us running up, down and all around trying to manage all the "MOM-MEE !"s and "DAD-DEE !"s all day long. We're crossing our fingers it's really only going to be one week!... For those of you doing it since September (and even more so, to the teachers), hats off! (We're posting a picture of a sleeping baby because we can't wait to get back to that life of serenity) #NewbornPhotographer #TorontoFamilyPhotographer #NewbornPhotography #Six #MyToronto #TorontoLife #Toronto_Insta #The6ix #YYZLiving #DowntownToronto #Lesliville #TorontoLove #TorontoNewbornPhotographer #TorontoPhotography #newTorontoMom #IGToronto #LeslievilleToronto #GTAPhotographer #NewbornPhoto #leslievillenewbornphotographer #BabiesofIG #NewsbornsOfInstagram

Happy New Year! 2020 was a tough year but we're so thankful we made it through. Here's to making more family memories in 2021 and hopefully some day soon in beautiful and sunny locations. #torontofamilyphotographer #newyear #holidayphotos #torontolife #torontophotographer #leslievillephotographer #family2020

Ahh, 2020 is finally coming to a close. At times, it can feel like a long week, but mostly, it whips by so quickly, that we are now at the start of a new year. Remembering our time just before the lockdown, we were in New Orleans. Being down south, Covid-19 was just the stuff of fiction. It would never reach down here. As the residents go on about their lives, partying it up every day. Talking to the locals, they are known to have parades and parties, celebrating over 2...00 festivals all year round. Being in a different country and so far removed we were oblivious to what is happening at home. Disconnected and in bliss, we go about our time in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean Sea and New Orleans. We made it a point no matter what, whether we are financially able to or not. To take time out of the year to travel, because our children are growing faster then we can grasp. By the time we notice, they would be off on their own, with their friends, at school or work. We have this finite time with them. These will be the memories they will remember when they look back. 2021 will be no different. To make the best of what we have to explore and discover new places to visit, whether abroad or what this great city has to offer. Always make it a point of documenting these special moments. #family #familymemories #childhoodmemories #timewellspent #newdiscoveriestogether #familytime #travelfamily #makingmemories #familymoments

Tantrums, every parent's worse nightmare. The epitome of the 'good life' thrown back in your face. That shitty child you said, would never happen if I had kids of my own. My kids would never behave like this in public and if they do, hell hath no fiery. (shaking ma' fist) The kid full-blown meltdown in the middle of aisle 2 cereal section. When life throws you lemons you make lemonade, when life throws you a little asshole, you kick the shi..... oh wait, this is PG-13.... . Ah, no amount of higher learning, EQ intelligence or Zen training is gonna get you outta this one. On the other hand, on being that child, you said to yourself, you'd never behave or react like your parents. I would not be strict. I would be sympathetic and understanding. Why are mom and dad freaking out about what I'm doing. What did I do wrong? I didn't mean to be bad. Why am I in trouble? I didn't mean to behave like this. Sometimes, it's hard to relate to what your child is going through. They have yet to form the cognitive ability for reasoning or skills to navigate this adult world we live in. Times have certainly changed from our time as children. The thought process of child behaviour is openly discussed. Research findings are widely shared for the well-being of society. Going through this as parents of three never get any easier. As they grow older, you are thrown various challenges on the EQ scale. Pick your battles, as I'm wisely advised to do when an issue arises. Part of the joy of being a child is when you are given the choice and freedom to chose. Rather than being told what to do, being empowered instantly uplifts your sense of belonging in this world. What we've learned, particularly from our youngest when given a task, they feel important and included. Don't discount the chance when they ask to help. Trust me, they can't help much but take it anyway, because when you ask them for help, they are busy with legos. #childhoodmemories #tantrums #parentinggoals #lifeasaparent #thestruggleisreal #leslievillelife #torontofamilyphotographer #torontolife