Newborns

I absolutely adore taking newborn photos!
It is a privilege to be a part infants’ lives when they are only a few days old and capture the freshest moments of your baby and your family. I know this is a very hectic, and sometimes stressful time for you, so here are some tips to prepare for your newborn session and to alleviate any other worry:

• LET ME PENCIL YOU IN
  I recommend that you schedule your newborn session PRIOR to your baby’s birth if possible to ensure a spot on my calendar.
  Contact me after you deliver so we can arrange a time for your session.

  • (Figure within the first 14 days of life; however, the BEST time is between 3-7 days after your baby’s arrival)

•  LOCATION
  The most common place I have photographed newborn pictures is in the home of my client.  If the weather is warm enough and you’re comfortable with the idea, we can take the session outdoors.
  Do NOT worry if your house is a mess…YOU JUST HAD A BABY. With three kids of my own, I understand that your house will probably never be immaculate again. I really don’t need much space and can shoot around any problem areas.
  I may also move furniture around if need be, but will always put things back where they were!

• LOVELY LIGHT
  As stated several times on my site, I LOVE NATURAL LIGHT. I ask that you open all of the blinds and curtains in your home prior to our arrival. This enables me to find the best source of natural light in your home and can set up a “mini studio” in the best possible location.

  • Sessions are normally done mid-morning to late-afternoon when window lighting is as its best.

• CRANK THE HEAT
  We recommend that you keep your home a bit warmer than normal during the session. (a toasty 80 degrees or so) about 30 minutes before our session.
  Increasing the heat allows the session flow more smoothly and helps them sleep.

•  LOOSEN UP
  Please loosen your baby’s diaper and clothing at least 30 minutes before the session. This gives those little imprint marks time to disappear since your baby will be in their birthday suits for many of the photos. Don’t worry! I will pose your little one so none of their private bits are showing!

• CLOSE YOUR EYES, LITTLE ONE
  The moments I’ll be capturing turn out best if the baby is in a deep sleep. To encourage this, we recommend that you do whatever it takes to make sure baby is nice and exhausted.
  A full and content baby is a happy baby! Please feed and burp your baby right before our session to assure a satisfied, sleepy (“milk drunk”) baby. I also do not mind taking as many breaks as needed to help him/her re-fuel. It’s a tough job being a model!

•  VOLUME CONTROL
  Please do whatever you can to keep the noise level to a minimum during our session. If you have other children or pets that might create noise, try to find a sitter or family member to take them away from the home for a few hours.
  * If you have children and would like them to be included in some photos, we recommend bringing them in at the beginning or end of a session and then having someone take them.

**Only those being photographed should be present to help maintain a calm environment.

•  PATIENCE IS KEY
  Newborn sessions can last anywhere from 2-4 hours. It all depends on baby’s mood and willingness to sleep. Unfortunately…this isn’t something that I can predict!

• WHAT DO *I* WEAR?
  Keep it simple. Throw in a little color if you’d like, but skip the busy patterns. (And please don’t feel the need to match everyone in the shoot!)
  For moms, I suggest cotton knit camis and knit tops.
  I am also a big fan of skin-on-skin portraits with you holding your baby against you. If you want some portraits like this with your newborn, consider a strapless top or tank as an alternative

​

Babies, Children & Family

One of the things we parents love most about our children is their silly and energetic way of entertaining...except when you want to have a photoshoot! Do not worry, please! Capturing a child's or baby's true, beautiful spirit always creates a perfect picture. Here are some tips for your shoot to help you prepare:​

• GARB

         It’s best to have their clothing chosen way in advance and make sure that your outfit choices are comfortable and attractive. Adding fun accessories like scarves,                headbands, hats, etc. can add a modern twist and sassy flair to your images. ALWAYS, ALWAYS bring a change of clothes for other photo options, or in case of              any unexpected situation.

• TIMING IS EVERYTHING

         Be certain not to schedule your photo session around your child’s nap or bedtime. My hours of availability are very flexible for this reason. The best time for                       lighting is the two hours before sunset and after sunrise.  If this is a bad time for your children, we can compromise!

• FUEL UP

         Kids with full bellies are happy ones. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks to our shoot.

• LOCATION

        This is entirely up to you. We can shoot at your house, if your children are most comfortable in their own, familiar habitat or in your back yard. We can meet at a            park, the beach, or any location that holds significant meaning to your family.

• THINK AHEAD

        Moms, we are always rushing around before a shoot to make sure the kids are bathed and dressed and fed and happy.  I always encourage mothers to have their hair         and makeup professionally done if possible.  This will prepare mom for the pictures she is in as well, feeling beautiful and confident.  Leave plenty of time to get               the kiddos ready to ensure the shoot is stress free and organized.

• DAD TOO

         Dads, you are an essential part of your family.  I know that many dads dread the family photo session, but fathers will never regret capturing these precious                        moments.  These images will be left as a legacy, when children are grown, with families of their own some day. Be happy and cheerful to participate!

• COMFORT

         It’s always a good idea to bring toys or comfort items for your children. Parents, I am also never above a good bribe to get children to cooperate!

​

​

Maternity

Maternity pictures are so special. You’re at the precipice of this vast, magnificent change in your life and that energy is really palpable and so picturesque. A lot of pregnant mamas are nervous about the thought of a photo shoot featuring their changing bodies at a time when they may not always feel their best, but with a little preparation, you will love the process and be so happy you decided to document the beginning of your baby’s life.

• THE BUMP
  Mamas, anywhere between 32-36 weeks is ideal. The goal is a nice round belly while you are still feeling great and not too swollen or uncomfortable, but listen to your body! Everyone carries differently and you should schedule as you see best.

• DRESS YOUR BEST

        The number 1 rule is to wear clothing that makes you feel beautiful. If you feel confident, that will shine through in your photos. Solid colors, maxi dresses, and                open necklines are universally flattering. Make sure that you choose fabrics and silhouettes that hug your curves! We want to show off that belly!

• IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS…

        It is not necessary, but I recommend that you get your hair and make up professionally done the day of the shoot so that you can look yourself, but more polished.         Plus, a photo session is a fabulous “excuse” to pamper yourself! Looking and feeling your best is key. This goes for partners, siblings, and anyone else that will be in         the photos with you. If you will be taking any bare-belly shots, remove or loosen anything binding (socks, underwear, elastic bands) a couple of hours before to               avoid indentations on your skin. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack for yourself if you will be shooting on location.

• TIME & PLACE

         Many clients choose locations that have meaning to them- their home, a family house, the place they got engaged or married, or a favorite park...etc. You can also            share with me what ideas you have for the shoot to help determine a location. You should also consider the time of day- typically the most flattering light is just                after sunrise and just before sunset, although different locations will have great light at different parts of the day.

• THE WHOLE FAMILY

         Some women are more relaxed being the only subject at their maternity session; however, many expectant moms want to have their partner, other children, or                  even their pets included. If you are including siblings and/or pets, it’s often a good idea to take pictures with them first (while they are “fresh” and most excited),             then have a grandparent or friend pick them up so you can relax and finish the shoot with your partner or alone.

• REMEMBER

         Your maternity portraits should be fun! I will do everything I can to make sure you feel comfortable and beautiful!