newborn photoshoot

In Studio or At Home Newborn Photoshoot

Every Post, Photog Blog

So you just had a newborn baby and you want to get pictures of them taken. The only problem is you just had a baby, you’re a new parent and you’re exhausted. This also could be your first child or your first time getting newborn pictures and you have no idea how to go about finding the right photo shoot location or theme. So what do you do? That’s where I come in. I’m going to explain if an in-studio or at-home newborn photoshoot is the best option for you. 

I want to start by saying that there is no right or wrong answer when deciding if you want a studio or home session. It’s honestly a matter of preference. For example, if you want to show off that new nursery that you decorated for your baby then you might prefer the at-home option. But, if your house isn’t photoshoot ready because you’re busy adjusting to the new parent lifestyle that’s okay too and you might prefer the in-studio option. Both options will look beautiful no matter what. 

In Studio- these types of photoshoots will allow your photographer to have a more controlled environment for the photoshoot. They will have all the props and equipment they need right in their studio. The photos taken in this type of environment will usually look more staged or posed. If you have a smaller home or apartment you may want to consider this option. If you have a specific theme or multiple styled themes you want to capture then this might be your ideal location as well. That way the photographer can change the backdrops and have all the props they will need handy. 

At Home- these types of photoshoots will allow your family to have a more relaxed photo shoot. It’ll be more candid instead of posed and styled. The photographer will come to your house with the equipment that they need to capture lifestyle newborn photos for you. This is n especially good option if you aren’t comfortable bringing your baby out in public yet, or if it’s the cold winter season. If you have other kids on the younger side who you want to be involved in the photo shoot, you may want to once again take the pictures at home so that they are in a more familiar and comfortable environment. It’s also easier to dismiss them and let them play in their room afterward instead of having to keep them entertained in a studio. 

I hope this article was helpful to you in deciding if you wanted an in-studio or at-home newborn photoshoot! If you’ve done a newborn photoshoot before let me know in the comments which option you decided to go with. I’ll see you all next week! 

Life Events That Require A Photographer

Every Post, Photog Blog

There are a lot of events in life that can be fun or exciting time. During these times you may want to consider inviting a photographer to capture the moment for you. Some events you may not even think of, which is why I made a list of life events that require a photographer. 

Engagements- Getting engaged is an exciting time in one’s life. It’s also one that should be professionally documented with photos. Whether you want to hire a photographer to take pictures of your spouse as you surprise them and propose or you’ve already proposed and just want to stage some photos for invitations and memories, a photographer can help you get the perfect pictures to remember this special occasion. 

Weddings- This is another big event in your life that you’re gonna want to document and look back at over the years. A professional photographer can capture both planned and candid moments of your day. They can make sure they get pictures of not just you and your spouse but your family members and the decorations as well!

Maternity- Having a baby, especially your first one can be an exciting and new experience for both you and your partner. This is another occasion that should be documented not just for you and your spouse but for your future child as well to look back on. A photographer can help you come up with themes and locations for this type of shoot. This will also be a good time to help the pregnant person feel special and pampered. 

Baby Showers- This event is another one that you’re going to want to capture once again not just for you and your partner but for your future child as well. This is a great time to capture family members as well who you maybe don’t get to see as often as you would like. 

Newborn Babies- New additions to families are another great time to get pictures taken. Newborn photos will be the first professional images you get of your bundle of joy and can share with the whole family. These pictures are especially important if you want to start a photo album for your child or family or use some of the images in their baby books. 

Significant Birthdays- These photoshoots are super fun for everyone to look back on over the years to see how you or your child have grown over the years. It’s also a great way to celebrate another year of life. Some birthdays people like to highlight include one year, ten years, sixteen years, eighteen years, twenty-one years, twenty-five years, thirty years, forty years, and fifty years. 

Senior Portraits/Graduation- These are important pictures to highlight yourself or your child when you graduate from high school or college. These pictures are a great way to celebrate graduating and starting the next chapter in your life. These pictures can also be useful for graduation invitations.

Prom- When your child goes to prom they are going to want some photos to remember the day and to show off to their friends and family members. These pictures can be great memories for them to look back on especially since some of their friends who they may take pictures with that day may be moving away for college soon. 

New Holiday Portraits- During the winter holidays, it’s a great time to take some family photos. These can be used for holiday greeting cards or just as a way to update your current family portrait. 

New Family Portraits- Family portraits are important so that you can have photos in your home and photos of everyone together at one time. It only gets harder to get family photos with everyone together s everyone gets older with busier schedules. If you welcome a new addition to the family or it’s been a while since your last family photo that means it’s time for a new family portrait. 

New Business Ventures- If you’re entering the workforce, starting a business, or haven’t updated your headshot in a while that means it’s time to get some new headshots. Headshots are essential when reaching certain work milestones. They can help give your client or job a good first impression of your personality. 

I hope this list was helpful to you and I’ll see you all next week!

7 Photos All Parents Need of Their Kids

Photog Blog

I’ve always believed that parents should get professional pictures taken of their kids to keep in a photo album so that when they grow up they could have memories to look back on and share with their future family. That’s why I’ve made this list of 7 photos all parents need of their kids. 

Newborn- These photos will be great to look back on once your kids are all grown up. It’ll remind you of the days when they were small enough to carry in your arms. Newborn photos are important not just for the parent’s nostalgia but also so that the kids can see what they looked like as a child and share them with their friends or spouse in the future. These photos can be taken within the first two weeks of the child’s birth or if you need a little more epitome to adjust to parenthood, they can be taken a few months after you welcome them to the world. 

First Birthday- It’s a huge milestone when a baby makes it to the age of one. So huge that it should be celebrated and remembered! What better way to celebrate and remember your kid’s first birthday than with a photoshoot? This will once again be good for you and your child to look back on through the years. I recommend a cake smash as part of your photo shoot for babies at this age. 

Kindergarten Graduation- This is another important milestone for your child. Their first graduation! Grab a small cap and gown for your child and prepare to get them some pictures of this moment. This will also be a good throwback picture for them in the future. 

Sweet Sixteen- While Birthday pictures at any age are highly encouraged, sweet sixteen pictures are one of the most popular. Go ahead and celebrate them with a photoshoot that they can share with their friends and family or even use on their birthday invitations for a birthday party. This type of photoshoot can be very fun for the teen because they can pick the type of theme they want and express their style. 

Prom- Every high school student who wants to go to prom should have prom pictures whether they’re taken by a professional or on your cell phone. This is a moment your child will probably want to remember and it might be one of the few times you’ll get to see them all dressed up. If you do go with a professional photographer, which I obviously recommend, be sure to have them capture your child and their friend group or date at a nice park. Some photographers offer this as part of their senior pictures package deal so be sure to ask if that’s an option for your child. 

Senior Photos- Senior pictures are another big part of your child’s senior year besides prom. They should definitely get senior pictures done to celebrate their achievement of graduating high school, to use as invitations for their high school graduation cards, and or just for memories of what their high school days were like. 

College Graduation- Just like when you’re child graduated high school, if they’ve decided to further their education at college, you should definitely have senior pictures of them taken celebrating their success at completing college. These photos once again can be used as pictures for graduation invitations, and to help them remember their college days. 

That’s my list of 7 photos all parents need of their kids. Can you think of any I’ve left out? Comment below and let me know. I’ll see everyone next week!

How I Prepare for Newborn Photoshoots

Photog Blog

Last week I shared how you–a parent–should prepare for newborn photoshoots. This week I’m sharing how I prepare for newborn photoshoots to keep your baby safe and comfortable while also delivering satisfying images.

  1. Keeping the Baby Warm. I make sure the temperature in my studio is at a warm setting so the baby is comfortable and sleepy. Especially since some parents like the baby to wear little to no clothing for the photoshoot.

2. Safely Posing the Baby. When posing the baby in certain difficult poses, I have someone holding them in said poses at all time. That way the baby does not fall, lean, or get hurt. I then edit the images so that you do not see the other person holding he baby in the position. This is done usually by combining two different images in photoshop.

3. Lots of Safe Props. I use a multitude of safe props when doing newborn photoshoots. Some of these may include soft stuffed animals, baskets made specifically for newborn baby photoshoots, baby pillows to prop the little ones up and more.

4. Swaddling The Baby. Usually i’ll have one of the parents swaddle the baby since the baby is more acquainted with you. Some parents don’t know how to swaddle though, so I’m more than comfortable swaddling the baby and teaching the parents if they would like to learn. Swaddling the baby is not just a cute look for the photos. It can help the baby feel like someone is holding or cuddling them when they’re swaddled in a blanket.

5 Ways to Prepare Your Newborn For a Photoshoot

Photog Blog

Congrats! If you’re reading this post, you’re more than likely a new parent or are about to be a new parent! I bet you want a photo shoot to celebrate the new addition to your family, but also want to know how to prepare your bundle of joy to get in front of the camera so they can take the best pictures possible. Here are 5 ways to prepare your newborn for a photoshoot. 

  1. Keep Your Baby Awake Beforehand. This might come as a surprise but you’ll want to keep your baby wide awake before the session so that they can be sleepy by the time of the photoshoot. A sleepy baby during a photoshoot is a cooperative baby!

2. Feed them Before the Session. Try to feed the baby a little bit before the photo shoot so they’ll get tired by the time of the photoshoot. This should help them keep from being awake because of hunger. Hangry babies don’t like pictures!

3. Make Sure They Have a Clean Diaper. You probably already figured this one out but make sure the baby has a clean diaper so that they are comfortable during the photo shoot. 

4. Swaddle Them Tightly. If the photographer asks you to swaddle the baby, make sure you swaddle them tight so they’re warm and comfortable. This will help them sleep during the photo shoot. 

5. Be Ready To Be in a Couple Photos. I know, I know, you may not feel like taking pictures but in the future, you’ll look back and be glad you had some pictures with your new family member. So dress in a comfy but cute outfit and be prepared to be in a couple of images.