newborn

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.