I love photographing any age of children or teens.
Here are some suggestions and requirements for specific ages:
NEWBORNS
It’s best to photograph newborns in the first week of life. They tend to sleep, bend and curl better.I have a whole closet of props!! Knit hats, cute hairbands and blankets. There is no need to bring any outfits (unless you have something special) as I keep the newborns mostly naked throughout the whole photo shoot. If you have any special blankets please feel free to bring them along.
Please bring your newborn to me with a full tummy. Please loosen diaper for the drive over to me, this will help minimize the red diaper lines. Dress your baby in a loose fitting onesis. The less we have to take off when you get here the better.
It really helps if you keep them awake for as much time as possible prior to the photo shoot. Wear them out for me!!
Bathe them, lotion them, feed them, then bring them in for pictures. The studio will be kept warm, so that babies are more comfortable.
Don’t worry about the “accidents” that will probably happen while they are here. All my props, blankets are easy to wash and it is something I have learned to expect.
Please bring a bottle of breast milk or formula. This saves a lot of time, so we can quickly feed them if needed and keep moving.
Please bring a long sleeve black shirt for Mom or Dad (or both) for your picture with your baby.
Don’t forget the pacifier if your baby will take one. That can really be helpful!
Newborns can take as long as 2 hours, sometimes shorter if baby is a good sleeper.
CHILDREN SESSIONS
The best time to photograph babies is 6-8 months old. They are generally happy, sitting up on their own and the cute individual personalities have really started to develop.Babies at one year old are a bit more challenging. If they are walking they are on the move. But with a few tricks I’ve developed, we can get some precious shots of this milestone age.
Sick, tired and grumpy babies are not fun to engage for pictures. Please call to re-schedule. I would rather wait for a better time.
Please bring:
Birthday cakes or cupcakes, the fun diving into the cake is priceless (Optional).
Favorite Toy or comfort item.
A couple of cute outfits.
For boys bring a few pairs of pants, shorts or jeans such as dark wash, khakis, etc. A mix is nice.
Snack for breaks if needed.
Photographing older children and seniors as well is so much fun!! I have lots of great chairs, backgrounds and fun location ideas.
FAMILY
Being a mother, I know the challenge and headache of preparing your family for pictures.It is often dreaded by everyone.
Here are a few thoughts to make it easier:
Sometimes we stress ourselves with the worry that everyone must “match”. I find that the most beautiful family pictures are the simple colors. Add in some “punch” with maybe a scarf or fun keds, boots or any other accessory.
If you have girls, add a fun skirt with a simple cardigan. Cute hair bows are great as long as they aren’t too big. You don’t want one individual to stick out over the other family members.
If you have smaller boys, vests and “newsboy” hats are fun.
Try to find clothes that match your personality and style.
Try and stay away from too much blacks and whites. They are the easiest colors to dress in, but are not the best colors to photograph. Take into consideration skin tones and the “wash out” factor.
Light colored clothing requires certain locations and backgrounds.
If your family is anything like mine, there will be at least one family member that is grumpy about even having their picture taken. I’ve been through that myself countless times, keep a positive attitude and it will be a fun and casual experience.
No graphic t-shirts!
No sports caps!
Please plan on contacting me after you have made your clothing selections, I’m happy to make the time to review your choices. It’s worth my time to make sure you are happy with the final result.
Please allow 2 weeks for your photo preview.
