Archive for the ‘session tips’ Category

Newborn & Maternity Portrait Session Tips {Harford County, MD Baby Portrait Photographer}

July 11th, 2011

In my last session tips post I covered child sessions and now it’s time to talk newborns! Scheduling: I definitely recommend setting up your session while in your second or third trimester. Your due date will be added to my calendar and even if your baby arrives a little early or late(!) I will still be able [...]
 

In my last session tips post I covered child sessions and now it’s time to talk newborns! :)

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Scheduling:
I definitely recommend setting up your session while in your second or third trimester. Your due date will be added to my calendar and even if your baby arrives a little early or late(!) I will still be able to accomodate your session. The ideal time for photographing newborns is in the first 7-10 days. This is the best time for those sleepy, curled up poses!  As soon as your baby arrives, contact me and I will be over ASAP!

Location/Wardrobe/Props:
I come to your home with all of my blankets, props and accessories! It will look like I’m moving in, but I promise I’m not! Ha-Ha! You don’t have to do much to prepare for my arrival, but a few helpful things include:

* Raise your thermostat up a few degrees warmer. This will aid in helping your baby sleep and be comfortable!
* Feed your baby right before I arrive. A full belly will also help your baby sleep for those dreamy poses.

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* Avoid having any visitors during the session to keep the atmosphere quiet and relaxed.
* You can loosen your baby’s diaper a bit before I arrive to avoid elastic marks on their skin. Also, have any special items or outfits set aside and ready for our session.

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During the Session:
Upon arriving at your home, I will seek out the best location for our session. We will need an area with ample natural light, preferably from the north or south, as well as room for my equipment. Depending on where the best light is located, we may need to move some furniture around. Areas in front of large windows and sliding glass doors usually have the best light. I’m primarily a natural light photographer, but will use additional lighting equipment if necessary. I will set up my equipment and go over backdrop, prop and accessory options.

Please allow a minimum of 2 hours for our session. This includes set-up and break down of my equipment, backdrop changes, baby changes and feeding breaks!

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Maternity Sessions
If you are interested in a maternity session you’ll want to schedule it around 32-34 weeks. We can incorporate special baby items, your ultrasound or even do before & after photos! I offer a mini-maternity session and newborn session combination. The mini-maternity session is great for capturing your beautiful baby belly and can also include the dad-to-be!

Maternity Session Wardrobe Ideas
Dresses, form fitting shirts and button down blouses are popular.  The most important thing is that you are comfortable! For outdoor sessions, wear comfortable shoes in case we walk around a bit.

Maternity Session Location Ideas
We can utilize your baby’s nursery or your home, meet at a local park or urban spot, etc. Contact me to discuss specific location ideas as I’m always looking for creative new spots to photograph!

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Whether you are thinking about scheduling a session or have an upcoming session with me I hope these tips were helpful! If there is anything I missed or you have a specific question, do not hesitate to contact me! The best thing about utilizing a custom portrait photographer is that I will work with you to create the results you desire.

There is something truly magical about newborn sessions. The excitement and love during your first few days at home as a family is overwhelming and I’m always reminded of the days after my children were born. It is my privilege and honor to capture those fleeting moments for you and your family to treasure forever!

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Child Portrait Session Tips {Harford County, MD Child Photographer}

April 27th, 2011

I thought it would be helpful to put together a list of tips I provide for preparing for your portrait session! This one will focus on child sessions and I will also cover family, maternity and newborns at a later date. Scheduling your child’s portrait session: First and foremost, avoid scheduling your child’s session around [...]
 

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I thought it would be helpful to put together a list of tips I provide for preparing for your portrait session! This one will focus on child sessions and I will also cover family, maternity and newborns at a later date.

Scheduling your child’s portrait session:
First and foremost, avoid scheduling your child’s session around nap or meal times. A hungry or tired child will look just that in the photos and I’m pretty sure that’s not the look you are going for! LOL!

I find that *typically* (as each child is different!) mornings are the ideal time. We can definitely take snack and juice breaks during the session if necessary! For older children there is definitely more flexibility…these tips are geared for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

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Location:
I strive to capture natural expressions of your child being themselves. I recommend utilizing your home (both inside and out) where they are in a familiar environment or an outdoor location where your child will be fascinated and able to explore. Plus, you just can’t beat those natural backdrops! At home, you can also incorporate your pets and your child’s bedroom!

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Wardrobe:
 With my standard sessions we are able to accomodate wardrobe changes. We can do a more “formal” posed look and then change into a more comfortable outfit for more “casual” images. Keep the dress simple…the focus is on your child! I love to “style” sessions and we can definitely work together to put together a certain look. Keep it fun and comfortable and the images will reflect that.

Props:

Props can be incorporated into the session as well. Let me know if their is anything specific you would like to incorporate! I try to keep props to a minimum though as again…the focus is on your child!

During the Session:

Sessions are definitely relaxed and fun. I will interact with your child to get to know them. We will most likely sing songs, make silly faces and explore our environment. I will never ask your child to “say cheese” and instead will capture natural smiles and expressions. Sometimes it is helpful for the parents to step back to help the child be more confortable and relaxed as well as help me get more natural expressions with “light” posing.

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Also worth mentioning:
If your child gets a boo-boo before the session please contact me! Most of the time they are not visible in the photos or can be easily corrected.  If it rains the day of your outdoor session we can reschedule or move indoors.

Whether you are thinking about scheduling a session or have a upcoming session with me I hope these tips were helpful! If there is anything I missed or you have a specific question, do not hesitate to contact me! The best thing about utilizing a custom portrait photographer is that I will work with you to create the results you desire. I want the images from your session to be treasured for years to come! Childhood goes by oh so quickly…it is my honor and privilege to capture your memories!

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