If only you could see all the gorgeous ladies in my photo archive… you’d likely hit me for not blogging about them as often as I should. (If only I had more free time!) This is Stephanie, a stunner who wanted portraits to share with her family after her move to DC. I had an awful time editing out photographs to use for her final web gallery, because nearly all of them were as good as the ones below!
I had so much fun spending a Sunday morning with Altan and his amazingly kind family. Altan looked dapper in all of my sleepytime hats and seemed to have the best time simply lounging on his parents bed, posing for the camera. Lucky me, I get to hang out with Altan again this Spring, and also this Fall! Stay tuned for more of this sweet little boy.
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When I met Harper for her portrait session, she was a tiny bit older than my usual newborns but no less sweet, adorable and perfectly sleepy… until it was time to model for the camera!
Q. Why do you schedule newborn sessions so soon after they are born?
A. The earlier the better, and I aim to schedule our session between 4-10 days of their arrival! Before babies reach their second week of birth they are the sleepiest, and it is easier to curl them up in cute, snuggly poses. It is definitely possible to schedule a session past 14 days, but your baby will likely be much more active and super curious about the camera. Newborns also start breaking out in baby acne, developing dry skin, etc. the older they get. That’s perfectly normal, but it takes more time to process the photos.
Q. Why don’t you shoot in the studio?
A. New mothers and fathers are most comfortable at their homes, with all of their baby’s necessities at hand. Since the session takes 2-4 hours, I want to make sure they have the opportunity to relax the entire time and take breaks if needed. Shooting in the parents home also helps me get an idea of what style of photographs would look best with their decor. And don’t forget the nursery! At some sessions we will shoot in the nursery, which will add another personal touch to your photos.
Q. Why do newborn sessions take so long?
A. I schedule every session in a 4-hour block because baby portraits are a bit different than every other kind. Newborn temperaments vary greatly each day and I would never force a child to sleep or wake up at my whim. I work around your little one, capturing the precious moments that only come when they are comfortable and happy. I also need the extra time to set up props, meet your little one, and clean as the shoot progresses. All of my props get messy and this is completely expected! Don’t be upset if your newborn has an accident. Since we work without a diaper part of the time, this ALWAYS happens. I haven’t been at one shoot where it hasn’t. My blankets/props go straight into the washing machine when I get home.
Q. Why do newborn sessions cost more than other portrait sessions?
A. Newborns sessions are the most delicate of all. They take longer to photograph, and the photos take longer to process. They also require more props and more prep time, which results in the higher fee.
I was more than happy to take a time off my holiday vacation to visit little miss Sara Eve eight days after she was born. She was the most curious little lady and refused to sleep, even after several feedings – which was fine by me because I got to play with her for for three hours and capture so many sweet expressions! I knitted some new baby hats and headbands for the occasion and they fit her perfectly.
A fun coincidence: as I was wrapping up processing her photos, a Starship song started playing… Sara. (one of the many corny 90′s songs that I can’t get enough of and keep me plugging away late at night) 
I can’t help but love these portrait sessions the most. They will never be this young again and I hope to give the parents a showcase of memories they will cherish forever.
Right before this year’s first mid-Atlantic cold snap I met the Gavaris Family and had super fun photoshoot with the whole gang. The one word that comes to mind when I think of them – energy! They took me all over their home and never failed to stop smiling. Their little girls are gorgeous… can’t wait to see them grow up!
For those of you who celebrate this time of year, Merry Christmas! I’ve been a little M.I.A. recently, gearing up for the holidays and winding down from a very busy season.
One of my last shoots of the year was with the Richters, a spirited bunch that not only loves this time of year but has quite a lot to be thankful for. I was lucky enough to be a part of this fun day of an “awkward family photo” style shoot, something I’m sure they will cherish for years to come!
(And I will too as Jeff and I were able to sneak in a few poses ourselves — to come soon!)
I should probably title this Indiana Portrait Photographer, the family’s place of residence. Or Kentucky Portrait Photographer, at that’s where these were shot. Jordan, Andy, Harper and Juda are a beautiful family, inside and out. And so easy to photograph.
On Thanksgiving Day they took their little ones out to play and let me follow them around. Couldn’t have been a more gorgeous fall day – 70 and sunny in the hills of Kentucky. Do you see a tiny resemblance? Jordan’s my cousin, and since I’m an only child I’ve been given the honorary title of “aunt” to her awesome kids. I’m so lucky.
I spent some time taking photos of sweet little Ethan, my tiniest newborn yet at 5lbs, a couple of weeks ago. He seemed to favor my ultra-soft cream colored blanket the best and I can’t blame him – I do to! Welcome Ethan… you’re lucky to have such a wonderful mother (whom I had the pleasure of meeting as a winner of a look-a-like contest earlier this year).
