Month: April 2018

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Ruby Kate–Charlotte Newborn Session

Backup Photographer

Little Miss Ruby’s Aunt reached out to me, asking if I was available to do Ruby’s newborn session. She is also an amazing photographer (check her out at Jenny Longlais Photography), but had something unexpectedly come up and needed me to fill in.  I was soooo happy to do so, since I had an opening and I ADORE snuggling sweet babies! I love when things just fall into place. And that’s what happened this session.

“…more precious than rubies”

When I first meet parents during a newborn photography session, one of my favorite things to chat about is the baby’s name.  I love hearing the story behind it or why it stood out to mom and dad or if there’s a namesake involved.  For all three of my children, it was such a special and exciting time, deciding what they would be called for the rest of their lives; figuring out what they would be called when they got in trouble or how their name would look written out.  When I heard the story behind this sweet baby’s name my heart melted. Mom brought a blanket with the bible verse (Proverbs 3:15), “She is more precious than rubies…” You see, this baby was long awaited for.  It took (lots of) faith and trust.  When mom saw this verse, she loved the name Ruby.  She had not yet told her husband this little fact, and one day he came home and said “what about the name Ruby?” Gosh…talk about heart strings being pulled.

The session was a dream–little Miss Ruby was a doll and absolutely precious. Her parents were so attentive and doted on her the whole time.  We chatted about how difficult it can be, becoming a new parent. How it’s a transition going from just the two of you to the three of you.  And how there’s so much stuff now–EVERYWHERE! We were able to incorporate so many fun props and wraps from the Studio, as well as the blanket that had the verse about Ruby’s name.

Did we just become friends?

When you book a newborn session with KatieRie, you are more than just a client; we become fast friends. Just like with Ruby’s session, we get to swap stories about one of the most important things to happen in our lives. I don’t take that lightly. I adore getting to know you and your baby. I get just as excited to hear your story–and sometimes I even cry with you! Thank you for choosing me to capture these amazing moments. It is truly an honor.

Interested in booking a session? Contact me today! Spots are limited!

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The Journey of a Newborn Photographer

Pinterest Fails

Let’s talk about journeys…(sigh).  When I think back to when I first started newborn photography, I reflect on how much I’ve developed my craft.  You will (hopefully) see what I’m talking about–take a look at the gallery below…the photos on the top represent my rookie work with the posing, lighting, editing, etc.  I mean the actual baby is adorable…babies are always cute and perfect (this one happens to be my own). But when I look at my old work vs. my current work, I see how far I have come in just a few short years (and goodness–I hope you do too!).  Let’s talk a little about that journey, shall we?

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Eye on the Prize

I knew I loved photography for a very, very long time.  I loved capturing moments. I loved pausing time. I loved the feeling I got when I “hit” the shot just right.  When I started doing newborn photography, (pre-kids and pre-husband in my own life–ha!), I knew that this was waaaaaay different than a family session or a session with kids.  Yes, I had a “fancy camera.” Yes, I “kind of” knew what I was doing. But I had MAJOR learning to do.  I had to really learn the correct camera settings, the lighting (which is HUGE), figure out props, wraps, “outfits,” safety techniques while posing, which lenses to use; I knew I couldn’t do all this on my own. If I wanted to be the best, I had to learn from the best…so I did.  I invested in KatieRie Photography. This took a lot of time and a lot of (cough, cough) money.  I invested in my business and knowledge and crafted (and continue to craft) my skills so that I can create beautiful images that you will have forever.  Timeless, classic pieces of your precious newborn baby.  I continue to network with the best newborn photographers in the world so that I can create the very best products for you. Read a little more about one of the newborn photography retreats I attended–> HERE

A Guarantee

When you book a newborn photography session with KatieRie Photography, know you are investing in a photographer who knows safety (#1 priority!), who knows the best practices on editing, camera settings, use of lighting, equipment, use of props, posing–EVERYTHING!  I dedicate all my time and energy into making sure you have a fantastic experience and final product.

So you see…the whole “life is a journey” thing? Well I’m doing that…trekking along…on this journey of life. Learning, photographing…creating…for YOU.

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Charlotte Newborn Photography–Adorable Baby Ellis

You know what I LOVE about being a newborn photographer? Is that I get to be a part of one of the most important times in your life.  I mean…How cool is that?! I get to document your beautiful pregnancy and then fawn over your precious new bundle with you, chat about your birth experience (which is SO fun sharing and comparing stories!) and talk about possible struggles of being a new parent, or a parent for the second, third, or fourth time. I LOVE getting to know my clients.  It’s what fuels my soul.

When this beautiful mommy contacted me, I was so excited to work with her.  Not only was she a cousin of one of my childhood friends, but she was super sweet and just as excited to work with me (win/win!). She contacted me for her maternity session–which I believe plays a BIG part in someone’s birth story! People…Don’t forget to document your PREGNANCY! Click here to read more about Maternity Sessions with KatieRie Photography. They are super fun, laid-back and a great chance to get beautified. Well…Aura’s session was gorgeous, her husband was super sweet and they even brought along their adorable fur-son, Hobie.

Fast-forward to April and adorable Baby Ellis arrived and his newborn session was A DREAM. Oh my goodness.  Even though he was awake for most of his session, he wasn’t fussing or squirmy–but completely content in the newborn studio. He just wanted to see what the heck I was doing the whole time.  Major eye-contact! Or as I like to say “newborn stare-down.” You will see many of his images on my site because I was just that obsessed with his cuteness.  He had a full head of beautiful blonde hair and his personality was already shining.

This is what it’s all about. Documenting the perfection that was growing in your womb and documenting the journey along the way. I can’t wait to be YOUR newborn and maternity photographer…I can’t wait to document YOUR journey.

Click HERE to book your session with KatieRie!

 

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Charlotte Newborn Photography–Sweet Baby Cora

You know when you meet someone and you just “click?” Like you start talking and find out you basically have everything in common? That’s exactly how it was when I first met this sweet baby’s mommy.  I met Erica almost three years ago (in August), when I did their middle son’s newborn photography.  I wanted to do an outdoor session and I just completed an AMAZING newborn workshop with Amy McDaniel; Erica just had her son and a mutual friend put us in contact since I was looking for a newborn model–and the rest is history, as they say.  We lived in neighboring towns, we had a mutual friend (from growing up), we both LOVED music (in fact she sings with this awesome group, Milwaukee Choristers), we were both teachers, we both just had our second child, we totally love acupuncture, she had two boys, I had two girls, the list goes on and ON!

Well…fast forward to this past summer. Erica contacted me and asked if I would be their newborn photographer for their THIRD addition–a baby GIRL! Isn’t that amazing?! She had to two boys and a girl and I had two girls and a boy!  What are the chances?? I’m thinkin’ we should chat about arranged marriages;)

Baby Cora’s session was absolutely perfect. New big brothers were awesome and so excited to take a few photos with their new baby sis. Mom had a BALL looking through the newborn studio and picking out delicate, handmade headbands and outfits that were made especially for photography. I think she even said at one point “ohhhhh, I see what you mean when you said you had a *slight* obsession,” in reference to all my studio goodies.  We ended up getting so many stunning shots during the session.  I’m so, SO thankful that this family chose me (again!) as their newborn photographer–makes my heart SING! (pun intended).

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Newborn Photography & Parent Poses–Charlotte Newborn Photographer

Want to know a secret?

I have regrets when it comes to my own newborn photography with my littles. When I got pregnant with my first, I had all these ideas in my head as to how things would go. I wouldn’t gain a bajillion pounds–I would ONLY eat chicken or lean protein, mixed veggies and some fruit with an occasional splurge. Can you relate?? Do you think that happened?  Um…hahahahaha….NOPE. Somehow that little being inside you completely takes over your taste buds and cravings. The ONLY things I felt like eating were Sour Patch Kids, S’Mores, plain macaroni and cheese, plain bagels and cream cheese, Cocoa Cola or Root Beer, Flaming Hot Cheetos…the list of junk was ENDLESS.  I don’t think I ate one thing that was healthy during that first trimester.  I managed to choke SOME healthy stuff down for the rest of my pregnancy–but not because I wanted to.  So what happened? I was swollen, I gained weight, I felt like an alien in someone else’s body. I still enjoyed the miracle that was going on inside me, but I still felt uncomfortable.

But…BUT…

After labor…what came out was this beautifully perfect little being.  She was the definition of perfection.  I was so in love with this new bundle that grew in my womb for ten months. I couldn’t believe that we–my husband and I–did “it.” We made a HUMAN! But looking back, do you know something that still hurts my heart? Even though I endured 30 hours of labor and grew this beautiful little thing inside me, I looked in the mirror and didn’t feel like myself. Not sure if it was the hormones, the lack of sleep, or what…but I kinda just felt gross.   How does this relate to Newborn Photography? Because…NOW I could KICK myself for not getting in front of the camera more with my first or my second. We have so many newborn photographs with my daughter and my husband and every single person who stopped by to congratulate us. But I barely have any with my new baby…and you know what? What I “looked” like plays a part of that story!

I say this to encourage other mommies.  Please, please, PLEASE…even if you feel like you don’t look like yourself–please get in front of the camera.  Capture the whole story. Better yet–allow me to capture how tiny she is in your arms, the love between you and your husband looking down at this amazing miracle you (and God) created. It’s amazing to look back and see how teeny tiny they once were; how their hands wrapped around your finger; how little their toes were. These are the details that tell the entire story. You ARE beautiful. You may not feel like yourself, but your body just did the most amazing thing in the whole entire world. Own that. Be proud of that. Love that.

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