Welcome to the World, Sweet Lily!
Lily’s mommy reached out looking for a newborn photographer whose style was light, airy and organic style . I was PUMPED because this is a perfect description of my images! Needless to say, we hit it off right away. Lily made her entrance into this world in August and came to the studio when she was eight days old–this is (mostly) my “sweet spot” for newborns. Y’all. She was a DREAM! We were able to move from pose to pose with ease–I keep the studio super warm and comfortable so the babies (like Lily) stay sleepy and snug throughout the entire session. Even parents comment how they could fall asleep! Just look at all the cuteness that was captured!
My studio is equipped with all different wraps, textures and props–no need to bring a THING! I mean–look at these delicate headbands! I have TONS of gorgeous pieces that are handmade specifically for baby photos. The headbands used during Lily’s session were made by my beautiful friend over at Vanilla Lullaby isn’t the detail amazing? Perfect little bows and delicate flowers–stunning on little baby girls.
During the session, I was able to get many different looks, colors and textures. Just look how beautiful baby Lily is in the creams, greens and purples! Mommy was very pleased to see so much variety in her gallery. Gorgeous works of art that will be hung throughout this family’s home. Images that capture how incredibly precious and gorgeous this sweet little nugget is.
How to Find the Best Newborn Photographer
Top TIPS for finding your Newborn Photographer
CONGRATULATIONS! You just found out you were expecting a BABY! A tiny, squishy, beautiful little bundle! EEK! Now the fun starts. Not only are you going through morning sickness, experiencing bloating, have food aversions, and are extremely exhausted, but you are trying to find the perfect newborn photographer for YOU. How in the WORLD do you even start? That’s where I come in. YAY! I’m here to go through some tips to help you find the baby photographer who fits your needs.
Tip ONE: Look for Someone with TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
When looking for a newborn photographer, look for someone who has been adequately trained. This is NOT the time to choose your cheapest option. This baby just spent ten long months growing in your womb–this is your pride and joy! You want someone who knows what they are doing–someone who has been trained and continues to learn from some of the best photographers in the world. After initial contact with clients, I explain that safety is my number one priority and why this is important. Babies are moved from pose to pose with comfort and ease and never forced into any position. The tiny subjects are always spotted and never left unattended. I explain that our little models run the show (kind of like in real life as well–LOL) and the babes “tell me” if they are into a pose/position or not. I have invested in mentorships, education, workshops, and hands-on training to ensure that I know best safety practices and that your precious newborn is taken care of. In fact, I’m about to go on my second annual newborn photographer’s retreat in Florida! Check out what we did LAST YEAR!
Tip TWO: Find Someone who has a TOP-NOTCH Studio
Look for a baby photographer who is not only trained, but who has amazing equipment as well. My STUDIO is well stocked with state-of-the-art equipment that allows me to create beautiful works of art of your little newborn. I have perfected lighting placement and know the ins and outs of my camera, which all contribute to producing gorgeous images for your home. The Studio has props, hats, bonnets, headbands, and wraps galore–that have all been specifically made for newborn photography. Parents don’t have to bring a thing to the session–only themselves and the little model! If parents have something special they want to bring from home, I ask to see a photo of it before the session so I can plan or gage if it can be incorporated in the session flow, or not. Often clients bring a hat or headband that they think is adorable (which it usually is!), but the item is not made for baby photography, so it’s too big or bulky for the session. All of the studio objects that have been purchased for the studio are made by newborn photography prop vendors with the best and softest materials for the little babies!
Tip THREE: Look for a Newborn Style you LOVE
There are MANY different Newborn Photography styles. You need to find the right fit for YOU. My baby photography style is typically light and airy (above) with a touch of dark, dramatic shadows (below):
I love making each session unique to each client and I really try to listen to clients’ desires while staying true to my art and style. If baby is fussy, I wrap and swaddle them so they feel secure and comfortable. I can still create beautiful images this way. I have been called the “baby whisperer” many times because I am able to calm and soothe the baby into a deep slumber. In fact, I’ve been invited over to client’s home for 3am visits! HA! This sounds like a business opportunity to me…
Some parents want more props poses, which I happily oblige:
While others prefer the “beanbag poses”:
No matter what, I am CONFIDENT that I can capture all the cuteness of your sweet little bundle of love! I hope these tips help you while you are searching–ah-hem-(me over here, waiving my hands in the air)-for the BEST Newborn Photographer;)
Are YOU expecting?! LET’S CHAT to see if we are a good fit for each other!
Protected: Newborn Studio Guide
How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Shoot
Newborn Photography FAQ’s ANSWERED
As a Charlotte baby photographer, I get asked a plethora of questions as to how to adequately prepare for their portrait session. When something like this happens, a little bell goes off in my mind–(must be the former teacher in me)–and I think–what a GREAT idea for a blogpost for future clients! Hot-DIGGETY-DOG! So here I am to help you get ready for a successful, beautiful photography experience with KatieRie Photography.
When Should I Book My Newborn Photos?
Right away! My schedule books up really fast, so I tell parents to book their session as soon as they know they are expecting (and when mommy is feeling well enough to plan ahead–ah-hem first trimester!). Once you decide you would like to book my services, we move forward with a contract and retainer fee. These two things secure your session date and time. I then pencil in your due date on my calendar and you have successfully booked your newborn pictures. Everything is online for your convenience, in fact, once your pictures are booked, you get a private password to the Client Portal, where you are able to view your invoices (paid and unpaid), your contract, and all of our communication via email. How cool is that?!
When Do I Contact You to let You know Our Baby Arrived?
If you are not booking a Maternity Photography Session with me, (which I HIGHLY recommend you DO! It’s just as important as your Newborn Pics!), I tell clients to contact me right from the hospital. Of course you will wait until things have calmed down a bit, but I remind newborn clients to send a quick text or email so that we can plan your new baby pictures accordingly. This allows time to prepare for your session so it can go as smoothly as possible. My ideal range to photograph new babies is within the first ten days of life. This is when babies are still sleepy and curly and can be positioned from pose to pose with ease. Of course EVERY baby is different, so the “ideal range” does not necessarily apply to everyone. One example would be a premature newborn OR if a baby is cluster-feeding, then we suitably adjust the schedule.
What Happens Next?
I send you my Studio Guide with tips and tricks to help you get ready for your portraits. Some examples are I direct parents to (try to) keep baby awake leading up to your arrival to the studio, giving him or her a bath to remove flaky skin, and some other helpful pointers that will ensure your sessions goes smoothly.
What If I want Certain Newborn Poses?
You will quickly learn that these precious new babies run the show–with EVERY.THING.IN.LIFE. They run the show with sleeping (yours and theirs), with eating, with when you can shower–and yes, even with your Newborn Pictures. Because safety is my number ONE priority, I never push baby if he or she is not “feeling” a pose. It’s best to go into a session with that in mind. Don’t get me wrong, you can have expectations–but please don’t think a session is ruined if you don’t get a certain pose. It’s my job to capture the cuteness of your new baby and create pieces of art while doing so.
Sessions are laid back and stress-free. No joke–clients call me the Baby Whisperer–I’ve had three little ones of my own and many, MANY newborn photography sessions, so I know how calm your sweet baby. This is your time to sit back, relax, maybe read a magazine or up-date your status on social media. I can’t wait to capture your sweet little one! Interested in learning more? Let’s Chat!