Why Hire a Photographer for Baby Milestones
The Importance of Capturing Milestones
That first year of having a baby goes by in the blink of an eye. Sound cliche? There’s a reason so many people say this. It’s such a sweet time in your journey as a parent. You learn so much about yourself, about your baby, about your spouse…about LIFE. You learn what makes your baby smile and how to soothe him when he cries. You learn schedules–what works and what doesn’t work. Can you skip nap time? (For us…that was and still is a big NO!) Will your baby sleep later in the morning if you keep her up later at night? (Again…nope for us!). Everyone has gotten into certain grooves and then quickly learned how fast those grooves change. Teething? You somehow make it through. Your little one’s first cold? No one slept those nights! Eating solids for the first time. Wow! That changed the consistency of their poo! LOL! All. These. Things. These are the learning experiences you go through that help shape you into seasoned parents. That’s why it’s SUPER important to capture those BIG milestones and how your little one changes. More importantly–hire ME to capture all that cuteness.
What are the Photography-Baby Milestones?
The website Baby Palooza gives ALL the first year milestones–when your little starts seeing colors, when she starts to smile, when to start solids–the whole she-bang. As a baby photographer, I’m talking about the milestones to capture that make up that first year. The milestones that really show the growth of your little. I love capturing somewhere around three to four months, when baby can hold his head up unassisted and is able to give me sweet smiles. Jack (pictured above) and had his newborn, three month and then one year milestone sessions. Look how much he changed in just those first three months! It’s important to capture that! Below is another example of the cuteness of a three month session. Look at those first engaged interactions!
The next milestone to capture is somewhere around six to seven months when your little man can sit a few beats without any help. You can REALLY see the change from three months to six months and how much they have really learned AND how big he grew! I also love how they can grab their feet AND they think it’s the coolest thing! (Remember when life was that simple?!).
Around six to seven months is when she might be on all fours getting ready to CRAWL! Crawling is a game-changer. You can no longer just set your little one down. She will be SUPER freaky-fast and get into EVERYTHING. That’s a guarantee! (and a warning–am I right?!).
The next milestone is one of my favorites. Nine months. I LOVE this age. He might be standing while leaning on something. He is super engaged and the stranger-danger hasn’t quite settled in yet, so he is super trusting. He might have a favorite song or songs that he dances to. I capture ALL this cuteness:
I capture those sweet milestone moments so you can sit back and enjoy your baby!
The LAST one year milestone session is the BIG one–the ONE YEAR SHOOT! Some parents want a cake smash session, some opt out of that choice. I always tell clients it’s hit or miss if your little one will like cake. Some babies dive right in; some cry. It’s important to capture those TRUE moments and reactions. That’s what you will want to remember! At this milestone, baby might be taking a few steps on her own. Her personality has developed. You both know what he likes or dislikes. It’s time to celebrate surviving that first year!
Some clients want a studio session, while others choose to do an outdoor session. Either way, we will capture SO. MUCH. CUTENESS!
One of the BEST things to note that for each of the milestones, I have a whole wardrobe of outfits, hats and headbands that have been handmade specifically for photography. These are made with soft materials–they are classic and timeless. Clients have the option to use my outfits or bring their own. If you booked a newborn session with me, I also keep the style very similar to your newborn session so you have consistent beautiful pieces of art from that first year of life. What could be better than that?!
Are you looking for a photographer? Let’s Chat and see if we are a good fit!
Newborn Photography Experience
Newborn Photography|| KatieRie Photography
I recently went on a girls’ trip to Charleston, SC with some of my Wisconsin friends. Ten girls trying to figure out where to eat can be…um…interesting, BUT one of the girls had read a post on Instagram about a top-rated restaurant that we just HAD to try. We read some of the comments and were sold. “Let’s try it! Everyone is RAVING about this place.” Halls Chophouse was nothing short of AMAZING. Why? Because of the experience. It wasn’t just a sit-down-and-order place. It also wasn’t just the outstanding food. But the experience. We were greeted with smiles right away at the entrance, even if we looked tired and sweaty from walking around sweltering Charleston all day long. They had a table ready for us on the second floor and once we were seated, the show began. Our waiter was witty and charming and he had a small staff helping him. He took our drink orders and they were delivered in a just a few short minutes. He went through the menu with skill and knowledge and also stated that they could make ANYTHING–so if there was something we were craving, the kitchen could make it happen. The whole dang experience from start to finish was utterly amazing. And although this isn’t a restaurant review (a newborn photography post, actually), you will see how the two connect in a few moments.
MORE than just a Photo Shoot–It’s An EXPERIENCE
From the very start, I like to get to know my clients. I love talking to them and getting a feel for what they are looking for out of their photo shoot. I customize each session to meet the needs of each family. Every person is different in what they want out of their shoots, and it’s my job to help guide them in the right direction. Want more than just digital files? Awesome! I offer some AMAZINGLY unique products that you just can’t find anywhere. Did you see a certain pose from my social media that you fell in love with? Sweet! I will incorporate that into your session flow! I will help your vision come to life.
The BEST time to reach out to your newborn photographer (ahem..me:) is when you find out you are expecting. At that time I pencil in your due date. Even better is scheduling your maternity session around 28-34 weeks. Then you really get a feel for how sessions run. After that, once your baby is born, you contact me directly from the hospital to set up your exact session date. That’s right! I’m right up there with your family and extended family–we all find out at the same time. I will send a questionnaire and the Studio Guide to help you and I prepare for your session. We talk about colors, props, preferences, etc. completely tailored to YOU.
All you need to bring is yourselves and your baby (and whomever will be photographed). The studio is well equipped with EVERYTHING. Props, layers, backdrops, hats, headbands–you name it, I got it! I take all that stress off of you. And then…the BEST PART. You get to sit back, relax, and watch. The room is super warm, the shusher is going, heck…some parents even fall asleep! We talk about the delivery and little tips that have helped throughout my journey as a mom. We just kinda hang out! Oh! And I capture the amazing beauty of your newest addition. Safely and beautifully. Yep! Safety is my NUMBER ONE priority, which is why I have trained with some of the BEST IN THIS BUSINESS!
This is more than just a photo shoot for you. This is an experience. And how cool is it that we get to capture this monumental time in your life? Plus you walk away with gorgeous pieces of art for your home. Just like that awesome restaurant I was talking about…you will walk away talking about how this made you feel and have gorgeous pieces as evidence.
Are you expecting? Let’s Chat! And see if we jive!
Protected: One Year Outfits
Huntersville, NC Newborn Photographer
Welcome to the World, Sweet Dominic!
When I say I have the cutest clients, I mean I have the cutest clients. When mom sent me the email letting me know little Dominic had arrived, the photo she attached was of him smiling already in the hospital! Melt. My. HEART! He was born on July 10th at 7 pounds 9 ounces. The PERFECT size, if you ask me! Mom first contacted me a few months ago, wanting to schedule her soon-to-be bundle’s newborn photo shoot and I was so happy she did and that I had an opening! All of his images were absolutely gorgeous…but don’t take MY word for it. Look for yourself!
Once a client has booked and secured their date (by signing a contract with a paid retainer), I communicate with the client a few more times leading up to the session. I always ask what the nursery looks like (and to attach a photo for reference) and/or if they have any specific themes or color preferences. Mom sent me a photo of this sweet boy’s nursery and I was in love! I wanted her to come decorate MY house;) I then knew exactly what to pull for Dominic’s session that would look perfect in their house. I work with ALL my clients to achieve this outcome! One of the many perks of booking with KatieRie Photography. Another bonus is that you don’t have to bring a THING to your session, other than your baby. That’s right! The studio is totally equipped with props (TONS of props), headbands, layering pieces, bonnets, hats, little outfits–all of these things have been made specifically for newborn photography and they are all so perfect and classic for newborn sessions! I also answer every single question leading up to your session to ease any anxiety you might have. Your newborn photography session will happen with tons of ease and comfort. (Check out this post for more questions answered about your experience with KatieRie).
I LOVE getting newborns into the studio within the first ten days of life–for me, this is when they are super sleepy and can transition from pose to pose with ease. I have photographed slightly older newborns as well with great success, I just prefer the ten day window for my newbies. Either way, you will get gorgeous works of art that can be beautifully displayed in your home forever! Just take Dominic’s gallery as a sublime example!
Are you expecting or do you know someone who is? Send them my way! We can CHAT and see if we are a good match!