Newborn Photography | Ballantyne, NC

Welcome to the World, Baby Leo!

This sweet little nugget came to the studio with her doting parents. I am a volunteer photographer at Elevation Church (Gaston campus–WOOT!), where mommy and daddy work.  It was just a perfect opportunity to be able to capture this sweet family (who also has midwestern roots–like me!).  And just look at the amazing newborn photos we were able to photograph!

Professional Newborn Photographer Ballantyne, NC

Professional Newborn Photography Ballantyne, NC

We chose a simple and clean palette for Baby Leo’s session, making the focus clearly on her and her beauty. The studio is well equipped with layers, headbands, outfits, wraps, props and backdrops–so all you need to do is just show up for your session!   I also remind parents to contact me as soon as baby is bornlike directly from the hospital–so we can schedule the date of your session and we can get your little nugget in the studio in a timely manner (the first ten days of life are ideal, but I have had success with a little older newborns as well).  Once parents contact me, I send out the Studio Guide for parents to follow.  I always say it’s a guideline and the babies will always call the shots, but to follow it as best as they can so I can do my job. That way, I can capture all the cuteness in all these sweet little poses! This mommy and daddy followed those guides to a ‘T’!  And even made sure to contact me right away when Baby Leo was born.

newborn photographer Ballantyne, NCnewborn photographer Ballantyne, NCProfessional Newborn Photographer

Sometimes parents know exactly what they want or they have a Pinterest page with the poses they have their heart set on.  I always say it’s good to have an idea, but since baby calls the shots throughout the session, it’s best to keep an open mind.  I promise we will get gorgeous images of your precious one.  My style is timeless and classic. This mommy and daddy sat back and let me take the reigns, which I’m all too happy to do so!

newborn photographer Ballantyne, NCnewborn photographer Ballantyne, NCnewborn photographer Ballantyne, NC

No matter what, I PROMISE you will have gorgeous newborn images decorating your entire home of your little one, just like Baby Leo’s mommy and daddy do.

Are you pregnant or know someone who is expecting? LET’S CHAT and see if we are a good fit!

 

 

Professional Senior Photos~101 || Charlotte, NC

charlotte senior portraits

Senior Photography~ Frequently Asked Questions

Can you believe your sweet little baby is all grown up?!  Like…how in the WORLD did that happen?!  WHEN in the world did that happen?  I bet you remember cuddling your sweet toddler through rough nights or helping your middle schooler through friend drama, and now–ah-hem, it’s time to for SENIOR YEAR of HIGH SCHOOL. Oh man.  Makes me want to squeeze the ba-jeebers out of my little ones. OK.  Breathe deep. So, NOW it’s time to set up a Senior Photo Shoot. This isn’t just any photo shoot. This is a time to celebrate your senior.  Celebrate what he or she has accomplished so far.  Cheer on where he or she is headed in the future.  This photo shoot should be EPIC. And it WILL BE…with KatieRie Photography.

Senior Photos~Charlotte, NC

When Should We Book our Session?

Senior Sessions typically take place during the summer before the Senior Year of High School.  This allows enough time to meet deadlines as to when your photo needs to be submitted for the yearbook.  Each school is different, so please be sure to check with your own high school so you can avoid rushing around, panicking to get everything in on time. Most schools have a deadline in the fall.

Since your session is usually during the summer, I love choosing locations with plenty of different colors, backgrounds and textures so your senior can be showcased (not overpowered) by the surroundings. Senior sessions are photographed about an hour or so before sunset (during my coveted Golden Hour), which gives stunning lighting for your portraits. I have a list of preferred locations where I know the lighting extremely well, so you will get GORGEOUS images in your gallery.

PRO TIP: Be sure to bring bug spray!  Those mosquitos can be  downright NASTY during this time of year!

Professional Senior Pics ~Charlotte, NC

Senior Pictures~Charlotte, NC

What Should I Bring?

Around 3-4 outfits usually is the perfect amount of clothing variety for Senior Pictures.  Bring something dressy, something casual, and something that really represents your son or daughter’s personality.  It’s important to remember that you want to document who your son or daughter is at this point of time, so don’t fight it if he or she wants photos with his favorite tee!  Embrace it.  Also, sometimes seniors like to bring a jersey, trophies or instruments to show off their talents and accomplishments.  This is a GREAT IDEA!

I also recommend bringing make-up and hairspray for touch ups. In between changes you can check to make sure you look exactly how you would like.  Some people invest in getting their hair and make-up done–this is  GREAT way to pamper yourself for your big day! Be sure to do a practice run-through though, so you know exactly what you will be getting the day of your session.

PRO TIP: Ladies~ be sure to take any chipping nail polish off of your nails.  This might be a great time to get your nails done as well.  You will be looking at these photos for the rest of your life! 

Professional Senior Pics

What Happens During the Session? After?

Once your Senior Session is booked, (signed contract and paid retainer secures your date) we will discuss your vision for your session.  This can be in person, via email, or on the phone. We can go over outfit choices or any other questions you might have leading up to your session. Once your session date arrives–this is the time to have FUN! Sometimes I tell mom to hang out by a picnic table or by the car.  She can still see the session happening, but often the senior is a little nervous and won’t loosen up if mom is calling out “no, not THAT smile… look natural!”  I promise I will get gorgeous, natural looks.  It’s my job.:)

The session usually takes about an hour.  After your session, I will go through and discard any images that didn’t make the cut (eyes closed, bugs, poor posture).  After that, I soft proof, or lightly edit the images that did make the cut.  These images will be MORE than your allotted images (depending on which package you choose).  And voila! Your gallery is created.  You then get a week to choose your final images that I will artistically and completely edit. I offer packages with digital images as well as packages with products and prints…it just depends what is best for YOU. I will help you through the entire process.

Professional Senior Pictures~Charlotte, NC

Professional Senior Pictures

One thing for certain, is you will have absolutely STUNNING images for your Senior Portraits. As stated earlier, this is the time to celebrate your wonderful Senior.  I can’t wait to work with you to create beautiful works of art!

Senior Pictures ~Charlotte, NC
I always make mom jump in a few shots as well!

KatieRie Photography surves the Charlotte, NC area AND the Milwaukee, WI area.

Do you think we are a good fit?! LET’S CHAT!

 

Family Photography in Gaston County

Family Photography ~ KatieRie Photography

Some of my FAVORITE sessions of all time are family photo sessions. They fuel my fire. I LOVE capturing the laughter, love, snuggles and cuddles; the absolute utter JOY between family members. One thing you need to know before booking a session with me is that the style of KatieRie Photography is not necessarily the typical “look-at-the-camera-and smile” type session. To me,  family photography is about the moments. Capturing the genuine smiles. Sessions are fun, relaxed, full of laughter, tickles, chasing, swinging and spinning–but everyone might not be looking directly at the camera–(gasp!). Parents might be looking at their littles, adoring their kin or at each other with a knowing look of “this. is. US.”

Let me explain what I look for during a family photo session..

Family Photographer--Charlotte, NC
Tender Family Moments

What Matters MOST During a Family Session…?

LIGHTING

Lighting is extremely important to me as a photographer. I am always searching for the best lighting in any situation. You can find me playing at the playground with my three kids and I will be looking at the time of day and the lighting. I will look how the light highlights my sweet babies as they play around our yard; how it frames their faces, hair and eyes and how that moment would look FANTASTIC if I had my camera with me. My family members will hear me comment on the beautiful lighting in the sky as the sun approaches golden hour. How the light peeks through the trees and how it’s not too harsh. Guys…I adore golden hour. The soft golden light highlights it’s subjects with complete, utter perfection.  THIS is what I look for during sessions.  Not necessarily the background–if there are flowers, trees or buildings; but the lighting and textures surrounding us. This to me is what takes the photograph from “meh” to WOW! Yes, I will capture the endearing moments between family members–the snuggles, laughs, and tickles–but the lighting will make your photos that much better.

Family Photographer--Charlotte, NC
Golden Hour Sweetness

FLEXIBILITY

If you’ve read anything about me, you know that I am “in the weeds” with small children–HA! (any waiters out there?!).  We had three kids in under three years, so I understand complete chaos. I know that sessions need to be quick, laid-back and to the point and that I need to shoot FAST. I can recognize when we need to take a quick break or when the kids need to be directed to chase each other across the field or spin in circles as fast as they can. Sessions are run completely by the little ones and I gently guide the way (without them even realizing it!). It’s important that as the professional photographer that I remain flexible and know how to read my audience and adjust accordingly.

Family Photographer--Charlotte, NC
“Run to Mommy!”

Short and Sweet

Family photos with KatieRie are quick, easy and to the point.  Whether you booked a mini session (20 minutes) or a full session (up to an hour), these sessions are orchestrated with extreme precision. Most kids (and husbands!) can only handle so much and for that reason I make cheesy jokes, have parents tickle their littles and have kids look for boogers in their parents’ noses so that I can capture pure, amazing, genuine joy that will hang in your homes forever. We shoot short and sweet and keep everyone happy.

 

Family Photographer--Charlotte, NC
Family Fun

Embrace the Uniqueness

I adore sessions where families show off their personalities–it’s what I like to call “imperfectly perfect.” These are the moments that you will cherish and bring you back to that time in life that you want to remember:

Family Photographer--Charlotte, NC
Picture Perfect

Here is a photo of my grandma and I–we both are definitely NOT looking at the camera, but I can look at this photo and feel the love between us. This was taken about a month before she passed away and I am so, SO thankful for this memory.  She was 91 and a half years old and I always thought she would be around. Read about her words of wisdom for life. It’s about the CHAOS, people! I mean, I don’t even think I’m wearing any makeup and I hadn’t washed my hair yet, but I LOVE this photo with all my heart. We are connected and in tune with one another. Moment. Captured–BOOM! 

Family Photographer--Charlotte, NC
Cherished Moments

Moments that are captured help you savor that time in life, so you can look back at that time period and remember the smell, the feel, the emotion that we quickly forget. Cherish the imperfectly perfect moments that make your family unique. They are what you will look back on and chuckle and hold near and dear to your heart.

Family Joy

What are YOUR thoughts? Which family photos are the photographs YOU cherish? Is everyone looking at the camera? Or are people caught in the moment with genuine laughs and smiles? I know which moments are hanging in MY home…

Do you think we a good fit?! I would love the capture your family’s uniqueness.  Let’s CHAT!

 

Charlotte Newborn Photographer || KatieRie Photography

Welcome to the world, sweet Baby Jack!

As a newborn and baby photographer here in Charlotte, I LOVE connecting with people and hearing their stories.  When this momma contacted me, wanting to schedule a maternity and newborn session, I knew I wanted to capture this adorable growing family with the beautiful golden light for the maternity session, and I had a bunch of goodies up my sleeve for the newborn session as well. Just look at the warmth and love captured in the below photographs–isn’t mommy stunning?!

Charlotte Newborn Photographer || KatieRie PhotographyDuring the maternity session, mom shared with me that their precious baby was LONG awaited for.  Baby Jack was a rainbow baby.  Now, ALL babies are special and precious and perfect little miracles, but rainbow babies represent the promise of hope after a storm. I truly LOVE my job, but when I hear stories like this it takes the emotion to a whole new level.  I am extremely humbled and honored to be chosen to capture these special moments for families.

Charlotte Newborn Photographer || KatieRie Photography
Charlotte Maternity Photography

Rainbow Baby

Fast forward a few short weeks and I received word that baby Jack had made his entrance into this world! I couldn’t WAIT to get him into the Newborn Studio! As I stated before, I had many things planned for his special session. And he was so good to me…just look at the magical images that were captured…

Charlotte Newborn Photographer || KatieRie Photography
Charlotte Newborn Photographer

I knew I wanted to incorporate a rainbow theme (of course in a classic and timeless way), but I also wanted to incorporate the light and airy style as well–simple and clean.

Charlotte Newborn Photographer || KatieRie Photography
Charlotte Newborn Photographer
Charlotte Newborn Photographer || KatieRie Photography
Charlotte Newborn Photographer

There were also some extremely special FINE ART images I had in my mind that I wanted to include in the gallery:

Charlotte Newborn Photographer || KatieRie Photography

 

Charlotte Newborn Photographer || KatieRie Photography
Charlotte Newborn Photographer

 I am OBSESSED with the dark, dramatic shadows in all the black and white images!

Charlotte Newborn Photographer || KatieRie PhotographyWhen clients book their Newborn Sessions with KatieRie Photography, they choose between three packages.  Your proof gallery will be presented with MORE images than your package states, and then you get to choose your favorites (the amount depends on which package you choose) PLUS you have the option to purchase more files. Nine times out of ten, clients purchase more images.  Jack was SO ADORABLE in ALL of his images, mom and dad wanted ALL of his photographs.  This means their house will be FILLED with glorious images of this sweet little nugget.

Charlotte Newborn Photographer || KatieRie Photography
Charlotte Newborn Photographer

Charlotte Newborn Photographer || KatieRie PhotographySweet baby Jack, you are loved more than you know…

Charlotte Newborn Photographer || KatieRie Photography

 

What to Wear || KatieRie Photography || Charlotte Portrait Photographer

I just booked my session–Now what the heck do I wear?

Did I just read your mind? LOL! Figuring out what to wear for a session can be daunting, stressful, and tedious–but it doesn’t have to be.  So I decided to walk you through the process.

We recently had our family photos done by the AH-MAZING Twig and Olive Photography. They have been one of my photography “crushes,” for a very long time–I love their lighting, style, composition–everything! I get SUPER stoked when we book our family sessions because even in this busy life, it pauses time for just a moment and FOR ONCE I’m actually IN the photos. I get to let loose, have fun and interact with my littles and my husband and I’m not the one in charge–I hand over the reigns for a split second.

However, it also means the panic kicks in. Panic?! Yes Panic! About four months before our session I freak out as to what to wear! What is the weather going to be like? Will it rain? Will it be cold or chilly even if it’s June? What will I feel “good” wearing? How on earth will I tie everything together for five people? CRAP! I need to lose 20 pounds! As a photographer you would think this would be easy! Nope. It’s not. And every year I go through the same thing. And it’s a great reminder for me what my clients go through for their session. I understand the struggle and the stress and that’s why I’m here to help…

Step one: Choose a color palette.  One of my favorite things in life is Pinterest. I can find anything on Pinterest. Inspiration for my living room, what to wear for date night (what the heck is date night anways?!), Fall fashion, how to boil an egg, paint colors for bedrooms, inspirational memes–you name it, Pinterest has it. Think of your photoshoot like a room you are going to decorate.  Find a color palette on Pinterest to ignite the inspiration for your shoot.  This is the palette I chose this year: About 9 months ago, I purchased these beautiful skirts for my girls that were exactly that mustard color from the palette. I KNEW they would LOVE these skirts (I did too, of course) and I knew they would feel like princesses. I had my first inspirational pieces, so all I had to do was find colors and clothing that would compliment these skirts.

Step Two: Right away, find an outfit that YOU love.  That’s right YOU.  YOU are the top priority.  You need to feel beautiful and comfortable in whichever outfit you choose.  I think I bought 3-4 different dresses from all over and finally decided on one from Target.  Actually the girls decided on that dress when I tried it on they both said “you look SO BEAUTIFUL, Mommy!” Sold. In that moment, I felt like a princess too.

TIP: Stores like Old Navy, Gap, H&M, Target color coordinate outfits for everyone in the family.  Take a look at what they are displaying for the season!

Step Three: Think of mixing different textures and patterns. It’s just like decorating. Mixing patterns is great, but don’t overdue it, otherwise it can be too busy. Think of things that compliment each other.  My dress had a lot going on–different colors and flowers–so I knew I had to keep the other outfits lowkey.  For the girls, I chose a plain navy blue tank top and a yellow floral crown (from Amazon). TIP: I’m OBSESSED with ordering off of Amazon because I can have it to my house super fast and there are easy returns–that’s a win/win in my book!

For the boys, I searched Etsy for some help.  I wanted something that was classic and that tied everything together–bowties.  Gahhhhh! bowties! I adore bowties–I think they are classic and vintage-y and absolutely adorable. The easiest thing was to put the men in navy blue shirts (with light patterns) and search for mustard bow ties to tie that color into their outfits as well. Amazon didn’t have many choices in this department, but I found the PERFECT bowties on Etsy!! Check out The Dapper Dude Co! I ordered these brown leather suspenders and Daddy and son matching bowties! SO FLIPPING ADORABLE! You could LEGIT get carried away with all this cuteness.

Step Four: Accessorize! Think of jewelry, flower crowns (you can find a TON on Etsy and/or Amazon), scarves, sweaters.  All these things can add splashes of color or patterns without going overboard. I also found my necklace on Etsy.  It’s so dainty and perfect and really tied the yellow together perfectly for my outfit.  TIP: Make sure you read the shipping information for the Etsy store. This necklace was coming all the way from England, so I had to order it about a month in advance!

Step Five: Have FUN! I LOVE playing dress-up and primping.  I curl my hair, put on fake lashes, do “out-on-the-town” make-up. I curl the girls’ hair and put lip gloss on their cute little lips. This is your time to pamper yourself and your family. PLEASE try not to stress. If you plan everything well enough in advance, that should help keep things stress-free. Heck, even trying the outfits on about a week or two in advance will help eliminate stress! That way you have enough time to fix anything that doesn’t fit right.

See the final product below:)


 

KatieRie Photography || KatieRie is a Professional Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer that specializes in fine art maternity, cake smash, baby, infant, family and newborn photography in the Charlotte and surrounding areas including, but not limited to, Gastonia, Belmont, Clover, Fort Mill, Matthews, Lake Wylie, McAdenville, Weddington, and Tega Cay.