7 Questions To Ask Before You Hire A Newborn Photographer

Hiring a newborn photographer can be a daunting task. That’s why KatieRie Photography is here to help! Here are some questions to ask as you dive into the world of newborn photography. You want to ask seven questions to help you make an informed decision. Don’t sleep (wink, wink) on these answers!

The idea of bringing a newborn home can be overwhelming, finding a photographer shouldn’t be. That’s why KatieRie Photography is here to help you ask the most important questions before making an informed decision about newborn photography in the Charlotte, NC area. We want you to feel comfortable with what you are investing in, and that starts with getting the answers to these 7 questions: Do they have training? What type of equipment is used? How do you run your sessions? Do you offer products? Can parents and siblings be included? When should I book for optimal lighting? How soon after birth is best for photos? You will be glad to have asked these questions!

Charlotte Newborn Photographer

The idea of bringing a newborn home can be overwhelming. That’s why KatieRie Photography is here to help you ask the most important questions before making an informed decision about newborn photography in the Charlotte, NC area. We want you to feel comfortable with what you are investing in, and that starts with getting the answers to these 8 questions: Do they have training? What type of equipment is used? How do you run your sessions? Do you offer products? Can parents and siblings be included? When is the best time to book? Can siblings and parents join in the photos? You will be glad to have asked these questions!

Choosing a newborn photographer can be difficult. Here are seven questions to ask before you make your choice:

1) As a newborn photographer, how are you trained?

At KatieRie Photography, we have trained with some of the best photographers in the WORLD in the newborn photography business. We are consistently learning and training MORE to make sure we are a fine-oiled machine! KatieRie has trained with seasoned photographers like Dewdrops Photography, Krystal Sandefur Photography, and Twig and Olive, and invests on expanding her education more and more, year after year. We go over safety and movement to insure that your little one will be secure and supported throughout the entire session.

2) What is your experience? and 3) What equipment is used?

With over 15 years of experience, KatieRie Photography is an expert in photography. With the top of the line professional lighting and shooting equipment, and a studio full of classic, vintage props, headbands, layers and backdrops you will get the best of the best out of your session and experience. Canon equipment is the staple during our shoots. Shooting currently with the mirrorless R6 body, and quite a few gorgeous canon lenses.

4) How will my session run?

Your baby runs your session (much like life!). He or she will either sleep the entire time or he/she won’t! We follow the cues your beautiful baby gives. Your baby is never forced into any pose. Your baby is spotted and supported the entire time. Our sweet spot for newborn sessions is within the first 10 days of life (although we have had success with babies up to 18 days).

5) Do you offer products?

Why hire a professional photographer if you don’t plan on printing your pieces? We realize it can be scary, but we help walk you through products and choices so that you come away from your session with the most beautiful products that will be passed down for generations.

6) When is the best time to book?

As soon as you know you are pregnant, please reach out! Our sessions fill up FAST! It’s important to get your name in the books. Once your contract has been signed and your session fee is paid, your spot is secured. Then you reach out (from the hospital!) and we secure the exact session date.

7) Can parents and siblings be included?

Absolutely–what is a session without EVERYONE? Sessions include immediate family members. Additional fees are added for grandparents or other family members.

Answers to these questions are essential when hiring a newborn photographer. You want to know what kind of experience they have, how they conduct your session and more.

May 26, 2020May 26, 2020

Concord Newborn Photography FAQ’s

There is SO MUCH that goes into a Newborn Photo Session, that I decided a FAQ post was in order. It’s easy for me, the photographer, to easily overlook the details that come second-nature to me, simply because I do so many sessions. I have to remind myself to look at the sessions–from beginning to end–through the eyes of first time clients and parents. Here are some answers to your burning questions. (That sounded dramatic, right?! Dum, dum, DUMMMMMMM).

Best Newborn Photographer--Charlotte, NC

Why is training important?

I’m SO happy you asked! Training is SUPER important, in my humble opinion. Your photographer is handling your precious little babe who grew in your womb for nine whole months! (Well…technically TEN!). You don’t want just anyone delivering your baby, do you? You look for experience, training, qualifications…SO MANY THINGS! It’s the SAME for newborn photographers! People…listen. CHEAPER IS NOT BETTER. Can we all say that together?! I understand everyone has a budget, but also understand if you want the BEST OF THE BEST, you are going to have to pay for an experienced photographer–for someone who has the training. I continue to learn from the best in the biz. I have invested in learning from top experts in the industry for hands-on training. I have learned safety techniques–what to do, what NOT to do. I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to be a Newborn Photographer. I TRAINED to become a newborn photographer. One of my FAVORITE photographers I continue to learn and train from is Amy McDaniel of Dewdrops Photography. Look her up. She’s kinda a big deal. I also have trained and continue to learn from Twig and Olive Photography (again…kinda a big deal). Why do I continue to invest in my education? Because I want to offer the absolute best for my clients. For YOU! Pretty cool, right??

Charlotte Newborn Photographer

When is it ideal to book my newborn session?

I always tell clients as soon as you know you are pregnant and are “in the clear,” that’s when to look for newborn photographers. Why? because my schedule books up FAST. Plus I only take on so many sessions per month. I do this because I dedicate my full attention to serving my clients. I never want to be in a position where I am overbooked and can’t offer 100% of my time to each person so they feel like they are my only client. Are you reading this and you are in your second or third trimester? That’s perfectly fine! Hope is not lost! I always encourage people to reach out to see if there is room in the schedule. Once booked, we pencil in your due date. A signed contract and paid retainer secures your date! I LOVE photographing newborns within the first ten days of life.

Charlotte Maternity Photography

I just booked my Newborn Session, now what?

Book your Maternity session too! I LOVE working with families throughout the journey of becoming or expanding their families. That includes documenting that beautiful BUMP. This is when we can focus on your beautiful belly and those sweet moments before baby arrives. This is your time to pamper yourself –get your hair and makeup done. Get a pedicure and manicure! Time goes so quickly that it’s important to capture the moments leading up to the arrival of your little one. Before you know it, you from this (above), to THIS! (Below)…

My baby was born, when should I contact you?

I always tell my clients to contact me right from the hospital. Yep! I’m on the list of people to contact right away along with grandma and grandpa, aunts and uncles. Why? So we can schedule your session in a timely manner. I have had past clients contact me when they are settled and at home many days later– I DO NOT recommend this. Why? I can’t guarantee we can get baby into the studio during that sweet-spot! As I said before, my sweet-spot for photographing newborns is within the first ten days of life. This is when they are sleepiest and can be posed in those curly positions with ease. That being said, I HAVE photographed a newborn who was 20 days old just fine. It CAN be done. However, in my experience, I have found the average “smooth” newborn sessions happen in that first window of time. Of course, every baby is different AND due dates sometimes factor into the mix (if baby is a premie or not). These things all factor into each unique situation.

Best Newborn Photographer--Charlotte, NC

What do I need to bring to my session?

Nothing! Well…that’s not entirely true. You need to bring yourselves and baby! How amazing is that?! You don’t have to worry about a thing except showing up on time! The studio is well equipped with props, backdrops, headbands, hats, layers up the wazoo! I actually think I might have a prop-problem. All the things offered by the studio are specifically for newborn photography. Hats and headbands have been handmade with special fabric by photography vendors who do this for a living. And because of the craziness of Covid-19, extra precautions need to be in place. One of the things is no outside props or outfits. Another thing is only immediate family members allowed in the studio. Take a look at the safety measures that are taken to ensure cleanliness and safety:

KatieRie Photography Products

Do you offer products?

You bet your bottom dollar I offer products! I always say if you are investing in a photographer, invest in products as well! I am here to HELP YOU! There’s a program I utilize where I can use a phone pic of your wall or walls and I can show you different sizes and products and how they look on YOUR VERY OWN WALLS. Plus I offer a lifetime guarantee on all products purchased through me. These are not your average products either. These beautiful pieces are works of art that are unique–you won’t find replicas at Hobby Lobby! Let me guide you in finding products that are right for your home. Those gorgeous images should not just sit on your computer–these need to be hanging in your home!

Phew! That was A LOT! Maybe a continuation is in order. Are you reading this and think we are a good fit?

LET’S CHAT!

February 3, 2020February 3, 2020

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!

Three Month Milestone Session

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?!).

Six to Seven Month Milestone Session

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!

November 7, 2019January 5, 2020

Newborn Photography Experience

Charlotte Newborn Photographer-KatieRie Photography (2)

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!

August 12, 2019August 12, 2019

Huntersville, NC Newborn Photographer

Welcome to the World, Sweet Dominic!

Best Newborn Photos

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!

Huntersville, NC Newborn Photographer

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).

Huntersville, NC Newborn Photographer Best Newborn Photos

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!

Best Newborn Photos

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!