Top 5 Things to Look for in a Newborn Photographer

When it comes to newborn photography, there are a few key things you should look for when choosing a professional. First and foremost, a newborn photographer should have adequate training in the form of workshops and courses. When looking at the work done by other newborn photographers, pay attention to the quality of their images and prints. If the work doesn’t look crisp and clean, or if the colors are faded, lacking contrast, or too dark, move on to another photographer. The next thing you need in your search is an excellent photographer who has been vetted by others. Ask around or search online for awards won by your potential photographer – if you come across any articles about them that praise their work, that is also good news! Another thing to look for is studio set up – does the environment seem too cold or busy? Is there enough comfort provided to make your client feel welcomed?

Professional newborn photographer should have a keen eye for composition and lighting techniques, as well as the knowledge to scientifically create optimal skin tone using special studio lights. A newborn photographer who is experienced with newborns will be able remain calm, cool and collected as she soothes your baby and makes you feel right at home in the studio.

A professional newborn photographer is definitely an investment. Especially with your precious new bundle and addition to the family, it makes sense to find a photographer who will serve your needs and requirements. KatieRie likes to think of clients as family, watching as the members grow and flourish–from newborn to family sessions, year after year.

A professional newborn photographer is an artist who has mastered their art and pays special attention to the tiniest details, from the props, backdrops, headbands and layers to the professional equipment that is top-notch and above anything else. Safety is NUMBER ONE priority. Your precious bundle is never forced into any pose, but gently positioned throughout the entire session.

Concord Newborn Photography FAQ’s

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!

Belmont Maternity Photographer || KatieRie Photography

Gorgeous Maternity Photos

This sweet mommy found me on Instagram and I’m so glad she did! It’s crazy to me how social media has become this huge networking platform.  SO different than how things were when I was younger!  Anyways, mom reached out wanting to book a maternity and newborn session.  She only had a few weeks left of her pregnancy and was a teensy bit nervous I wouldn’t have any openings, but luckily I moved some things around and was able to capture some amazing images of this sweet family of soon-to-be-FIVE.

Charlotte Maternity Photography

When I say this family nailed it for getting ready for their session, I mean it.  They hit it out of the park. Mom has a very similar style to mine.  I love the creams, neutrals, the classic pieces.  This whole family was gorgeously dressed ready to be captured.

Belmont NC Maternity PhotographerBelmont NC Maternity PhotographerCharlotte Maternity Photographer

At the session, mom and I were talking and she revealed she was having a baby boy! EEK! That means she would have two girls and a boy, just like me. Plus her younger two would be very close in age, just like my three littles.  Needless to say, we had a lot to talk about. I love how soon to be big sister was so tender in kissing mommy’s belly here, don’t you?

Once we got our yummy golden light, mom changed into her fabulous deep blue maternity gown (both gowns were from https://www.sewtrendyaccessories.com/ and were to die for!).  This was the perfect outfit to showcase the sweet baby boy growing in her belly. And just look at the amazing lighting!

Belmont NC Maternity PhotographerBelmont NC Maternity PhotographerCharlotte Maternity Photography

One more snuggle with the baby who won’t be the baby any longer…

Charlotte Maternity Photography

And just a few short weeks later, baby Maximiliano was born! Stay tuned for this little guy’s blog post coming soon! He was sooooo ADORABLE!

Charlotte Newborn Photographer

Are you expecting? Or do you know someone who is? LET’S CHAT! We can see if we are a good fit!

 

Baby Newborn Images || Belmont Photographer

Welcome, Baby Lillian!

This sweet baby girl came to the studio with her very own VIP cheering section.  Girl number three for this family and everyone was so, very excited to welcome this bundle of sweetness into the family.  And she ROCKED her session as well! Just look at the cuteness captured in the studio:

newborn photography near me
Sweet Sibling Snuggles

newborn photography near me

When mom contacted me during her pregnancy, she knew she wanted to include the entire family during the newborn shoot.  I steered her in the direction of the Deluxe Session, which is the most popular package and also includes photos with parents and siblings.  Mom also chose to add on a maternity session which I ADORE because it gives me an opportunity to work with the entire family before the newborn session.  PLUS you get even more artwork to add to your walls.  This little one wanted me to capture her belly too–isn’t she adorbs?!

newborn photography near me

The family portion of the shoot is done right away so siblings can relax after their portion.  Some parents drive separately so they can take brothers of sisters to the park or to get ice cream since sessions can last up to three hours.  This gives them a chance to get spoiled and have some one-on-one time with a parent while the focus in the studio can be on the new baby during the photo shoot. If driving separately is not an option, I have a whole room full of toys for them to play and stay entertained.

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When choosing a newborn photographer, make sure they have the training and skill to safely work with each family member with confidence and patience. I’m so blessed to have been trained with some of the best photographers in the world and continue to hone my craft with superior  photographers in this business.   Let me capture your life’s memories.

Are you looking for the Best in the Biz? LET’S CHAT! And see if we are a good fit!

Charlotte Maternity Photography

Snowy NC Maternity Photos

Even though I prefer warmer weather, gorgeous snowy maternity photography sessions are my JAM! Want to know a fun fact about me? A HUGE reason why my family and I decided to relocate to North Carolina is because we wanted to be in a warmer climate.  We were getting cabin fever staying indoors a good portion of the year living in Wisconsin, so we packed up and moved the gang SOUTH!  BYEEEE WINTER!

We moved to Gastonia, NC in October. We LOVED the weather we were experiencing. Then along came December… and the Charlotte area called for snow.  Um…I guess the joke was on us–HA! Maybe we brought the weather with us?!  But guess what…I LOVE snow.  LOVE IT. The “once in awhile” snow where everything shuts down and you can get warm and cozy and feel safe and comfy with your family while watching the Hallmark channel.  So I WELCOMED the snow. So there. Can’t get me down!

I had a maternity photo shoot scheduled for that exact day. The day of the storm.  And luck would have it…she is my neighbor (hallelujah!!) We went back and forth if we should reschedule, but the snow stopped for just the right amount of time that we were able to capture these stunning images on the trail in between our yards (can we say PERFECTION?!). Here is beautiful mommy-to-be. Isn’t she GORGEOUS?

Beautiful Baby Bump

 

The snow was absolutely beautiful.  We even had a chance to sneak in a few photos with her toddler and hubby as well.  Everyone LOVED the snow and the warm snuggles!

Snowy Maternity Pics

One of my favorite things when I was pregnant was setting my other littles on my built-in “shelf” of a belly.  I love that we were able to capture this for mommy:

Are you expecting? Let’s CHAT! And see if we are a good fit for each other!

KatieRie is a PREMIER Charlotte Newborn Photographer that specializes in Maternity, Family, Baby, Cake Smash, Seniors and Newborn Photography

Serving the Charlotte (South Gastonia), NC area including, but not limited to Belmont, Gastonia, Huntersville, Davidson, Pineville, Fort Mill, Clover, Matthews, Indian Trail, Concord, and York.