The Journey of a Newborn Photographer

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Let’s talk about journeys…(sigh).  When I think back to when I first started newborn photography, I reflect on how much I’ve developed my craft.  You will (hopefully) see what I’m talking about–take a look at the gallery below…the photos on the top represent my rookie work with the posing, lighting, editing, etc.  I mean the actual baby is adorable…babies are always cute and perfect (this one happens to be my own). But when I look at my old work vs. my current work, I see how far I have come in just a few short years (and goodness–I hope you do too!).  Let’s talk a little about that journey, shall we?

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Eye on the Prize

I knew I loved photography for a very, very long time.  I loved capturing moments. I loved pausing time. I loved the feeling I got when I “hit” the shot just right.  When I started doing newborn photography, (pre-kids and pre-husband in my own life–ha!), I knew that this was waaaaaay different than a family session or a session with kids.  Yes, I had a “fancy camera.” Yes, I “kind of” knew what I was doing. But I had MAJOR learning to do.  I had to really learn the correct camera settings, the lighting (which is HUGE), figure out props, wraps, “outfits,” safety techniques while posing, which lenses to use; I knew I couldn’t do all this on my own. If I wanted to be the best, I had to learn from the best…so I did.  I invested in KatieRie Photography. This took a lot of time and a lot of (cough, cough) money.  I invested in my business and knowledge and crafted (and continue to craft) my skills so that I can create beautiful images that you will have forever.  Timeless, classic pieces of your precious newborn baby.  I continue to network with the best newborn photographers in the world so that I can create the very best products for you. Read a little more about one of the newborn photography retreats I attended–> HERE

A Guarantee

When you book a newborn photography session with KatieRie Photography, know you are investing in a photographer who knows safety (#1 priority!), who knows the best practices on editing, camera settings, use of lighting, equipment, use of props, posing–EVERYTHING!  I dedicate all my time and energy into making sure you have a fantastic experience and final product.

So you see…the whole “life is a journey” thing? Well I’m doing that…trekking along…on this journey of life. Learning, photographing…creating…for YOU.

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Charlotte Newborn Photography–Adorable Baby Ellis

You know what I LOVE about being a newborn photographer? Is that I get to be a part of one of the most important times in your life.  I mean…How cool is that?! I get to document your beautiful pregnancy and then fawn over your precious new bundle with you, chat about your birth experience (which is SO fun sharing and comparing stories!) and talk about possible struggles of being a new parent, or a parent for the second, third, or fourth time. I LOVE getting to know my clients.  It’s what fuels my soul.

When this beautiful mommy contacted me, I was so excited to work with her.  Not only was she a cousin of one of my childhood friends, but she was super sweet and just as excited to work with me (win/win!). She contacted me for her maternity session–which I believe plays a BIG part in someone’s birth story! People…Don’t forget to document your PREGNANCY! Click here to read more about Maternity Sessions with KatieRie Photography. They are super fun, laid-back and a great chance to get beautified. Well…Aura’s session was gorgeous, her husband was super sweet and they even brought along their adorable fur-son, Hobie.

Fast-forward to April and adorable Baby Ellis arrived and his newborn session was A DREAM. Oh my goodness.  Even though he was awake for most of his session, he wasn’t fussing or squirmy–but completely content in the newborn studio. He just wanted to see what the heck I was doing the whole time.  Major eye-contact! Or as I like to say “newborn stare-down.” You will see many of his images on my site because I was just that obsessed with his cuteness.  He had a full head of beautiful blonde hair and his personality was already shining.

This is what it’s all about. Documenting the perfection that was growing in your womb and documenting the journey along the way. I can’t wait to be YOUR newborn and maternity photographer…I can’t wait to document YOUR journey.

Click HERE to book your session with KatieRie!

 

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Charlotte Newborn Photography–Sweet Baby Cora

You know when you meet someone and you just “click?” Like you start talking and find out you basically have everything in common? That’s exactly how it was when I first met this sweet baby’s mommy.  I met Erica almost three years ago (in August), when I did their middle son’s newborn photography.  I wanted to do an outdoor session and I just completed an AMAZING newborn workshop with Amy McDaniel; Erica just had her son and a mutual friend put us in contact since I was looking for a newborn model–and the rest is history, as they say.  We lived in neighboring towns, we had a mutual friend (from growing up), we both LOVED music (in fact she sings with this awesome group, Milwaukee Choristers), we were both teachers, we both just had our second child, we totally love acupuncture, she had two boys, I had two girls, the list goes on and ON!

Well…fast forward to this past summer. Erica contacted me and asked if I would be their newborn photographer for their THIRD addition–a baby GIRL! Isn’t that amazing?! She had to two boys and a girl and I had two girls and a boy!  What are the chances?? I’m thinkin’ we should chat about arranged marriages;)

Baby Cora’s session was absolutely perfect. New big brothers were awesome and so excited to take a few photos with their new baby sis. Mom had a BALL looking through the newborn studio and picking out delicate, handmade headbands and outfits that were made especially for photography. I think she even said at one point “ohhhhh, I see what you mean when you said you had a *slight* obsession,” in reference to all my studio goodies.  We ended up getting so many stunning shots during the session.  I’m so, SO thankful that this family chose me (again!) as their newborn photographer–makes my heart SING! (pun intended).

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Newborn Photography & Parent Poses–Charlotte Newborn Photographer

Want to know a secret?

I have regrets when it comes to my own newborn photography with my littles. When I got pregnant with my first, I had all these ideas in my head as to how things would go. I wouldn’t gain a bajillion pounds–I would ONLY eat chicken or lean protein, mixed veggies and some fruit with an occasional splurge. Can you relate?? Do you think that happened?  Um…hahahahaha….NOPE. Somehow that little being inside you completely takes over your taste buds and cravings. The ONLY things I felt like eating were Sour Patch Kids, S’Mores, plain macaroni and cheese, plain bagels and cream cheese, Cocoa Cola or Root Beer, Flaming Hot Cheetos…the list of junk was ENDLESS.  I don’t think I ate one thing that was healthy during that first trimester.  I managed to choke SOME healthy stuff down for the rest of my pregnancy–but not because I wanted to.  So what happened? I was swollen, I gained weight, I felt like an alien in someone else’s body. I still enjoyed the miracle that was going on inside me, but I still felt uncomfortable.

But…BUT

After labor…what came out was this beautifully perfect little being.  She was the definition of perfection.  I was so in love with this new bundle that grew in my womb for ten months. I couldn’t believe that we–my husband and I–did “it.” We made a HUMAN! But looking back, do you know something that still hurts my heart? Even though I endured 30 hours of labor and grew this beautiful little thing inside me, I looked in the mirror and didn’t feel like myself. Not sure if it was the hormones, the lack of sleep, or what…but I kinda just felt gross.   How does this relate to Newborn Photography? Because…NOW I could KICK myself for not getting in front of the camera more with my first or my second. We have so many newborn photographs with my daughter and my husband and every single person who stopped by to congratulate us. But I barely have any with my new baby…and you know what? What I “looked” like plays a part of that story!

I say this to encourage other mommies.  Please, please, PLEASE…even if you feel like you don’t look like yourself–please get in front of the camera.  Capture the whole story. Better yet–allow me to capture how tiny she is in your arms, the love between you and your husband looking down at this amazing miracle you (and God) created. It’s amazing to look back and see how teeny tiny they once were; how their hands wrapped around your finger; how little their toes were. These are the details that tell the entire story. You ARE beautiful. You may not feel like yourself, but your body just did the most amazing thing in the whole entire world. Own that. Be proud of that. Love that.

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Newborn Photography Retreat

When I first started Newborn Photography, I quickly learned that this art was waaaaaay more than just “taking pictures.” The more research I did, the more I learned that safety is the #1 priority.  This is frightening.  Why? Because I see new newborn photographers “pop up” everywhere. People who have a camera and think it looks easy….so why not have a go at newborn photography? Don’t get me wrong…everyone needs to start somewhere. I’m not trying to knock anyone for pursing a passion. But…for me personally–I did not want to be “one of those” who just jumps in. In true “KatieRie” fashion, if I wanted to BE THE BEST I had to LEARN FROM THE BEST.  So that’s what I did. I didn’t want to move forward with the newborn photography aspect of my business if I wasn’t properly trained.  I wanted to learn the BEST and SAFEST techniques from the BEST. So I invested in education. In learning. And that investment is NOT CHEAP.  Why? Because the BEST learned from their best.  And THEY invested in THEIR education. See how this works?

Well, I stumbled upon an amazing workshop in Charlotte, NC about two years ago.  And because I took that workshop, I was able to partake in the refresher course which so happened to take place in the amazingly gorgeous Panama City Beach, FL. There were about 20 of us newborn photographers in a glorious beach house right. on. the. BEACH.  Guys!! I didn’t know ANYONE! Except the instructor, who didn’t really know me.  I was super DUPER nervous to travel and stay with a bunch of peeps I didn’t know.  The last time I did that was in college–YIKES!  But…it worked out beautifully. We did maternity photo shoots and a full day of newborn photography. We all got to talking, laughing, sharing a comradery, networking, talking business, sharing tips–it was EPIC! I mean…these were some of the BEST PHOTOGRAPHERS in the WORLD. How amazing is that?! Well…so amazing that I’m doing it again.  I met so many beautiful people from all over who are so open to helping and sharing techniques that we are all going back for more.

When it comes to newborn photography…please invest in someone who knows their stuff.  Not just with camera settings–but safely posing those tiny bundles. I can promise you that I have learned and studied from the most amazing photographers out there.  I will practice safety every. single. time. I can’t wait to snuggle and pose your little squishy bundle of love!

KatieRie Photography–Charlotte’s PREMIER Newborn Photographer.

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