Tag: Best Charlotte Newborn Photographer

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Helping You Plan Your Newborn Session

Charlotte, NC Newborn Photographer (and surrounding areas)

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! Planning a newborn session can be both exciting and overwhelming, but don’t worry, I’m here to help. Here are some tips to ensure your session goes smoothly while capturing those precious new moments with your little one.

Schedule your session within the first two weeks of life.

Newborns change quickly, and capturing those first few days is crucial. Babies are typically sleepier and more cooperative during this time, which allows for more flexibility in posing and positioning. We have captured older babies and still create beautiful keepsakes, but have found this particular window to be our sweet-spot for smooth-running sessions. In-home sessions that require less posing have a longer window of time to capture the sweetness.

Choose a photographer with experience in newborn photography.

Newborn photography requires a special set of skills and knowledge of safety techniques. Look for a photographer who has experience working with newborns and has a portfolio you admire. At KatieRie Photography, we have been in business for over 16 years. We are trained specifically in the safety of newborns and how to pose and what not to do. Invest in experience and a trained photographer who will treat your precious newborn with love and care.

Decide on a location.

Newborn sessions can take place in a studio or in the comfort of your own home. Consider what type of setting will make you and your baby the most comfortable. Understanding the style difference between in-home and studio sessions is important as well. Studio sessions are more posed and controlled with lighting and look, while in-home sessions offer less posing, minimal props and natural lighting. Both options are gorgeous, it just depends on the look you are wanting to capture.

Decide if you want to be in the photos or not.

Keep outfits simple and avoid patterns or logos that can be distracting. We will discuss best outfit choice before your actual session, if you plan on being in the photos. I know parents feel tired and may not feel like themselves, but I HIGHLY recommend capturing these sweet moments as an entire family unit. As for your newborn baby, you do not need to bring a thing! The studio is well- equipped with everything from wraps, headbands, texture layers, hats and bonnets to backdrops and little outfits. These are all specifically for newborn photography handmade with safety in mind for the newborn photography session.

Be prepared for breaks.

Newborns may need frequent feedings, diaper changes, or just some cuddle time. Allow for breaks in your session to ensure your baby is happy and comfortable. We will send a studio guide the week of your session that will help you prepare for your session. This guide comes with tips and tricks to ensure that your session runs smoothly. We’ve been doing this for quite some time now!

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy this special time with your new baby. With a little planning and preparation, your newborn session will be a beautiful and cherished memory for years to come.

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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.

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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.

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Belmont’s Best Newborn Photo Session

Welcome Baby Penelope

This sweet peanut came to to studio all bright-eyed and ready to make me WORK! LOL! It’s a good thing that she was just so darn adorable.  Her gorgeous head of hair and her beautiful eyes made this session even better. Just look at her engaging eyes! Most newborn sessions take place (ideally) within the first 12 days of life.  This is when I find they are the sleepiest and can be positioned from pose to pose with ease.  Of course, not EVERY baby follows those “rules” and that’s ok! That’s why I strive to capture all the cuteness–either awake or asleep.

 

Before parents come to the studio, I send out a questionnaire asking what the nursery looks like and preferred colors, among a few other things.  This helps me get to know the parents’ style and get a feel for what they are looking for with their session. I’ve also done phone consultations and even Facetime to go over every last detail as well, just to be sure we are all on the same page. When clients put their full trust into me as their newborn photographer, I go into super-creative-power mode. Just look at these sweet newborn images that were captured during this session:

 

Even though this sweet girl mostly preferred to be wrapped, we were able to capture all her beautiful, sweet, brand-new details.  Mom loved looking at all my wraps, bonnets, and headbands that are available for clients to use during the session.  She also had a field day looking at all the props! I love offering variety, but still maintaining my timeless style.

 

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

 

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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!