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.

Dilworth Newborn & Maternity Photographer | KatieRie Photography

Professional Newborn Photography-Dilworth, NC (6)

Meet Baby Gabby

This sweet adorable thing first came to “see” me when she was in her gorgeous mommy’s belly:

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Wasn’t mom just STUNNING?! Mom contacted me early on in her pregnancy and wanted to book her maternity and newborn sessions.  Since this was the first tiny nugget for this family, mom didn’t know where to start.  Good thing I love my job and have a lot of experience working with parents and babies!  I told her she made the first important step–contacting me right away. We scheduled her maternity shoot around 33 weeks, which is the PERFECT time.  You aren’t too uncomfortable yet, plus you have a beautiful baby bump to show off. Since mom booked a Full Session, she had a few “costume” changes and really looked like a gorgeous queen in each of her images. Mom even got her gorgeous white gown (pictured above) on Amazon!

In just a few short weeks after the session, sweet Baby Gabby was born! I LOVE when people book maternity and newborn sessions as a package for a couple of reasons.  For one, I am able to meet and work the parents before your bundle arrives. There’s something really special about going through that anticipation together and really building that bond and working relationship. Plus parents know what to expect for their newborn session, since they have already physically worked with me.  It kind of eases any jitters beforehand.

And just look at how adorable she is! We were able to capture so many amazing images during sweet Gabby’s session.

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I absolutely ADORE getting to know families and parents while they enter this new chapter of life. I will work with you from the very beginning and beyond to help your vision come to life for your sessions.

Do you know someone who is expecting? Think we are a good fit? LET’S CHAT! And make this thing happen!

Professional Newborn Portraits || Charlotte, NC

Welcome to the World, Baby Ella!

This sweet bundle of love came to the studio and was full of so much peace–she slept the entire time without a fuss! Mom, dad and big sister were all too excited to watch her session. Mom wanted soft neutral colors that would stand the test of time.  I told her she came to the right place! Soft neutrals are my JAM!  We showcased all of baby Ella’s features without overpowering them.  And mom had a BLAST going through the studio’s outfits and headbands that were made specifically for photography. That’s RIGHT! You get to go through all my goodies as well, when you book my services! My collection of headbands, bonnets, hats, layering pieces, outfits and so much more!

Take a look at all the cuteness we captured:

Professional Newborn Photos in Charlotte NC

Professional Newborn Photography

You can tell that there is so much love in this family already.  Proud mommy and daddy watched as big sister snuggled their newest addition. And we were able to capture so many different looks of just Ella as well!

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When you book a session with KatieRie Photography, you will get VIP service and photos that you will have for a lifetime.  You have access to amazingly unique products that are sold exclusively through photographers PLUS I will help you choose what which products that are the best fit for YOU and your family.  And if that’s not your cup of tea, you receive digital files so you can decide how you would like to print your masterpieces.

Professional Newborn Photos

 

Are YOU expecting or know someone who is?! 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.

How to Prep for a Maternity Shoot

Beautiful Mommy-to-be

As a Charlotte Maternity Photographer, I get asked multiple questions as to how to prepare for their session. This gorgeous first-time mommy contacted me earlier this summer wanting to set up a maternity, a newborn and some milestone sessions for her precious bundle due late August.  Like many first-time moms, she had some questions for her photo shoots–specifically her first session with me–her maternity photos.  She wanted to know what she should wear, when the session will take place,  and a few other details leading up to her shoot.  Ding, Ding, Ding! What a perfect blogpost idea! So many new mommies have the same questions!

How to Prep for a Maternity Shoot
Charlotte Maternity Photographer

WHEN should I book my Maternity Photos?

Ideally, it’s best to reach out to book your maternity photo shoot early in your pregnancy.  That way we can pencil in your session date (as well as your due date!) so we can guarantee a slot.  Maternity sessions are best around 30-34 weeks when you still have energy, a “skip in your step,” and your belly is big and round enough to capture the beauty of pregnancy.  You are also not too uncomfortable yet (ugh! swollen feet!!) and you still have that pregnancy glow.  Sessions take place about an hour before sunset to truly capture that golden light, which really makes the photographs pop.

Take a look at the gorgeousness captured during Golden Hour of one of my stunning maternity clients and her hubs–isn’t she BEAUTIFUL?!:

How to Prep for a Maternity Shoot
Charlotte Sunset Photography

WHAT should I wear to my Maternity Session?

This is your time to feel pampered and beautiful. It’s your time to celebrate this new life growing in your belly! The newborn session is mostly about baby, but this maternity session is all about YOU.  Get your hair and nails done, find gorgeous accessories that make you feel like the goddess you are, splurge on that dress you saw on Pinterest! Celebrate this intimate time between you and your loved one while you get ready to welcome baby into this new adventure called life. I personally love the more form-fitted dresses to help showcase that growing bump and I’m also a HUGE fan of the bohemian look with braids, floral crowns and comfy gladiator sandals. Bottom line–you do YOU and let me capture the rest!

Where the heck do I find a Maternity outfit?!

I’m SO glad you asked! LOL! Thankfully, with the internet the way it is, we have EVERYTHING at our fingertips. The beautiful mommy photographed below in the white dress, found her gown on Amazon! She searched “Maternity photography dresses” and found the one she ended up wearing–absolutely STUNNING!

How to Prep for a Maternity Shoot
Maternity Gowns

I have a stash of beautiful floral crowns for clients to use, otherwise there are tons of amazing finds on Etsy! There are also a few great sites (other than Amazon) to either purchase or rent a maternity gown. Check out my Pinterest board to get some ideas and inspiration. Asos has really cute maternity dresses that are gorgeous for shoots. I also suggest looking at Mama Bump Rentals where you can rent stunning gowns at a fraction of the price as well as Maternity Wear Boutique, which has amazing sales on a daily basis. Another one of my FAVS is Cora and Violet — these ladies are photographers as well and branched out into the “photography fashion” industry because there was a huge need for it! These dresses are limited edition and made with beautiful chic fabric that will look gorgeous on everyone!

Bottom Line

Enjoy this time! Your body is doing a miraculous thing–it’s growing a human being! I realize you might not feel like yourself, I get that.  I had three babies in under three years–I was SO OVER PREGNANCY.  But I tried my best to remind myself of this truly amazing gift growing inside me and how amazing it is to document this chapter in life. I can’t wait to capture this moment for you. This is the start of your family in the making…I’m honored to be a part of it.

Are YOU expecting a tiny bundle?! Let’s chat!

How to Prep for a Maternity Shoot
Growing Family–Intimate and Beautiful

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