Do you know how amazing my job is?! I get to preserve each tiny detail through gorgeous newborn photos. I mean, how amazing is that?! Every session is that exciting for me, and Baby Willa’s session was no different. I knew about this sweet little nugget (when she was in the womb) way back in March, and I was ECSTATIC to start planning mommy’s maternity and newborn sessions. Mommy and I have known each other for years (like way back into the single digits!), so I was so honored to be a huge part of this little family’s life. Just look at how gorgeous her mommy and daddy are! I KNEW she was going to be a stunning baby.
Charlotte Maternity Photographer
Welcome Baby Girl!
At the beginning of the newborn session, mom had a great time looking through all my props, headbands, layers and wraps. I keep the studio completely stocked with goodies galore! My style is organic, clean, and soft, which compliments the baby’s features. Look at how incredibly precious Baby Willa looked during her session!
She stayed so curly and cuddly during her poses, and being wrapped was her absolute favorite! During sessions I have a few tricks up my sleeve to keep newborns calm and sleepy. I share some of those secrets when I send out the Studio Guide right before your session. Then during the photo shoot, parents are able to sit back, relax and enjoy their time. I love chatting with new parents about the labor and any struggles they might be experiencing. I had three under three so I had/have my share of struggles as well! We almost become like family, sharing a huge milestone and all that goes with it.
Book your session with KatieRie Photography and I promise you will leave feeling like we have been friends forever! I will take care of your sweet little baby like she was my own and you will have beautiful photographs that will be cherished for years to come.
When I first started out in my photography career about ten years ago, I was drawn to capturing moments that grasped the feeling one felt in that exact time-period. I LOVED that challenge! And I still do! It’s why I love photographing families and babies! However–when I started Newborn Photography about five years ago–this was a whole new ball of wax. Oh my GOODNESS. I had NO IDEA the time, the commitment, the patience, the money that was behind this craft…and I was intrigued…
Precious Moments Captured ~ Charlotte Family Photography
Though I still LOVE capturing these treasured family moments, I find a sense of great pride when I orchestrate a newborn photo session that I nail on the head. To me, this form of photography is the most challenging…and rewarding. Why?! I’m so glad you asked…
Tiny Baby Goodness
Newborn Photography 101:
It takes a lot of TIME & PATIENCE
Newborn photo sessions take a lot of time. From the consultations, to the session, to the editing, to the final product–these sessions take many, many hours to perfect so that you, the client have gorgeous works of art. Sessions last anywhere from 1-4 hours (depending on which package), however, this is only the beginning of the experience. Editing takes a great deal of time because newborn skin can be worse than a teenager’s! Flaky skin, jaundice, baby acne are just some of many things that are fixed during editing. Editing can take up to five weeks because each image is a work of art. I absolutely LOVE the focus that goes into having a successful session. It’s what DRIVES me to be best I can be.
It takes a lot of TRAINING (and MONEY)
Guys…I realize…EVERYONE is searching for the BEST deal out there. For EVERYTHING. For toilet paper, for school supplies, for mortgages, for wine (ah-hem). Can I just tell you that with newborn photography, this is the ONE place you should not skimp?! This person is being trusted with your most prized possession. This tiny miracle grew inside of you for ten long months!! This is NOT the time to bargain shop. At. All. Look for someone who is trained. Who continually invests in his/her education on a regular basis. Someone who is not desperate to gain clientele. This is the person who will treat you like you are family and who will value your sweet little nugget like their own.
When I decided to truly invest in my newborn photo career, I realized I needed to take the plunge (deep monetary plunge) and learn from the best in the business. To me, this was Amy McDaniel of Dewdrops Photography. I loved her style, her colors, the props and layers that she used; to me, she was/is the whole package. I searched to see if she offered workshops–and BOOM! She did. I was living in Milwaukee at the time and was itching to go some place warm, and there I saw it. She was going to be in Charlotte (my future CITY!). So I invested a small fortune in my business and myself. I learned SO MUCH from this amazingly selfless woman.
‘Froggy Pose’Dewdrops Worskshop Retreat
During this initial workshop, I learned how to safely pose these precious babies and how to edit to perfection. I soaked in how to soothe and comfort babies so much that nearly every parent has named me the “Baby Whisperer” (haha!). I also learned how to market my business so that I attract clients that are the right fit for what I offer. This was the best decision I ever made for my business. And now every year, about 20 newborn photographers from across the country meet in Panama City Beach to learn and network from each other. Each of these ladies continue to push me to be the best version of myself in this business. I also continue to learn and grow from many other talented photographers from around the world. What an amazing job I have! *sigh*
It’s more than just “Taking Pictures;” It’s the experience
When you book with KatieRie Photography, you get VIP treatment from the very start. We talk about your vision and style as well as mine, and if we are a good fit for each other. The photography studio is all-inclusive and well stocked with state-of-the-art equipment which includes my cameras, lenses, lighting and thousands of props, wraps, layers, backdrops, headbands and hats to suit my clients’ desires and needs. All my clients need to do is show up for their session and I will take care of the rest. Sometimes parents even pop in a quick cat-nap since the studio is so warm and cozy!
I also include a variety of unique products that are exclusively sold to photographers. These are fine-art pieces that won’t be found at Hobby Lobby or Michaels! The products are hand-made and will help showcase the gorgeous images from your session in a unique fashion!
Unique Photography Products
Investing is WORTH it
Taking the time for find the right fit for you is worth it. Just take a look at my before and after: The top photo is my daughter five years ago, before I truly invested in my training…The bottom picture is from a current gallery. The photos speak volumes!
Newborn Photography Training–Before and After
When you invest in KatieRie Photography, you are investing in the experience we share together. Many clients come away from sessions feeling like we are family. You can’t put a price tag on that!
One of my favorite things about being a newborn photographer is featuring my sweet clients and being able to re-live the session in a blog post. This little guy came to the studio in September and I just about DIED when I saw his beautiful head of RED HAIR! I mean, just LOOK at his strawberry fluff!
Red Headed Baby Bliss
Baby Max came to the studio and slept the entire time–guys, this DOES NOT always happen! But he was an absolute DREAM! When newborn clients book a session with KatieRie Photography, I send a Newborn Studio Guide to help parents prepare for their session. These are my list of secrets as a (somewhat self-) proclaimed baby whisperer! I tell them that I know sometimes babies won’t comply 100 percent, but to try to follow the guide so that our session can go extremely smooth. Nine times out of ten–it works! Can you tell that baby Max’s parents read the guide?!
Sweet Baby Dreams
We were able to get many different looks during Max’s session–a great mixture of “beanbag” poses (the first set of photos in this post) as well as prop poses. The colors that were chosen were soft neutrals that were perfect for the beginning of fall. Plus Max looked absolutely adorable in every single set-up! I love using a variety of textures and layers to add depth and character to each “look.” But I also like the set-ups to compliment each other so everything will look gorgeous hanging in clients’ homes!
Baby Smirk
Overall, Max’s session was a HUGE success. I think Max thought so too.
Lily’s mommy reached out looking for a newborn photographer whose style was light, airy and organic style . I was PUMPED because this is a perfect description of my images! Needless to say, we hit it off right away. Lily made her entrance into this world in August and came to the studio when she was eight days old–this is (mostly) my “sweet spot” for newborns. Y’all. She was a DREAM! We were able to move from pose to pose with ease–I keep the studio super warm and comfortable so the babies (like Lily) stay sleepy and snug throughout the entire session. Even parents comment how they could fall asleep! Just look at all the cuteness that was captured!
My studio is equipped with all different wraps, textures and props–no need to bring a THING! I mean–look at these delicate headbands! I have TONS of gorgeous pieces that are handmade specifically for baby photos. The headbands used during Lily’s session were made by my beautiful friend over at Vanilla Lullaby isn’t the detail amazing? Perfect little bows and delicate flowers–stunning on little baby girls.
During the session, I was able to get many different looks, colors and textures. Just look how beautiful baby Lily is in the creams, greens and purples! Mommy was very pleased to see so much variety in her gallery. Gorgeous works of art that will be hung throughout this family’s home. Images that capture how incredibly precious and gorgeous this sweet little nugget is.
When you book session with KatieRie Photography you can be SURE that every last detail will be carefully and uniquely captured. These are beautiful images that will last forever! Photos that capture the feeling of having a newborn baby; the smell, the snuggles, the cuteness that happens when you have a newborn. It goes so fast!
CONGRATULATIONS! You just found out you were expecting a BABY! A tiny, squishy, beautiful little bundle! EEK! Now the fun starts. Not only are you going through morning sickness, experiencing bloating, have food aversions, and are extremely exhausted, but you are trying to find the perfect newborn photographer for YOU. How in the WORLD do you even start? That’s where I come in. YAY! I’m here to go through some tips to help you find the baby photographer who fits your needs.
Precious Little Babes
Tip ONE: Look for Someone with TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
When looking for a newborn photographer, look for someone who has been adequately trained. This is NOT the time to choose your cheapest option. This baby just spent ten long months growing in your womb–this is your pride and joy! You want someone who knows what they are doing–someone who has been trained and continues to learn from some of the best photographers in the world. After initial contact with clients, I explain that safety is my number one priority and why this is important. Babies are moved from pose to pose with comfort and ease and never forced into any position. The tiny subjects are always spotted and never left unattended. I explain that our little models run the show (kind of like in real life as well–LOL) and the babes “tell me” if they are into a pose/position or not. I have invested in mentorships, education, workshops, and hands-on training to ensure that I know best safety practices and that your precious newborn is taken care of. In fact, I’m about to go on my second annual newborn photographer’s retreat in Florida! Check out what we did LAST YEAR!
Charlotte Newborn Photographer
Tip TWO: Find Someone who has a TOP-NOTCH Studio
Look for a baby photographer who is not only trained, but who has amazing equipment as well. My STUDIO is well stocked with state-of-the-art equipment that allows me to create beautiful works of art of your little newborn. I have perfected lighting placement and know the ins and outs of my camera, which all contribute to producing gorgeous images for your home. The Studio has props, hats, bonnets, headbands, and wraps galore–that have all been specifically made for newborn photography. Parents don’t have to bring a thing to the session–only themselves and the little model! If parents have something special they want to bring from home, I ask to see a photo of it before the session so I can plan or gage if it can be incorporated in the session flow, or not. Often clients bring a hat or headband that they think is adorable (which it usually is!), but the item is not made for baby photography, so it’s too big or bulky for the session. All of the studio objects that have been purchased for the studio are made by newborn photography prop vendors with the best and softest materials for the little babies!
Newborn Photography Style
Tip THREE: Look for a Newborn Style you LOVE
There are MANY different Newborn Photography styles. You need to find the right fit for YOU. My baby photography style is typically light and airy (above) with a touch of dark, dramatic shadows (below):
Classic Black & White
I love making each session unique to each client and I really try to listen to clients’ desires while staying true to my art and style. If baby is fussy, I wrap and swaddle them so they feel secure and comfortable. I can still create beautiful images this way. I have been called the “baby whisperer” many times because I am able to calm and soothe the baby into a deep slumber. In fact, I’ve been invited over to client’s home for 3am visits! HA! This sounds like a business opportunity to me…
Some parents want more props poses, which I happily oblige:
Prop shots
While others prefer the “beanbag poses”:
Charlotte Newborn Photography: “Beanbag poses”
No matter what, I am CONFIDENT that I can capture all the cuteness of your sweet little bundle of love! I hope these tips help you while you are searching–ah-hem-(me over here, waiving my hands in the air)-for the BEST Newborn Photographer;)
Are YOU expecting?! LET’S CHAT to see if we are a good fit for each other!
She stayed so curly and cuddly during her poses, and being wrapped was her absolute favorite! During sessions I have a few tricks up my sleeve to keep newborns calm and sleepy. I share some of those secrets when I send out the Studio Guide right before your session. Then during the photo shoot, parents are able to sit back, relax and enjoy their time. I love chatting with new parents about the labor and any struggles they might be experiencing. I had three under three so I had/have my share of struggles as well! We almost become like family, sharing a huge milestone and all that goes with it.
Book your session with KatieRie Photography and I promise you will leave feeling like we have been friends forever! I will take care of your sweet little baby like she was my own and you will have beautiful photographs that will be cherished for years to come.
My studio is equipped with all different wraps, textures and props–no need to bring a THING! I mean–look at these delicate headbands! I have TONS of gorgeous pieces that are handmade specifically for baby photos. The headbands used during Lily’s session were made by my beautiful friend over at 
