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.

Best Family Photographer in Charlotte, NC

Time goes by so fast. Capturing the moments in between–those little tickles and genuine laughs–those moments, are what you want hanging on your walls for years to come. Family photography is your time to come together and capture the personality of your family at this exact time in life. At KatieRie Photography, we work with you from the beginning, middle and end of the entire process to ensure you leave with the exact products that will be art heirloom pieces hanging on your walls. We go over outfit choices, location–the whole shebang–so you have beautiful pieces for life.

Family photography is more than just a session of posing, a box of prints and the perfect frame. It’s about the moments in between–when LIFE happens. Capturing those little tickles and genuine laughs are what you want hanging on your walls for years to come. Let us help you put together the perfect family session for your family!

A family is the heart of your home, and capturing those smiles, giggles and special moments is what makes a home warm and inviting. At KatieRie Photography, we specialize in family photography in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas as well as availability to travel (frequent trips to Florida and Wisconsin as well!). We offer timeless prints and products of your session that you will treasure for years to come!

Take a moment to stop and capture what is around you right now. Whether it’s your son making funny faces as he tries to eat green beans or your daughter doing yoga poses in her favorite spot, the only way to truly hold on to these moments is by documenting them with photography. At KatieRie Photography, we take time to get to know our clients and their unique personalities so that we can provide that special connection to your photographs–the one that comes from knowing them well enough so that we can truly capture who they are as individuals.

Family photographs are a treasure that will last forever. When choosing a photographer, it is important to find someone who understands the importance of family photography and can capture priceless moments in order to create timeless family portraits.

Cake Smash Photographer || Charlotte, NC

One Year Milestone Session with KatieRie Photography

HOORAY!! Your little one is about to turn ONE (or already did)!! How in the world did this happen?! WHEN did this happen?? It seems like just yesterday, you were wondering if your baby would ever sleep through the night OR you are wondering WHEN your baby will sleep through the night (it will happen soon, I PROMISE). NOW it’s time to celebrate that huge milestone! There are so many big milestones in that first year of life and it only makes sense to capture that cute, sometimes HUGE personality your nugget has developed in a One Year Session.

One Year Session--KatieRie Photography

The Process

I wanted to explain what a One Year Milestone Session entails with KatieRie Photography.  It’s really pretty easy and straight forward–you can be super involved in the process, letting me know exactly what you want, or you can let me take the creative reigns.  Some parents don’t know where to start and then some moms have been searching Pinterest for months pinning the perfect photos. Depending on if you choose a mini or a full session, you will get gorgeous images that will last forever.  I will help educate you on products that are unique and what would look stunning in your home.  We will capture all the cuteness that makes up your little babe.

What to Bring

The studio is all inclusive, which means you honestly don’t have to bring a thing except your little one and a small cake, if you choose to do a smash.  It’s well equipped with hand-made outfits that were crafted specifically for photography needs.  These are classic pieces that will showcase your little one, instead of overpower her or him. Some people still prefer to bring outfits and that’s completely fine as well! I just love to offer the option to use the studio outfits–makes life a little easier!

Cake Smash Photographer || Charlotte, NCCake Smash Photographer || Charlotte, NC

Expectations

I always tell parents that it’s best to keep an open mind when it comes to milestone sessions.  Sometimes babies will dive into cake, other times kids will think it’s absolutely revolting and end up crying.  Some one year old’s are happy-go-lucky; others have “stranger-danger.” The point of a One Year Session is to capture that milestone, no matter where your daughter or son is in the journey. Some might be taking first steps, others might be ok crawling or standing. Some might need extra snuggles from mommy–that’s OK! Just keep an open mind and I will do the rest.

And guess what, if you don’t want to do a cake smash portion of the session, that’s ok too! Some parents have already thrown a party and KNOW their little gal does NOT like cake. You will still get a great variety of looks to celebrate your son or daughter.

Cake Smash Photographer || Charlotte, NCCake Smash Photographer || Charlotte, NC

Cake Smash Session--Charlotte, NC

Sessions can be indoor, (in the studio) OR outdoor during Golden Hour.  Most parents opt for a studio session, since these are held in the morning and babies tend to be happier during this time.  But all babies are different and I have also had success during outdoor sessions as well!

Cake Smash Photographer || Charlotte, NC

I tell newborn clients all the time that it’s so amazing to book the milestone sessions with the same photographer (ah-hem, KatieRie, ah-hem), so they can have consistent quality and looks with their sessions. And how FUN is it to compare those photos?!  To see the growth and personalities!

Cake Smash Photographer || Charlotte, NC

 

Is your little baby about to turn ONE?! Think we are a good fit? LET’S CHAT! 

Charlotte Newborn Photographer ~ Baby Wyatt

Welcome Baby Wyatt

This sweet little guy came to the studio at the beginning of February and he was absolutely PRECIOUS.  Mom contacted me in December wanting to book her newborn session and I was all too excited to work with this adorable family of four–mom, dad, proud big sister, and baby Wyatt. Just look at this amazingly gorgeous family!

Mom purchased the Deluxe Session, which includes 12 high resolution images with the option to purchase more. Right away when I started working with this sweet little squish, mom mentioned that she already knew that she would want to purchase all the images from the entire gallery, and I’m so happy she did! We got so many different looks with many different set-ups and Baby Wyatt was so, so good to me. As a newborn photographer, we are trained to practice safety first as well as how to calm and soothe these little ones, however, there is never a guarantee that a baby will be sleepy.  But this little guy slept the entire time without needing any breaks (happy dance, happy DANCE!).  Enjoy all his cuteness!

Professional Newborn Photographer-Charlotte, NC Charlotte Newborn Photographer Charlotte Newborn Photographer Charlotte Newborn Photographer Charlotte Newborn Photographer Charlotte Newborn Photographer Charlotte Newborn Photographer

 

Professional Newborn Photographer-Charlotte, NC Professional Newborn Photographer-Charlotte, NC Professional Newborn Photographer-Charlotte, NC

Are we a good fit? LET’S CHAT to set up your session today!

Newborn Session~What to Expect

Charlotte Newborn Photography Session

Wether you are expecting your first bundle of love or this is your fourth tiny miracle, many parents wonder what to expect during a newborn photo session with KatieRie (the ‘Rie’ pronounced REEEEE;).  They don’t know what to bring (I’ll cover this), they don’t know how the session will actually go (what if my child CRIES!), they don’t know what the studio will be like (super DUPER WARM)… so I decided to answer some questions in a blog!

gastonia nc newborn baby photographer
Tiny Miracle

CONGRATULATIONS! You are EXPECTING a Tiny BABY!

Now what?  I always try to educate people to reach out as soon as they learn they are expecting.  That way I can pencil in your due date on my schedule and secure your date.  It’s important to take care of this sooner rather than later since I only take a certain amount of newborns each month to insure that each client gets VIP service from yours, Truly.  Then, a signed contract and a paid retainer holds a spot for you, which I send over via email.  You also have your very own page where you are able to see paid invoices, the calendar, and all our correspondences in one handy spot, making it super easy to keep things organized.

It’s also best to decide if you would like a maternity session as well. These sessions are photographed about an hour before sunset (during Golden Hour) to ensure the gorgeous, dreamy lighting highlights your beautiful bump.  These sessions are best around 28-34 weeks, when you have a beautiful bump to showcase, but you aren’t too uncomfortable or swollen.  I also help stylize these sessions as well!

gastonia nc newborn baby photographer

What happens after I book?!

Your sessions were booked, you had your gorgeous maternity session and you were STUNNING, what’s next?! I will send an email reminder a few weeks before your due date and I tell parents to contact me once baby arrives.  MOST parents send me a text or an email directly from the hospital, once things have settled down a bit.  That way I can arrange my schedule and plan for childcare (remember?!  I had THREE under THREE?!  I have been in your shoes a few times!).  Most sessions happen either Saturday or Sunday mornings, SOMETIMES they happen during the week (again, always in the morning). Once I am notified that your baby has arrived, I confirm an exact day and time with you.  I then send over a STUDIO GUIDE that I advise parents to try to follow as best as they can to help prepare for the session.

gastonia nc newborn baby photographer
Classic Black & White

Day of Your Session!

Aren’t you EXCITED?! It’s the day of your SESSION, Y’all! At this point of time, we have already discussed color preferences as well as what to bring to your session–no need to bring a THING!.   Isn’t that awesome?! The Studio is completely stocked with many, MANY props, layers, textures, headbands, bonnets, backdrops–you name it, I have it! I also advise for parents to only bring the people who are being photographed.  It’s important for the atmosphere to remain calm and quiet as I work through the flow of the session with an intimate audience.

The studio is WARM as well, so I tell parents to dress in layers–the studio is for the baby to be cozy and to emulate the womb as much as possible.  If parents are planning on being photographed, I recommend neutral clothing–limited patterns and/or bright colors. Same clothing choices for siblings as well.

gastonia nc newborn baby photographer
Sibling Love

gastonia nc newborn baby photographer

Sit back and RELAX!

There’s a reason why parents call me a “Baby Whisperer” and ask if they can hire me to come over in the middle of the night–LOL! I GOT this! It’s your time to sit back and relax.  Some parents enjoy watching the session and others doze off for a quick nap.  It’s a very calming atmosphere for everyone in the room. I have soothing and wrapping techniques to help keep your baby calm and happy.  I absolutely LOVE my job and can’t wait to capture your perfect little miracle.

gastonia nc newborn baby photographer

Let’s CHAT and see if we are a good fit! I would love to capture your Little.