I guess I am a little biased here, but I think photo sessions are one of the most important things you purchase. Why? Because this is your legacy. These are the items that are going to be passed down through the generations, this is the documentation of your life and your family. You're also paying your hard earned money for this session, so to me, it's not to be taken lightly. 
I've been burned before, I was young and didn't know exactly what to ask or maybe I was just too shy? But I've obviously learned a thing or two since then and I'm here to pass on some knowledge to you so that you feel confident when booking a session (whether it's with me or someone else).
When hiring a photographer, there are a few things you should ask. This is no means a complete list, but this should get you steered in the right direction. 

1. Are you licensed and insured? You need to decide if this is important to you, but, this is important to me because it shows that the photographer is serious about their business and that they have taken precautions to protect themselves and their clients.  It means that they have probably have taken a lot of time in planning and preparation, it means that they have educated themselves on business practices, and it also means that they truly value your safety and your business!
2. Do you have a contract? The answer to this should be always be YES. A contract not only protects the photographer, but you the client. It should lay out and explain exactly what is being done, exactly what you will receive, and exactly how much you will pay for those services. Fun fact: I send mine online so not only can you sign via your smart phone, but we each have a copy! 
3. Can I see examples of your work? Sadly, in the photography world, I have seen many times where the work you get is not in line with the work that has been advertised. Always scope out their social media feeds and ask to see a portfolio when hiring a new photographer. If everything seems to be in line, then you can feel more confident about booking. Most photographers are happy to show off their latest work and direct you to their portfolios. (Here's my Instagram and Facebook!)

Here are a few other things to consider:

• Does the photographer's message align with yours? Does their art reflect what you want to show?
• What's your ultimate plan for the pictures? Will they be displayed, are they for social media sharing, smaller desk art? Your photographer should be able to help you from start to finished product!
• Do you have any suggestions on what to wear? (I have a blog outlining some "What to Wear" suggestions!) 
• How can I prep my family for our session? (Here's my "What to Expect" guide if you want to read!)
• What type of lighting do you work with? For most people- this isn't really an issue, but I have family members that are very sensitive to flash/strobe effects, so this is something I always think is important to consider. 

I hope you have found this helpful and that you are able to use some of these when booking your next family session. If you are considering choosing me to document your family's memories, please feel free to reach out to me. I usually always have a chat or Face Time session with a new clients before hand so that we can get to know each other a bit and I can get a feel for what's important to you. 

The COVID-19 crisis has affected us all in some way. Myself and my family are doing our part to flatten the curve. Unfortunately, that means not taking on any clients. Photography is not an essential business and is not vital to life (although my soul would disagree). This is totally uncharted territory for us all. 
My heart especially breaks for those mother's in their 3rd trimester, due to deliver any day. They won't be able to have maternity, birth, Fresh 48, or newborn photos- among a whole host of other things.  All of these are once in a lifetime events. My heart truly breaks that I won't be there to capture these moments for you so that you can focus solely on your baby and your family. Remembering to take photographs during this time is just one more thing a new mama will have on her plate. 
So, I've been thinking and I've tried to come up with some tips and tricks to help you document these precious days. Whether you have an iPhone or a DSLR or a point and shoot camera, the principles are the same.

1.  Turn off all of the artificial light and move towards that window! Natural light and artificial light have different color tones. Eliminating that artificial lighting will get rid of unwanted color casts and unflattering shadows under the eyes, nose, and chin. Just roll that little bassinet right over to that window and take a few minutes to analyze the direction of the light and the intensity. If you think it's too bright, back the bassinet up a bit. 
2.  Turn OFF the flash on your phone or camera. Let the natural light do it's thing. If you are not using a speedlight where you can manipulate the direction that the light is coming from, then just turn it off. It will be facing straight ahead and wash out your photos. 
3.  Don't worry about complicated poses. As a documentary photographer, I wouldn't do that anyways. Let's focus on the real, the authentic, the here and now. These moments are fleeting. I would undress baby down to the diaper and start from there (I've provided a "shot list" at the bottom of this blog for you!) Then, to get variety, I'd swaddle them back up and take a few in their iconic "hospital blanket".  Then, I'd get them dressed in their super cute little gowns and outfits you brought from home. PASS THE CAMERA OFF to someone and let them snap pictures of you getting your little one dressed. Then take pictures of that little baby all dressed up! Let them be natural. Think about it this way- they are just now able to stretch their limbs after the confinement of the womb for 9 months! Capture those first little stretches! 
4.  Get close. Get those little DETAILS. Don't get too close though- they will be blurry. Every little part of their body you can think of, even their little umbilical stump! To round out the story, I would even be sure to document room details as well. 
5.  Move around the bassinet (or the subject that you are shooting) to get new angles. Sometimes you just need to move around the subject to get a whole different perspective on the same "pose" (I say pose like that because we aren't actually posing them!). Take a few close ups, a few a little further back, and a few even further back. 
6.  Dads, take pictures of moms attempting to nurse that first time. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn't. Talk ahead of time about this and make sure she's comfortable, and if she is, take pictures of the hard moments too. 
7.  Take pictures of each other holding and cuddling baby. You've waited so long to hold that little human. Try to capture what that moment feels like. It's not always "look at the camera and smile". 
8.  Try to avoid shooting from a downward angle and shooting up. One thing you kind of want to avoid is seeing someone's full nostrils- baby's included. It's just unflattering. Try to shoot from a slightly upward angle to get the best shot. 
9.  Be still. Hold yourself as still as possible to avoid motion blur in your pictures. If you need a little extra support holding your camera still, try tucking your elbows close to your sides. That usually can help stabilize your hands. You can even prop your elbows on a surface to help if that doesn't work. You know those hospital tables that roll around? That may be a good option for you if you need some stability. 
10.  Be patient and give yourself grace. You've got some time. It doesn't have to happen all at once. Just keep the camera handy and your eyes open for good opportunities. They will come and they will be there, just be ready for them. 
    

DIY Fresh 48 Shot List

• full face
• side profile
  
• top of head (let hair be the focus)
• toes
• fingers
• umbilical stump
• ears
• full feet
• full hands
• hospital bracelet (also pair with moms bracelet)
• mom cuddling baby
• mom nursing (if she's okay with it) OR giving bottle
  
• full body stretched out in bassinet
• lips
• wrapped up in hospital blanket
• the process of getting baby dressed
  
• fully dressed in outfit from home
• dad holding baby/baby on dad's chest
•  baby resting in Mom's lap (shot from above)
•  yawning 
• stretching
• awake/alert
• sleeping all wrapped up in swaddle
•  zoomed out shot of bassinet in front of hospital window
• room details
• mom resting
  

This is by no means an exhaustive list. I just wanted you to have a helpful resource and something to help guide you through. Everyone is tired after labor. The adrenaline wears off and everything becomes hazy and dreamlike. This is part of the appeal of having a professional photographer come in and do this for you- you don't have to think about it. Hopefully having a guide will help you get those once in a lifetime shots.  Use your imagination. Everyone's story is a different and unique, just like them. Did this blog help you at all? Did I leave anything out? Want me to add something? Tell me in the comments below! 

I wanted to take a moment to share with you a gifting idea/concept that I originally saw from my friend over at Marla White Photography's Instagram account. I asked her if I could share her idea and she graciously said yes. But, as I sat on it a while, I decided to add my own flair to it.  
She suggested that when you give someone a gift certificate, especially for a photo session, that you add a cute frame, a keepsake journal, and journaling supplies. After all, presentation is everything!  I immediately fell in love. I absolutely love the idea of a journal to jot down your feelings, milestones, funny things your kids say...
I thought to myself, "What would I like as a gift basket?" and it came to me. If I were pregnant or a new mom, I would love something for me and something I could enjoy with my new bundle of joy. So, in my version I added a plant (string of pearls to those who are curious) in a simple, timeless terra cotta pot and books for baby. What's better? Add a sweet note or wish for baby inside the cover of the book. Not only will you be helping to build a library for baby, but the book, plant, and photo session gift certificate are gifts that keep on giving. The books become keepsakes, along with the gift certificate/photo session. You're giving the gift of making memories- preserving memories. And of course, the frame can be repurposed with a beautiful image from their session. I could not think of a more thoughtful gift than this. Moms deserve to be in the pictures too...not just cell phone selfies. Real, authentic, beautiful portraits of motherhood. This is the greatest journey she will ever embark on, it deserves to be preserved for her and her little one. 

If you'd like to purchase a gift certificate for someone special in your life, click the contact link above or find me on Facebook or Instagram. Gift certificates are available in any amount and a gift basket/goodie box presentation option can be added on for an additional fee. Goodie boxes/Gift Basket can be easily customized for anyone! The options are endless. 
​Thank you so much for supporting small business and shopping local!