The happiest baby on the block.
Lifestyle Family Session Preview | Charleston, SC
Such a fun lifestyle session with this sassy little blonde.
Session Preview: A lifestyle studio session
I got to spend my morning with this sweet little boy after the stormy night.
Charleston Newborn Photographer
Worth the wait | Charleston Newborn Session Preview
She made her family wait a few extra days, but I'd say she was worth the wait.
Session Preview | Charleston Baby Photographer
"The teething trooper" | Poor baby was working on a few new teeth, but we managed a few happy faces.
March 2017
I've been bad. Like really bad at taking pictures of Landon lately. Mostly due to growing his baby brother, but I've also been a little uninspired lately. I decided to pick up my camera and shoot anyway. Catching Landon in the most beautiful morning light jumping for dust was exactly what I needed to feel inspired again.
This last picture is not one I'd usually take. I'm reading through a photography class focused on taking "everyday pictures" at home. Normally I would see this as clutter but this class is making me look and think harder. One day when the boys are grown, I'll miss little jackets hanging on my kitchen chairs.
BFFs
Studio Milestone Session Tips
I am so excited for our milestone session! So much change happens during that first year and these sessions are the perfect way to capture their tiny, unique features as they grow.
I've put together a few tips to make your studio milestone session a huge success!
Clothing: Baby
Honestly, I love a baby in a white (or very simple) onesie. Don't get me wrong, I love an adorable mini-outfit as much as the next girl, but I find that keeping clothing simple allows your little one to shine.
Generally, just keep clothing easy (like cotton or chambray). Shiny and really bright color clothing do not photograph well. Girl moms - as fun as hot pink is (I'm a #boymom so I'd love to buy something hot pink!) it just does not photograph well and ends up making everything have a pink glow. I love whites, creams, browns, pastels - soft, natural tones.
Have fun with accessories! I love headbands (again, simple), pearls, suspenders and hats. Don't even worry about shoes - let those chubby baby toes show!
You can plan on several outfits for your little one.
Clothing: Mom and Dad
You should have received my Family Welcome Guide that includes a detailed section on picking your clothing. For studio sessions we want to keep clothing simple. Imagine you're going to go snuggle on your couch with a warm cup of coffee and a good book. What are you wearing? Probably a cotton top, jeans and bare feet. I'm not going to lie - I love this look for my studio. I have a couch in my studio where I encourage families to snuggle up so comfortable clothing is the most natural.
Moms - dresses are also great!
Dads - if you want to wear a button down, roll the sleeves up for a more relaxed look.
Siblings - Jeans, chambray and sweet little tops are perfect. They can also go barefoot if you'd like.
Props
While I love to keep my sessions simple, I do have a few props I like to include. You will receive a questionnaire so you can let me know what types of props you like.
What you can bring:
A lovie: Does your baby have something they are attached to? I love to include this in their session. As a mom of a quickly growing and self-proclaimed "big boy," I can tell you those are some of my favorite pictures from his first year.
A toy that they love. Sometimes babies need a little piece of home to make them more comfortable.
What I want to know...
Does your little one have a stray curl, killer eye lashes or perfectly chubby toes? Whatever your favorite feature is, I want to know so I can make sure to capture it.
I cannot wait to photograph your little one in my studio! Please let me know if you have any questions about what to bring for your session.
Beach Session Tips
Sessions at the beach are beautiful, but they require a little extra prep work! Here are some tips to keep your session as stress-free as possible.
We have to shoot around the sun's schedule
You'll notice that the session start times are really early or pretty late in the day. At the beach, the only way to get nice, soft lighting (trust me, you'll want it!) is to shoot around the sun's schedule. It's just one day of having to throw schedules off, but you'll love the results.
Not sure if you're willing to get up before the sun? Here are a few things to consider:
Did you know the beach is usually less windy in the morning? The temperature is usually cooler than the end of a hot southern day. Less people are at the beach which means less distractions for little ones.
Don't be afraid to get sandy & wet
I love beach sessions because it gives us the chance to create some amazing images in the water. Please don't be afraid to get wet! We will start with all of the dry pictures so we can end your session having fun splashing in the water.
The beach is windy but we're going to embrace it
Keep in mind when styling your hair that the beach is usually windy.
Plan a fun outfit
At the beach, you can totally get away with a fun outfit! And you're totally off the hook for shoes because we aren't going to wear any! You should have received a Welcome Guide, but here are a few beach specific tips.
Moms- I love maxi dresses at the beach. The way the wind catches them creates an ease to your look. I would avoid a short dress since the beach is windy. I'm a sucker for floppy hats in a few pictures.
Dads - shorts and cotton t-shirts are always nice. If you wear a button down shirt, roll the sleeve for a more relaxed look.
Kids - I think the beach gives you the opportunity to dress your kids in a fun outfit. A sweet dress for girls or suspenders (no shirt required) for boys always look nice. Hats are also a nice touch to wear in a few pictures.
(Note: I do have bonnets, ruffle rompers, bloomers and shorts. Let me know if you'd like to borrow something from the client closet!)
As always, neon colors and logos do not photograph well.
Things you might want to bring for your session:
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Bobby pins
An activity (a toy sailboat, bubbles, etc. We can brainstorm ideas together.)
Things to pack in your car for after your session:
Several towels
A change of clothes for everyone
A treat for well behaved kids
*Most beaches do not have showers. Plan accordingly!
A gender surprise | Charleston Newborn Photographer
6 pounds 4 ounces of the sweetest little boy. Mom and dad didn't know what they were having until the big day (although mom did have a hunch it was a little boy).
