Sneak peak fo a new goodie....

Guess what??? I have a new goodie to share!!! Take a peak...and I'll be back in a bit to share more details!

Tips for Newborn Sessions...

I came across a list of tips for newborn sessions that I thought I would pass along. I LOVE to work with newborns...they are so sweet and each session is unique to the baby. I like to work with newborns 6-10 days old, 2 weeks at the oldest. Older than that, and some of the poses are much more difficult to get and they simply do not stay asleep as soundly. But...I'm always up for a challenge, so as much as I prefer 6-10 days, give me a shout if you've let newborn pictures slip your mind. :)

So...on for a few tips:

• Newborn portraits are unique in that they can’t be scheduled months out, but you can line up a photographer months out who will build time into their calendar around your due date for your session. If you are scheduling your birth, let your photographer know that as soon as possible.
• Call your photographer soon after you deliver so you can arrange a time for the session. Ideally the session should take place within 5-10 days after birth, and no longer than 2 weeks after.
• The session will take place at your home – do not worry about the state of your house. You just had a baby. I do not care if dishes are piled up the sink and clothes baskets runneth over. I have a job to do, and I’m not there to care about how clean your house is.
• Loosen the the baby’s diaper about 30 minutes before the session. This allows time for the diaper’s imprint marks to disappear.
• Have your house warm. Ideally, you’ll want the thermostat set around 80-85. For the adults it will be hot, but the baby will be toasty and happy.
• Collect any items you want used in the session beforehand – family heirlooms, toys, monogrammed blankets, baskets, bowls, toys, etc. I’ll go through these with you to determine what will look best in the pictures. I will also bring a few things, so don't stress if you don't have anything.
• Make sure the baby has a full belly before I arrive. Aren’t we all happier with a full belly?
• After the baby is full, make sure they are burped really good. Gas can take a sleepy, happy baby to an uncomfortable and irritable one in seconds.
• A mother’s smell is so recognizable (and sometimes distracting) to a baby, that it may be necessary for the mom to leave the room for portions of the session. This is not meant to hurt your feelings, but only to allow me to get the baby thinking sweet sleepy dreams, instead of hungry “where’s my milk?” dreams.
• Be patient. If the baby gets fussy or alert, don’t stress out. A baby can sense your anxiety and we want to keep the environment as mellow as possible. We will try and get the baby comfortable again, but if that just doesn’t seem possible, we’ll take a break or we’ll work with what he’s giving us. Sometimes the best pictures are ones when the baby isn’t doing what we want.
• Be assured that if there is ever a point where you’re uncomfortable with the poses, simply let me know. I only want to do poses and shots that you are comfortable with.
• Unless the baby sleeps very good through the nights do not schedule the shoot in the morning.
• A majority of the pictures will work best if the baby is asleep so anything you can do in advance to encourage this is recommended.

{Katie...1 week old}

{Mini Session} 3 years old!

Really? Could she be any prettier! This little girl is beautiful and has the most amazing eyes! 

I enjoyed going to her house last week for her mini-session. :)

{Mommy and Me} Mini Session

I did a {Mommy and Me} mini-session this past week. These kids (and their Mommy!) are super sweet! Kids with the age range (5yo, 3yo, 5mth) are unpredictable. I never know if I'll be bargaining with them, acting silly, or begging for a smile. ha! But these 3 did exactly what they were asked to do and enjoyed it. They are adorable!

Coming home....

We will be heading home today and are packing our bags now. Can't wait to get home...but so wish I could stay with this sweet baby girl a little longer. I'm hopeful to come back this next weekend...and you guessed it, do a newborn session. She is SOOOO cute!!! Mommy and Daddy and Big Brother are still doing well and they should get to come home this evening. :)

As I said yesterday, I will be catching up this evening, so if you are trying to reach me by email, I will respond tonight. If you are checking your mailbox for your disc, they will go out in the morning. Again, sorry for the slight delay...but babies come into this world on THEIR time! That's the beauty of newborns! :)

Sweet new niece...and catching up

This has been a fun and busy week. This past week, 2 birthday parties, a newborn session, a family session and a 3 year old session...then on Friday, I got the call the my sweet sister in law was in labor. Friday was going to be my 'catch up' day. The day I was going to spend catching up on emails (I do love you all, I promise! It's just been a crazy week!) and creating discs and print releases and getting all the goodies in the mail. BUT...my niece decided she wanted Friday to be her BIRTHday. So...please forgive me. I will be back in town tomorrow and will be working tomorrow night to catch up.

I am still booking sessions for February and am now booking for March. Spring is coming (so the weatherman says)...so give me a shout and we can get a tentative date set up if you are wanting outdoor portraits. (Tentative = good weather day...if not, another day! ha!) sstephensphotography@gmail.com

 

I LOOOVVEEE baby feet! She has the c-u-t-e-s-t toes!!!

Sweet Big Sister and Baby Sister...

I had the honor of photography newborn Hannah yesterday along with her sweet Big Sister Madie. These girls are TOOO sweet!!!

Interested in an in-home photography session for your newborn? 

Email me at sstephensphotography@gmail.com