Is Spring Break Bringing up all the Feelings? | Dallas, TX Newborn Photography

We head into Spring Break next week. The thought of it is a bit overwhelming. Last year we were wondering what we would do with a 2 month old and almost 3 year old for a week. We hadn’t planned to go anywhere as this Mama was still in a haze. We had a few ideas, but were just going to take it day by day.

To kick off Spring break, we ventured to the Fort Worth Zoo to meet our cousins the Friday before. Boy was it crazy. There was still talk about all that was going on, but field trips were happening and people were enjoying a perfect Spring day.

On Wednesday, March 11th, 2020, I distinctly remember going to the park. We wanted to enjoy the weather and let our big guy run off some energy. Plus, Mama needed some sunshine! We met a friend and talked about her upcoming trip to New York. Would it be cancelled or would she still be hopping on the plane in the next two days. The fear of the unknown was looming.

After the park, we decided to run by Costco on our way home. Grab a couple of things after hearing about the coronavirus. Thinking “let’s have a few extra things on hand in case we need them.” It was our first time to venture out with both boys.

On Thursday, I had a lunch date with my mom and our youngest to eat at one of my favorite places in Arlington, Rose Garden Tea Room. The Big 12 tournament was being cancelled, and things where changing by the hour.

I fortunately was still on maternity leave from my corporate job, and was just beginning to take on sessions again. In fact, I had to Fresh 48 sessions for the following week along with newborn sessions in the coming days and weeks. I was touch and go with my Fresh 48 sessions, but finally having to cancel them all as the world went into lockdown. So many sweet babies were still born during this time and I got to photograph them a few months later!

Fast forward, and here we are. Is the fear of Spring Break creeping in on anyone else?

Surely we aren’t heading into another lockdown. I know we had all hoped that by now things would be back to “normal” and maybe they are slowing getting there, but never did I think in 2021 a year from when things changed that we would still be talking about the coronavirus, wearing masks, and social distancing.

How to Choose Your Newborn Photographer | Dallas, TX Newborn Photography

Congratulations! You recently found out you are pregnant! I know how exciting it is, and the joy that comes when you receive that positive pregnancy test! It can be a time full of so many emotions.

Joy. Anxiousness. Overwhelming.

Who do you tell first? When do you tell someone? All the “what ifs” that come in that first trimester. Believe me when I say, I have been there mama!

As an expecting mom, not only are you trying to wrap your arms around ALL. THE. THINGS. You are also trying to decide who will do your newborn photographs. When do you want them? Do you want maternity pictures? Milestones? The list goes on.

When choosing your newborn photographer there are several things to think about. First, what type of session are you wanting?

Lifestyle vs. Posed

There are two very distinct types of sessions: Lifestyle and Posed. A lifestyle photographer typically shoots in your home and incorporates elements of your home, creating a relaxed session. I am very much a lifestyle photographer. I come to you and you stay in the comfort of your home. While a posed session, typically takes place in a studio with props and other elements that the photographer may provide.

Reviews and Testimonials

You always want to look for review and testimonials on a photographer’s website. Hearing just a bit about someone else’s experience with a photographer can help you determine if that specific photographer would be a good fit for you and your family.

Experience

What type of experience does a photographer have? Do they specialize in newborn photography? You want to know how long a photographer has been doing sessions, how experienced they may be, and if they have had any sort of “training”.

Portfolio

Always look through a photographer’s portfolio. Take time to review their online galleries, maybe even read through some blogs they have posted of recent work. And did you know Instagram is a quick way to see a snip-it of a portfolio? Photographer’s usually have highlight reels that capture a variety of images from a session. Make sure to understand how a photographer captures a newborn session. Do you feel it is what you envision for your session?

Investment and Offerings

I know prices can range all over the board. Experienced photographer’s want to provide just that, an experience for their clients, while providing high quality images and products. You want to make sure what the investment includes. Is it just the session fee? Does it include digital images? Products? Ask the questions up front to make sure you know what the investment includes.

Remember: Quality photography is an investment.

These are images you will hold on to, look back through, and pass down to your children. You want to want invest in a photographer that is a good fit for you while providing high quality images for your family!

What if my home doesn’t have good natural light? | Dallas, TX Newborn Photography

What if my home doesn’t have good natural light? Yes, I get this question often, but you would be surprised. Most homes have great natural light in at least one or two rooms during a portion of the day.

One tip I like to share with my clients that may be concerned. On a day when the sun is shining, turn all your overhead lights and lamps off. See how each room changes lighting throughout the day. Some rooms get better morning light while others get better afternoon light. All you need is one room to have natural light pouring in when the blinds and curtains are open!

As a natural light photographer, I tend to always use the natural light of your home during our session. This is why many times you will see me reschedule if it is forecast to be overcast and rainy. I also tend to schedule your newborn session during the hours of 9am-4pm when the sun is the strongest.

When I arrive, I will ask for you to show me your home, walk me around, and allow me to view the lighting in each room. This will help me to determine our best location or two for your session. Yes, I will turn off any lights that may be on or pull a curtain open just a bit more. We want as much light flowing it as possible.

If you worry about your home’s natural light, you are always welcome to take pictures of your rooms and send them too me. We can also determine when lighting is best as I review your images prior to your session!

Are you expecting or interested in more information on a session? Please reach out to me here for more details!