It’s no lie that I love indoor photos, but there’s something special about an outdoor session in spring. Spring is a great time for family photos in the Seattle area. The weather is normally starting to warm up, flowers are in bloom, sunset is at a reasonable time, and spring fashion is so fun. Spring sessions are perfect for families, and maternity sessions, and can be booked directly from my website here.
Can you have a newborn session in just one room?
One thing I’ve found after being a newborn photographer in the Seattle area, is that many homes that my clients buy are in need of renovations. It can take years to get your house to the home of your dreams. What I’ve noticed is that when a new baby comes along, the nursery is one of the very first spaces a family will tackle and the rest of the home needs some time to catch up. This doesn’t mean you should not have an in home session, even if only one room is complete. After years of photographing in all sorts of homes in various stages of renovations, I can confidently say that we can do an entire newborn session in one room only, whether that’s the nursery, the main bedroom, or the living room.
Why you should consider having your maternity photos at home
As we all know, the weather can play a major role in your Seattle photo session. With rain that lasts from October to May (or so it seems), a large majority of the year is taken up with bad weather. Many people are now opting for in home newborn and family sessions, but lately, in home maternity sessions are on the rise too.
Your home is the perfect backdrop for your maternity session. During an in home maternity session, we’re been able to include the mother-to-be’s food cravings, pets, and a little more skin that many people are comfortable with in a public place. When your maternity photo session is at home, we can use the nursery that your baby will soon sleep in as the backdrop to some of your photos. This will be so special to show your little one in the future.
As with family and newborn sessions, there is no need to stress about the weather, or stay up to sunset to get that beautiful golden light. In home sessions are best done in the mid morning or afternoon, so if you have other kids, we can book your session around their schedules.
If you’d like an in home maternity session, I would love to work with you. Please contact me or feel free to book online.
How to Prepare Your Home for Your In Home Photography Session
The majority of my family sessions are held in home and one of the questions I’m asked the most is how to prepare the home. A lot of Seattle area homes are old with small windows and the number one thing I’m looking for is the quality of the light. If you walk around your home a few days before your scheduled session time, take a look at where the light is the most abundant. These are likely the areas we’ll be using for your photo session.
You don’t need to redecorate or go crazy styling your home. The point of having an in home session is to photograph your family in the space in which they are most comfortable. You will want to keep in mind that anything left out has the potential to make it into your photos, so if you don’t want it photographed, put it out of sight.
Top things to do:
Make beds
Clean up countertops
Open all shades
Turn off overhead lights
Tidy up main living spaces
Make sure any picture frames / artwork are straight
Remove water bottles and phone chargers from bedside tables
Fix any broken windows
Clean mirrors (I use them a lot during my in home family sessions)
Not sure how to prepare your family for your photography session? Read this.
What to Expect at a Maternity Photo Session
Are you expecting a new baby and thinking about having a maternity session. As a Seattle area maternity photographer for the last ten years, I’ve photographed a ton of expecting mamas, and here are some tips to ensure your maternity session turns out the way you want it to:
Schedule your maternity session for between 28-36 weeks
The whole point of a maternity session is to show off that bump, so make sure to schedule your session once you’re showing but before you’re too uncomfortable. The general rule of thumb is that a maternity session should take place between 28-36 weeks.
Choose a location that is meaningful to you
Many people opt for an at home maternity session, but I have had a couple of families choose flower fields because they are naming their daughter after a flower. To me, that is such lovely nod to the chosen name.
Wear a dress
Dresses always look best for outdoor maternity sessions. There’s something special about the way they hug the body and blow in the wind. Not sure where to start looking? This one gets praise from everyone I’ve known who has worn it.
Get your hair and make up done
We all know pregnancy causes us to feel not like ourselves. One way you can make yourself feel better is by getting your hair and make up done.
Check for chipped nail polish
This is a tip I give everyone before their session. Chipped nail polish really does show up in your images. Make sure you have freshly painted nails, or no polish at all.
Lastly, relax and trust your photographer
As a maternity photographer, I know how to pose you in the best way to make sure you look as beautiful as the rest of us see you.
If you’re interested in a maternity session, please contact me. I would love to photograph you during this special time in your live.
What to Expect at Your Newborn Session
As one of the leading Seattle newborn photographers, my goal is to make sure your newborn session is as stress-free and relaxed as possible. After you’ve booked your newborn session, you may be wondering how the day of your session will go. Here’s what it will look like:
When I show up, I’ll ask that you take me on a quick tour of your home. This is to find where the best available light is. In Seattle, we can have lots of dark, gloomy days but I guarantee that there will be good light somewhere in your home. Most of the time, I’ll be looking in the main bedroom, nursery, and living room, but if there’s a good patch of light on your stairs, or in your kitchen, then we’ll likely use that space too.
Once I’ve identified the areas where the photo session will take place, I’ll gently guide you into a natural pose and have you interact with one another so that your images show your love and connection to your new little being. My general workflow (with a lot of flexibility) is whole family, siblings (if there are any), then I’ll have dad take siblings and focus on mom and baby and then baby alone, then mom and dad swap and I’ll photograph dad with baby, lastly, if we can steal a few moments from the siblings, I’ll photograph mom, dad, and baby together. I love to finish with a family portrait on the front porch if possible.
Sessions are entirely baby led so if baby needs a break, a diaper change, needs to feed, needs a swaddle etc, then they will get exactly what they need. While most sessions are done between one to one and a half hours, this will totally depend on your baby and their needs. I will never rush you or your baby.
I do recommend that you dress baby in a plain colored onesie or sleeper and have a swaddle or two on hand in case baby needs it. Try to pick swaddles that are either plain or have a pattern you love since you’ll be looking at your images over and over.
You don’t ever need to feel like you need to look and smile awkwardly for the camera. All you need to do is interact with your family and I’ll take care of the rest.
Before I arrive, you’ll want to make sure you are well fed. Nothing is worse than feeling hungry the whole time. Try to not put on your outfit until right before I arrive. Babies can have blowouts and spit up without much warning. Likewise, it’s a good idea to hold off on getting baby dressed until right before your session too. However, I do recommend dressing them before feeding them just in case they drift off to sleep during the feed so you don’t risk waking them.
I want you to tell me your stories. As a mother of four, I’ve been through lots of the same post partum experiences that you’re likely going through. I’ve had c sections, difficulties breastfeeding, easy recoveries, complications, and extremely rough recoveries. I’ve experienced sleepless nights and exhaustion, sibling rivalries, and self doubt. I’ve questioned myself multiple times when I’ve had to make yet another decision on the care of my children. So although I may be your newborn photographer, I’m also a great listener, sympathizer, and one of your biggest supporters. If you need a listening ear, I’m more than happy to take on that role.
Is it Worth Having Maternity Photos Taken?
Most families know they want to have a newborn photography session but have you ever considered having a maternity session too? Here are my top reasons why I think you should have a maternity session.
This may be the last professional photos of just the two of you.
Once baby arrives, life is going to be all about your new little one. This may be the very last time you’ll have professional pictures of just the two of you.
It’s important to document this time in your lives
Once baby arrives, you’ll forget all the aches and pains, the movements, your body changing seemingly overnight, the small smiles you received from other women who have been in your shoes. One way to take you back to this time is through photographs.
It provides a great way to get to know your photographer before your newborn session
Those first few days of motherhood are raw, intimate, and emotional. When you have a maternity session first, we get to know each other so that when I arrive for your newborn session, it’s just like having an old friend visit and not some stranger when you’re feeling the most vulnerable.
Questions about having a maternity session? Let’s chat.
Best Seattle Area Photography Locations for Family Sessions
Now that you’ve booked your family photography sessions, you may be wondering what the best Seattle area location to have your photo session is. We are so lucky to live in Washington state with all its beauty, the options are endless. I’m going to list my favorite locations by three groups:
Close
Near
Far
1.Close
One of my favorite places to photograph families doesn’t get any closer than this - your own home! It’s no secret that I believe that the four walls in which you feel the most comfortable are the perfect backdrop for you family photo session. You don’t even need to put shoes on!
2. Near
If you want to stick to parks and beaches around Seattle, here are some of my favorites.
Discovery Park
This park has it all, views of the water, a forest area, wildflowers in the summer, a beautiful old church, a big open bluff area. It really is the perfect spot to photograph your family.
Richmond Park Beach
You would think all Seattle area beaches are alike, but for some reason, I just feel like this one photographs better than some others. There is a lot of driftwood to sit on or for kids to run and play on.
Pike Place Market
Want a fun and truly Seattle feeling photo session? Nothin says Seattle like Pike Place Market. I don’t recommend this location for active toddlers, but if you have babes in arms, or older kids, this is such a fun place to photograph your family.
3. Far
If you’re up for an adventure and want to explore somewhere else in Washington, I have some great locations.
Mt Rainier
Mt Rainier is an iconic part of the Washington landscape. Set about 2.5 hours from downtown Seattle, this is a truly epic location for your family photos. If you want a location your friends will be talking about, this is it!
Rosario Beach
Located in beautiful Deception Pass State Park, lies gorgeous Rosario Beach. With both a rocky beach with driftwood and trees that the light filters through, plus a gorgeous bluff area, there is a ton of opportunities for beautiful backdrops for your family photos.
Artist Point
Artist Point is a breathtaking spot with gorgeous views of Mt Baker and Mt Shuksan. It is located about 2.5 hours north of Seattle in Whatcom county. Yes, it’s far, but trust me, it will be worth it.
How Do I Prepare for my Family Photo Session
You’ve booked your family photography session but now you’re wondering what you can do to prepare for the big day. Whether you’re having your family photo session outdoors at one of the beautiful locations Seattle has to offer, or in the comfort of your own home, here are my top tips to make sure your photo day goes as smoothly as possible.
Make sure the kids are well rested
Your family photo session should be the big activity for your family that day. Try to make sure there aren’t any other big events such as birthday parties or zoo visits. You’ll want your kids to be happy and exhausted kids often mean cranky kids.
Have your wardrobe finalized about a week before
There’s nothing worse than trying on your outfit right before your session starts and realizing that something doesn’t fit. Aim to have everything finalized at least a week before your session. That way, if something doesn’t fit, you’ll have time to find a replacement.
Check for chipped nail polish
Trust me, it shows in pictures!
Don’t forget to eat before your session
Nothing makes kids (and adults) melt down quicker than a growling stomach. Have a light meal before your photo session, right before you get changed for it. This will keep the whole family happy.
Bring snacks
If you want to keep your kids going throughout the session, many parents like to have some snacks on hand. I recommend non-messy snacks such as gummies so they don’t stain the clothes.
Good things to have on hand
It’s great to have things like a hairbrush and baby wipes handy.
Relax!
If you’ve been following my work at all, you know I’m not going to ask you to stand, smile and look awkward in front of the camera. Just love on your babies, play with them, snuggle with your partner, then let me handle the rest. All you need to do is show up as YOU!
If you’d like to know more about my sessions, take a look at my information page.
Is Spring a Good Time for a Family Photo Session?
Spring is a wonderful season to have your family photography session here in Seattle. So many people believe that Fall is the best time, and while it is beautiful, here are my top reasons why I think you should try having your family photos done in Spring over the other seasons:
The sun sets at a more reasonable time
The sun in Seattle sets so late in the summer, meaning that your kids have to be kept up late. Kids typically handle it fine, but if you’d rather not keep them up so late, a Spring session may be just what you’re looking for.
The weather is normally nice, but not too hot or cold
Last year, I did back to back family sessions on the hottest day of the year in King County. Not only was I sweating, but so were my families. In Spring, you can wear a cute dress and bring a pretty cardigan if you need an extra layer. You will have more fun during your session if you’re not sweating or freezing.
Your photographer won’t be completely booked up
Everyone wants family photos in the Fall, but the Spring isn’t as popular. The chance of getting the date you want is higher if you book your family photo session in the Spring. Which brings me to my next point:
If it does rain, you’ll have more chance of getting a new date sooner rather than later
Almost all photographers are booked solid in the Fall, but if you have your photography session in the Spring and you need to reschedule, your photographer likely has much more availability.
High chance of flowers
I’m never going to promise flowers with the unpredictable weather patterns we have in Seattle, but if you love flowers, Spring might be the best option for your session.
I would be so honored to photograph your family this spring. Please take a look at my portfolio and if you think we’d be a great match, let me know!
