Appleton Infant Photography

Azailyah Katherine

Azailyah was a dream baby for her studio session. I have zero complaints except that she had to go home. I can often find myself hitting a stride with newborn sessions and inevitably have to cut myself off before I become too attached or decide we’re never stopping the photo session – ha! Even her awake images are some of my favorites. Such a sweet little mug, I know mom feels the same way.

We always prep newborns for their in studio session with special care. It involves keeping baby awake for a bit prior to families arrival and making sure baby gets plenty to eat for a full tummy and all those sleepy dreams. But sometimes our little model just isn’t ready for the coma we have so thoughtfully prepared them for and that’s ok! Patience is key when this happens. In Azalyah’s case, we kept working. She was chill and oh so cute with those big eyes, how could I not snap away??

If you’re planning for a new addition and considering photography (which of course I fully support!), think about what type of session you’re most looking forward to. Maybe it isn’t posed at all! Have questions about which one is best for you – send a note my way! We’ll chat it out and decide together.

Appleton Xavier Photographer

9 / 2 / 19

Appleton Xavier Photographer, Best Friends Session

Let’s get honest for a second. We are all our own worst critic. There is no denying that, I see it everyday in myself and unfortunately, I see it most in the youth around me. We have this idea in our heads that if we aren’t what our friends are, or have what they have, we aren’t as good.

Frickity frack that! (You know what words I really mean here.)

I was my worst enemy in high school. Ugh, it pains me to think back to those days. If I could do HS over, I would! And I’d be as ruthless as I am now with my thoughts, dreams, words, etc. I have a firm belief that being yourself is more important than making friends. And if we’re realistic about that, being ourselves will make us the best kind of friend!

Proof is in the pudding… or in this case, the pictures. My first senior session this year was with eleven best friends and it was AMAZING!! I hope every senior I ever work with knows how amazing they are in their own skin. I will work hard to share that belief with them every single day. And in a world where we are constantly asked to compare ourselves, I hope Caitlin Claire Studio seniors know I’m comparing them with the best version of themselves and no one or anything else. Be better than you were yesterday, that’s it.

Fall Photography Availability

8 / 27 / 198 / 27 / 19

Who grew this business?

When you first decide to start a business it’s usually not really a decision. At least in my case it wasn’t. I had purchased my first DSLR shortly after college and started snapping pictures around the yard and of my nieces and nephews. After sharing them online (thank you free social media platforms), friends and family would ask – ‘can you take our picture?’ Of course I would say yes, an extra $35 in my pocket for a short afternoon’s worth of work… no complaining here!

Then things get out of hand and you just keep going and quit your full time job to start a part time gig to ‘be sure’ your bills are paid and things keep growing with that business you started 4 years prior so you quit the part time job because FULL TIME PHOTOGRAPHER sounds pretty dang great… *takes a big breath!* You know where this came from right? My friends and family grew it for me!

It’s true. Had they not asked for those early years, I wouldn’t be here. And the best part, they keep asking! I’m honestly blown away when friends, family and acquaintances keep asking for sessions. The support and loyalty to Caitlin Claire Studio is very humbling.

Roth Family, Maternity Photography

Bob and Daali are just those people in my life. Friends (who feel like family) for a few years now, I was thrilled to hear of their new babe on the way and just as excited to see their inquiry roll into my inbox. I know Caitlin Claire Studio has come a very long way since those $35 session days (growth yo!), so families who continue to support this business and my family are never taken for granted. And I’ve said this before – it is such a compliment when someone I know, outside of photography, reaches out for my services. That trust is something I hope to always hold tight to.

Open Session Dates, 2019

Ask and ye shall receive. Or just wait around and it will come because no one asked for it but it’s important for me to share. Here are my remaining dates in 2019 (maybe give or take a few depending on future circumstances…)

September 19
September 24
September 26

October 3
October 17
October 22
October 24
October 29

November 2
November 5
November 7
November 9
November 12
November 14
November 16
November 19
November 21
November 23
November 26

INQUIRE TODAY

Newborn Baby Photographer

8 / 7 / 19

Milo Maxwell

“Caitlin you’re great at what you do! I loved watching you work with both our babies and I can’t wait to see all the results. Thank you again for taking the time to do extra poses at the end, it meant a lot!”

There are quite a few steps and details that go into all of my clients sessions that one might not know about if we’ve never worked together. Newborn sessions include a post-session questionnaire because I need your feedback. I quite honestly look forward to your critiques and suggestions for future sessions as it’s one of the most direct ways I can grow or change.

I’m also often asked, “What is your favorite thing to photograph?” I start by replying with ‘People and their relationships.’ and then cycle through all the types of sessions you know me for… families, couples in love, kids. But I always end with newborns. Always. Newborn sessions are high on my list because I think they are where I still have the most to learn and room to grow. My standards are high, it’s the Virgo in me I suppose. Newborn photography pushes me to limits at every session, limits I look forward to. I want to be better each time and I know just how important that feeling is for personal and professional growth.

Now, Milo here was a dream baby! Even that little crinkly face a few scrolls down didn’t slow us down. I could have kept him in studio all day long. Mom, Dad and big sister were of course also a joy to work with. Newborn sessions are long, 3 hours long most times. And we hang out in 80° temps so baby is comfortable unswaddled and naked. They handled it all like professionals. Patience is key to these sessions and I’m so glad the families who find me are comfortable enough to cozy into the studio space like it’s their own living room and enjoy the show!

Appleton Business Photographer

8 / 1 / 197 / 30 / 19

The Free Market || Social Media Gallery

I’ve been working with The Free Market for a few months now on their image galleries and am really enjoying it. Every few weeks or so, they have specific projects in mind that need photographing and other times we go with the flow and photograph in season items for social media use. You may have seen a few of these beauties on their Facebook page, and soon you’ll see them on Instagram too! Small steps in the right directions always count as progress!

Fresh imagery doesn’t have to be out of this world fancy or feel unattainable. Most times, the simplest of setups and consistency is what will skyrocket your business above the rest. And who better to tackle that project than anyone but you?? Really! Hiring out for the tasks that are not your strong suit or that you know can be done with greater ease by a professional in that field will not only save you time, but also money, in the long run!

If you have, or know of a business, that would benefit from regularly updated images like these – send a note my way! I’d love to hear about your project and help you manage your business with professional images that represent your brand exactly how you see it!

Newborn Lifestyle Photography

7 / 29 / 19

Otto Wolfgang

I’m often asked about the difference of newborn lifestyle photography verses a session that takes place in studio. If you’re reading this and curious too – look no further, this in-home lifestyle session should answer all your questions.

I make it a goal of mine to make each session as relaxed as possible, but these lifestyle sessions will always have a hand up because whatever baby is doing is what we photograph. Very little posing is done, instead we focus on nursery details, cuddles and new fingers and toes.

The next question I get is ‘which do you like better?’ I can’t answer that. They are so different to me, that I love them both for completely different reasons. So I consider myself pretty dang lucky that I have clients who fulfill each request for me!

Whistler Knoll Wedding

7 / 12 / 197 / 12 / 19

Matt & Libby

I started grabbing images for this blog and quickly decided it will need to be blogged twice it’s that good. So that means, this post focuses solely on these two beautiful people…

My words from their wedding night (June 14) as found on Instagram:

I tried 5 times to record and share a story tonight about my feelings. I either – A. cried too much on camera to feel comfortable enough sharing. B. ran out of time jabbering on about the feelings. Or C. said fuck too many times to also feel comfortable with sharing.

Life is not lollipops and rainbows all the time for anyone. The past few weeks for me have been more like brussel sprout pops and old wrappers littering your car. I’m pretty maxed out. And in complete sincerity I wasn’t much looking forward to this week.

Yesterday was the studio open house. Today was an all day wedding. And tomorrow is a full day down near Madison for a small business session. Packed. P.A.C.K.E.D.

But through these last few weeks, I kept showing up. Mostly because I had no choice. But also because I knew Joe was doing the same thing in his life. Stressed, but showing up.

Being married is one of the great joys of my life. Knowing I’m never in any situation alone, even if I am actually alone, is very comforting. Today I was reminded of that great joy because the two individuals in this picture shared it with me through their actions. I can’t say enough good things about them, their families and this day. So I’m not even going to try.

I’m glad to have the encouragement to show up each day. And I’m eternally grateful this day included true love.

Appleton Maternity Photography

5 / 22 / 195 / 22 / 19

Clemens Family

Tis the season for babies! Maternity sessions are winning the race here at Caitlin Claire Studio (I’m really not counting though) and I couldn’t be happier! This sweet family already welcomed their newest addition but I’m not letting that stop me from sharing this session at all!

We met in early March and I’ve never been more excited to have a studio to work in for photos. Being able to photograph families in a comfortable setting all year long is priceless to me. A big goal of mine during each session is to make everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera and that usually starts with our location. Now I can curate the perfect space for my clients! Although, I’m currently touching up a few corners of storage space so boxes and equipment that would normally be put away are out for the world to see. So don’t look quite yet – HA!

In all seriousness, I chatted quite a bit about this space since moving in, and how blessed I am to call it mine. It changes the nature of my business and the quality of experience I can offer my client which I am thankful for every day. And I’m sure families with warm noses in March are also thankful!

Inquire about your session today!

Appleton Pet Photographer

5 / 10 / 19

Louis V || Puppy Cake Smash

One year old is BIG deal, puppy or human, right?! I think so! When Lauren of The Flower Mill asked about photos for Louis and his first birthday I of course said YES! She brought along a beautiful cake made just for him from Whisk & Arrow, one of my favorite neighbors here on Wisconsin Avenue in Appleton.

I love a simple smash session because you never know if the one year old will dig in and go for it, or just bark at the cake when it tips over… ha!

Happy Birthday buddy! Hope you’re still enjoying all the kisses from mom and the sweet chain from dad.

Cake || Whisk & Arrow

Florals || The Flower Mill

Chain || French Bullevard

Book your One Year Cake Smash Session today!

Mother’s Day 2019

5 / 6 / 195 / 6 / 19

Mom’s Deserve the World

Not a single person I know would say otherwise. Well, maybe a few, but this note isn’t for them. HA! Or maybe it is, because they celebrate their Dad on Mother’s Day, like I celebrate my mom on Father’s Day. Let me start this over…

Parents (and Parent Figures [just to cover all my bases])Deserve the World

Celebrating them on a daily basis is easily overlooked. Just like drinking enough water or getting the recommended 30 minutes of elevated heart rate can be. I’m here to help remind you, and help you celebrate… with photography!

If you’re still not quite sure what to get your Mom or celebrated parent figure for Mother’s Day this year, may I suggest a family photography session?

This session can be for a new mom, an experienced mom, a grandma… Plan for just your immediate family or the whole she-bang! We will photograph your whole group together and all the breakdowns too, no need to plan for separate days to photograph everyone. Buy your session today and plan for a day later this summer or even fall. But don’t wait too long to pick those dates, the calendar stops for no one!

Purchase A Family Session!