Newborn Baby Photographer

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!

Wisconsin Family Photographer

5 / 2 / 195 / 2 / 19

The Cebulski Family

The Cebulskis are the first family I think about when someone talks about community work and involvement. And I think it’s safe to say if you live in the Fox Cities you would say the same. They are so generous with their time and have taught me quite a bit in the few years I’ve known them personally. To devote so much to the community they live in is a direct reflection of the value they have for their own little family. I’m so dang proud of them for celebrating it with photography and honored they invited me to be included too!

Celebrating families, from little to big, with photography is a gift I’m lucky to share. I’m not a fluffy person by nature, the type that ooooh’s and aaaah’s over things on a regular basis. But families… they will get my praises everyday!

Being a Wisconsin family photographer really is one of my greatest joys! Firstly, families of the midwest are just the best. Down to earth, genuine personalities and such personable senses of humor. I love that my clients don’t take themselves or life too seriously, the laughter at sessions is contagious for this reason. I also appreciate the value they have for their own crew and the communities they live in. Being part of a community that puts family first in so many instances really makes Wisconsin a beautiful place to call home.

Inquire today about YOUR family photography session!

Mother Daughter Photography

4 / 22 / 194 / 22 / 19

Sema, Maria, & Sophia

I read something earlier on LinkedIn along the lines of ‘whatever you do, always be nice.’ It was referencing this idea in the terms of business transactions, but we all know it can be used anytime, personal or professional. It’s so easy to overlook that little sentiment during my day to day activities. But every time I’m around Sema she exudes this idea, it’s automatic for her and I notice how it makes me feel every time!

Around Christmastime, Sema scheduled a mother daughter photography session with her girls and I’m happy to report they are just as sweet as their mother! I knew this before the session, but it doesn’t hurt to reiterate it in a blog post. It is such a treat to photograph adult families. Of course I love my little clients so much, but conversing with and witnessing the interactions of adult children and their parents makes me very happy too.

This world can never have too many ‘…always be nice. families. I’m thankful for the ones that invite me to experience their joy, especially these three!