Giving the Gift of Photography

Caitlin Claire Studio Gift Certificate

I don’t know about you, but I always struggle to come up with gift ideas for my mom and Joe’s parents this time of year. Well, I know you’re most likely not buying for them… but for your own parents or loved ones. As I get a little wiser and softer in spirit, the more I think about the gifts that have left lasting impressions for me. They aren’t usually of the sweater or mitten variety. But rather are geared towards memories and genuine moments of joy. Things like a gift certificates for my favorite Appleton painter for me to (one day) invest in my very own masterpiece. A custom framed picture of Walter and I that I keep on display year round. Or a personalized memory box filled with past moments and room to keep filling with new ones.

This Christmas Season, I’d like to help you give the gift of memories to your family and friends. Plan a family session with your siblings, nieces and nephews for your parents. Gift your wife the family photography session she’s been hinting at all year. Have a friend who’s expecting? Give them a head start on their newborn photography collection. Know a business owner who would benefit from new head shots? Share the gift of support and encouragement with a gift card towards new media marketing images.

The best part of gifting a photography session, planning ahead takes the stress off their shoulders! Pick out a date in 2019 to create memories for a lifetime!

Gift certificates are easy to purchase from the link below. If you don’t see the amount you would like to gift, please email me directly.

BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES HERE

Small Business Saturday

11 / 23 / 1811 / 23 / 18

Spending with Intention

Black Friday. BLACK FRIDAY!!!!!

Leaving a warm home at 4am to battle hurried and aggressive shoppers does not sound like my cup of tea. Never has. If I recall correctly, I’ve only ever shopped once on Black Friday. Came home with a $30 fire pit from Target that was left on the curb two years later when Joe and I vacated our first home. Don’t worry, someone happily grabbed it before the garbage person did, I trust it’s at a happy home.

Since starting this photography business almost 5 years ago I began learning the value of spending wisely. I’ve always considered myself good with money. But it wasn’t until I started asking people to spend their hard earned dollars with me did I become more aware of who I’m spending mine with. Making the conscious effort to choose wisely has forced me to think about what I’m buying and who I’m buying from before opening my wallet. I don’t expect any less from the clients who choose me!

As the Christmas season begins, sales are going to be pushed in front of our faces in almost every direction we look. And while everyone loves a good deal, it is more important for me to stay loyal to the brands and people who have created a product and experience I’m happy to invest in. So if they aren’t having a sale, that’s ok too!

Caitlin Claire Studio

This is the first year I’m offering a savings on specific sessions and am excited to see how it goes. I value my work and your experience with Caitlin Claire Studio so savings like these aren’t always possible. Offering the opportunity to save this time of year gives us all the chance to plan ahead and create the most out of your photography experience!

The sessions I chose to offer savings on are ones I would like to fill my calendar with year round and based off of your photography needs. They are Birth, Newborn, Sitter, Family and Business Branding sessions. A link to the sale page is posted below and will be live through tomorrow.

Thank you for slowing down this season and choosing to spend your money with more intention. Speaking first hand, your choices make all the difference in my life!

Wisconsin Fall Family Photography

11 / 5 / 1811 / 5 / 18

Roth Family

Why is Fall in Wisconsin so popular for family photos… hello golden light and stunning foliage! Our October was mostly wet and cloudy, so when we were graced with a warm sunny afternoon the other week I didn’t hesitate to step out with my friend Daali and her crew for a few photos. She has been a cheerleader for me and Caitlin Claire Studio since I met her a few years back. Always so grounded in her opinions and encouragement, it is easy to see why she’s a prized possession in her own family!

With this change of seasons, you’re going to start seeing a few things change around Caitlin Claire Studio as well. You may have already noticed the homepage update. Nothing major, just little bits here and there as time goes on. I find I work better in small stages instead of massive change at once. Anyone else feel me?

Being a business owner of a business that started (sort of) out of luck is an interesting concept. I’m not always sure where the path will lead me, but I’m loving every twist and turn. You are going to start seeing a bit more of myself around here, and hearing more of what makes me tick. I’ve felt drawn to share more of the ‘why’ in my business for a while now, I just wasn’t sure how to do it. And in complete honesty, I’ve been scared to do it wrong. Whatever that means… so if you follow along and like what you see, say it! I appreciate the kind words. And if you follow along and watch me fall on my face, send me a private message encouraging me to get back up and try again… I’ll need that too!

Child Clothing Photography

10 / 15 / 18

Ramona for Lily Bean Giggles

Oh, hello sweet photo session from one year ago! Don’t mind me just catching up on sharing content over here…

These images were created in collaboration with Lily Bean Giggles last fall. I remember the day as a sweaty chaotic one chasing littles around the studio working to create content for Char and her clothing brand. Completely worth it!

Working with brands who are in need of image content is a not so secret passion of mine. It’s made even more sweet when the brand and their products relate to children and families. Learning the needs of the client, their style, their desired outcome and use for the images is all part of the enjoyment for me.

Our goal for these particular sessions was to photograph the clothing for social media uses including Instagram and Etsy. I was responsible for styling, finding age appropriate models and creating complete looks. We also photographed clothing pieces separately as flatlays for extended social media use. Getting the most out of your investment into photography is just as important to me as I’m guessing it is to you. Which is why communication is also a top priority when working with brands. I want to know your ‘why’ and to find the best way to accomplish all our goals together!

If you’re in need of a branding consult for a family based or family oriented business, I’d love to hear from you! Send a note my way to say hi and start creating fresh content for your brand!

In Home Newborn Session, Neenah Wisconsin

10 / 4 / 18

Bronwyn Elizabeth, 6 days

How quickly do you scroll past pictures on your phone without giving them much more than a few seconds attention? Swipe swipe swipe… we are a fast paced digital world always trying to catch up. It is my job as a visual artist, to evoke a slower pace and enjoyment of life with the art I create. My job isn’t to get the world to slow down, it’s to get families to slow down. Creating images of moments in time you wish to remember forever and art to hang in the spaces you spend your life.

Newborn photography is such a true example of why slowing down is so valuable. Seeing babies even just one month after photographing them proves that to me. And I’m sure mom’s and dad’s agree, they only stay so little for a very short time. The way they fit snugly into the crook of your arm or the way their legs can tuck right up to their chin without effort. Don’t get me started on the downy skin and peach fuzz that covers every curve of their ears. Oh my heart! These physical traits fade quickly with time, but a photograph will keep it forever in your heart.

Bronwyn is a very lucky babe to have parents who decided newborn portraits were important to them. I am so happy for this sweet little girl to grow up in a family who cherishes family moments like these and (I’m sure) many more to come. Congratulations you three, you inspire me with family love every time I look through your gallery!

Inquire about your newborn session today!

Farm to Table Family Event Photography

10 / 2 / 1810 / 2 / 18

Gavin Farms

You have all heard me chat about Gavin Farms before I’m sure. Well here I go again… I had the extreme pleasure of being invited to their first annual farm to table dinner the other weekend and it did not disappoint one bit! As always the vision of Jenni, Jim & Matt to serve their community and their customers goes above and beyond.

Unfortunately you can’t taste these scrumptious dishes through the internet, but hopefully the imagery does them justice. Our meal started with herbed bread topped with a hearty slathering of seasoned butter and pickled veggies straight from Jenni’s garden. Up next was a garden salad I wish I could go back to! Fazenda Boa Terra lettuces, garden tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled beets (all three of which Jim chatted about picking the night before at 7pm – thanks Jim!) topped with pumpkin seeds and a coriander-fennel dressing.

I could have been completely satisfied with just that. Honestly. The flavors were so bold and different from my normal routine. Little did I know what was coming next… carrots! Served three ways – shaved and marinated, blanched and grilled and carrot-kohlrabi agridolce with grilled Gavin Farms bologna, rosemary and thyme. I’ll give you a moment to comprehend that… This was by far my favorite dish. It was absolutely delish and surprising! Who knew I was missing out on so much with carrots!

After being blown away with the carrots, we enjoyed bloody mary braised beef brisket served with cilantro chimichurri, spaghetti squash, brussel sprouts and local parmesan. Two of my least favorite foods/flavors are cilantro and brussel sprouts. I avoid them in all situations… except here. This dish was enjoyable for me because it asked me to step out of my comfort zone and I didn’t mind doing it!

Last but not least was dessert. A lavender pound cake, Jenni’s strawberry rhubarb jam fresh whipped cream, toasted almonds and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Mouth watering yet? Paired with one more glass of Wollersheim wine, I was in heaven. Or a food coma. Same thing.

All of these flavors were prepared by the wonderful Katie Wyer of Large Batch Scratch in Spring Green Wisconsin and served on Wilson Creek Pottery. The passion of supporting local reaches deep in the Gavin Farms mission, that is very clear.

Farm to Table Wisconsin & Caitlin Claire Studio

You might be wondering how an event like this ties into my overall baby-heavy brand. (Or maybe you’ve scrolled past all this text and moved straight on to the imagery.) As the Caitlin Claire Studio brand has evolved over the years, I found myself drawn to all dynamics of family. This includes family businesses and family servicing businesses. Being a photographer can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to point your camera. But for me, if it has anything to do with family, I’m happy to be a part of it! After all, what is more important than the people you surround yourself with daily?

Gavin Farms

Katie Wyer – Chef

Wilson Creek Pottery – Dinnerware

Rebekah Disch – Paper Goods

Oshkosh Family Photographers

9 / 25 / 18

McGlone Family

When you start searching for a photographer to document your current family dynamic, what goals do you have in mind for your session? For me, on the opposite side of the camera, my goal is to photograph genuine. Of course the ‘everyone looking and smiling’ is necessary too. But at the end of every session experience, my favorites end up being the little looks and touches that stir my heart the deepest.

There is a huge sense of pride I can walk away with when a family orders prints that are a little out of the traditional comfort zone. Makes me feel like I’m spreading a little diversity and a new vision of ‘normal’ out into this world.

Inquire about your family session today!

Newborn Photographer Appleton Wisconsin

7 / 30 / 188 / 26 / 18

Blaire Iva

Let’s get real for a second here. I want to share pictures ALL THE TIME. On Facebook, Instagram, Google, here… But if you’re honest with me, I think you would tell me you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with my social media feeds pretty quickly if I started posting all the snaps. Which is why I refrain myself as best I can. Usually my goal is to blog once a week and keep up with Instagram and Facebook daily. That is also about as much as my schedule can currently allow. Summer schedules are wild! How will I ever do it all with kids in tow?! I suppose if they are sweet little sleepers like Blaire here I will have no problem!

I love starting newborn sessions with babe in the outfit they arrive in, it feels really organic to me. I have also been enjoying the simple posing that these little ones fall into naturally. My goal is to create a relatable gallery of images parents are happy to bring home and hang on their walls. That is after all why we are investing our time and energy into newborn photography, right? Display it with love and you will find joy everyday in it’s presence in your home.

Newborn Photographer Oshkosh Wisconsin

7 / 24 / 188 / 26 / 18

Casey Elliot

Say hello to Casey everyone! He took home the award for most awake baby I’ve ever had in the studio. While we do our best to prepare for sleepy babies in the studio, sometimes we have rebels and that’s ok! When babies are alert and ready to party, we usually wait them out… I’m a pretty patient photographer. Eventually I’m always the winner, even if it is a few hours later (not kidding)!

Either way, awake Casey is just as cute as sleeping Casey. So we worked together as much as possible and snapped an adorable gallery of images. I can only imagine the nap that followed our visit together though because holy mackerel did this babe give me a run for my wits… I should have taken a nap too that day, I definitely deserved it. Ha!

Neenah Maternity Photographer

7 / 17 / 188 / 26 / 18

Brendan & Jordan

News flash… Maternity sessions are gifted to families who book a newborn session with me. It’s one of the many ways I like to keep giving back to families. Of course no one is obligated to take me up on my offer, but I know it doesn’t hurt to share a little something extra when least expected.

One of the small reasons I do this is because I found through my years of experience as a newborn photographer, families would choose one or the other. And quite frankly, I think both are equally important events to photograph. So as part of my thanks to clients who plan their newborn sessions in advance, they are offered a complimentary maternity sessions as well! Take it or leave it, my gift is from the heart and meant to make you smile.

And smile is exactly what Brendan and Jordan did the whole time at their session. They might come across one or two attempts at a more serious look in their gallery, but you can rest assured it was quickly followed with a burst of laughter. The happiness is certainly contagious because all I did was grin from ear to ear as I edited this session. I can’t wait to meet their little love on the way this September and expect to share in many more laughs during their newborn session as well!