Newborn Family Photography
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.
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.
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
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!
Oh, hello winter maternity session. Thought I’d squeeze you in since snow is in the forecast here in Wisconsin! Also since you’re a few months old and baby Eloise has arrived I feel comfortable sharing these images publicly.
Mom & Dad didn’t make it ‘social media official’ that baby number two was on the way until she had already arrived. I appreciate and respect family wishes about their images, even if that means I need to keep images on the down low. It’s not my right as a photographer to make your announcements for you, it’s my joy to celebrate them with you! So if families ask me to hold off on posting, I’m happy to do so.
Client priorities over social media sharing. Always.
Piper was officially (and unknowingly), the last newborn I photographed in my previous studio space. Since moving, I’ve been playing catch up with online galleries, blogs and studio life in general. But looking back on these images fills me with so much joy. To know so much can change in 3 months time is a great reason to KEEP WORKING!
And to think, this sweet babe has also changed so much in 3 months! All the more reason to take photographs regularly and enjoy your life in this very moment. I don’t know how to express any differently than I’ve been doing so for the past 5+ years, how important I believe photographs to be. At least not in words. My heart knows how. But sharing from the heart and really having people hear you is HARD!
But you know who hears me… parents. Especially the ones who have been in for family pictures and return again for second, third and even fourth sessions. The value they put on photographs does not escape me. I’m so grateful there are people out there who love photos just as much as photographers do. To be called upon to help remember joyful memories in one’s lifetime is the greatest honor. Paul and Allison, thank you for asking me into your joyful story!
I feel as if I’ve been repeating myself quite a bit lately. Don’t read that as irritation at all! I have been repeating my joy for products, sessions and clients so much lately as I transition into a new chapter for Caitlin Claire Studio. As many of you know, I moved into a new studio space February 1st and have been running full speed since. This fresh reality has me vocalizing all of my internal thoughts to you, the clients and followers, with even more passion than before. I’m finding it very valuable to share the whole picture with those who care to follow along.
Today, I’m sharing once again my happiness from in-home newborn sessions. I like to offer clients different options for session types because we are not all the same, not even close…
Jim and Jenni welcomed baby Beau into their world on January 1, 2019 in the most surprising way. (You should definitely head to their Instagram post to read the fun story!) When first confirming their newborn session with me, they leaned towards an in studio session but quickly changed their minds as the time drew nearer. I’m so glad they did! Beau’s nursery is one of the cutest I’ve seen and photographing all the personal touches was very special. You don’t need to have a perfectly finished nursery to schedule a lifestyle newborn session though, sometimes the favorite images are captured snuggled in bed or in an unfinished office space. Take a peek for yourself!