Take easy, better photos at home!

1.  Find decent natural light, do your photos during the day! Stay out of direct sun.  Cloudy days- like today, is the best! 
If you are inside- find a window and put your child/children in front of the window or it can be on the side. You stand on the side of them- make sure the light from the window is hitting them. 
If you are outside- STAY OUT OF DIRECT SUN!! I REPEAT, NO DIRECT SUN! :) 

2. If you want family photos- set your phone on a timer, and jump in! 

3.  To lighten/edit your photos after taking them- there are a ton of apps to do this. I personally use Lightroom and instasize. They are both pretty easy. Your best bet is instasize! 

4. Try not to over edit them, you don't need to do much. 
Think: Less is more! 

5.  Dont stress, if they aren't perfect, if the kids are crying, if they aren't looking!  This is all about capturing the moment!! 

Hope this helps, if anyone has DIRECT questions- feel free to ask!!! 

What newborn photographer do I choose?

You’re having a baby! CONGRATULATIONS!

Maybe its your first baby! Maybe this is the second third or more! You want to book a newborn photographer, but there are so many around you! HOW do you choose? I am going to help you with that.

Here are some things to think about:

First question to ask yourself is WHAT images do you see hanging in your house, or giving to family?

Do you want VERY posed cute little babies in baskets and bonnets with colors to match the nursery perfectly?

Do you want siblings in the pictures? Do you want to be in them (please always say YES )

Do you want pictures done in your home? Or are you looking for a studio setting? Are you looking for simple photos? Candid? ‘Lifestyle’ setting ( Which is more of interactions/connections or posed and/or just baby )?

Is the photographer going to be handling the baby? Do they have recommendations from family/friends? Are they familiar with newborn photography? NOT every newborn photographer knows the safe/correct way to ‘pose’ a baby in every pose.

If you know a few newborn photographers, open their websites - take a look at their work, make sure its exactly what you want! Try to find five that you have seen or have come recommended and focus on those, don’t overwhelm yourself by looking through one hundred!

I hope this helps!

What are my sessions like? My sessions are usually done in your home or in my studio space - they are simple, relaxed, candid and as stress free as can be! I will capture some simple posed/wrapped/onesie photos of baby, but I am focused on your connections with your new bundle of joy!

Connecticut family and newborn photographer // 2018 newborn sessions wrapped up

Well hello friends, it been way too long since I blogged- let alone blogged a session. I seriously am making it a goal to blog MORE in 2019. So help me keep accountable.

Since I missed the entire year of 2018 except one time. I am going to give you a wrap here all HERE… so here it goes.

2018 wrap up:

Lets start with all the babies…

February:

I met Elliot + spent the morning with his sweet family in their home.

I love being able to come to your home to capture these precious moments! Elliot, his big sister, dog and parents were easy going and laid back.. always makes the session go so smoothly!

Next up in February was Logan, his sweet parents + guard dogs <3

Logan didn’t want anything to do with sleeping, but that’s totally OK- we got some amazing sweet moments.

To end February was Salem, her brother + parents

I love the way that big brother Asher cared for his little sister!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO ALL THE FEBRUARY BABIES <3

MARCH

First up, Maelyn <3 Jess and I have grown a great friendship over the last few years, I always LOVE photographing her beautiful family.

Next up was Annelise + James… I LOVE TWINS! Im from a family of twins, and I nannied for twins- I just LOVE the connection of them. Isabelle is my cousins best friend, and she’s the sweetest! So of course I LOVE being able to capture these special moments.

APRIL

This sweet family: William was sweet as ever, it just matches his parents!

I loved being able to get some photos of this beautiful mama with her baby bump before Elyse arrived to the world! Damien is seriously the sweetest most gentle toddler i’ve ever met.

Finnn was and IS ( he was just in my studio last weekend ) one of the sweetest babies- goes with his parents, Always smiling, and such a happy baby! Plus he’s an October baby- and OF course that’s my favorite month ;)

I have about 10 newborn sessions that are not featured due to not wanting to be advertised, I always respect that! :) So we are skipping to the last session of the year.. and this one was at the new studio space!

What you don’t see is that dad got totally pooped on.. ha! But it was 100% worth it <3

I love having the studio space as an option, because not everyone wants me in their home! My newborn sessions are easy, laid back and I focus on your connection to the baby.

Connecticut Newborn Photographer // Ellington, CT

On February 9, 2018 I met 2 week old Elliot at his home with his family.  He was the sweetest little thing, who did not make one fuss! 

Elliot is welcomed to the family by his big sister and furry brother ;) 

There is always something extra special about doing in home newborn sessions. I get to capture more than just the family- but their home. The place they became a family, where firsts will be made. Even if it isn't a "forever" home, it is still HOME. 

And of course he is much loved

Thank you the entire Mirsky family for welcoming me into your home and allowing me to capture such a special moment. 

Connecticut Family Photographer // She said YES!

Since I started photography I have had a proposal on my list of must get! I was so excited when a co-worker reached out to me about her sons proposal.  Of course YES was the answer.  The day was perfect, I was so nervous and anxious as I sat waiting for the adorable couple to meet us outside at the Vineyard. 

Rob is a Pilot and it was very meaningful to him to propose at Salt Water Vineyard in Stonington, Connecticut.  I sat on the side as they made their way towards the runway.. 

The time has come..   

You can guess by her face... she SAID YES! 

The love between these 2 glows.  Melissa had a smile from ear to ear the entire time.  <3 

I loved every minute of the session and I look forward to watching their next chapter in their lives <3 Thank you Rob + Melissa for allowing me to share this special day! 

Ellington Family Photographer // Westbrook Beach Session

I couldn't get enough of these beach sessions and with fall quickly approaching ( okay its practically here ) I thought it was time I finished these sessions and get them blogged! 

Next up is this adorable sweet family; Jessica, Paulie, Gabby and Carter were easy and just loved being on the beach! Carter enjoyed eating the sand more than anything I think ;)  Paulie couldn't wait to get home and tell his dad about the crabs he was looking for! 

You can tell how calm, patient and loving Jessica is -- those 3 kiddos adore her <3 

Thank you for sharing some special moments and I look forward to the next time together  <3 

CT Family Photographer// Westbrook, CT// Beach Photo Session

Back in November this sweet family reached out to me to take pictures for the holidays!   They had 3 little girls, and everyone was so very quiet. Well not Olivia and Sophia- but everyone else was! LOL.   I fell in love with these little girls right away.   They are full of their own personality and it shines through each of them!  

Mom and Dad are pretty easy going, and laid back! Makes each session easy and smooth <3 Since November I have seen them 4 times for a few other sessions, and Heather came up with an amazing idea to host a mini session event at their family beach house down in Westbrook, CT in July.  I would never say no!  It was a wonderful day- and it was all thanks to this wonderful family and Heathers parents who are all so welcoming, and great people to be around! 

I had 11 families total throughout the day- and it was perfect! 

First up was the Galattos of course- but Im going to break it down. 

Sophia is 100% a born true leader, she wants to know all the details, has lots of ideas and everything should really go her way in her eyes. She's a sweet older sister of 2 and LOVES her family.  She told me at the beach that her best days are days at the beach with her family.  <3

Than there is Olivia, sweet Olivia.   She has that sweet little voice that you just cannot resist. She's as girly as they come but has no problem lifting up her dress to get dirty!   She was trying to help me to get people to smile during their sessions and she kept saying the silliest things.   Made us all laugh for sure. She then turned to me and said- "this is fun! "  YOU are hired Olivia as soon as you are ready <3 

They are 100% sisters.  They love each other when they want to, and they don't like each other when they want to.   Mia is a lucky girl to have 2 big amazing sisters <3 

I adore this family, and the love they have for each other <3 

Thank you Dave, Heather, Olivia, Sophia and Mia for sharing this beautiful day with you and your friends. Thank you truly for making me feel so welcomed. I look forward to the next time <3

Ellington Family Photographer // Kennedy Twin Boys + Mom

I met Kiera and her sweet twin toddler boys back in October- one of the first things she told me was that her boys wouldn't sit for pictures.  And for me that is totally ok. I said thats fine, lets let them be them! Since then we have done a few sessions together, and I have learned a lot about Maddox + Mason. 

Recently I spent a few hours with Kiera, Maddox and Mason in their home-- it was nothing less then fun! Sometimes I find that people don't really understand what stay at home moms do!  OR how they do it. 

Well here is a peek into a morning....

Being a mom means that you are a chef, nurse, maid, teacher and more... your job is never done. I watched Kiera fold the same 2 pieces of laundry 3x this morning. And then watched Mason go over there and take it apart! HA.    To me these kiddos are so happy and they for sure LOVE their momma! What else matters?

Sessions don't have to be stressful... let me come to you and capture the moments you wouldn't even think are a big deal.  

thank you Kiera, Maddox + Mason for sharing your day with me! 

CT Family Photographer // A Day In The Life \\ Ellington, CT

Theres nothing more special than sitting back and watching a family interact with each other. Documentary photography has been something Ive been wanting to do since I started. But needed to just start it!  

 A few months ago I was able to meet Jess, Ben and Annabelle for her 1st birthday. They are just the sweetest little family.   Jess invited me back for a morning to hang out with them!  So what does a morning look like in their house?

Well.. 

There is bed head, and a cute little face running around.  

Pancakes, giggles and coffee... well maybe not enough?

Sorry Jess, I hear Ben drinks all the coffee around here. 

There is also lots of daddy-daughter chats 

and

doggy kisses..

Family time together doesn't have to be anything fancy, your photo sessions don't have to be anything fancy.  You can hang in your pjs, let me do all the work <3 

Dance in your living room, like no one is watching 

Thank you Jess, Annabelle + Ben for sharing your morning with me <3

CT Family Photographer // Nieland family // { South Windsor, CT }

I had met Sabrina + Carter through some cool/awesome Moms that I had met out in the Facebook world.  Sabrina had won a Mommy and Me photo session, but her sweet hubby wanted to of course be included!  I wouldn't ever turn that down, so we had a great family session! 

Carter is 2, and you know what 2 year olds don't do long?...Sit.  So we have to make sure we keep them busy, which of course is fine with me! So we spent some time of the session chasing him around, blowing wishes in flowers and just having an easy fun time! 

Carter is one silly little boy, who loves his mom + dad very much.  I love when you are around a family and can just feel all the love they have for each other. 

We for sure had some good laughs during this session, there was this little bridge that they were sitting near and Carter thought it would be funny to take off his shoes! Silly boy,  Well one of the shoes fell in the water. Brad tried hard to get the shoe until a nice stranger who was walking by decided to help! Luckily, we did rescue the very wet shoe! 

LOL, it will for sure be a story to tell Carter when he gets older! :)  Glad he got the shoe. 

Thank you Carter, Brad & Sabrina for allowing me to share these special memories with you! I look forward to the next time we work together   <3 

Ellington Family Photographer // Addison, Newborn Session

I love catching up with old friends.  Especially when I am meeting their sweet little new addition! I was honored when Kristol and Dave reached out to me for their newborn photography. 

Addison Grace Tepper was a perfect little peanut

When you are a new parent or just a parent with a newborn the last thing I want you to do is stress; I always come to you, and try to make sure you don't stress if they are fussing, won't sleep, etc. Well little Addison wouldn't sleep, she was fighting it. Guess she wanted to hang out with us! Which is totally OK with me. 

Kristol and Dave are so calm,  gentle and sweet.    Little Addison is a lucky girl to have such great parents.  We cant of course forget about the 1st baby of the house- he's a little furry , and his kisses may be slobbery but he's loved oh so much and loves his baby sister already! 

So much love in the Tepper house! Thank you all for allowing me to share this special moment with you all. I look forward to watching addison grow + seeing you on the next milestone! 

Ellington Family Photographer // Mommy and Me session with Bridgette

The entire month of May I offered Mommy & Me mini sessions. I believe being a mom is a special and hard job.  You forget as a mom that you are doing wonderfully and your children love you. I wanted moms to stop for a moment, and just enjoy moments with their children. 

Bridgette reached out to me through facebook, we had never met before but meeting her and her beautiful family at the location I had felt that we had known each other before! Bridgette had a smile on her the entire session.  You can tell that her children are her entire world.  There is no question about that. 

Luca is an adorable 2 year old with so much sweetness to him! Giulana is just the cutest, she loves her mama, doing her own thing ( as most 1 year olds do ) - but you know for sure they love their mama! 

I made sure we finished the session with some family shots! 

Thank you D'Angelo family for a fun, easy, sweet family photo session!  See you at the next milestone <3