Embracing the Glow: A Breathtaking Maternity Photo Shoot at Sunrise on a Frosty Winter Morning

There is a certain magic in the air when the world is blanketed in frost and the first rays of the sun gently meet the earth. It is probably one of my favorite scenes.. there have been many winter mornings where I have snuck out of the house at dawn, barely having had my coffee, to capture the beauty of a frosted landscape with my camera.

For this maternity photo session, we met at sunrise and embraced the chilly morning to capture this beautiful scenery and it was breathtaking.

We have all heard of the “maternity glow” - the unique radiance that accompanies expectant mothers - this radiant energy was heightened by the soft morning light.. casting a warm, golden halo around the soon-to-be mother.

Maternity sessions are all about capturing this fleeting time.. to create a lasting memory of the love and anticipation that surrounds the creation of a new life.

Fresh 48 and In-Home Newborn Session Booking

You have the crib, the cute tiny newborn outfits, the swaddles, and the stroller.. you are READY for your new baby. If this isn’t your first rodeo, you know the first days and weeks can be a whirlwind! The last thing on your mind will be scheduling photos.. or if you do try to schedule a photo session, it may be difficult to find a photographer that is available on short notice.

Part of planning for baby’s arrival should DEFINITELY include booking a newborn photographer. Fresh 48 sessions are held within the first day or two after baby’s birth and in-home newborn sessions are held within the first two weeks. I do not recommend just ANY photographer by the way. Newborn photographers know how to capture newborns in flattering ways and also know how to properly edit newborn skin in post production - which can be tricky with the yellow and orange and red they have in the first few weeks :) Make sure your photographer is comfortable with newborn photography!

If you are on the fence about booking one or both types of newborn sessions, ASK ME about bundling! I offer 15-20% discounted prices when you book more than one session for your baby’s first year! $100 of your session fee is due for each session, and the balances are not due until your session date(s).

If you are expecting in 2024, first of all, CONGRATULATIONS! Secondly, if you would like to get on my calendar, please click the button below!

5 Tips for Successful Family Photos with Young Kids

Fall busy season is in full swing here in Ohio and that means it’s time to talk about how to get the most out of your family photo session with little ones!

Here are my top 5 tips for family photos with young kids:

1. Choose a slow day that does not have a packed schedule. You want them to be as well-rested as possible and ready to participate in the photo experience!

2. Snacks! Pack some of their favorite (not super messy!) snacks and bring them along during the session. Don’t forget the water or juice, too!

3. Push back nap time. If your session is at sunset and you are worried that they will not be able to stay up late, I highly recommend pushing back their nap time that day. (AND see number 1) If you are looking for earlier session times, try to schedule a sunset session in September or October. Sunrise sessions are also an option (and did you know that sunrise is close to 8am at the end of October and the first weekend in November?! Not tooooo bad.. right?!)

4. Follow their lead. Once we get posed photos out of the way, I love letting them explore the setting we are in. Small breaks like this between poses can really help take the pressure off of them.

5. Keep the mood positive! Kids pick up on our emotions.. try to keep a positive, upbeat attitude - there WILL be things that do not go as planned and that is OK! We roll with it and keep moving.

BONUS TIP: Hype them up for the photoshoot! In the weeks and days leading up to the session, start telling them the plan! Tell them about your friend, Erika and how much FUN we are going to have at the park taking pictures. If you act excited, they will get excited, too!

Summer Sunset Family Photos at Scioto Grove Metropark

It was so nice to see this beautiful family again! I plan a majority of my sessions just before sunset so we can catch that golden hour goodness. This was a beautiful family photo session filled with joy and love!