Why I Recommend Booking a Session in the Spring

Many families like to book their family session in the fall, which I completely understand. Year after year it becomes something to add to your yearly “to-do” list to check off before the mad dash to the holiday season. But what if it is something you can check off your to-do list earlier in the year? Can you imagine having a holiday card filled with pretty green trees and flowers instead of browning leaves and yellow grass? Or maybe you need a new photo for your hallway with pretty white and pink flowers in the background. Of course I love fall, but Spring is also so beautiful, and it gets overlooked because of the timing in the year. Such a shame. Here are my other reasons to book a session early in the year this year!

1. Spring is beautiful and a different look for your holiday card. It would be a nice change from fall colors for a year. Hello, pretty roses and hydrangeas! (Psst: May is perfect for a rose garden session)

2. Kids grow quickly and this could be a cute stage you don’t want to miss! You could also do a Fall session and show off both! Who’s to stop you?!

3. Booking your once a year session earlier in the year frees up time in the fall, meaning less stress since everything really seems to happen in the fall.

4. By getting your pictures done earlier in the year, you will have plenty of time to order your holiday cards without having to pay for expedited shipping!

5. If you want truly fall photographs with changing leaves as the backdrop in Raleigh you will have to wait until November, and it’s usually pretty warm until mid-late October. Spring mornings actually have cool temps!

6. Summer sessions (and sessions in September) are gorgeous but be prepared to sweat! If that doesn’t sound like a fun time, book in the spring!

7. Some locations are really good for spring and not great for fall. If you only do fall sessions you will miss getting to have a photo session at some of these beautiful locations for spring.

8. Finally, you and I know things can get BUSY in the fall. Sometimes you just run out of time. If get it done earlier in the year and you run out of time, you still have a family photo with great print quality in your back pocket.

Things I Don't Want You To Stress About For Your Newborn Session

Newborn sessions are my absolute favorite. I love photographing families but newborns are my jam. But I know for some the thought of having a photographer come into their home 5-10 days after having a baby is stressful and maybe putting on a real outfit is the last think you want to do, but believe me this is not supposed to be stressful.

Here are all the things I don't want you to stress about:

1. How tidy your house is. Your house doesn’t need to be perfectly organized to be photographed. When I get there I will look for the room with the best light and we can move things around if need be in that room. If you’d like to know ahead of time where we will be taking pictures we can set up a FaceTime tour so I can tell you which rooms I think I would use that way you don’t have to worry about cleaning your whole house for the session. When I get there I can help tidy up the areas we will use. So, don't worry about making your house immaculate. You are tired what with caring for a new baby and all!

2.If your baby sleeps. I do not worry about if your baby is going to sleep during a newborn session. Babies are cute whether they’re sleeping or not, and we don’t need to waste time worrying and trying to make them fall sleep.

3. If your older child will participate. I want them to be comfortable and to have a good experience so if they are unwilling or not excited about participating then we will just see what we can get and MoveOn usually they come around and even if they’re not super excited or smiley we can still manage to get a few cute pictures.

4.If your baby will pose. This is a big one I do not post babies I think they’re beautiful the way they are I think simple is better when taking pictures of newborn I love the way they look when they’re just being myself I don’t force unnatural poses and I will not spend hours trying to get them to look perfect in a little ball or with their hands on their holding their head. I think the most important is that they are comfortable. Sometimes that means they can be on the bed being photographed and sometimes they are happier in your arms. We can go we can do the whole session with a baby in your arms if that’s where they feel comfortable and it will be beautiful. My goal is to take pictures of them how they feel most comfortable this is less stressful for you and your baby and that’s my number one priority.

5. Having the perfect coordinated outfits. Please don't coordinate. Wear what feels comfortable. That's the most important thing. You've had a baby and your body is healing. Being kind to yourself is the most important. Also, I'll be available for advice if you want! I also have a style guide and a Pinterest board that can help you find comfortable, beautiful outfits that photograph well for you and your family.