Seattle Maternity Photographer | Why a maternity photoshoot goes perfectly with a newborn photoshoot!

When we become pregnant we may fee like we don’t want photos taken of our changing bodies. But I am here to tell you that long past that pregnancy you will want to be able to reflect back and remember what that felt like.

A maternity photoshoot is the perfect compliment to your newborn photoshoot and here is why?

It allows me to get to know you before I come into your home for your newborn photos. This is especially important when you have toddlers or other children. This way I am not a stranger and it the newborn session will run more smoothly for the siblings.

It also makes for a lovely album. When you book your newborn and maternity shoot together we prepare an album for you that combines photos from both shoots. This album will make for a treasured keepsake that will last a lifetime.

A maternity photoshoot celebrates your changing body and your growing family!

It is fun to capture all the work your body is doing during pregnancy but also to capture your family as it is before the new baby arrives!

If you book your maternity and newborn photos together you get a 50% discount on your maternity photoshoot! So it’s a no brainer!

When should I book my newborn photos? Seattle Newborn Photographer

First off, congratulations! You are pregnant and entering into a very exciting time! OR maybe you already had the baby and are running on little sleep and baby snuggles! Either way, you are curious about when is the right time to book your newborn photoshoot!

I like to photograph babies within the first four weeks.

My style is natural and simple, however truth is, newborns change fast! So if you are up for it, it is best to try and have your newborn photos taken in the first month. This allows me to capture all the newborn details and moments.

When is the best time to reach out about a newborn photoshoot in the Seattle area?

If you can, contact me while you are pregnant. This allows me to hold a place in my calendar for your photoshoot. This also allows you the option to book a Maternity photo shoot as well! BUT if you don’t book while pregnant, no biggie, just contact me as soon as you think about it so we can get your session on the calendar.

Will siblings and family members be included during my newborn’s photoshoot?

YES! My style focuses on the entire family. I come into your home to capture your baby but also your family and the connection between family members.

Do you ever get booked up for newborn sessions?

Typically no! I always leave room in my schedule for newborn photoshoots!

Get To Know Elena S Blair Associate Seattle Family Photographer, Rachael

Get To Know Elena S Blair Associate Seattle Family Photographer, Rachael

Tell us a little about yourself!

Hi! My name is Rachael. I’m a 28 year old mother to two babies and a bonus mama to one  not-so baby. I grew up in Northern California, and moved up to Washington state in 2015. I love all things outdoors(hiking, gardening, fishing). When I’m not out exploring with my family, I love to create and work with my hands. Lots of arts and craft time in my house! 

Why do you love photographing families?

There is something really special about capturing peoples personalities and emotions through photographs, especially children.  Plus, it’s FUN! Lifestyle family sessions are casual, and super playful. Even when photographing a new family, I feel like I’ve made a few new friends by the end of it. 

What is your favorite type of location to capture a family and why?

Anywhere in the PNW! Trees! Lots of trees. My favorite color is green ;)

When did you become a photographer?

I don’t want to sound cliche or anything, but I think I’ve always been one. It’s something that has always come naturally to me, since my very early teens. I guess you could say I became a “real” photographer, when I started doing it for a living nearly 4 years ago.

Do you have any more session dates left on your fall calendar?

Yep! While fall tends to be  the busiest time of year for us photographers, I always try to accommodate when I can! Send us a message and I’ll see what I can do to get you on the calendar!

What if it rains on the day I booked my Seattle Family Photoshoot? Seattle Family Photography

I am a primarily outdoor family photographer. It’s true. But here is what is also true… I live in Seattle. And in Seattle, it rains. A lot.

Even if you aren’t in Seattle and you stumbled on this post, I think it will help. Because those of us who are on location photographers have to always have a plan for bad weather.

I consider the Pacific Northwest my own, vast “studio.” If you want to see how I choose my best locations in the Seattle area CLICK HERE to read an article I wrote about it. From urban to mountain we have the most beautiful area in the world to photograph families.

That being said, here are my solutions if it rains on your photoshoot date.

1. Let’s do an in home session instead! While I do photograph my families primarily outdoors, every single newborn session I ever do is in the clients home. Every single one. I have never had a home I couldn’t work with. Your home is where your heart is. It is where your kids childhoods take place. I assure you, we can make gorgeous photos in and around your home and this means we don’t have to reschedule!

2. If you have your heart set on an outdoor location, we can easily reschedule. I have been photographing Seattle families for over a decade, I always leave room in my calendar for rescheduling family sessions. Some years are trickier than others but I have never NOT been able to get every session done in time for printing holiday cards. BUT this may require a bit of flexibility on your part, like meeting on a weekday evening.

3. We may just need to change the time of your photoshoot. The weather here is kinda all over the place. I don’t cancel a photoshoot until the day scheduled. We can often just shift your session by an hour or so to avoid the rain. I don’t mind clouds, it just can’t be raining.

Please enjoy an example of an in home session I did last year. As you can see, we had lots of fun in and around their home.

Can special props be used during my Newborn Photoshoot? | Seattle Newborn Photography

It is no secret that I DO NOT like to use props.

I personally feel like props take away from the simple beauty that is a newborn baby and their family. I sincerely believe that newborns are perfect as they are and that photographs of them should reflect that simple, serene beauty. My focus during a newborn photoshoot is the connection between the newborn and their family members.

My recommendation is that baby wear a fitted, neutral color onesie what can easily be removed. I like to capture babies bare skin.

But what if i have a special prop or outfit I want used during my shoot?

If you have a special prop that has meaning like a family heirloom or a special outfit that you would like your baby to wear that is no problem. We can take a few photos with the prop or in the outfit for your memories. I understand that there are instances when these items help make a photo shoot special.

Gather all items like blankets, outfits, and special props prior to my arrival.

Time is of the essence so make sure to gather anything you would like include in your photoshoot before I show up.

Photographing newborns in their home is my favorite! I can’t wait to capture you and yours soon!