Milestone portraits can totally be for kiddos as well as infants. How does that work? Birthday portraits each year!
Each year, I make it a point to take my girls out and do a full session of portraits for their birthday. Yes, just a few iphone snapshots could do the job at remembering how they looked at this age, but as a photographer in the Shreveport Louisiana area, I try to make it a point to grab my big camera and capture my own kids. In all reality, I’m just like you. I want my memories preserved too!
These sessions are so fun and can be done at any time of year- whenever their birthday is! They are so great for giving your kiddos that moment in the spotlight and focusing all on them.
For Elaine, this year, I took her out in our mini orchard on our land and we captured all the sweet features of her personality and I will cherish these forever.
As a lifestyle newborn photographer in north Louisiana, I’ve had the privilege to photograph some precious babies with their siblings. These images are always so sweet and just heart melting.
Is it just me or do you also love to see the connection between siblings and their fresh new baby brother/sister? I didn’t think it was just me
Lifestyle newborn sessions are something that I absolutely love because they are so much more of a documentation of real life. You’re in the comfort of your home, with the people you love most. There is nothing quite like it.
I know this one includes mama, but look at the love from big sister- I just love it!! I love this so much it hurts
It’s time to start planning your fall family session!! I know here in North Louisiana it’s hard to think of that when we are still in blistering temps, but trust me, fall is coming!!
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions that just might be a help as you’re planning your fall family session.
DO WE NEED TO BRING PROPS?
My photography style doesn’t incorporate many props. Quilts and a few chairs every now and then is about as far as that goes. If you have any special items to your family, we are more than happy to incorporate them.
For newborn portraits, we like to keep it simple and really focus on those sweet babies. Swaddle blankets, little outfits ( sleepers, gowns, headbands, hats, etc) are welcome. Items that are special to your family can also be incorporated as well!
DO WE NEED TO FIND A LOCATION?
We have locations that we love photographing at but we are always open to locations that are special to our clients.
Newborn sessions are done in-home.
HOW CAN WE PREPARE OUR KIDS FOR OUR SESSION?
In my opinion, there isn’t much preparing you can do other than letting them know they will meet someone new and that they will be taking their pictures. Let them know that we will have a great time together and that we will become friends before the night is over.
I make it a point to introduce myself to the little ones and really get down on their level to make them feel comfortable. I know that little ones can be really unpredictable and that having patience with them is key. No bribery needed.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
When planning your session, selecting your outfits can be hard! What I like to recommend is to stick with neutral colors or earth tones and simple patterns such as dainty florals. Avoid everyone matching exactly and instead try to coordinate colors. Look on Pinterest for color pallets that pair well together or pull from the colors in your home. Dresses photograph the best on mamas, they are just so flattering! Accessories and layers photograph really well and, almost always, the dressier the better. Once you book your session you will have access to our style guide where we give more advice and even share places to shop!
WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME?
We promise a two week turn around time! Your images will be delivered in a lovely online gallery! From there you can download and print your images. We even have an online store for printing right within your gallery!
We are so thrilled to capture this special time with your beautiful family!! Too book your session, start here
Hey mama! You’ve just booked a family session and you’re wondering how you’re going to get your kiddos to cooperate. This is such a valid concern! As a family and newborn photographer in the Ruston Louisiana area, I’ve got some tips that just might help!
1. Instead of bribing with treats and candy, instead bribe with play. “Let’s do this really quick and then we can play Simon says” A fun trick is to play Simon says by telling them “Simon says look at the camera”, “Simon says give mommy a kiss”, etc.
2. Don’t come hungry. Get some food in everyone’s tummies before your session. No one photographs well hangry.
3. Be a little more lenient than usual. It’s totally ok if kiddos are hyper or grumpy. Sometimes forcing them to do things will make matters worse. When it comes to these sessions, a lot of times, they are in charge. This may sound crazy, but it always works out best.
4. Schedule your session for when they are their happiest. Some kids are happiest in the morning. If so, schedule a sunrise session. Yes, sunrise is EARLY, but you won’t regret it if your littles are their happiest.
5. Remember to have fun and trust your photographer to capture moments that you and your family will adore
Fall family sessions with CDP are officially open for booking!! Be sure to snag your spot here
Let’s a start a new series, Monthly personal blog posts just of our day to day life. Documenting my sweet kids and sharing that with y’all. I know I don’t take photos of my kids enough. Do any of us? Even as a family photographer here in Ruston Louisiana, it’s hard! Life is so busy. This is why mamas hire photographers. hehe
Here is little random tidbits from July 2022. I hope you enjoy!
Back to school is soon approaching and I’m sure you’re wondering what you can do to make the first day fun. As a busy mom in north Louisiana, I know all the super time intensive crafts aren’t going to cut it.
If you’re anything like me, you love breakfast foods so anything revolving around breakfast is sure to make you happy.
Here’s some fun breakfast ideas to make back to school morning fun!!
It’s family photo season and as a family photographer in the Ruston, Louisiana area, I know every mama wants to look amazing in her photos. So here are my best tips to help with just that!
Tip number one is wear a dress. Dresses are always more flattering that shorts or pants. But here’s a few tips on dress selection. Avoid anything super light and flowy or else any gust of wind will have your dress over your head. Look for something with a little more structure. Avoid knit materials as they like to cling in the worst of places. Steer away from empire waist dresses and look for something with more structure in the waist.
Have your hair professionally done.
This takes the stress off of mama and lets you feel pampered.
Relax and have fun! Trust your photographer to make you look your very best. These images are something you’ll cherish forever. It’s ok if you haven’t lost the weight. It’s ok if you’re tired. This time goes by so very fast. Don’t put off documenting these precious moments because you feel insecure. You and your family deserve incredible images and you are absolutely stunning just the way you are.
Do you have a lifestyle newborn session scheduled and struggle with what to wear? As a lifestyle newborn photographer in Shreveport Louisiana, I’m here to help you!!
One thing I always recommend is wearing a neutral colored, flowy dress. We love neutrals and we love dresses! These photograph so well on new mamas and look so elegant.
If you’re going to go with a pattern on your dress, we recommend dainty florals. These are so beautiful and feminine.
The peach orchard in Shreveport Louisiana is a gorgeous location for family photos!! This session was one of my favorites and a bucket list item checked off my list! Photographing a session in an orchard is so fun!!
Enjoy this gallery scroll form this gorgeous Shreveport peach orchard family session!!
If you have a sweet baby on the way, nursery deor inspiration is probably something on your search history. Am I right?
As a newborn photographer in Shreveport and surrounding Louisiana areas, I’ve seen some really sweet nurseries. I love photographing the details of these precious rooms because in just a few short years, these rooms change drastically. Having them documented at your newborn session is something you won’t regret. This is one of the reasons I love offering in-home newborn session in North Louisiana.
There is nothing like documenting this incredible time right in the comfort of your very own home. Your safe place. Your retreat away from the craziness. No one will have images just like yours. That’s something really neat, if you ask me.
North Louisiana Lifestyle Family and Newborn Photographer 