North Louisiana Lifestyle Family and Newborn Photographer

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What do you need for an in home newborn session? | Newborn Photographer in north Louisiana

If you’re expecting a baby and wanting in-home newborn portraits but you’re afraid your home isn’t photo worthy. As a newborn photographer in north Louisiana, let me put those fears to rest.

You don’t have to have amazing light, I have a flash system to create natural looking light when there isn’t much available.

You don’t have to have a magazine worthy nursery to have gorgeous images. This is a time to document a new chapter in your life. If the nursery isn’t absolutely perfect, that’s ok!

You just had a baby, I don’t require you to have a spotless clean home. I know you are exhausted. I promise don’t judge if you have dishes in your sink or the breakfast mess is still on the table. I’m human too, I get it!

All you need is a photographer who knows how to create gorgeous images in whatever lighting situation they find themselves and that makes you feel amazing

Book your in home newborn session today!

January 30, 2023
Amy and Sebastiaan Maternity Portraits | Minden Louisiana Photographer

Today we are pulling from the vault for this sweet maternity session.

Amy and Sebastiaan came all the way from Europe for these pictures. Ok, fine, that’s not true. They did come from all the way from Europe, but the photos in Louisiana were not orginally part of the plan. You see, Amy is my husband’s sister. Her and Sebastiaan came down for Thanksgiving and while they were here we grabbed some pictures.

They are having their first baby in Feburary and we all can’t wait to see how beautiful she is going to be. And I know they will be amazing parents. Our girls love them both so much. They are moving on in their travels in the US today so of course I’m posting this because we already miss them and they just left. Boo for long distances.

We planned to get these pictures done in the evening but after realizing it was going to rain from noon until…. well, all night, we realized we had to make do with the morning cloudy skies. Within minutes of us starting, the rain came. Thankfully, it was only a drizzle. But it did not help with the chilly temps. We sped through the photos so as to not freeze from being wet and cold.

But in the end, these pictures turned out so well. Thanks for trusting me to capture this sweet time for y’all. We love y’all so much!

Thank you so much for viewing our blog. We hope you enjoyed it. To book your maternity and newborn session, click here

xoxo,

January 25, 2023
Three pieces of advice for a new mama | Ruston Louisiana Newborn Photographer

Being a new mama is hard, I know! There is so much that changes- your body, your sleep, your eating; literally everything changes. I don’t ever pretend to think that I have it all together or that I know more than anyone else; trust me when I say, I don’t.

Hey, sweet friend! I’m a mama and a newborn photographer in the Ruston Louisiana area. I specialize in in-home newborn photography with a lifestyle approach. This type of photography absolutely fills my cup and brings me so much joy. I have had the amazing privilege to work with some amazing mamas in the surrounding north Louisiana areas and if there was any piece of advice I could give them, this is what I would say:

The first thing I could ever tell a new mama is to give yourself grace, upon grace. I heard this before and it stuck with me- you have never been this mama before. You may have been a mom of one or two, but you have never been a mom of three. This is all new.
This applies to even if this is your first baby. No matter how many times you bring a new baby into the world, it’s always going to be a new experience. Give yourself grace.

The second thing I would say is to see a pelvic floor PT. You will thank me later if you follow this advice. Bringing babies into the world bring a lot of trauma to your body. Working with someone specialized in the areas of diastases recti and pelvic floor will help with all things recovery! Learning to use your core again after having a baby is SO empowering!

The last thing I would say, or recommend, would be to enjoy every minute. Now, I know, I know, every minute isn’t enjoyable. Trust me, I know. I have been there. There are a lot of moments that you are just wishing you could get some sleep, wishing the crying or fussing or whining would stop. But also trust me when I say, it goes by so fast!! Like, unfairly fast. When you are in the think of the newborn and baby raising, it feels like you will be in this stage forever. But before you know it, they are off to school and not needing their mama anymore. I think we can all do better at enjoying the moments a little bit better. The baby sleeping on your chest, the snuggles and cuddles, how you can fix everything with a little kiss. The innocence of babies.

If I could leave you with some final words, I would say that you’re doing an amazing job. And I really, really mean that!

January 23, 2023
Top 6 poses for in home newborn photography | Shreveport Louisiana newborn photographer

As a newborn photographer in the Shreveport Louisiana area, I’ve learned my top 6 favorite poses for in home newborn sessions. These work for all family sizes and are so sweet and special.

I love to capture connection more so than everyone looking at the camera while smiling. While those are important, they are a little too staged to have a gallery full of them. Don’t worry, we always get several of those traditional poses!

However, my favorite ones are always when there is a deep connection that is documented. Even if it’s as simple as siblings touching. We need connection. Our eyes are drawn to connection. Connection pulls on our heart strings.

Here are some of my favorite poses that capture connection as well as a few that feature your beautiful baby.

Mama rocking baby

Family cuddle

Mama and daddy admiring baby

Baby wrapped, side profile

Details

Mom and dad share a kiss

I hope you love these as much as I do and that they are helpful for you at your next newborn session!

Mamas, if you’re looking for a newborn photographer for your precious new baby, you can learn all about session with CDP here

January 19, 2023
Moriah turns 8 | Shreveport Louisiana Photographer

Sweet Moriah turned 8 and that calls for birthday portraits! We went with downtown Shreveport as our location because her mama wanted more architecture. Moriah wanted a Japan themed party so we made sure to include some of that in her outfit selections.

Moriah is such a sweet, quiet girl. She wouldn’t hurt a soul and she’s friends with everyone. She’s one of those girls that’s easy to love and she loves you right back. She’s more on the reserved side and maybe won’t show her emotions as strongly as others, but she is truly a sweetheart.

We love you sweet Moriah and wish you he happiest birthday party this weekend.

January 17, 2023
Now offering fresh 48 sessions | Ruston Louisiana newborn photographer

As a newborn photographer in the Ruston Louisiana area, I knew it was time to begin offering fresh 48 sessions. These precious sessions are done in the hospital, up to 48 hours after your baby’s birth.

These are so special and incredible. Your baby changes so much within the first year and even more so within just the first few days.

To me, the hospital stay can feel like a blur. You don’t hardly remember the details. Documenting this special time will forever keep those special details close to your memory.

Contact us to book your fresh 48 today!

January 6, 2023
When is the best time to schedule your newborn session? | newborn photographer in Ruston Louisiana

Deciding when to schedule your newborn session can be a little challenging. You don’t know when baby will arrive so how will you know when to book your session?? This is a great question!

As a newborn photographer in Ruston Louisiana I’ve got the answer for you.

The very best way to know you’ll get on our calendar for your precious newborn session is to being the booking process as early on in your pregnancy as possible.

Yes, you don’t know exactly when baby will be here. But we have an estimated date. It’s best to schedule roughly 10 days after your estimated due date. Once baby arrives, we will determine if that date is still the best. If you go over your due date we can make adjustments. If baby came early, we can make adjustments.

Our calendar fills up fast, therefore it is always best to book your session early!

However, if your baby is already here and within the 2-3 weeks of age window we can try our best to work you in.

We are so happy for you and this precious life you are bringing into the world and can’t wait to serve you in this amazing way.

Congrats, mama.

Book your in home newborn session today!

January 4, 2023
Wade Family | North Louisiana Photographer

Meet the Wade family! They are such a sweet family. And what adorable kiddos!

I’m sure you recognize a few members of this family from past sessions. I can’t express how thankful I am for repeat clients. It means so much to me!!

This session took place on the coldest day ever. Ok, maybe not.. snowpocalypse of 2020- shudders… Anyways, this day was cold. You get the idea. We raced through this session in record time because these babies did not need to be out longer than necessary. I knew I could get what I needed, I just had to move quick. And hey, moving quick keeps you warm. Haha!!

Everyone handled the cold so well! I was so proud of the kiddos. Little Easton was having a hard time warming up to me so I decided to let him throw leaves at me. Boy was that a good idea! He loved every second of that! Haha!! It’s so fun to figure out ways to get little ones interested in photos. It almost never fails that games are the way to do it. Make it fun and they will like you. That’s my motto anyways.

I hope you enjoy this session! It was a good one!!

https://courtneydexterphotography.pixieset.com/booking/

December 23, 2022
2022 Recap | Shreveport Louisiana Photographer

The 2022 family and newborn portrait season has come to an end. It was CDP’s best year and I can’t tell you how thankful I am for that. You’ve all been so very supportive and loving. Trusting me with your most precious moments is such an incredible honor.

From anniversary portraits, newborn portraits, weddings, and more; 2022 was one I will never forget!

I believe my ability to serve you and your incredible families has grown and developed even more in this year.

I dove into off camera flash to incorporate in lifestyle newborn sessions and learned it’s not as hard as I thought it was.

I was able to invest more into my business by upgrading my gear (that’s been needed for a long time!) and I can say that was a great decision.

I was able to travel for sessions and bring my family along to enjoy a little get away together.

I set a goal for the amount of income I wanted to reach for the year and because of your unfailing support I nearly doubled that goal. I am humbled and honored by each and every one of you. I can’t tell you how much this year has meant to my family.

I am trusting God for the year ahead, knowing that if I follow where he leads, I can’t fail. No matter what happens in 2023, I trust in Him. May God richly bless each and every one of you for the love that you have so graciously shown me.

To book your session in 2023, start here

December 22, 2022
Christmas with the Dexters | North Louisiana Photographer

Ok, this session holds a special place in my heart. I LOVE lifestyle sessions in the comfort of your home. They are just so special to me. No one has a location like yours. No one has photos like yours. They are so special because they are in your safe place. Your reprieve from the world. Sometimes you worry there maybe isn’t great light at your house, but we can bring the light!

This session took place on a dark, gloomy day in North Louisiana. If you’re from around here then you know the type of weather we have had. We need the sun!! On days like this you can reschedule, but you’re not promised another day will have sun shine. This is why I have been pushing myself to learn off camera flash. Am I perfect, heavens no. But I am learning! And these are beautiful. So I say that is a win!!

We got the kiddos all cozy and let them decorate the tree, make cookies, and just have fun. This is easily my most favorite, FAVORITE time of year!

I have loved photographing these absolutely adorable, sweet kiddos over the years. And yes, I’m partial because they are my family. But who cares?! They are still some of the sweetest kids you’ll meet!

December 21, 2022