on photography

One Question I'm Not Asked Often Enough | Northern VA and Washington DC Newborn Baby Photographer

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I get asked a lot of questions by my clients, and I'm always happy to answer whatever questions or concerns might be on their mind. After all, the process of finding a photographer can be a tricky one and there are a lot of things to consider.

But there is one question that I'm not asked often enough:

Are you vaccinated?

In all of my time photographing expecting mothers and their babies, I have can count on one finger how many times I've been asked.
One.

I understand the hesitation. It's a personal question, and a medical related one at that.
It opens up a potential can of worms that many people may rightly not want to get into.

So here's the answer: Yes, I absolutely am.

And my husband is.
And my son.
And my son's grandparents are too. 

The one time I was asked, it was by a new dad, while I was already holding his new baby son, and he hesitantly spoke up a concern that was clearly on his mind. I did not mind in the least that he brought it up. I quickly assured him that yes I was and that it was smart that he asked.

But in my mind I thought: I wish you had asked me sooner.

Because in that moment, I was already holding his baby.
He was already swaddled in one of my wraps.
We were already in close contact.

For me, there is no controversy regarding this issue.
As a newborn photographer, my first and primary concern is, and always will be, the safety of the babies I work with. 

So my answer is yes. I am. 

My Best Tip for Your Next Family Session | Washington DC Photographer

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I have to share something really exciting that I did recently: I hired a photographer to take our family photos for the first time.

Yep, the first time ever. Crazy, right?

Over the years I've been the one documenting our family's daily life (after all, I'm the one wielding the camera), but I decided it was past time for me to get in the photos too.

And I'll be honest, it was an eye opening experience to be on the client side of a photography session for once. Leading up to our session I was a bundle of nerves.

All I could think was:
Would my son like our photographer?
Would my hair cooperate?
Was I wearing the right thing?

And the worst: Why didn't I get serious about losing 20 pounds earlier?!!?

Crazy nervous, I tell you.

But you know what happened in the end? I loved it. Every single second of it. Even when my son was being a cranky-pants, even when my hair was out of control, and even though I didn't lose a single pound first.

And even more, I love the images I have now that captured it all. Even better: I'm in the photos too. Because not only do I have these images to look back on, but now my son will have images with me in them look back on too.

And you know my biggest family photo tip? Relax and have fun. I know, I know. Easier said than done, but as soon as you let go and embrace your beautiful family imperfections (crazy hair) and all, the better your photos will be.

I hope that was helpful and makes your next family session much more FUN - because that is what it should be. If you have any suggestions for how you like to prepare for your sessions, or any other questions you would like answered, contact me and let me know.

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Kate Juliet Photography specializes in natural maternity, newborn, baby, and family portraiture in the Washington DC and Northern VA area.
All studio sessions include access to the studio wardrobe for mothers and babies to borrow clothing for your session.
Contact me to begin planning your custom portrait experience.

Where are you? | Washington DC Baby Photographer

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So, I have a question for you today:
Where are you?

Not how are you, but where.

And I don't mean what county your booty is sitting in right now. I mean, in your photos, where are you?

Are you even in them?

It's easy to get caught up in taking the photos. Trust me, I know. I do it too.
You can have fun taking photos of everyone you love without worrying what your hair looks like,
or that your top fits a little funny, or that you haven't lost weight yet.

And you may even feel like since you're the one running around taking photos all the time, surely you must be in some of them too, right?

Let's do a quick experiment. Take a minute right now to scroll through your most recent photos. Count how many photo you're in.

Go do it (really, go!), I'll wait. Don't mind me while I hum the Jeopardy theme music...

So how many photos are you in? Did you even make into the double digits? And of those, how many are selfies taken from the exact same angle and distance from your iphone?

These are the images your children will have to look back on. Are they enough?

Give them something to look back on. Give them images that bring back memories. That tell stories.
That show how much you love them.

#existinphotos

For Photographers | A Reminder for when you feel like Quitting

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You're swamped. Between the kids, the job, and life (if you even still have one of those) it's all too much.
You're frustrated. And tired.
And just done.

Everyone has been there.

It would be so easy to just give it up. Think of all the time you would have!
No more inquiries to respond to. No more sessions to plan.
You could have your weekends to yourself and your family again.
No more late night editing marathons.
No more worrying about your work or taking classes or upgrading your gear. 
Sounds pretty good if you ask me.

But then... what would you be giving up?

You started a photography business for a reason.
Do you remember what it was?
What your vision for this creative outlet would be?

Are you staying true to that?

My guess is probably not. So before you throw in the towel, try re-thinking things.

Make sure you're shooting what you love.
Shoot something new, or re-visit something old.
Whatever it is, shoot something that inspires you.

Make sure you're shooting who you love.
That you're finding the right clients.
That they love what you do as much as you do.

But as much as you love it, don't overbook yourself.
Give yourself room to breath, room to grow.
Space.

Muscles get stronger the day after we work them.
Because growth doesn't happen in the work, growth happens in the rest.

Take care of yourself.
And look at your work again. The images that you've given your clients.
The gifts you've given their children.
Think about how much fun this job is.

Then take a deep breath,
pick up your camera.
And get
               to
                    work.