Five Things I Couldn't Live Without During Newborn Sessions | Arlington VA Baby Photographer

March 02, 2020 in kate juliet photography, newborns

The most important thing to me during newborn sessions is baby’s safety and comfort. Everything about newborn sessions is structured to keep your baby happy and comfortable. Not only is it important for baby’s well-being, but a happy baby also means happy parents and a more successful session. Being patient and taking my time is ultimately the best tool I have available (you can never rush a baby), but here are a few things that help me along the way:

1- White Noise

Babies are used to it being noisy and loud. Before he was born, your baby heard noise all day everyday - noises that you weren't even aware of. Not only did he hear everyone you talked to (he learned how to recognize your voice and likely dad's voice too before he was even born!), he also heard the beating of your heart, when you ate, your breathing, the sounds of your movement as you went along your day. Not a moment went by when he was surrounded by noise. Now that he's in the big world, too much quiet can actually make it harder to settle. Adding a little noise helps him feel comfortable and at home. There are great white noise machines and apps, but even soothing music can provide great white noise.

2- Swaddle wraps

I have so many wraps and swaddles in the studio, there's at least one (or five!) for every baby that I see. The wraps used for sessions are soft and stretchy, ensuring a perfect swaddle. I also have plenty of traditional blanket swaddles to use to keep baby warm, and even clean up messes if the situation arises. No matter what type of swaddle wrap I use though, swaddling is comforting for all babies. Only a few short days ago he was cocooned inside of you, swaddling brings back those comforting feelings.

3- Plain white diapers

I keep a stash of organic, chemical-free plain white diapers for newborns in the studio. Why? Because as cute as they are, you probably don't want those Elmo diapers in your images. I know that special diapers are the last thing on your mind, so I offer them as needed during newborn sessions.

4- Heat

Babies are generally undressed for newborn sessions so it's important that they aren't cold. After all you wouldn’t be comfortable sleeping in a cool room if you didn't have on any clothes on either. Keeping the space warm (without making it too hot) provides a relaxing space for babies to drift off to sleep.

5- Parents

Involving parents in newborn sessions is so important. Not only do I want you to have images with you and your baby, but baby’s are most relaxed when they are being held by the people who love him most. Newborns are new to the world and need extra cuddles. If baby just wants to be held for a bit during the session, we'll do just that. It's a great opportunity to capture the family together and make baby feel good too.

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.

Being Thankful | Northern VA Newborn Photographer

November 25, 2019 in kate juliet photography

So much of being a photographer is working alone on your own. Whether it's editing, finalizing artwork orders, creating designs, or answering emails - much of the work is done independently. There are so many things that go on behind the scenes, beyond working with clients directly during sessions (my favorite part), that sometimes it feels like the act of creating is the smallest part of what I do.

And if I'm honest with myself, the time I spend on creative endeavors is the smallest slice in my pie chart. But even though it's the smallest in terms of time, it's the biggest in terms of impact. Of fulfillment. Of making a difference. It’s what fuels my creativity for every session.

Because when I meet new parents and hear their stories, and the children who have turned their lives upside down and sideways, those are the moments that I will remember. The reason I do this. The families that I get to see every year. The ones I get to grow alongside.

Capturing your stories, your hearts, and moments that will live with your for a lifetime.

Thank you.

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.

Summer Newborn Studio Session | Washington DC Baby Family Photographer

October 28, 2019 in baby, newborns

Baby boy with the most beautiful platinum blond hair. I was so thrilled to see this family in my studio for their newborn session - I always love seeing families again. One question I’m often asked: can older siblings take part in newborn sessions too? The answer is of course! I love seeing siblings during sessions. They should get to take part in the fun, after all this is a big event for them too (even if they do come just play in the curtains!). Here are some of my favorite images from our session together - enjoy!