Northern VA Baby Photographer | How to Create Your Dream Photo Wall

November 02, 2020 in kate juliet photography, family, maternity, newborns, baby

Photo walls are one of my favorite things. They are beautiful home decor and remind us of the moments in our lives that we love most. They are also wonderful for children, as a physical reminder of special times and how much they mean to us (I’ve never met a child that didn’t love to look at photos of him or herself - they think it’s the coolest thing). Like so many projects though it can feel overwhelming to get started. Here are some of my best tips for creating the photo wall you’ve always dreamed of:

1 - Find a photographer you love, and make photos a regular event.

Work with someone who will invest in the relationship with your family and give you images you’ll cherish. Make sure to set up sessions regularly with your photographer, especially while your kids are young. Over the time you’ll find you have a beautiful mix of images showing how your family has grown.

2 - Decide if you want to use the same size and type of frame for every image, or if you’ll mix it up.

You can’t go wrong either way, but make a decision early so you have a plan. Use frames of the same size and shape for a more traditional and classic look, while mixing it up is more eclectic. Generally though bigger is better. A few larger images will make a bigger impact than a bunch of smaller ones (and you’re more likely to actually see them everyday).

3 - Select one (or a couple) images from each session to feature.

People often ask me how to choose the images for their wall. I believe that albums are meant for telling your story (showing many images in one place), and wall art is meant for those singularly special moments that make you feel each time you look at them. Hang the images that speak to you the most.

4 - Mix it up with both color and black & white images.

Add interest by displaying both color and black & white images. Sticking with just one or the other can be a great option, especially if you prefer a monochromatic look, but don’t be scared to mix it up with the images that you love most.

5 - Select an area that will grow with your family.

Be sure to think about where you want to hang your gallery wall. You may not hang all of your images at once (unless you’re years behind on getting them hung - happens to us all!), so leave room for additional images in the future. Remember that if you’re limited on space, you don’t have to stick with just one wall. It’s okay to show your images in different spaces throughout your home.

Most of all, my biggest tip is to just get started. Choose even just one image that you love and hang it on your wall so you can enjoy it everyday. Once the first one is done you’ll likely feel invigorated to keep going and hang all of your most loved images. And remember, portraits can be switched out and moved, images can be swapped. If you want to change things or move them around you’ll always have that option. Over time you’ll create a photo wall filled with memories and events that you can look back on for decades to come.

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.

Northern VA Baby Photographer | See Your Images Everyday

June 08, 2020 in products, kate juliet photography, family, baby, maternity, newborns

We live in a digital age, but for me artwork is it. I understand the easy appeal of digital files - they're convenient and instant. You don't have to wait around and you can share them in a single click. We are busy and have to focus on what's coming up next, it's hard to slow down and consider what images we want to have and where.

But ultimately, what good is a photograph if you never see it? Share away on facebook and instagram (I love them both!), but eventually your images will fall below the scroll where you can't see them anymore. Computers crash. Websites fail. Technology is upgraded and the old things are lost. Think of how many computers and phones you’ve owned and how much was lost each time you got something new.

You worked so hard for these images. You searched for the best photographer. You planned outfits and looks. You wrangled children (and perhaps even your spouse) and made sure everyone looked their best. You spent so much time and effort on your images… make sure they end up somewhere that you'll see them everyday.

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Six Things I've Learned About Parenting Since Becoming a Newborn Photographer | Washington DC Baby Photography

April 06, 2020 in kate juliet photography, newborns

I have specialized in newborn photography since day one of opening my business. That means I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of families during that time. Families of all shapes and sizes, of different backgrounds and cultures, with new life circumstances and events. Every family is different and unique and my philosophy has always been one of openness and understanding. Every family is doing the best they can, figuring out their own routines and habits. What works perfectly for one family, may not work for another.

But within all those differences are some universal truths to parenthood. Things that we all experience and learn. Here are the top six things I've learning about parenting since becoming a newborn photographer:

1. Anything can be a game.

I get to see a lot of toddlers in the studio for newborn sessions. Whether they’re 12 months old or three years old, they are always fun and up to new things. Since toddlers have shorter attention spans (and having photos taken isn't something they always understand), making the experience fun for them is key to a successful session. And that means anything can become a game. No matter what you're trying to achieve, playing peek-a-boo, handing out stickers, singing songs, and being silly always go a long way.

2. All the moments matter, no matter how small they are.

Remembering that we show our love when we do even the tiniest things for our kids: whether it's wiping their noses or feeding them cheerios one by one. Not every moment has to be a big one, in those slow quiet moments we can cherish everything that we have too.

3. No matter how many children you already have, your new baby will throw you for a loop.

Whether you're having your first child, or second or third (or fourth or fifth), your new baby will be a brand new experience. Sure, there are always similarities between siblings, but ultimately every kid has their own personality and desires. Getting to know your new baby while navigating parenting your other children always takes getting used to.

4. Moms should have three arms.

I say this all the time! You need one hand to hold the baby, one hand to feed the baby, and one hand to hold your phone/eat/drink/wrangle your older child. We need one more!

5. These years are short.

When you're in the thick of it, it can feel like this time will last forever - but kids grow quickly. Soon enough you'll wonder how your sweet little baby grew into such a tall, talkative kid. Take all the photos you can, and make sure you get into some of them too moms.

6. We're all doing the best we can.

There's no road map or handbook for being a parent, we're all just making it up as we go along. Enjoy the ride and let your children teach you as much as you're teaching them. After all, we could all use a little less structure and feel a little more care free each day.

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.

Maternity Sessions Frequently Asked Questions | Northern VA Pregnancy Photographer

February 03, 2020 in kate juliet photography, maternity

Planning for a new baby can be overwhelming, but planning your maternity session shouldn't be something to worry about. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I hear about maternity sessions and some of my favorite tips for enjoying the process.

When should I hold my session?

I recommend scheduling sessions for when you are between 30-36 weeks pregnant. If you are pregnant with twins or triplets it's best to hold your session a bit earlier while you're feeling comfortable. If you're nearing the end of your pregnancy though it's never too late! We can hold your session right up until the end if necessary.

Where should I hold my session?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. I offer the option to hold your maternity session either in my studio or outdoors, and I think both locations are beautiful for their own reasons. I recommend looking over images from maternity sessions and saving the images that speak to you the most (pinterest is great for this). Once you've saved them in one place, take a look and see if you've saved more from indoor or outdoors sessions, and make your final decision from there.

What should I wear?

For sessions held in the studio, I offer a complete line of curated wardrobe pieces for mothers available to borrow for sessions. Most clients select something from the studio wardrobe as every piece is chosen to flatter moms and photograph beautifully. If you prefer to make your own selection I recommend figuring out the style you'd like to go for (boho, traditional, or intimate) and selecting pieces to match.

How should I do my hair and makeup?

I recommend keeping hair and makeup simple and neutral. Hair is generally best left down, with loose curls. I recommend soft, neutral makeup (avoiding bright lipsticks and dark eyeliners). Some clients choose to work with a professional hair and makeup artist, while many clients do their own hair and makeup. Some clients even choose to eschew makeup altogether and go for a completely natural and casual look. Do what makes you feel best and most beautiful.

Can my partner and older kids join in the session?

Yes, absolutely. I encourage partners and siblings to take part in sessions (after all, the new baby is part of their story too!) and we will always capture some images of you on your own as well.

What should I do with my maternity photos?

I recommend displaying your images in a way that will make the images most accessible to you. My personal favorites for maternity sessions are boutique glass boxes and albums. Both allow you to store many images from your session together - so they remain safe and accessible for years to come. One of the best parts of having a maternity session is being able to pull out the images from your session with your child years from now - they’ll love to see what it was like when they were growing in your tummy.

Washington DC Maternity and Pregnancy Photographer

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.

Six Things I Do To Get Beautiful Images (That You'd Never Know About) | Washington DC Newborn Photographer

January 06, 2020 in about kate, family, kate juliet photography, maternity, newborns, baby

One of my favorite things in the world is to watch dance rehearsals. I have a great love for dance (I danced competitively for years) so I always enjoy a show, but a special treat is getting watch a rehearsal. It’s a completely different experience. Nothing is perfectly polished, they are rarely wearing costumes, and the set is haphazard. I love it though because you see the work. It’s a peek into how much effort it takes to be perfectly synchronized and land that leap.

I know I’m not the only one who likes to see what happens behind-the-scenes, so here’s a peek at some of the things I work on that you may never see:

1- Create the perfect environment

My studio has been designed from top to bottom to be the perfect space for sessions, both to capture the best images possible and to be a comfortable place for clients. Everything - from the color on the walls to the furniture to the way I display wraps and artwork - was carefully chosen to ensure that it works for me and my clients. For newborn sessions in particular, I need to make the space quite warm while also keeping it safe and comfortable for toddler siblings. I move things around before, after, and during sessions to make sure that it’s perfectly suited for each session.

2- Learn new poses (and general education)

This is a big one, because I pride myself on creating timeless images, but that doesn’t mean my work doesn’t evolve. I believe in being a student at all times, my craft is never mastered so completely that I can’t learn something new. I take multiple educational opportunities each year, mentoring with some of the best artists in the industry. I’ve traveled to work with internationally recognized names and continue to pursue new opportunities every chance I get.

3- Give intentional direction

It may not seem like much in the moment, but every piece of posing direction I give is delivered with a specific outcome in mind. It isn’t enough to aim a camera in your general direction and hope magic happens. I know most people aren’t immediately comfortable in front of a camera, so my aim is to relax parents and help you lean into the moments with your family. Sometimes I tell ridiculous jokes and overshare my own stories (I know I do it at least once every session), but I want you to feel as comfortable with me in an hour that you do with someone you’ve known for years.

4- Be a new friend and playmate

When a toddler becomes a sibling to a new baby I know it’s a big life change for them. Sometimes getting to the studio for the newborn session is the first time everyone has piled into the car as a family of four (or five). When they walk in the door I want to help them feel just as comfortable as anyone else. I make funny faces, tell silly jokes, play music and peekaboo. I have a treasure of stickers (and candy when mom and dad say it’s okay) to share with them. Toddlers are old enough to start associating having their photo taken with good things - and I want them to look forward to seeing me and having their photo taken every time.

5- Build relationships

I am an introvert at heart. I would happily stay home all day and never see another person all week. But I know that type of tendency isn’t going to build relationships with the clients who mean so much to me. I adore my clients, and I work to make sure that you know it. I chatter throughout sessions (again, too much maybe sometimes!) and want you to know me as well as I get to know you.

6- Retouch and edit

My work isn’t done when the session is over. I individually retouch every single image you see. Each gets my personal attention to ensure it looks its very best. And much like posting, I’m always learning new techniques to ensure that your images have the very final outcome, and that they’ll look beautiful on your walls and in an album.