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.

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.

Northern VA Baby Photographer | Scheduling a Newborn Session

May 06, 2019 in newborns, kate juliet photography

Most clients find me through a Google search, but more and more often people are finding me through instagram. If you haven't already, make sure to give Kate Juliet Photography a follow (you'll see images from sessions and lots of peeks behind the scenes in my stories). You can follow me on instagram here.

One of the things I'm asked most often is how to schedule a newborn session when we don't know exactly when baby will arrive. I recommend holding newborn sessions within 14 days of delivery when babies are their sleepiest and most curled up. When you secure your session I reserve time on my calendar around your due date and ask that you let me know when baby comes. Once baby is born, we’ll confirm the exact time and date for your session from there. Sessions are typically held in the morning, when babies are the happiest and the light is best (and you’ll have had a chance to sleep as much as possible). And of course if you and your doctor schedule a planned induction or c-section we can always arrange a time for your session in advance.

Kate Juliet Photography specializes in natural maternity, newborn, and family portraiture in the Washington DC and Northern VA area.
Contact me to begin planning your custom portrait experience.