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

April 30, 2024 in personal, on photography, newborns, about kate, for photographers, kate juliet photography

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.

The Glass Keepsake Box | Washington DC Maternity and Newborn Baby Photographer

April 20, 2020 in baby, kate juliet photography, newborns, maternity, family

One of my favorite ways to display loose print images is in the Glass Keepsake Box. Each keepsake box is handmade and features an antique finish to beautifully display your treasured images. Inside is a bordered print of every image from your session, telling your story from beginning to end.

Keepsake boxes are perfect for showcasing your images, simply untie the ribbon and lift your prints out of the box to look through each one.

Washington DC Newborn Photographer | Kate Juliet Photography

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.

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.

Baby Boy Andrew's Session | DC Newborn Photographer

December 02, 2019 in newborns

One of the highest honors is to see families again and again. Getting to watch families grow from one baby to two babies and beyond - there’s nothing better. I love getting to know you and your children. Watching them grow, witnessing all of their milestones.

I first met this beautiful family when mama was pregnant with baby number one, and then again for their first newborn session with their baby girl. Seeing them again when Melissa was pregnant with their baby boy was such a joy, it’s amazing how different each pregnancy is. And now seeing their family of four with little Andrew’s newborn session. Well, it just doesn’t get any better.

Here are some of my favorite images from our session together - enjoy!

mama’s dress borrowed from the studio wardrobe, available to all clients for studio sessions

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.