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

October 01, 2015 in family, personal, on photography, kate juliet photography

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.

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.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring a Newborn Photographer | Washington DC Baby Photography

August 27, 2015 in kate juliet photography, newborns

There are a lot of photographers in the world, so choosing just one to photograph your newborn session can be a little overwhelming. Here are a few things to take into consideration when choosing the best photographer to work with:

1. Do they work safely?

This is number one for a reason: it is the very first and most important thing you should consider. As a newborn photographer I find it terrifying how often I see babies placed in unsafe situations in the name of art. Babies in glass bowls, hanging from tree limbs, being set up in unnatural poses - these are all absolutely dangerous situations for a baby. Some of these images can be created safely with the help of Photoshop by using multiple images to piece the final image together (except for babies in glass bowls, they should never be placed in anything breakable), but they should never be done "in real time." Find out how a photographer creates these images: do they create those images in Photoshop or do they hang baby from a real tree? If it's the latter, run. Babies move and squirm and do so unpredictably, so it can cause harm if they fall. Working with babies is very different than working with adults, which is why I always recommend hiring someone who specifically specializes in newborn photography.

2. Do you like the photographer's style?

Every photographer works differently and has a different style and aesthetic. Before hiring someone make sure to review their portfolio of work and make sure you like what you see. I readily admit: I am not the right photographer for everyone. If you want bold and bright, find a photographer who does that. A photographer's style is not easily mimicked or changed, so make sure you like what you see in their galleries. Here are a few things to take into consideration when identifying a photographer's style:

bold vs. neutral colors
use of props (baskets, buckets, headbands, etc.)
posed vs. lifestyle imagery

3. is this photographer experienced in what she's doing?

One of the first things you should look at on a photographer's website is their portfolio of work. Look through all of the images they have there - that's their best of the best. When you're looking at their work take note of what you see. Is the work consistent? Are the images properly exposed and composed? Similarly, keep looking around and see what (if any) professional organizations they belong to or what education they have. It isn't necessary for a photographer to have a formal degree (many amazing photographers are self-taught), but they should understand lighting and posing and how properly compose an image.

4. Are they running legitimate business?

I have heard so many stories of people hiring photographers who then don't deliver what they promised. If you want your images - your beautiful high quality irreplaceable images - hire someone who treats their business and their clients seriously. Ask yourself:

Is this photographer easily reachable? Do they respond to my inquiries?
Do they have a good track record and reputation with their other clients?
Do they pay taxes and require a contract?
Do they speak with authority and expertise?

5. Do they offer the kind of experience that you want?

Every photographer offers a different experience for their clients, I promise that there is someone out there for you. Some photographers have their own studio while others offer sessions in your home. Some offer maternity and family sessions so you can have a continued relationship with them, while others offer strictly baby photography. Photographers may offer different artwork too, so make sure read over their product guide so you know you can get exactly what you want.

Selecting the right photographer for you will ensure that you get the best possible images of your new little one and that they will be treasured keepsakes for a lifetime to come.

What Would You Save in a Zombie Apocalypse? | Washington DC Baby Photographer

July 30, 2015 in about kate, personal, products, kate juliet photography

Not my usual subject line, right? But I promise, it has a point.

Sometime last year I did something pretty unexpected: I got completed addicted to The Walking Dead. Now, I totally understand if it isn't for you - it wasn't really for me either - but stick with me, I have a non-Zombie related point to make.

In the beginning of the series, way way back in season one, the main character, Rick, is trying desperately to find his wife and son. The city has been abandoned, zombies are everywhere. It's treacherous to travel and things are bleak.

The good news is, he did find them eventually (it was a very heartwarming moment in a show filled with zombies). But when he finds her, his wife asks him,
How did you know we were alive?

You know how he answered?
All of the photos in the house were gone.

In the middle of the zombie apocalypse, when she was rushing to escape with her son, to find safety, when she knew she would never be back again, she took her family photographs with her. Albums, portraits from the wall, they were all gone because they were that important to her.

When I saw that it struck a chord with me. Sometimes we forget how powerful images are. How much of a person is left behind in the photographs we have of them. It's how we remember the little details of how they were. It's how we see how they aged over the years. It's how we get a glimpse into their relationships and see how they smiled and looked at the people they loved the most.

With any luck (knock on wood) we won't be facing a zombie apocalypse anytime soon, but what if there was a fire? Or what if you had to suddenly move to a smaller place? My guess is you would save those photos at any cost.