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 | Maxime & Emily

December 09, 2019 in baby

One of my favorite things is capturing photographs of mothers with their children. Whether it’s a maternity session with baby number two (or three!), a newborn session with a first time mom, or a family session when the kids are older - no matter what kind of session it is, I think it’s so important that you have images of yourself with your children. Just think, when was the last time you had photographs with your mother?

When mom Maxime contacted me, right away she said she wanted images of her and her baby together, and I knew we were going to capture something special. I adored getting to meet baby Emily in the studio for their session. Here are some of my favorite images from our time together - enjoy!

Washington DC Baby Photographer | Kate Juliet Photography

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!

Washington DC Newborn Photographer | Kate Juliet Photography

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

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!