Newborn Sessions Frequently Asked Questions | Washington DC Baby Photographer

December 02, 2020 in kate juliet photography, newborns

I photograph babies all the time, but I know not everyone is so lucky. One of the most important things to me is that clients know what to expect from working with me and what will happen during their session. I’m always happy to answer questions, but I thought I’d take a moment to answer some of the most common questions I get about newborn sessions:

When should I schedule a newborn session?

I recommend booking your newborn session early in your pregnancy, preferably in your second trimester. Once you book your session I make sure to leave room on my calendar around your due date, and once baby arrives we schedule the exact date and time for your session from there. Newborn sessions are scheduled to begin in the morning, when the light in the studio is the best and when babies are happiest. I accept a limited number of sessions each month, so my calendar often fills months in advance. I accept last minute sessions as I can, but that is rare, so your best option is always to secure your session early to ensure availability.

Who can I can include in my newborn session?

Immediate family members - parents and siblings - are welcome and encouraged during newborn sessions. I love photographing the entire family together! Please remember that extended family members are not permitted during studio sessions.

What if I don’t want to be in the photos?

If you’re hesitant about being in the images yourself, I encourage you to re-visit your reasons why. Images with your babies are so important, not just for ourselves, but for our children as well. It’s an opportunity to capture all of the connection and relationships within the family from the very beginning. You’re coming to the studio anyway, you might as well stay to capture images of yourself while you’re there. Plus, that time holding your baby is often comforting for you baby as well, so your session will go more smoothly.

What should I wear?

The studio wardrobe is available to all mothers for studio sessions. Most moms choose to wear pieces from the studio wardrobe for their newborn session. Not only is it convenient, but each piece is carefully selected to flatter moms and photograph beautifully. While I do recommend the studio wardrobe over anything else, if you prefer to wear something of your own I provide styling information for all clients for sessions.

How should I do my hair and makeup?

Everyone has a personal look that they prefer, and I always recommend building on that for your session. The most important thing is that when you reflect back on an image of yourself that you will recognize it for years to come. Some moms choose to wear very little (or no) makeup, while others work with a professional hair and makeup artist before their session. No matter how you approach your look, I recommend natural makeup and soft curls for your hair - without bold colors or trendy applications.

What do I need to bring with me?

The studio has everything needed for baby for the session, so you only need to bring a few things with you. I recommend bringing your standard diaper bag, a couple snacks for yourself and any siblings, an extra baby bottle if you are pumping or formula feeding, and a pacifier.

What should I do with my photos?

By far the most popular artwork option for newborn session is the Heirloom Album. It’s a perfect option for keeping your images safe in one place, where you can look back on them all together. Children love to see themselves in books. As your children get older, they’ll be able to take out an album and flip through its pages on their own, looking back on images from not so long ago.

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.

Being Present | Northern VA Baby Photographer

July 06, 2020 in kate juliet photography, newborns

Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be present. To live in the moment.
It’s something we hear about all the time.
When my son was younger,
we used to say

“I can’t wait until he’s riding a bike”
or
“playing basketball”
or
“learning how to read.”

And yes, all of those milestones are important. I look forward to them too.
But my response was always
“don’t wish away our time today.”

Oakton VA Newborn Photographer | Baby Scarlett

May 26, 2020 in newborns

I love newborns. And I especially love newborns with big siblings.

I always tell my families with toddler-aged kids to be flexible about what happens during their newborn session. I always go with the flow and see how kids feel and see what they want to do at the session. It’s so important to me to work at their level and learn what they enjoy most. It’s a rare two year that perfectly poses, but every kid loves hanging out with their family. We play with stickers, get to cuddle mom and dad, play peek-a-boo, and boop the new baby’s nose.

This session was no different at all. This beautiful family of four was so much fun, and big brother Alexander was such a charmer. He was so sweet with his new little sister and so into the whole experience too.

And mama. Oh my goodness, so I so love the images of her with her baby girl. Such sweet, perfect, beautiful moments together. Here are some of my favorite images from our session together - enjoy!

Oakton VA Newborn Photographer | Kate Juliet Photography

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.

Why It's Important To Take Family Portraits At Your Newborn Session

March 16, 2020 in kate juliet photography

Every now and then I receive an inquiry where the parents tell me that they only want images of their baby at their newborn session, and the parents don’t want to be in any of the photos. It’s always a surprise to me when I hear that because, to me, family portraits are so very important. You’ve just had a baby and you’re making plans to come into my studio to capture this special time. There are so few reasons to not include parents in images, and most of them are without weight. I’ve heard them all: Mom doesn’t feeling photogenic. Everyone is tired. No one knows what to wear. The baby is the special one, why would you need to be included too?

But my reply is why not? Why wouldn’t you be included? Chances are you haven’t had professional portraits taken since your wedding day. And your newborn session is the best time to update your family portraits. I have a beautifully curated wardrobe for mom to wear. I sympathize with being tired, but trust that parent exhaustion doesn’t go away anytime soon. And the best remedy is spending time with those little ones who made us so tired in the first place.

So take the photos. There’s no reason not to. If you really don’t want to look at them right now, go ahead and put them away for now. But make sure to bring them out again eventually. I promise that you will look at them with new eyes. And your child will too.