Newborn Photo Ideas at Home

Since I am only weeks shy of bringing our little girl into this world, I have been super exited about her photo shoot...I know, I'm a photographer, and she's gonna have to get used to it :-)  I am also in a lot of random spurts of pain because of the return of ulcers and contractions all at the same time.  So, I get plenty of time to create projects at home since I can hardly drive.  Though it all takes me a bit longer than usual to complete them, I finish them nonetheless and then put them up for display.  In most recent cases, I'm creating little trinkets for my soon-to-be baby girl.

So, without further delay, here are some inspirational ideas I have been keeping and working on and /or finished so that my baby can have unique items and props for her photo shoot and as decor or everyday wear.

I actually just finished this headband and had so much material left that I made one for myself too...keeps the fly-aways in place.  My husband liked the texture so much he requested one too, but a "man" wristband instead of a headband.  They are all in a dark gray color :-) Easy to make! (BUT shhh! Sells for $48 in a set in Etsy) All I need is white flowers to add.

My mother recently spotted an identical blanket to this next one, but in a more reddish, vibrant color...retailed anywhere from $55-$95 for the unique textures they have!  I won't even say how much she got it for because it was only about a minimal percentage of what they are sold for everywhere...okay, $6.  I know!  The best part is that it will be a focal prop during my baby's photo session and I can reuse it for other sessions as well! So exiting!

©MariaElenaPhotography

 The white furry blanket, and textured elfish beanie are both currently mine for photography.  I made the beanie myself...quite the challenge, but great for photos and retails at about $40-$68.  The blanket I got on sale for $20 since it was an item I could never get cheaper while living in Utah.  Oh, and the picture was taken by me as well for a past client :-)

I found a vintage luggage recently here in California and can't wait to use it for props too!!!  It's real leather and solid wood frame too..cost me $5 and similar props in identical materials cost $60-$105.  Buu-yaa!

This one looks so delicate and unique! I am for sure working on this one and all I need is the delicate and charming little pearls to add.  Retails at $33.

 This retails at $11. I have my baby's special letter "L" already in hand from previous buys, which cost $1.50

This is such a great idea to spruce up at home and then let baby play with once they get older and actually start playing pretend.  It retails at $40, but I got mine as a gift and know it cost less than $5.  All it needs is some handmade magic and it's ready for it's closeup as my baby's wings.













So now, some tips:
•  Newborns are best photographed within the first 2 weeks of life (I prefer 5 days from birth, personally) when they are less likely to be disturbed while sleeping and can be soothed easily.  They are so fresh out of the womb and look precious!
•  Use the manual setting in your camera since this is slow-paced session and demands time. Be very patient and gentle, newborns can sense stress.
•  The best place to shoot in is at home, before noon, at a warmer temperature setting for the session and with plenty of wipes handy for spit-ups and accidents.  Make sure all window blinds and curtains are pulled back for the best possible natural light.
•  I am not a big fan of “baby outfits.” You have newborn portraits taken to see that fresh new baby-ness, not the cute little outfit you bought with just a head poking out. I like to shoot partial nudity. Naked with a diaper/diaper cover on. It's a good thing to think about this ahead of time it isn’t an awkward thing. If you're completely against any form of nudity then go for the clean look of a white onesie. If possible, strip them down to the desired look well before the shoot/before feeding and wrap them cozy in a blanket so as not to disrupt that peaceful phase as you being shooting. 

©MariaElenaPhotography

•  I take close ups of the feet, and often cradled in mom or dads hands to show the size difference.  Make sure mom and dad are wearing solid black or white shirts, with long sleeves preferably.  If there is a color theme, it's okay as long as it's solid with long sleeves.

©MariaElenaPhotography

•  I often bring a handful of blankets with texture and a boppy pillow. I will also throw in some other handmade props (crocheted), hats, etc. but I like to use the special blankets or hats that the parents have bought for their child instead of using mine because of the sentimental value they have.

What to wear? │ Fun family photo shoot ideas photography

So, I thought I'd compile everything that I've been sharing in just ONE short video.

These are fun family photo shoot ideas! Check out M.E. Photography for your unique family portrait session booking today! Enjoy!



Fotografo en Utah de familias │ Fotografia en utah para familias │ Fotografia en Utah de bebe │ Forotgrafo para bebe de un ano

That's a wrap!

I've been back now for about a week and have I had such a great response to business inquiries for my music lessons and photography.

First, here are some pictures I took while I was at Guatemala: http://meophotography.blogspot.com/2011/03/taste-of-guatemala.html

Now, the trip itself was pretty eye-opening.  I loved the richness of the culture and enjoyed myself quiet a bit too.  My husband was in a very good mood and I tribute that to needing the vacation in the first place.  We all needed a break from electronics, stress, work, and just breathe.

Ahhhh, the views there were amazing and sometimes surreal.  I truly came to realize how much people need help in their life and money...not for luxury, but out of pure neccesity.  I learned much about how politicians from such poor countries are power-hungry and uninterested in their people.  Many people we came accross were somehow being opressed by gangs and other more controlling groups.  There were militia almost at every intersection with rifles and major stores had security also posted with rifles being flung from shoulders and their straps.  While we traveled and walked most of the time, there were local people following us all around offering their trinkets and what-nots.  In one particular case, two 10-year olds, came up to our car and offered us key-chains near the Tikal Ruins...I felt such a strong urge to ask them where their parents were, that they should be at home enjoying their childhood, or at least thinking about what they want to be when they grow up.  They offered their suveneirs from very worn out backpacks and their eyes were so wide-eyed and hopeful, waiting to see what would be bought and tried to be friendlier and more open so they can stand out more and sell more.  At that moment, Hugo and I only had enough to buy one key-chain...I wanted to buy everything they had, just to help them, but we couldn't, so as soon as I bought one, I thanked them both very much and hugged Hugo, hiding my face because my eyes started to glaze.  As we sat in the car, I softly sobbed as I heard them keep asking everyone else in the car what they wanted to buy, calling out the animal names of small, carved-out figurines dangling from key-chains.  We all needed to get home since it was just before sunset so we took off...and it seemed ever so slowly that we departed them to me.  As I heard their voices still offering as we drove away, I looked up and caught a glimpse of them looking still at our vehicle driving away and could only think of my little boy.

I feel so grateful for living in a country that has so many opportunities.  I am grateful for not feeling opressed by our government.  I know there are bad politicians everywhere, and we are not exempt, but we are still VERY blessed to have resources and help at our disposal with the freedo of expression and not living in fear.  I am glad for the opportunities my parents gave me to get a higher education, to learn, explore, and discover what good the world had to offer.  I am glad I can be able to teach my son the importance of literature, art, and self-discovery as I was taught by my very good mother.  I am grateful for so much more and can only be even more grateful for the new situations I am faced with to keep growing and sharing my little bit of acquirings with others.

Laundromat

We got side-tracked yet again, my son and I, or should I say, I love spontaneity!  So, right after lunch with daddy, we went to the nearest Laundromat and took lots o' pictures.  He mostly ran inside and I mostly chased him and he was just exploring and being friendly to people that would walk in...getting a little too close for my taste, so I'd have to gently remind him to let people do what they need to do and that he was having a photo shoot anyway.  

It was a really quick visit because there was only about 5 minutes in which only one other person was inside with us, while other times people were coming in and out and he would escape each time someone opened the door. It was memorable and even though it was super rainy outside that day, we had fun!

...and so ends our 5 minute trip to a new place :-)

Staring out...

We took these on a wonderful autumn afternoon after church one Sunday. They're our first family pictures!