Tips to Use When Scoping Out a Photographer | Orlando Newborn and Family Photographer

I've been thinking recently about what factors are important for clients when they are looking for the best photographer for them and their family, and I have some information I'd like to share.

First off, I'd recommend looking at their website and social media channels, and seeing what genres they specialize in. Photography is not always a catch all. A newborn photographer may not make a great wedding photographer and someone who focuses on posed newborns (think baby in a basket) may not have that eye for in-home lifestyle work (and vice versa). A photographer who is wonderful with rowdy toddlers may struggle posing teenagers. I specialize in lifestyle newborn sessions in the home my clients (I have been voted of the best newborn photographers in Orlando for the past two years!), as well as outdoor family sessions with younger children. It’s also clear that I have a love for pets, and adore incorporating your fur babies in any genre of photography that I am creating.



It’s also important that you ask about the photographer’s years of experience. I've been working as a photographer in the Orlando area for more than ten years and, over these years is how I’ve truly specialized in my art. If you are looking for a newborn photographer or a photographer who specializes in toddlers, knowing what experience your photographer has working with kids and babies is SO important because you want to ensure that the photographer has patience and flexibility required during these sessions.

Look for consistency and editing style in their portfolio, website, as well as social media presence. If you can’t find a lot online, before you book, ask a photographer to see a full sample gallery for the location and genre you’re inquiring about so you know what to expect as far as a final outcome. I tend to find a handful of locations close to the Oviedo area that I use for my outdoor family sessions every year. Below is an extended family session at one of my favorite spots!

If you look at my website and my social media channels, you can see that clients will receive a clean edit with true to life skin tones, and that the images will be in a lifestyle design. But, I also do my white backdrop personality portraits. Although these are different, you can still see the same personality shining through those photos...same is true of my online social media posts.

I hope you found these tips you can use when scoping out the many local talented photographers helpful, and that you find one that fits your needs and style! If you are in the Orlando, Winter Springs or Oviedo, Florida area, and I sound like the right match for you, I’d love to hear from you. Contact me here.

Lifestyle Newborn Session | Orlando Newborn Photographer

Did you know I offer a pre-session consultation with all my clients prior to a session? This call ensures all the details are worked out prior to the session. Here are a few topics that we usually cover for an in-home lifestyle newborn session.

  1. Outfits! Attire can make or break a session, and I LOVE styling my clients so that the clothing choices complement each other, and the space we will be shooting in.

  2. I love to get a virtual tour of the nursery and any other spaces I will be photographing in. Seeing the rooms in advance helps me visualize the shoot, understand the lighting in the areas, and recommend colors for your outfits that complement the space.

  3. Tips for a smooth session. I share a lot of information about how to prepare for the session, and give some pointers. Here are a couple examples:

    • I tend to incorporate a lot of hands in my photos, so while you don't need a perfect mani, it's always best to just ensure your nails are trimmed and painted solid, or no paint at all, prior to the shoot.

    • About 30 minutes before I arrive, have baby dressed in the onesie/swaddle you want him/her photographed in. This is helpful in case baby falls asleep before I arrive, I can get started right away with the sleepy shots.

    • If the crib sheet wrinkles easily, I always recommend having it ironed before the shoot to make those wrinkles less noticeable.

    • If you have a mirror in the nursery, give it a quick clean to ensure there are no finger prints on it. I love capturing reflections in mirrors during the session!

  4. I get to know more about YOUR vision for the session too. I will ask you a few questions like, if you are nursing, would you like feeding images? I’ll also find out if you would prefer for me to wear a mask during the shoot, which I have no problem with if it improves your comfort level with an outsider being inside your home.

Sometimes we cover more, but off the top of my head those are the common discussion points. Many clients tell me they love this extra service and attention to detail.

Are you expecting? I’d love to hear from you! Newborn sessions are generally booked several months in advance, so be sure to reach out while still pregnant to ensure I have space on my calendar!

In-Home Newborn Session | Orlando Newborn Photographer

Do you love looking at baby nurseries?⁠⁠
⁠⁠
At each and every in-home newborn session that I shoot, I love to capture details of the nursery that you have worked so hard to put together before your little one arrives. ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
It was hard to pick a favorite feature of this nursery, or this gallery for that matter!

Birdie Turns ONE!

One of of my favorite things about my job is when I get the opportunity to photograph milestone sessions from past newborn clients! There is something so special about documenting a baby grow. Oh, what a difference on year makes!!

Did you know that, with every newborn collection booked, you get 20% off any milestone session during baby’s first year? Some parents use it for a 6-month session, but most use it when their baby is about to turn one! I just love how Birdie’s one year photos turned out.

You can watch her first birthday video by clicking the play button, or scroll down to just view the pictures.

Orlando Baby Photographer | Ryan's 3 Month Photos

Think you missed that sweet spot for newborn photos? Think again! Ashley knew she wanted me to be the one to take baby Ryan’s first photos, but she lived out of state! She didn’t make her first trip to Orlando until Ryan was around 3 months old. When she asked me if was possible to do Ryan’s “newborn” photoshoot at her mom’s house when she was visiting I didn’t even hesitate.

Candid, lifestyle photography is all about capturing the natural beauty in everyday, so that’s exactly what I did. And I just LOVE how they turned out. We even got a few shots of Ashley’s oldest child — her fur baby!

This little one just celebrated his first birthday, and I can’t wait for him to come back to Orlando to visit so I can get some updated shots of him!

So, if you think you’ve missed that golden opportunity to have professional photographs of your new baby, consider an unposed photoshoot of your new little one in your own home. Contact me to learn more about my newborn collection.

Orlando Newborn Photographer | Welcome Baby Brother

I’ve known this little baby’s mother since high school, and it always brings a smile to my face when she picks me to be her family photographer.

Over the years, I’ve photographed her family many times, so I wasn’t surprised when she asked me to capture the story of baby Jack in their home in Clermont, Florida back in February of 2018 (see previous post — I am a bit behind on blogging haha).

I loved all of the images from this candid, in-home newborn photography session. Here are a few of my favorites.

Are you expecting? I’d love to tell the story of your growing family! I offer maternity, newborn and milestone sessions. Contact me today to learn more about my newborn photography collections! I travel around Central Florida — to areas including Oviedo, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Winter Springs, Orlando and beyond!

Welcome Baby Jack | Orlando Newborn Photographer

Today, baby Jack is on the blog. You may recognize this little guy from previous shares on my social media channels from almost one year ago. Yep, you read that right. Let’s just say 2018 was not the year of blogging. But, I’m determined to catch up on sharing all of the goodness from my 2018 newborns and families, and to be better about timely blogging in 2019. So, let’s do a little throwback Thursday and reminisce about this cutie pie’s in-home lifestyle newborn session.

Often times, I get asked “how old is too old for newborn photos?”. While posed photos of newborns usually must be taken within the baby’s first 14 days of life, my in-home lifestyle approach to photography allows me to capture your new baby’s story well beyond this typical two-week window.

I love to incorporate all of the details of the baby’s sweet nursery mama has spent so much time on, and of course include big brother or big sister and fur babies too!

Jack’s mama, who is also a professional photographer, knew that with my style of photography it was no problem that she waited until Jack was around 3 months old for his photoshoot. The extra time allowed her to look feel more like herself after birthing a new child, and allowed big sister to adjust to her new special role.

It was such a fun-filled family session with lots of giggles and love.

So, if you think you’ve missed that golden opportunity to have professional photographs of your new baby, consider an unposed photoshoot of your new little one in your own home. Contact me to learn more about my newborn collection.

Orlando Maternity and Newborn Photographer | Welcoming Little Brother

This beautiful expecting mama contacted me soon after I moved back to Central Florida. She was pregnant with her second baby (a boy this time!) and was on the hunt for a photographer to tell the story of welcoming a new baby into her family. She wasn’t looking for traditional, posed “maternity” portraits – her vision was to capture some real moments with her daughter before little brother’s arrival. And, once the baby made his arrival, she wanted a more candid approach to newborn images.

When I heard that, I immediately knew we would be a good fit for each other – and that my Belly and Baby package was the perfect collection for her since it includes a family session with a focus on the bump and in-home newborn session! 

A few weeks later, I got the call that baby boy had arrived. Once they were home and settled in, I came back for the  This sweet little guy was a dream to photograph. Here are just a few of my favorites from his gallery.  

If you’re expecting, I’d love to hear from you! I offer family (in-home and outdoors), maternity, fresh 48 and in-home newborn sessions. CONTACT ME to learn about my availability.