6 Month Milestone Session | South Jersey Photographer

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a thousand times again, I absolutely LOVE when a client comes back to me and I get to watch their babies grow! It is my favorite part of this job, and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it.

Miss Layla came back to the studio last month for her 6 month sitter/milestone session and it was so much fun seeing her again! We also got some great shots of her and big sister, Juliet! Look at this fun comparison from 6 months ago until now!

A lot of people forget to document the 6 month age, they’ll book a newborn session and then a smash cake session at one year, but forget about all the fun milestones in between! DONT miss this session! 6 months is so much fun to capture because your baby’s personality is really starting to come out and we capture ALLLL the smiles! You’d be surprised how much they can change in just those 6 months between 6-12 months!

If you’re thinking of capturing your baby’s 6 month photos, lets chat about options! Our grow with me plan allows you to capture every milestone at a discounted price so you never miss a session!

In the meantime, check out some favorites from miss Layla’s session

Why you should consider booking a Mini Session | New Jersey Newborn and Portrait Photographer

Benefits of a Mini Session vs a Full Session

I LOVE meeting new families and connecting with my clients. Hanging out and making memories with my clients is one of the best parts of my job! One of my favorite ways to meet new clients is through mini sessions! Now, lets start off with what is a mini session?

Mini Sessions are about 15-20 minutes typically at a set location on a specific date (usually back to back) and include a small amount of digital images with their price. While it may seem like you are not getting a lot out of these sessions, I truly believe that mini sessions serve a special purpose and have a special place in my heart. Here’s a few reasons why—

1. They’re more affordable! Its no secret that life is EXPENSIVE these days and while I wish I could lower my prices for everyone, thats just not feasible. Full sessions are priced appropriately in order for photographers to make a livable wage and cover their costs, but we understand that it could be out of budget for some— so thats why mini sessions could be a great alternative to fit your budget while still being able to capture your beautiful family memories.

2. They’re quick! Quick sessions are great for a few reasons - Little kiddos have such a short attention span that sometimes a full hour is too much! A 20 minute session is the perfect amount of time for your kiddos to have some fun, get some snuggles and be done before throwing a fit to leave. And do not be fooled, you can get A LOT of images in this short amount of time. Your photographer will snap away and you will be shocked at how many amazing photos can come from these sweet sessions. Another great thing about these quick sessions is that they won’t take too much time out of your day. If you have something else going on that day, it can be pretty easy to squeeze these in super quick without throwing your whole day off!

3. They’re great for those who just want a few photos While having a whole gallery to choose from is great for most sessions, certain times you may only just want a couple photos for a holiday card, or to print on your wall. You might not always need a full gallery of images (although it can be SO hard to choose), so these are perfect for those situations!

4. They’re a great way to meet your photographer Sometimes it can be nice to meet and work with your photographer before full committing to a full session. Seeing how they interact with you and getting a taste of the experience will have you itching to come back!! ;)

So what do you think?? Whether you choose to book a full session or a mini session, I can’t wait to create beautiful memories for you and your family! If you’re still unsure about which option is best for you, reach out and we can chat!

5 Tips to Making a Photo Session Easier With Kids | South Jersey Newborn and Portrait Photographer

Family portrait season is coming back in just a few months and trust me, I KNOW how stressful preparing can be. Photo day can be intense.. kids are put on a stage and expected to perform for a total stranger, they are bound to be a little extreme and that’s okay! If you’re preparing for a photo session with your children, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive. Children aren’t always easy to deal with, which is why the below tips will definitely come in handy before your upcoming photo session.

1. Don't make a huge deal out of it. If you're stressed out and cranky, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Their behavior will usually be better if you are relaxed and having fun. You may have to make some compromises to keep the peace such as letting your energetic daughter's hair stay straight instead of curling it into because she won't sit still. Focus on the big picture and don't sweat the small stuff.

2. Make it fun. Let the kids just be kids! I cater my sessions towards a more lifestyle/documentary look where I use very limited “poses”. Interact with each other-snuggle in close, play tag, etc. If you wanted a few “smile and look” photos, and are struggling to get your kids to sit still, turn the photo session into a game. Simon Says usually works like a charm.

3. Be prepared.  If you're going to be out for several hours, ensure that your children are well rested and have had their nap. Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. If they have a favorite toy, bring it along! If you happen to be shooting in a remote location, you never know when you might need something like bug spray, tissues or a first aid kit so bring that along too. ( I usually stock up on snacks and bug spray as well)

4. Be patient. Save your sanity by trying not to control the photo session too much. Sometimes the best photos come from kids just doing their own thing. Work with your photographer and trust that they will capture all those inbetween and intimate moments.

5.  Have a chat. Get your children talking to both you and the photographer about topics such as school or their favorite songs. This allows them to feel more comfortable around your photographer and will also give your photographer a chance to capture a few candid and cute expressions. I always send out a questionnaire before our session so I know how to relate to your child!

At the end of the day, these photo sessions document our life. I expect all children to be wild and emotional. Photo day can be intense.. kids are put on a stage and expected to perform for a total stranger, they are bound to be a little extreme and that’s okay! So show up to your session mentally prepared to let your littles be a little extra... and maybe have a little wine ready for when you get home for yourself ;)

Beautiful Family Session on the Bay | South Jersey Family Photographer

The Riggio Family | Cape May

As summer starts to come to an end, I definitely know I am going to miss these gorgeous beach portrait sessions! I LOVE all things fall, but there’s just something so special about capturing these special moments down the shore.

The other night I had the pleasure of meeting this gorgeous family down in their summer home and we had the BEST time.

Scroll through some of my favorites for that night!