The BEST pregnancy annoucement

I LOVE booking extended family sessions. It always makes my heart so so so happy. Truly.

A few months ago Alexa messaged to me book a family session with her in-laws , sister in law and her husband! What I thought would be just a fun family extended session turned into so so much more!

This family was filled of so much love and happiness you felt it from every email to our first meeting. You see one of the BEST parts of extended family sessions are the amount of fun it is! I truly believe that it becomes what you make of it! An excuse to get everyone together? What is better than that?

Every extended session is broken up into pieces. Each family/couple, grandparents with grandkids, parents with kids, etc… I ask you what are your musts for every session and try to get every single one in our time together!

Well this session was about to get even better. A few weeks after the session was booked by Alexa. Joanna (her sister in law) emailed me with news that she and her husband Ross were expecting a baby and they wanted to tell the family at session!! MY HEART JUMPED FOR EVEN MORE JOY!

Searching for the BEST way to get this announcement out during the session.. and help from others who have done this, thought the best way would be to line them up for “ one last big family photo “ .. I would say okay everyone…. “ 1 2 3 say JOANNAS PREGNANT !!” Joanna would have the sonogram out at this point.

Well I said it, and no one heard… SOOOO I said it again and the reactions were COMPLETELY priceless!

I mean………. no words

Wait, the surprises aren’t over! Joanna had shirts for everyone and of course we find out the gender of baby!

IT IS A GIRL!!!!!!!!

• Don’t worry , we cleaned up the confetti ;)

Thank you Joanna and Ross for sharing this VERY SPECIAL moment in your life with me. I hope you cherish these memories forever.

What newborn photographer do I choose?

You’re having a baby! CONGRATULATIONS!

Maybe its your first baby! Maybe this is the second third or more! You want to book a newborn photographer, but there are so many around you! HOW do you choose? I am going to help you with that.

Here are some things to think about:

First question to ask yourself is WHAT images do you see hanging in your house, or giving to family?

Do you want VERY posed cute little babies in baskets and bonnets with colors to match the nursery perfectly?

Do you want siblings in the pictures? Do you want to be in them (please always say YES )

Do you want pictures done in your home? Or are you looking for a studio setting? Are you looking for simple photos? Candid? ‘Lifestyle’ setting ( Which is more of interactions/connections or posed and/or just baby )?

Is the photographer going to be handling the baby? Do they have recommendations from family/friends? Are they familiar with newborn photography? NOT every newborn photographer knows the safe/correct way to ‘pose’ a baby in every pose.

If you know a few newborn photographers, open their websites - take a look at their work, make sure its exactly what you want! Try to find five that you have seen or have come recommended and focus on those, don’t overwhelm yourself by looking through one hundred!

I hope this helps!

What are my sessions like? My sessions are usually done in your home or in my studio space - they are simple, relaxed, candid and as stress free as can be! I will capture some simple posed/wrapped/onesie photos of baby, but I am focused on your connections with your new bundle of joy!

How to prepare for your next session!

You just booked your session! YAY! Now what? How do you prepare? What should you all wear? I am going to answer all of that for you!

What you wear is important so lets start with that!

Choose your color palette first- PICK 3-4 colors and go with that. Think about the location, the time of the year and the style that you want to get from this. Everyone can express their own sense of style within that palette of colors.

You don’t need to necessarily MATCH, but coordinating is important!

Layers, different patterns on maybe one or 2 people- solid colors for the rest. Start with the kids- and build from there. No kids? Then start with yourself- and build the other person/people.

I tell all my clients. CHOOSE NEUTRAL COLORS.

If we are taking pictures at the studio which is all white/cream loose comfortable clothing! Stick to solid colors/patterns and don’t even worry about the shoes for newborn sessions or beach sessions, we are going to be comfy!

Creams, grays and tans seem to look great on everyone and typically are the go-tos if you aren’t sure what to wear! Even blues look great on everyone! This keeps the FOCUS on the people, not the clothing!

Try to stay away from anything with ‘logos or words’ Of course I love cute quoted shirts, but bring those as a bonus for the kiddos- for babies, keep them comfy. Solid onesies are the way to go, they don’t slide up and block those adorable faces or details!

Remember, you want these photos to hang on walls, put in rooms- keep the colors close to colors that would match your home, and style! If you don’t like to wear dressy clothes - then don’t! Is your home light and bright? moody and dark? Keep it to match you.

Add a POP of color!

The summer/spring it seems to be the corals/light blues, the fall seems to be mustard and I honestly LOVE how it photographs! As long as it isn’t too neon color- then it photographs so nicely!

Choosing THE outfit.

You want to pick outfits that you feel comfortable in, that you’ll be able to sit/bend and move easily in. But you also want to feel beautiful, the more comfortable you are- the better it will photograph! You want it to reflect who you are. Something you would wear!

Keep the session in mind.

Where are we taking pictures? City style? Studio? Woods? Field? Park? You would want to wear what you would in the environment. The woods/fields/parks- maybe a cute pair of flats, boots or sandals. Beach- DITCH The shoes!! Newborn sessions at home, a nice pair of socks maybe or barefoot!

Don’t over think this: Keep it simple, relaxed and comfortable! Lets have some fun!

Connecticut family and newborn photographer // 2018 newborn sessions wrapped up

Well hello friends, it been way too long since I blogged- let alone blogged a session. I seriously am making it a goal to blog MORE in 2019. So help me keep accountable.

Since I missed the entire year of 2018 except one time. I am going to give you a wrap here all HERE… so here it goes.

2018 wrap up:

Lets start with all the babies…

February:

I met Elliot + spent the morning with his sweet family in their home.

I love being able to come to your home to capture these precious moments! Elliot, his big sister, dog and parents were easy going and laid back.. always makes the session go so smoothly!

Next up in February was Logan, his sweet parents + guard dogs <3

Logan didn’t want anything to do with sleeping, but that’s totally OK- we got some amazing sweet moments.

To end February was Salem, her brother + parents

I love the way that big brother Asher cared for his little sister!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO ALL THE FEBRUARY BABIES <3

MARCH

First up, Maelyn <3 Jess and I have grown a great friendship over the last few years, I always LOVE photographing her beautiful family.

Next up was Annelise + James… I LOVE TWINS! Im from a family of twins, and I nannied for twins- I just LOVE the connection of them. Isabelle is my cousins best friend, and she’s the sweetest! So of course I LOVE being able to capture these special moments.

APRIL

This sweet family: William was sweet as ever, it just matches his parents!

I loved being able to get some photos of this beautiful mama with her baby bump before Elyse arrived to the world! Damien is seriously the sweetest most gentle toddler i’ve ever met.

Finnn was and IS ( he was just in my studio last weekend ) one of the sweetest babies- goes with his parents, Always smiling, and such a happy baby! Plus he’s an October baby- and OF course that’s my favorite month ;)

I have about 10 newborn sessions that are not featured due to not wanting to be advertised, I always respect that! :) So we are skipping to the last session of the year.. and this one was at the new studio space!

What you don’t see is that dad got totally pooped on.. ha! But it was 100% worth it <3

I love having the studio space as an option, because not everyone wants me in their home! My newborn sessions are easy, laid back and I focus on your connection to the baby.

Connecticut Newborn Photographer // Ellington, CT

On February 9, 2018 I met 2 week old Elliot at his home with his family.  He was the sweetest little thing, who did not make one fuss! 

Elliot is welcomed to the family by his big sister and furry brother ;) 

There is always something extra special about doing in home newborn sessions. I get to capture more than just the family- but their home. The place they became a family, where firsts will be made. Even if it isn't a "forever" home, it is still HOME. 

And of course he is much loved

Thank you the entire Mirsky family for welcoming me into your home and allowing me to capture such a special moment. 

Connecticut Family Photographer // She said YES!

Since I started photography I have had a proposal on my list of must get! I was so excited when a co-worker reached out to me about her sons proposal.  Of course YES was the answer.  The day was perfect, I was so nervous and anxious as I sat waiting for the adorable couple to meet us outside at the Vineyard. 

Rob is a Pilot and it was very meaningful to him to propose at Salt Water Vineyard in Stonington, Connecticut.  I sat on the side as they made their way towards the runway.. 

The time has come..   

You can guess by her face... she SAID YES! 

The love between these 2 glows.  Melissa had a smile from ear to ear the entire time.  <3 

I loved every minute of the session and I look forward to watching their next chapter in their lives <3 Thank you Rob + Melissa for allowing me to share this special day! 

Ellington Family Photographer // Newborn Photo Session //Dominic

Ive known Jess for quite sometime now- and when she asked me to be her newborn photographer I was honored!  Dominic Lorenzo Abrusci was a sweetheart! He was awake almost the entire time- guess he didn't want to miss much ;) 

Jess + Steve are excited sweet new parents! 

Dominic didn't want to miss a beat our entire session + but he was so sweet, it did not matter! 

Thank you Abrusci Family for sharing such a special moment in your lives! <3 

Ellington Family Photographer // Kennedy Twin Boys + Mom

I met Kiera and her sweet twin toddler boys back in October- one of the first things she told me was that her boys wouldn't sit for pictures.  And for me that is totally ok. I said thats fine, lets let them be them! Since then we have done a few sessions together, and I have learned a lot about Maddox + Mason. 

Recently I spent a few hours with Kiera, Maddox and Mason in their home-- it was nothing less then fun! Sometimes I find that people don't really understand what stay at home moms do!  OR how they do it. 

Well here is a peek into a morning....

Being a mom means that you are a chef, nurse, maid, teacher and more... your job is never done. I watched Kiera fold the same 2 pieces of laundry 3x this morning. And then watched Mason go over there and take it apart! HA.    To me these kiddos are so happy and they for sure LOVE their momma! What else matters?

Sessions don't have to be stressful... let me come to you and capture the moments you wouldn't even think are a big deal.  

thank you Kiera, Maddox + Mason for sharing your day with me! 

CT Family Photographer // A Day In The Life \\ Ellington, CT

Theres nothing more special than sitting back and watching a family interact with each other. Documentary photography has been something Ive been wanting to do since I started. But needed to just start it!  

 A few months ago I was able to meet Jess, Ben and Annabelle for her 1st birthday. They are just the sweetest little family.   Jess invited me back for a morning to hang out with them!  So what does a morning look like in their house?

Well.. 

There is bed head, and a cute little face running around.  

Pancakes, giggles and coffee... well maybe not enough?

Sorry Jess, I hear Ben drinks all the coffee around here. 

There is also lots of daddy-daughter chats 

and

doggy kisses..

Family time together doesn't have to be anything fancy, your photo sessions don't have to be anything fancy.  You can hang in your pjs, let me do all the work <3 

Dance in your living room, like no one is watching 

Thank you Jess, Annabelle + Ben for sharing your morning with me <3

CT Family Photographer // Nieland family // { South Windsor, CT }

I had met Sabrina + Carter through some cool/awesome Moms that I had met out in the Facebook world.  Sabrina had won a Mommy and Me photo session, but her sweet hubby wanted to of course be included!  I wouldn't ever turn that down, so we had a great family session! 

Carter is 2, and you know what 2 year olds don't do long?...Sit.  So we have to make sure we keep them busy, which of course is fine with me! So we spent some time of the session chasing him around, blowing wishes in flowers and just having an easy fun time! 

Carter is one silly little boy, who loves his mom + dad very much.  I love when you are around a family and can just feel all the love they have for each other. 

We for sure had some good laughs during this session, there was this little bridge that they were sitting near and Carter thought it would be funny to take off his shoes! Silly boy,  Well one of the shoes fell in the water. Brad tried hard to get the shoe until a nice stranger who was walking by decided to help! Luckily, we did rescue the very wet shoe! 

LOL, it will for sure be a story to tell Carter when he gets older! :)  Glad he got the shoe. 

Thank you Carter, Brad & Sabrina for allowing me to share these special memories with you! I look forward to the next time we work together   <3 

Ellington Family Photographer // Addison, Newborn Session

I love catching up with old friends.  Especially when I am meeting their sweet little new addition! I was honored when Kristol and Dave reached out to me for their newborn photography. 

Addison Grace Tepper was a perfect little peanut

When you are a new parent or just a parent with a newborn the last thing I want you to do is stress; I always come to you, and try to make sure you don't stress if they are fussing, won't sleep, etc. Well little Addison wouldn't sleep, she was fighting it. Guess she wanted to hang out with us! Which is totally OK with me. 

Kristol and Dave are so calm,  gentle and sweet.    Little Addison is a lucky girl to have such great parents.  We cant of course forget about the 1st baby of the house- he's a little furry , and his kisses may be slobbery but he's loved oh so much and loves his baby sister already! 

So much love in the Tepper house! Thank you all for allowing me to share this special moment with you all. I look forward to watching addison grow + seeing you on the next milestone!