Why I don't Pose Newborns | Baby Led Posing by Elena S Blair

As a former NICU nurse, newborn safety and comfort are the foundation of everything I do as a Seattle newborn photographer. Babies are born perfect just as they are, and I believe they should never be placed in unsafe or unnatural positions during their photoshoot. My approach is simple: I photograph newborns in the comfort of their own home, capturing their natural beauty during this precious and fleeting time.

Natural, Safe Newborn Photography in Seattle

When I photograph your baby, I prioritize safety and comfort above all else. While I love capturing images of your little one snuggled in your arms, I also take photos of them in safe, natural positions when they’re on their own. If your baby needs soothing, I gently calm them, but the moment they cry, they’re back in your arms where they belong.

I don’t expect babies to be asleep or behave a certain way during the session. My job is to document this unique moment in your family’s story, and I do it in a way that honors who you all are—including your baby’s natural behavior.

Authentic Newborn Photography Without Distractions

In my photography, I avoid poses or props that distract from the essence of your baby. As a Seattle newborn photographer, I believe in capturing the real, raw beauty of your newborn without any unnecessary distractions. My goal is to provide you with images that reflect this intimate time in your life, allowing you to relive these moments for years to come.

Top 5 Reasons to Hire Me as Your Seattle Family Photographer

The Pacific Northwest offers some of the most stunning natural backdrops, making it an ideal setting for your family photos. Here are the top five reasons why you should choose me as your family photographer in the Seattle area!

1. Expertise in Seattle Family Photography

With over 14 years of experience, I specialize in capturing authentic moments that showcase your family’s unique connection. My deep knowledge of Seattle’s best locations and lighting techniques ensures your photos will be nothing short of spectacular. I was the first in our town to take family photography outdoors, using the beautiful parks, beaches, mountains scapes and fields as my studio! I know the best locations. Promise you that!

2. Natural, Relaxed Posing

I focus on creating a laid-back atmosphere where your family can be themselves. This natural approach results in genuine smiles and timeless photos that you’ll treasure forever. I will never put you and your family in stiff or unnatural poses!

3. Incorporating Seattle’s Scenic Beauty

From the lush greenery of local parks to the stunning views of the Puget Sound, I know how to blend Seattle’s natural beauty with your family’s story. The result? Gorgeous, location-inspired images that are uniquely yours.

4. Personalized Experience

I take the time to understand your family’s style and preferences, ensuring that your session reflects who you are. From start to finish, I’m dedicated to making your experience seamless and enjoyable.

5. High-Quality, Timeless Photos

I don’t pay attention to trends! I have been photographing families the same way for 14 years! You can trust me.

Choosing the right family photographer in Seattle means finding someone who understands both your vision and the unique beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Let’s create stunning, memorable images together.

Seattle Preschool Photographer | School Portrait Photography

Why You Should Book Preschool Portraits for Your Preschool

Preschool is a fleeting time where little ones growing fast! Even if your preschool is small, you should hire a professional photographer to capture your annual portraits!

Why My Approach to preschool photography Stands Out

1. Comfort and Fun: Kids should feel comfortable and have fun during their photoshoots. I know how to engage with young children, making them laugh and smile naturally. No forced poses or awkward smiles—just genuine, happy moments.

2. Experience Matters: With 12 years of experience in preschool photography, I’ve mastered the art of capturing those fleeting expressions and playful interactions. I know the tricks to get even the shyest kids to open up and show their true personalities.

3. Beautiful, Natural School Photos: My style is all about capturing the natural beauty and spirit of each child. No cheesy backdrops or stiff poses—just authentic, heartwarming photos that families will cherish.

Building a Sense of Community

School portraits are more than just photos; they help build a sense of community. When families receive their child’s portraits, it strengthens the connection between home and school. It’s a wonderful way to involve families and make them feel a part of the preschool experience.

Convenient for Everyone

Let’s face it, parents are busy! Booking a professional photographer to come to the preschool makes life easier for everyone. No need to schedule separate studio visits or deal with the hassle of getting kids ready for a special trip. I handle everything on-site, making it a smooth and stress-free experience.

Quality Products That Last

From stunning prints to beautiful canvases, I offer high-quality products that stand the test of time. Families can choose how they want to display their child’s portraits, knowing they’ll have a lasting keepsake to treasure.

Personalized Service

Every preschool is unique, and I tailor my approach to match the vibe of your school. Whether it’s capturing the playful energy of the kids or creating more classic portraits, I customize each session to get the best results.

Let’s Make It Happen!

Booking preschool portraits is an easy way to capture these precious moments. If you’re in the Seattle or Bellevue area, I’d love to help you create beautiful, lasting memories for your preschool community. Lets get the conversation started!

How to dress for a Seattle Family Photoshoot

Photo day is coming up and you are wondering what the heck to wear! I get it, you have invested in family photography and you want to look your best. Here are some quick tips on how to select great outfits for your family photoshoot!

1. Make sure everyone feels comfortable. Even though it is fun to dress our kids up in fancy clothes, I have found that if a child feels uncomfortable in their outfits it will make the photoshoot more difficult. When selecting clothing for photo day make sure that there are no itchy tags, no stiff material, and that the child feels good in the outfit. This can easily be achieved by allowing kids to try on the outfits to be sure they are comfortable prior to the photoshoot. This goes for the adults in the family too. Make sure everyone tries on their outfits and that they can easily move in them!

2. Allow kids to be part of the clothing selection. The goal is for these photos to take you back to this moment in time! I really recommend allowing the kids to take part in the clothing selection. Give them a handful of options and let them be the one who decides that they will ultimately wear. This will really help them feel like they are part of the planning and help them to get excited about the photoshoot!

3. Don’t break the bank! I recommend starting to form the outfits based on what mom is going to wear. So, mom, pick out a outfit you love and then build the family around your choice. Chances are you have something you have been wanting to wear but you haven’t had to occasion to wear it yet! Start there! Zara & Amazon are my two favorite places to buy kids clothing that will not break the bank!

4. Accessorize! Hats, scarfs, and layers are a great way to add interest to an outfit and can be a fun way to get kids excited about the photoshoot!

Ultimately, make sure you feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing for your photoshoot! I can’t wait to capture you!

What to Wear for School Photo Day: Tips from Your Seattle School Photographer

What to Wear for School Photo Day

Preparing for school photo day in Seattle? Weather you are working with us or another photographer, choosing the right outfit for your child can make a big difference in how their portrait turns out. As your Seattle school photographer, I'm here to help guide you through selecting the perfect attire that will ensure your child's photo looks timeless and beautiful.

Keep It Simple and Solid

For Fine Art School Portraits, solid colors are the way to go. These help in keeping the focus on your child’s face and expressions without any distractions. Solid colors create a classic look that won’t date the photo as trends change. Avoid loud, neon colors which can reflect oddly on skin tones and detract from the natural beauty of your child’s features. I can’t say this enough.. NO NEON or your kids face will be neon.

Choose Comfortable, Classic Tops

Since all shots are shoulder-up, the focus should really be on the upper part of your child’s outfit. Choose a top that is comfortable for your child, as a relaxed kid is more likely to show genuine expressions. Opt for classic collars or simple necklines that frame their face well. Think about textures too; a soft, knitted sweater or a smooth cotton shirt can add a nice touch without overpowering the photo. Also, make sure the child’s shirt fits well.

Avoid Distracting Accessories

Hats and large bows might look cute, but they can overshadow your child's face in a portrait. It's best to avoid these as they can also create shadows or obscure facial features. Similarly, keep hair accessories simple and functional rather than decorative.

Hair and Grooming

Make sure your child’s hair is neat and tidy, keeping it out of their eyes. This not only helps in capturing their full expressions but also ensures that their face is clearly visible, contributing to a polished and professional-looking portrait. A simple hairstyle will complement the classic nature of the portrait without causing distractions.

What to Avoid

It’s best to steer clear of tops with logos, graphics, or bold patterns. These elements can distract from the main focus of the portrait—your child’s expressions. Also, overly bright or neon colors can create unflattering shadows and highlights on the face, so it’s better to choose more subdued shades.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the goal is to capture the essence of your child’s personality through these portraits, so dressing them in something they feel good and comfortable in is key. If you have any doubts or need further advice on what to choose, don’t hesitate to contact us at Elena S. Blair Photography. We’re here to make sure your child’s school photo day is a success!

Looking forward to capturing beautiful, timeless portraits of your children this school year!