How do I find the best Family Photographer for my family in Seattle? Seattle Family Photographer

Seattle, with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, offers an abundance of choices when it comes to family photographers. But how do you decide who's the best fit for capturing your cherished moments? Here are a few key considerations to help you make the right choice:

1. Style and Portfolio: Start by browsing through photographers' portfolios. Look for a style that resonates with you. Do you prefer candid shots or more posed portraits? Are you drawn to vibrant colors or a softer, more muted palette? Finding a photographer whose style aligns with your vision is crucial for capturing authentic and timeless family memories.

2. Experience and Expertise: Seek out photographers with experience in family photography specifically. They should have a knack for working with children and creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere during the shoot. Experienced photographers will also have the skills to handle different lighting conditions and settings, ensuring stunning results regardless of the location.

3. Reviews and Recommendations: Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or online communities. Reading reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the photographer's professionalism, communication style, and the overall client experience.

   I believe that choosing a family photographer is a personal decision. I would love to capture your family this year! CLICK HERE to find out more about family photography with me.

The Benefits of Newborn Photoshoots at Home | Seattle Newborn Photographer

Bringing a newborn into the world is such a special time filled with love, wonder, and endless moments to cherish. I have been working with newborns in one way or another since I was 22 years old. At first as a Newborn Intensive Care Nurse and then as a Newborn Photographer. I deeply understand the desire to capture these fleeting moments in the most authentic and intimate way possible. That's why I believe that having your newborn photoshoot done in the privacy and safety of your own home is an experience like no other.

I want to share with you the reasons why I advocate for home-based newborn photoshoots.

1. Comfort and Familiarity

   Home is where your heart resides, where you've meticulously designed the nursery, and where your little one will take their first steps. Choosing to have a newborn photoshoot at home ensures that your baby is in a familiar and comfortable environment, reducing the chances of you or the baby (or any family members) feeling overwhelmed or anxious during the session. The more at ease your baby and family is, the more natural and genuine their expressions and interactions will be, resulting in photographs that truly reflect your family.

2. Personal Touches

   Your home is a reflection of your unique style and personality. Incorporating your personal touches and favorite elements into the photoshoot can make the images even more meaningful. Whether it's a cherished family heirloom, a cozy blanket, or a specific room with sentimental value, these elements can add depth and sentiment to the photographs, creating a story that is exclusively yours.

3. Stress-Free Experience

   Newborns require constant care and attention, which can sometimes make taking a trip to a studio for a photoshoot quite stressful for both parents and baby. By opting for an at-home session, you eliminate the need to travel and ensure that your baby remains in their routine, making the process more relaxed for everyone involved. This relaxed atmosphere often leads to the most genuine and heartwarming moments being captured on camera.

4. Natural Lighting

   One of the key elements of exceptional photography is lighting. Natural light, in particular, lends a soft and timeless quality to the images. Your home is likely bathed in a variety of natural light sources that can be artfully used to illuminate your baby and family. By photographing in your home environment, I can utilize these natural light sources to create ethereal and beautifully lit photographs that highlight the purity and innocence of your newborn. I have been photographing babies in the home for thirteen years so don’t you worry, I can work in any home.

5. Bonding Moments

   An at-home newborn photoshoot also provides a wonderful opportunity for parents and siblings to interact with the baby in their own space. These intimate moments of bonding, laughter, and tenderness can be captured authentically, resulting in photographs that encapsulate the deep connection and love within your family.

6. Safety

   If you are going to a photography studio you are putting your baby in contact with germs and other outside influences. Your home is clean and truly the safest place for your new baby.

As a photographer who values the authenticity and uniqueness of each family, I encourage you to consider having your newborn photoshoot done in the privacy and safety of your own home. From comfort and familiarity to personal touches and stress-free experiences, the benefits of home-based newborn photography are truly unmatched. If you're ready to embark on this heartwarming journey of capturing precious moments, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. I can’t wait to capture your new baby and family!

Seattle Newborn Photography In Home | How do I prepare for my in home Newborn Photoshoot?

So you have decided that you would like to have your newborn photoshoot in your home! Great choice by the way! 🤗 But now you are wondering how to prepare. In this article I will share with you what you need to do to prepare, even if you are having your in home newborn photoshoot with another photographer, these tips will help you have the absolute best newborn photography experience possible!

1. Schedule your photoshoot in the late morning.

I typically like to arrive at 10:00am. This is for a couple of reasons. For one, having had three newborns of my own AND having photographed hundreds if not thousands of newborns over the years, I know that babies are happier and more calm in the morning. They just are. A calm baby allows you to relax into the session but also allows me, the photographer to work faster so that you can get. back to what is really important, and that is bonding with your new baby.

Second reason I like to photograph newborns in the home in the late morning is because that is when the light is the best indoors. Again, after photographing thousands of newborns and having been just as many homes, I know that no matter what the light is best and most consistent late morning indoors.

2. Don’t spend a ton of time cleaning your house before I arrive! Yes, you heard me right.

Like I said, I have had three newborns of my own. I know how intense that newborn period is. I don’t want your photoshoot with me to cause you any kind of stress. When I arrive I will take a short walk through of your home and choose the few areas that we will take the photos. Then I can help you quickly tidy up and clear any clutter in that area. There is zero need for you to clean the whole house when we likely will only be on the master bed or the couch. Promise!

3. Gather any blankets, outfits, or special items before I arrive.

If you have anything special you would like to be included in the photoshoot, it’s best to get those together before I arrive. I recommend a securely fitted onesie in a neutral color and also neutral colored swaddle blankets. Newborns are small, they don’t photograph well in dresses, outfits with colors, or outfits with bold patterns or graphics. Simple is better.

I don’t bring any blankets or outfits. it is more hygienic to use your own blankets and the baby will be more cozy in something that smells like home.

4. If it is winter, turn up the thermostat to 70 degrees. If it is summer, i will likely close the windows to avoid drafts.

This one is obvious. Babies are happier in a warm environment.

5. Feed the baby and any other kiddos before I arrive.

This one is also obvious. Babies are happier with full bellies but so are toddlers and kiddos. Oh and parents too! I love to take breastfeeding and bottle feeding newborn photos so there is plenty of time for that too. But it’s nice to start out with a happy fed baby if possible.

That is all!! Your newborn photoshoot should not be stressful and it should not take all day. I will be in and out in under two hours and you will have a gallery full of photos to help you remember this very special time! I can’t wait to capture you and your family soon!

Seattle Maternity Photographer | Why a maternity photoshoot goes perfectly with a newborn photoshoot!

When we become pregnant we may fee like we don’t want photos taken of our changing bodies. But I am here to tell you that long past that pregnancy you will want to be able to reflect back and remember what that felt like.

A maternity photoshoot is the perfect compliment to your newborn photoshoot and here is why?

It allows me to get to know you before I come into your home for your newborn photos. This is especially important when you have toddlers or other children. This way I am not a stranger and it the newborn session will run more smoothly for the siblings.

It also makes for a lovely album. When you book your newborn and maternity shoot together we prepare an album for you that combines photos from both shoots. This album will make for a treasured keepsake that will last a lifetime.

A maternity photoshoot celebrates your changing body and your growing family!

It is fun to capture all the work your body is doing during pregnancy but also to capture your family as it is before the new baby arrives!

If you book your maternity and newborn photos together you get a 50% discount on your maternity photoshoot! So it’s a no brainer!

Get To Know Elena S Blair Associate Seattle Family Lifestyle Photographer, Beth

Get To Know Elena S Blair Associate Seattle Family Photographer, Beth

Tell us a little about yourself:

Hello! I am so excited to be able to introduce myself to you! I am mom to 3 amazing humans. They are always inspiring me and challenging me to be my best self. I am recently engaged! I can’t wait to marry my love next summer. :) I am what they call an “introverted-extrovert”. I can be quiet and seem reserved when you first meet me (people have called me shy most of my life), but being around people fills me up. I love people and once you are one of my people you are there for good. I have a LOT of energy (ex college athlete here (soccer). You won’t find me sitting down much. I love kids and the chaos that comes with them:). I am a right brained dreamer and I love thinking about the possibilities life lays out sometimes very unexpectedly. I am an empath and I think that is in large part why I am so drawn to photographing people. My passion is showing my clients all of the beauty in their story.

Why do you love photographing families?

I love being able to help a family tell their story. Each one is so unique. Meeting families at any stage of their journey and being able to give them something to remember where they are at this time feels like such an honor.

What is your favorite type of location to capture a family and why?

I love to photograph families in their homes or in a special location that is familiar to them. When people are in a space that is comfortable they are more themselves. I find this particularly so with children. When kids are at ease and wanting to talk to me and show me things that are important to them, their personalities really come through in the images.

When did you become a photographer?

I started taking photographs when my ex-husband took a job in a state far away from family and friends. I was home raising our 3 babies and I wanted to document them and our life. I didn’t know until then that I was an artist. Having that camera and documenting us really brought something out in me that I didn’t know was there. After all of my children were a little older I began to take it more seriously and started taking classes and really learning and developing my style and abilities. In 2017 I decided to start my photography business.

Do you have any more session dates left on your fall calendar?

Yes! It is a busy time of year, but I do have session spots left. Weekdays or in home shoots (which are scheduled earlier in the day) are a great way to snag a spot on my schedule too. :)