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!

Adorama Photo Walk in NYC | Urban Family Photoshoot Ideas

Urban or street photography is somewhat common. But Urban Family Photography is a bit more new to the industry.

I hear a lot of photographers ask “what do you do about the other people all over?” “How do you deal with distracting objects in the background?”

When photographing a family in an urban setting I suggest that you really embrace what makes the city so lively. Warn your clients that there will be some “strangers” in the background in some of the photos. Don’t try and wait for cars to pass, allow the traffic to be part of the story.

Take advantage of the colors and textures that are present in an urban setting.

I pose and guide EXACTLY the same as I would in a field or at a beach, I just embrace the surroundings.

That being said. I do try and find a few spots where I can grab a few portraits without too many distractions. I do this but placing my family right up against a building or by finding a little park nearby.

Don’t be afraid to think on your feet. In the shoot featured here, we walked around the Union Square area in New York City and stopped when we saw fun and beautiful areas. A fire station, an ice cream truck, a public market. We simply enjoyed ourselves.

This shoot was part of my Photo Walk that I did with Adorama last month. There were 50 students along with me. It was super fun!

Have fun and be creative with your next urban session. I know I love doing them!

Family Posing Made Easy | Course for Family Photographers by Elena S Blair

If you sign up for my Family Posing Made Easy course, I share ALL of my base poses for connected family posing. You will be given actionable steps that you will be able to implement immediately. I will share with you exactly what I say to execute each pose. You will get tips on how to maximize each pose so you can get as many images as possible from each pose. You will learn how to make each pose unique to both your artistic style and each individual family's dynamic. 

In addition, you will be added to an amazing online community of active family photographers from all over the world. We host monthly cover contests and below are this month's cover submissions. Check them out and click the button below to learn more about Family Posing Made Easy!

Cover photo by Karra Cappelli.

Karra Cappelli "The course has made me more vocal and confident with my families!"

www.karralynnphotography.com

Mary Ann Cozza "This course was exactly what I was looking for, but didn't know how to ask for. The clear instructions and visual examples helped me put my vision into action. Plus, it gave me the confidence to break some photography rules I thought I needed to follow. Thanks!"

www.maryanncozzaphotography.com | www.facebook.com/maryanncozzaphotography

Sarah Hailey "I love Elena's posing course. The way she broke everything down really resonated with me. It a wonderful guide that left me with a ton of posing ideas that I can modify to fit any family."

www.sarahhaileyphotography.com | https://www.facebook.com/sarahhaileyphotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/sarahhaileyphoto/

Shannon Garbaccio "The best thing about Elena's class is that you can take the base poses she gives you and completely make them your own. It helps you understand where to start, and then the sky's the limit!"

shannongarbaccio.com | https://www.instagram.com/shannongarbacciophoto/ | https://www.facebook.com/shannongarbacciophotography/

Cari Anne Bradley "Elena’s teachings have been such a blessing!!"

Facebook.com/cariannephotography | https://cariannephotography.com/ | Instagram.com/carianne_photography

Kellie Benich "My beautiful friend's due date is TODAY! I'm diving in with practicing what I've learned from Elena's family posing made easy guide - I love how you can just forget the "rules" and focus on capturing the family's love and personality unfold."

https://www.facebook.com/photosbykelliebenich/

Jodie Faulder "Elena is an advocate for so many, and I know she wants so much for us all. I appreciate how giving of her time and knowledge she is. Her courses and materials have given me support and power to direct, but to also to let things 'be'. I don't feel intense pressure before a shoot as I know I am equipped to handle a few scenarios or options that will allow me to deliver a great gallery."

www.jodiefaulder.co.nz

Rebecca Lueck "This course has made such a difference in my posing and helping me get more variety. I feel like I was running out of ideas and this has reenergized my brain! The poses are adaptable to your situation and I personally like to try and create games within the pose, or think of fun or sweet prompts to use with them."

Www.Beccajeanphotography.Com | Facebook.com/beccajeanphotography | Instagram.com/beccajeanphotography

Kristen Pay "This course was pivotal in me overcoming fears and stepping out of my comfort zone. It was a turning point in my career. It helped guide me on how to direct people - not just families, but couples as well. The ideas and posing directions have helped me become even more creative in my own ideas. It's so nice to have a resource that not only teaches and explains, but also provides a great reference, and "starting point" that you can build off of."

kristenpayphotography.com | https://www.instagram.com/kristen_pay_photography_/?hl=en
| https://www.facebook.com/kristenpayphotography/

Robyn Scherer

https://www.facebook.com/robynschererphotography/

Hali Resney Tomczak

https://www.facebook.com/sweetlivphotography/

Baby Jack at Home | Seattle Family Photography with ESB Associate

When we first hired Chelsea, we just knew she had a knack for capturing families in their truest element. In addition to having a little one of her own, she’s also the kind of person who leads with love and joy, which truly shows in her work.

This mom and dad are so full of life and love for each other and their little one. Check out some highlights from their sweet home session below :)

Interested in booking a session with an associate? Click the button below!

Family Posing Made Easy | Elena S Blair Education for Photographers

As an instructor, my goal isn't to show my students how to be like me; I want to show my students how to be uniquely themselves. I'm so proud to say they do just that!

So I wanted to share some of their beautifully connected family shots from our group's monthly cover contest. Check out their work below!

And if you're interested in learning more, register for the Family Posing Made Easy intro webinar below! 

Kimberly Ann Williams

Emily Dowell

https://www.facebook.com/emilydowellphotography

Jennifer LaGrange "Before Elena’s course I would have never been able to capture connection that felt natural. My momma’s hearts melt now when they see their photos with their babies 😊

Www.jenniferlagrangephotography.com

Cari Bradley "This course has helped me focus in on the photos I knew I loved and helped me discover why I love them! It has helped me define my why and focus in on the photos I want to take 💕"

http://cariannephotography.com/

Malerie Veillon "This course seemed to come right when I needed it! The perfect resource for posing in a natural and connected way." 

www.joyfuljanephotography.com

Rivkah Leah Gelb "The FPME class offers great formulas to us when working with my clients! It’s encouraged me to get in and adjust clients and know that I can choose to THAT photographer who does that to ensure the results I want!"

www.facebook.com/selfimagephotos

Amy Erickson "Until this course came along, I was getting frustrated with getting those seemingly unposed shots during my sessions. I didn't understand how to guide my families to create the shots I had in mind. But this course changed all that and gave me the confidence to guide the people in front of my camera. Elena is a master at teaching and sharing her knowledge. I am forever grateful for all she does and shares!"

www.amyjoericksonphotography.com

Stacey Nagile "Thank you."

https://www.facebook.com/staceynagliephotography