Baby James | Seattle Newborn Photographer

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Baby James | Seattle Newborn Photographer

I know I have said this a million times and I know I will say it a million times again but I love newborn photography. My sessions are super chill. I know how much is going on in your house when you have a newborn baby. Last thing I want you to do is feel stress about your baby acting a certain way for perfect photos. Your baby is perfect just as he or she is and I will show you that. I will come into your home and capture you just as you are. I use my experience as a NICU nurse to keep your baby safe and comfortable all while using my experience as an artist to create timeless images for you and your family to last a life time. 

This session was so heart warming. Baby James was named after his grandfathers and both were present for the shoot. We got many images of baby James in the arms of his grandparents. Then, we captured him with his big sister and his parents.

It was a sunny spring morning here in Seattle and the warmth of the sun filled their home. But the warmth of their love is what left me leaving with a smile on my face and happiness in my heart. 

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I Am A Camera Gear Minimalist | Photography Tips For Canon Users

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I Am A Camera Gear Minimalist | Photography Tips For Canon Users

Elena S Blair Photography Canon Lenses Must Have Camera Gear

Hi Friend, 
I hope you are having a wonderful week! 

I don't know about you, but when I was first starting out I thought I needed a ton of expensive camera gear to be a good photographer. I also thought to be considered a "professional" I had to have the latest camera body and a bag full of lenses. Not to mention an expensive camera bag at that! 

This was a major point of stress for me as we were on a very tight budget seven years ago. The only reason we had a DSLR was because we used our tax return money for it. But I wanted to make this business work so bad! So bad! So I decided to forge ahead with my Canon 50D and a 50mm 1.4 lens. 

I grew my business from nothing to a regular business with that gear alone. No other lenses. I made a pact to myself that I would not spend money on my business that I didn't make from my business. 

Of course, I have since upgraded but I still remain very minimal with my gear. I have a Canon 5D miii, a 35 mm 1.4, a 50mm 1.2, and a 135 mm 2.0. I also have a macro (non L) lens that I bought used. 

I use a combo of the 35 and 135 for family sessions and occasionally bring out the 50. 
http://www.elenasblairphotography.com/seattle-family-photographer/

I use the 35 almost exclusively for newborn sessions. I bring out the macro lens for about 5 minutes of each shoot. 
http://www.elenasblairphotography.com/newborn-photography-seattle/

I use the 50 exclusively for school shoots. 
http://www.elenasblairphotography.com/school-photography-seattle/

Everyone asks me when I plan to upgrade to the Mark IV. At this point I have no plans to. My miii works just fine and I have no need to drop nearly 4K just to have the latest gear. I will need a real reason to do that. 

I think starting my journey with a basic body and one lens made me a better photographer. It forced me to get creative in tight spaces (the 50D is a crop censor) and it inspired me to learn how to be *really* good with minimal gear rather than relying on lenses for effect or quality. 

If you are ready to upgrade, I recommend renting first. You may not love a lens that someone else is raving about. It really is a personal preference. 

So don't let other peoples massive gear stashes pressure you. The gear is nice, but it's the artist behind the lens that makes the photograph. 

Xoxo,

Elena
 

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Baby Taylor | Seattle Newborn Photography

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Baby Taylor | Seattle Newborn Photography

Stephanie was our real estate agent when we moved back to Seattle from New Mexico in 2009. She quickly became a friend. 

This sweet family had two babies in 18 months and I was lucky enough to be invited into their amazing home to capture both babies. They love their baby girls fiercely and it is always a pleasure being in their warm and inviting space. Stephanie is a skilled designer so every detail in their home is perfect. 

Newborn photography is absolutely a passion of mine. These moments are fleeting and need to be documented. I am honored I get to do it so frequently. 

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Baby Eleanor (Nora) | Seattle Newborn Photographer

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Baby Eleanor (Nora) | Seattle Newborn Photographer

Do you ever have the feeling that people come into your life for a reason? I mean like every single person?

I feel like this about the families that I capture. Jenny contacted me for a maternity and newborn package. We have since gone on to stay in touch online and we have a ton in common. ;) She is a strong and motivated mother, doctor, AND business owner. I am lucky to have met her. 

Their newborn session was laid back and fun. We chatted about live with kids and I captured them enjoying their sweet new baby. Newborn Photography is such a gift and I am lucky to be able to do it. 

Enjoy! 

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Baby Juliet | Seattle Newborn Photography

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Baby Juliet | Seattle Newborn Photography

If there is one type of session I am most excited about right now it is this type. Fresh 48 newborn photography, or as I like to call it, birth space sessions. To capture a baby this fresh is a true honor. Get in touch with me if you think you would like this time captured for your family here in Seattle. I can't wait to meet you! 

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