How Photography Has Brought Me Real Life Connections | Seattle Maternity and Newborn Photographer

I fall in love with all the families I get to capture. I mean that. They’re not just “clients” to me. I see most of my families at least once a year (if not several times) and have been seeing them for YEARS. They are absolutely my friends. So when they move, I legit feel like a friend is moving away. 

This family announced they were moving to NOLA right after I captured their littlest guy a few weeks ago.

Well as it turns out, I’m actually going to be in NOLA for The Family Narrative in March and I realized I needed models for one of my classes. I emailed them and they said YES!! I can’t wait to take their photos again. As you can see, I’ve had the honor of capturing a few milestones for them so far and I’m looking forward to many more sessions with them.

Photography has brought me so many opportunities and so many wonderful friendships. I will never take it for granted! 

If you’re curious about my upcoming workshops, classes and speaking engagements, click the button below. :)

Newborn Led Posing | Baby Led Posing | Natural Newborn Posing | Seattle Newborn Photographer

The journey of an artist is a long one.

There was a time when I brought a newborn posing bag, a stock pile of props and hats, and a space heater to my newborn shoots. It took a lot of trial and error, self discovery, and facing my fears to realize that I didn't enjoy posed newborn photography. It really wasn't in line with my "why" and my overall values as a human.

“Baby Led Posing”

Now, I practice what I call "Baby Led Posing." This means that I don't ever put a baby in an unnatural pose, that I don't spend countless hours calming or posing my babies, and that ultimately, I don't really pose at all.

Sure, I do place my newborns for portraits, however I don't "pose" in the way that many traditional newborn photographers do.

Four reasons I don’t pose newborns:

1. I don't believe that babies should be out of their parents arms for any extended amount of time. You see, I used to be a Newborn Intensive Care Nurse. During those years I learned that a newborn needs to be held, nourished, and ultimately with their parents and in their arms as much as possible. It doesn't make sense to me to have a baby on a beanbag or an surface away from their parents for an extended amount of time, even if in the name of photography. During my sessions, babies spend most of their time in their parents arms, where they belong, in my humble opinion.

2. I think babies are beautiful as they are. The natural unfolding of a newborns limbs when the stretch, the way they curl up when placed on their belly for a moment, they way they look when comfortably swaddled, all of that is so simple and beautiful to me. That is how I want to remember my babies so that is how I capture them.

3. Frankly, I don't think major posing is safe. If a baby has to be molded into an unnatural position, I believe their safety is at risk and that is not worth it to me, even in the name of a pretty photo.

4. I don't want my photo sessions to be stressful. When I used to pose babies, I would spend up to four hours at a session, trying to make the baby sleep, trying to get the poses just right etc. I know what it's like to have a newborn. It is already so stressful. I want my families to know that I think their babies are perfect as they are. Awake or asleep. Placed on a bed or in their parents arms. I have no expectations. I am in and out of my families homes in under two hours now that I don't pose. I don't wan to invade their precious time any longer than that.

The Takeaway: Babies are perfect.

There you have it. My top 4 reasons why I don't pose newborns, mostly, because I think babies are absolutely perfect as they are. You can check out more of my Newborn work by clicking HERE if you are curious.

Xoxo,

Elena

What Does Lifestyle Photography Mean? | Seattle Family Lifestyle Photographer

The term “Lifestyle”

I wanted to talk a little bit about the term "Lifestyle" since it is one that is quite often thrown around in our industry and it is what people of use to describe my work.

The words we use to describe our work matter very little in my mind. What matters is how I work makes those who view it feel.

However, as humans we like to label things and use words so Lifestyle it is. ;)

What is “Lifestyle” photography?

Lifestyle photography sits comfortably between traditional portraiture, which is more posed, and documentary photography which isn't posed at all.

Lifestyle photography is a more emotive approach to photography, really allowing you to break some rules and express yourself creatively.

Lifestyle photographs typically captures the essence of the humans you are photographing, really capturing a little piece of humanity. It often includes movement, loving gestures, and often environmental storytelling.

Lifestyle photography means that you are going beyond stiff and boring portraiture to capture the true personality behind the humans you are capturing.

What I do want you to remember is that Lifestyle photography does require quite a bit of guiding and directing. But it does give you the room to express yourself more creatively, I think.

There you have it... a very simple explanation of lifestyle photography. I hope that helps.

Have a great week!

Why I'm Already Thankful for 2019 | Seattle Family and Newborn Photographer

Emails, social media, conferences, they show the positive side of things don't they? I have tried to be so transparent this past year. It was quite honestly the hardest year of my life. But on the flip side, it was the most abundant year of my life as well.

I grew in ways I didn't know possible. Achieved goals that seemed unachievable just five years ago. Met people who have changed my life. Learned the divine power of forgiveness. Became a different kind of mom, a traveling/working mom which ended up being a better mom.

But one of the things I am most thankful for is YOU!

Each and every person who trusts me to share my knowledge with them is someone I am thankful for. I know that behind those computer screens, behind those smart phones, and in those audiences are real beating hearts. Hearts that are vulnerable and alive. Hearts that are taking the same risk I am in creating a creative career built on passion.

As we come out of this Holiday, it may be one of great joy for you and if so, be with that joy and revel in it.

But I also know, because last Holiday season was gut wrenching for me, that you may be struggling. And seeing all those happy posts and photos can be hard. If that is you I am here to say, hold on Baby. It gets better.

Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart for being here. I assure you that I have some great stuff in store for you in 2019!

Click the button below to see what I’m up to this year :)

How to work with many young children during a photo shoot. | Seattle Family Photographer

I am completely honored to be able to photograph so many families each year. I know that as a photographer it can be a difficult task when a family has many little ones. I also know as a parent it can be nerve wracking when you worry about how your young children will behave during your annual photo session. I want to offer some tips that I think will help both the photographer and the parents.

Manage your expectations. These are children and shouldn’t be expected to act like adults.

Children are, well, children. The good news is I am a lifestyle family photographer so my style allows for more silliness and less everyone looking at the camera.

Allow the children to move in between guiding and posing.

Again, these are children. Arrange them in a pose and guide and direct quickly. Then, allow for a small break. Let them run around and explore for a few minutes then bring them back for a new pose. This makes the whole session more playful and fun.

Embrace the chaos. This family isn’t expecting you to work miracles.

It isn’t a surprise to the family that their kiddos are active. ;) Just photograph them quickly and make sure you have a plan so that you do get the shots you need. But be okay with a little crazy.

Have fun! Family photography should be laid back and enjoyable. So…. enjoy yourself.