Ready for the New Year! | Framingham, MA | Framingham Photographer
Winter 2024 is here and it’s time to plan the New Year’s Resolutions and all the adventures for the upcoming year. For my home life, this involves vacations. Top priority! My family and I try to get away three times a year. We don’t always leave the state, but we do try to get away together to have some time as a family.
For the business, I like to review all my financial numbers and see what areas I would like to grow and what parts of the business I should leave behind. I have a business degree and (I know this sounds really nerdy, but..) it is one of my favorite times of year. Analyzing the business! Yay! Of course, I look at the business all year long, but January is a special time to compare areas. I just love it.
(I’d love to hear from any other nerdy newborn photographers that like the annual evaluations - let me know if you have any amazing spreadsheets - I’ll oooo and ahhh over them I promise!)
I’m still working on all my goals for my business, but I would love to see more families coming back for the mid-year, six month baby sessions, 6 month milestones, sitter sessions…whatever you want to call them. This isn’t a financial goal, but a personal one. Over the years, this seems to the be a session that gets left out, and it’s an important one. It’s honestly my favorite session out of newborn session, baby session, and cake smash sessions. This is the age where a baby looks like a baby - the baby in the advertisements, the baby of the cartoon drawings, the Gerber baby. The right age is old enough to sit up but too young to stand.
This is an age no mother wants to forget. When your baby is a baby. We must capture it. :)
I’m sure there will be more goals - vacations, financial, personal, etc. For me, this is just the start. I think 2024 is going to be a great year!
Why I don't do cake Smash themes | Boston Cake Smash Photographer
Cake Smashes have gained popularity in recent years and some of the sets for these sessions are so spectacular! From Disney themes, Marvel, Space, Mermaids, etc. The big sets and props - I mean WOW! The sets and designs from some of the cake smash photographers are amazing! Truly works of art.
You may have noticed that I don’t offer these elaborate themed cake smashes as an option at my studio. I did consider it – I mean, the sets are fun and exciting. But, I just couldn’t do it. I offer simple sets with balloon garlands and a touch of decor. Here’s two reasons why:
The baby is the most important part of the photo – not the set:
When you look at a photograph from one of my cake smash photography sessions, the first thing you'll notice is the baby. That is really important to me. By opting for simple backdrops and minimal props, the baby becomes the focal point – not the large decorated set. This is the style I work towards for all my sessions – maternity, newborn and baby sessions.
Timeless Photographs:
By steering clear of trendy themes, my goal is to create photographs that withstand the test of time. We might not know who Blippi is 20 years from now, right? The simplicity of a colorful balloons backdrop brings a timeless quality to the images.
I love my cake smashes – the babies are so fun and the experience is special. We really don’t know what a baby will do with a whole cake! Why distract? Let’s eat cake!
Sunflower Cake Smash | Framingham Cake Smash Photographer | Framingham, MA
What a fun cake smash session we had here in my studio! Mom requested a sunflower theme and I knew just what I wanted to do. The scene is simple, but I hung sunflowers in the background to give a pop of color and help create a Sunflower Cake Smash set.
To do this set, all you need is string, faux sunflowers (mine are from Wayfair - here is the link Sunflowers), and a something to hang the string on each side of the back! Viola!
Tips for a Success Baby Photo Session - Boston Baby Photographer Ann Lyle
Here are some tips for a successful baby photography photo shoot:
Before the session, start planning for a happy baby!
Avoid planning pediatric shots for the day before or the day of the session. Shots can make your baby feel poorly and they won’t be their usual self before the session.
Has the baby’s nap schedule changed? If so, you may need to reschedule the photo session. Contact your baby photographer as early as you notice the pattern so they can do their best to accommodate a request to change the time of the photography session.
On the day of the session: Be prepared!
Ensure that your baby is well-fed and well-rested. Make sure they have had their nap and a snack/bottle before arriving at the photo studio. Consider giving your child an extra bottle in the car to avoid hunger during the shoot.
Clean your baby's face and nose before arriving at the session. Babies hate having their faces cleans, it makes them upset and it tends to leave red marks. Best to do that in the parking lot so they aren’t starting the session upset. Please bring wipes to the studio for any touch-ups if necessary.
Bring a burp cloth to catch drool or spit-up.
What to wear for the session (baby): Simple is best!
In my baby sessions, your child will have the opportunity to wear two outfits during the photo shoot. My recommendation is to opt for simple clothing that allows your baby to be the star of the images. Great places for outfits are Janie and Jack, Noralee, Jamie Kay, or Bonpoint
Solid colors are ideal
Consider outfits that showcase their arms, legs, fingers, and toes - show off that baby!
Choose clothing that fits properly. Clothing that is slightly small is better than clothing that is too big in photography.
Try the clothes on your baby before the session to ensure they look good on them.
Unless you specifically want a formal photo, it's generally recommended to avoid shoes, socks, or tights for the session.
By following these tips, you can help create a comfortable and enjoyable environment for your baby during the photo shoot, increasing the chances of capturing beautiful and memorable baby photos. I can’t wait to see you in the studio!