Rochester, MN Photographer: What is the difference between studio and natural light?

You may have heard people talk about photos in terms of “studio” or “lifestyle” or “natural light” Light makes a big difference in photography. The wrong light can ruin a photo and the right light can make you feel for a photo. Many times if you are searching for a photographer you may have an idea of the photos you like looking at but you may not know why. I want to explain some options that I offer to give you a better idea of what types of images you can expect.

Studio light

Studio light images are very common in my work. I use a one light PLM system. That may not mean a lot to you, but what you can expect is lighting that comes from one side of your face or subject. Some studio photographers use up to 4 or even 5 lights. I prefer the simple one light look for my images. It’s also much easier to use with a moving child! I use a series of backdrops and backgrounds to give variety to your gallery. With newborns I use the floor and also a posing table for images, but still using that one studio light.

Natural light

If we are doing photos outside I will be using natural light (the light provided by the sun) If in studio, we have some options between studio light and natural light. My studio light work happens in my main studio area. Natural light occurs in a separate room. Because having a natural light studio option is newer (2022) to me you will see less examples, but I’m hoping to add as I have more! My natural light studio has one window that we will use in a variety of ways. This studio is much smaller, so isn’t appropriate for a larger group. This studio is powered by the sun, so you will see changes on a cloudy day vs a sunny day. We also need to schedule natural light images during the daytime hours. Natural light gives darker shadows and I tend to do more lifestyle and natural posing in this area.

Rochester, Minnesota Newborn photographer

Rochester, MN Valentine's Day

I LOVE using this heart bowl for babies!

Rochester, MN Newborn photographer: Peacock blue

Rochester, MN newborn photographer: Blue and cream studio session

First Year Baby Plan: Rochester, MN Photographer

From that tiny newborn stage to walking and running, I love to capture all the stages in that first year. I’ve been photographing babies now for almost 17 years and I’ve had 3 of my own. With that combined knowledge I have found the best set of stages to photograph your baby for unique photos that really capture all their changes in that first year.

Newborn:

This is a given. You really don’t ever get this time back and there is a short window to capture babies in the newborn stage. I see babies from 7-21 days for newborn photos. Now if baby was born early then this time frame may be adjusted based on gestational age or due date. This also may be adjusted if there were complications after birth or you were just hoping to keep baby home for the first few weeks. You haven’t missed your window for photos, but we may just adjust what we do. Ideally babies should be around 7-14days. Due to this relatively short time frame, it is best to book your session when you are still pregnant and then I will set a tentative date that we can adjust once baby arrives. Parents and Siblings are usually photographed during the newborn session with the baby

4-5 Month:

This stage is so fun to see their giggles and smiles. They are typically gaining more strength and can start lifting themselves up onto their arms. They may be teething, so chewing on fingers is totally normal. They love. to lay on their backs kicking and stretching. They may even try to roll over! I love using some. of the same props and colors from the newborn session through the stages.

7-8 Month:

This is one of my favorite ages. Sometimes they are crawling or scooting but many times they are just ready to sit and smile cute. Stranger danger and clinging on to mom and dad can start to appear but we work through it. This is a great time to add on family again for family pictures. It’s best if baby is sitting steady on their own without toppling. Simple wardrobe is provided but you are always welcome to bring a special outfit!

12 Month/ 1 year:

You made it a whole year! Hopefully most of the sleepless nights are behind you. Baby is now crawling, standing while holding on/running or walking with assistance. They are fast so we are on our toes catching them for photos. Some parents like to add on a cake smash for the 12 month session or do updated family photos. This is one milestone you don’t want to miss.

Color Combinations for Newborn photos: Rochester, MN

When you book a newborn photo session with me, one of the first questions I’ll ask is what colors would you like me to use? From there I work on designing coordinated and beautiful set ups that you can enjoy for years as wall art in your home. There are so many color combos and it’s so much fun putting these together for your newborn session.

Brown and Green

Gray and Blue

Cream and Light Blue

Navy and Mustard/Yellow

Green and Gray

Gray and Purple

cream and pink

Blue and Mustard

Cream and Navy

Gray and White

Cream

Green and Purple

Pink and Green and Cream

Brown and Blue

White and Pink

Pink and Green

Lavender and Cream

Fall Rust/Orange and mustard

Peacock Blue/Brown/Green

Rochester, MN Photographer: Newborn session with family and siblings

FAQ: Are families included in the newborn session? They are! I love the interaction of parents with their new baby. Seeing a dad become a dad for the first time or a mom take a deep inhale from her new babies cheek. Siblings are always fun too at any age. I have had siblings as close as 8mo apart and up! Don't worry about siblings cooperating. I have a lot of tricks and poses that I can use and if I need to photoshop is a great tool. The best part is that I do family photos first, so you look your best and your older child doesn't get bored and loose interest in the new setting.

Rochester, MN Newborn photography: Valient

Rochester, MN Newborn Photographer: Olivia

Rochester, MN: Toy Story, Peter Pan and Star wars inspired newborn photos

Rochester, MN newborn photographer: Photographing your own newborn

During this crazy time of a pandemic due to Covid-19, you may be missing your newborn or baby portrait session. Until we are ready to be together again for professional photos, here are some tips that I put together that you may find helpful. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help in editing a special photo or help in taking these important milestone photos!

Tip: Use a long scarf with some stretch for a great swaddle, or jersey type fabric. Cutting up an old t-shirt can work great! For safety, make sure swaddle is loose around their neck.

Rochester, MN newborn photographer details

Rochester, MN First year Henry and Lily

Celebrating your child as they grow throughout the first year is a joy for me as a photographer. I enjoy seeing those little personalities begin to emerge. My first year plan covers the newborn session and 3 additional milestones. I like to see babies around 4/5 months when then are just learning to hold up their head and smile. The next stage is around 7-9months when they are sitting steady without falling over and maybe not yet crawling. Lastly, we celebrate their birthdays at 12 months! Many times families will include mom and dad on one or multiple sessions as well. Enjoy this album layout from Henry and LIly’s first year!