Richmond VA Multiples Photographer | Triplets

Okay, so I think I can now claim the title as "THE" Richmond VA Multiples Photographer ;) Oner the past two years I have photographed twins, triplets. and quadruplets!  And I love every single session.  They are certainly more challenging that a singleton session, but I love a good challenge.  These sweet triplets recently turned ONE and we celebrated with a cake smash!  It was hilarious watching mom and grandma wrangle three kids, but we finally got everyone settled and looking by singing their favorite song ;) I may not be able to carry a tune TOO well, but I don't mind being silly to get the shot! 

Richmond VA Photographer | Mommy and Me

There is something about a parent/child connection that I adore photographing.  I have been a photographer in the Richmond and surrounding area for almost 9 years, that's crazy to think about just how many families I have had the pleasure of photographing over all of this time.  About 6 years ago when I got my first studio, I was able to put the white bed set out that I had dreamed about out as that studio had a perfect double window.  The first "bed" I had there was a blow up mattress, but you couldn't tell (until you went to sit on it, ha!)  I got to take pictures of my Grandmother there before she passed away.  I got pictures with my babies there that i'll always treasure.  I've captured so many mom-to-bes and babies in that setting, there's something so peaceful about all white so that you and your little loves are the focal point.

In my new studio (which I've been in for 3+ years!) the white bed set was the first thing I put up.  And I am just as obsessed with it as I was 6 years ago! 

Here is a peek at a recent "Mommy + Me" session.  I have ONE more spot left for the mommy + me sessions that will take place on February 11th AND they include makeup for mama from Shine Blowdry Bar!  

Richmond VA Wedding Photographer | The Mill at Fine Creek

Niki + Deans wedding at The Mill at Fine Creek was one of my favorite weddings from the year. The weather wasn't looking so great but somehow we were able to get every picture outside that we wanted!  The only change to the day that happened was instead of having the ceremony in front of the wall, the ground was so saturated that we had to have it beside the house on the flat top, but it was still just as gorgeous!  And the staff at the Mill is so great to work with and handled the ceremony location change beautifully.  It really makes a world of difference to work with a great venue! 

I remember sitting down with Niki + Dean and walking away from the meeting really wanting them to book.  It's silly how you can get attached to someone during just a quick meeting, but they were so sweet and a previous wedding couple of mine were friends with them, so I knew they would be the perfect couple for me!  

The wedding party was a lot of fun.  I may or may not had to receive a tetanus shot after groomsmen portraits (just kidding!)   But I LOVE photographing a good wedding reception where people can just let loose and dance like no on is watching, and boy, did they! ;) 

Niki + Dean opted to do a first look, which allows them to have MORE portrait time and a little time to breathe together before the ceremony.  I am a big fan of first looks and will write more on them later!

Niki + Dean,
Thank YOU both SO MUCH for having me capture the most important day of your lives.  Your details were pulled together beautifully and I loved working with you two.  I wish you many years of happiness! :)

Richmond VA Wedding Photographer | Wedding Albums

For the past almost 9 years of being a Richmond VA wedding photographer, I've only ever ordered black leather albums for samples to show to clients.  Why?  I have no idea, except for the fact that likely 75% of my closet is made up of black clothing and i'm quite drawn to the black/white contrast in things.  Well, that is until I ordered this brown leather baby last week and let me say, I may never go back!  I offer my clients about 30 different cover choices, ranging from leathers to faux leathers and fabric.  (Don't worry, the inside has only two choices: Glossy + Matte! So you will not be drowning in options)  These albums are a must have with every wedding! It's such a gorgeous tangible piece to place on your coffee table for years to come.  It allows for your top favorite photos to be stored in one place and for guests (and you all!) to enjoy for years to come.  I usually always order 8x8 albums but can also size up, I just feel like these are the perfect pieces to leave out and not have to hide on a bookshelf because it takes up the entire coffee table and you're worried about it being ruined. 

Brides: Albums also make the PERFECT gifts for parents!  Either as a thank you for all your help with the wedding OR Christmas/Birthday!  If you order the exact copy of yours, there's also a 50% discount there!  And a 25% discount if you are wanting to customize their pages a bit.

My top 5 favorite things about these albums:

• The cover choices.  There is something for everyone!
• Page options. I have a 50/50 split on loving the gloss or the matte.  My mind changes every day!
• Thick pages. These are not going to bend easily or tear easily if little hands want to browse through.  
• No gutter interruption. An image can go across the  middle seamlessly without altering the image in a weird way. I've even had to commit the design 'no-no' and put a face across the middle and it did not alter it in any unpleasing way.
• Fully Customizable Heirloom Products. I design the album and you can make picture swaps!  Years ago when I was having clients pick out the first set of images I would either continually have to go back asking for, "one more ceremony picture to fill the page" or it would take clients a long time to decide on favorites.  I understand fully, you are BUSY!  You have a lot to think about that doesn't include sitting down at the computer right when you first get married.  So I take the stress out of it and create the first initial design for you.  Then you customize it if you need any swaps! 

Richmond VA Newborn Photographer | Session Prep

I am so honored you have chosen me to capture your newest love!  I take the upmost care in making sure that "my" babies are always in safe positions, warm, and of course looking their best.  There are a few things that I will ask you to do before arriving for the session, this helps the session to run more smoothly, and for you not to stress that we will get great images for you to display.

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Before the baby arrives:
-"Schedule" your session.  Send your estimated due date.  I will pencil you in so I can be on baby watch and know when I will need to fit you in to the schedule after baby arrives!
-Send me nursery pictures!  I want to tailor the session so that it matches your style and the baby's decor.  I also like to work with some neutrals to ensure that you will be able to hang these pictures anywhere in your home/office.
-Tell me about any must have shots.  I am happy to accommodate a few requests if possible.  Do you have a special blanket or prop that you're just itching to include in the session?  I want to see how to incorporate beforehand it so I can be prepared when you bring it.  This is also why I ask for nursery shots, I may see something that would look great in pictures.  (Ie this adorable elephant was in a nursery and I asked mom and dad to bring it along to the session!  As it turns out, grandpa gifted it to Maxwell and made it so much more special to be in the pictures!)

Once the baby arrives we will pick a time/day for your session!  But don't worry, I've likely been expecting you and will have some options ready!

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The day of the session:
-Wake | Feed | Sleep. We need the baby to have a little time awake before you leave for the session, this will help them to be sleepy (or sleeping!) upon arrival.  I usually suggest parents to give the baby a bath and then feed them FULL. Think, Thanksgiving dinner unbutton your pants full. The bath will wake them up, the feeding will help put them to sleep, and the car ride will continue that.  If you are more than 20-30 minutes away you may have to feed again when you arrive, but I usually can transfer baby from carseat to posing without too much disturbance. 
-AM Scheduling. I usually schedule sessions to start in the 9-10AM timeframe.  The lighting is great in the studio if we choose to use natural light, and I feel for those babies that are confused on day/time that this is the time of the morning (since they've been up all night!) that they are settling to a deep sleep.  We can be a little flexible on time though as long as we schedule it in advance. 
-Don't stress! If you need a few minutes to freshen up when you arrive, that is totally fine.  I almost always start with baby posing and have a full bathroom at your disposal. These pictures are ones you will treasure forever so should you need to put the finishing touches on your makeup or just do a quick glance over yourself, you will have the time to do so.  Occasionally throughout the session I may ask for a hand (usually the parent that didn't just give birth unless they are tied up with other children!) or two in posing some of the more complicated poses. (Because, here's a secret, they're photoshopped!)  This cute little baby's hands on his chin never actually put the weight all on himself, we merge two photos together. 

Safety first, you guys! So important with newborn sessions.  Even note in the second picture when dads hands were on top of the head, his right hand was only 2 inches away just incase baby started to wiggle.

At the session:
Relax! This is the easiest part!  Aside from maybe assisting a few times and snuggling your baby a bit, you get to relax!  I have a coffee maker and mini fridge right in the room along with lots of different snacks to choose from! As long as I don't tell my husband when it's restocked you will have everything you need.  I've caught him sneaking things a few times ;)  You get the comfy bed area to sit on, and I've even had a few dads get really relaxed fall asleep.  Don't worry, we wake them up when it's time for them to help ;) 
Temperature.  I keep the room around 80 degrees.  I always recommend wearing layers/tank top and usually that's all that's needed to get more comfortable.  If you are hot natured and need to step out of the room for a minute that is totally fine.

I have lots of props and blankets to style your session beautifully, so if you do not have anything to contribute to the actual pictures, that it okay!  All you have to do is bring your baby!  There are a few items that will help the baby at the session: 

• Paci (Sometimes baby may need to suck for a minute or two while swapping scenes, they may not need to eat but just need a little paci comfort to get them back fully asleep
• Milk.  If you're not breastfeeding be sure to bring a bottle.  If you are breastfeeding and have already begun pumping a little bit, you can bring that!  Babies can drink faster from a bottle and that will help them settle back to sleep quicker.  If you've made the decision to 100% breastfeed for the time being, I totally support that!
• Neutral top for you + your husband.  I INSIST you being in the pictures! And I do not charge extra for parent pictures.  Years from now, you will want these images, and I want them for you! :)  I love white for parents against that sweet baby skin, but anything neutral and not busy will work nicely!