Stress Free Fall Sessions

Family pictures can be so stressful. From picking locations, to coordinating outfits that match but aren’t matchy. As a mom of three, I honestly don’t think we’ve ever gotten to a session without yelling, frustrations, and running around last minute looking for shoes and bows. I get it. However, I’ve learned a few things that help our sessions run a little more smoothly year by year.

First, location! I always hang wall art of my family’s portraits on walls in our home, so I want our images to go along with the design aesthetic in our home. That means I pick locations based on the colors at the location. Also, pick a location that reflects your families personality. Are you a hiking outdoor family? Then Red Rock or Mt. Charleston are perfect. Do you like a more modern aesthetic? Then a dry lake bed or a studio are great. Is your family vibe more urban, funky, or are you new to Vegas and want to show it off? Let’s head downtown, with fun murals, a parking garage, and street portraits. (It’s amazing the views from a parking garage) There are lots more places to consider, these are just a few. Talk with your photographer and check out their work at your favorite locations,

Second, let’s talk wardrobe. The number one rule any photographer will tell you is, start with mom. You are the center of your family’s universe, start with yourself and what you fell the best in!! Go ahead, put yourself first! (It will be fine 😉) Keep in mind the colors of your loaction. Then, once you’ve nailed down an outfit for yourself, work on your kiddos. I prefer colors not to match, but to compliment each other. Maybe I will wear a dress with a colorful print, but one kid will each wear a dress that is solid, the other with a simple print, with colors that compliment my outfit. Also, don’t stress they boys outfits. Classic shorts or pants with a nice shirt is simple and timeless. (Another tip, let the boy(s) bring their favorite baseball cap to wear towards the end to show off their personality.)

Finally, plan to get there early. This is from experience. Personally, when it comes to family pictures, we are never on time. This is rude to the photographer. They have blocked out a certain time for you and as a client you need to respect that. Also, the time you are late is coming out of your session, especially if you are doing a mini session with another client right after you. So do as I say, not as I do. You’ll be way more relaxed knowing you’re not late. And, when mom is relaxed, everyone will follow suite. Lastly, have fun and enjoy your kiddos. You’ll be so happy to have these images on your walls for decades!!

Finding a Perfect Fit Photographer, Las Vegas Newborn and Family Photographer

If you’re like me, you do lots of research before making a big purchase. Family and newborn photo sessions are not cheap, so how can you pick a photographer that you feel comfortable with, that is up to your standards, and that will deliver a beautiful finished product. I have worked with eight different family photographer in the last ten years, so here are some things I do when vetting a family photographer…

First, you may be wondering why I’ve had so many different photographers. Well, that’s where I start. Find a photographer whose style you absolutely LOVE. Personally, I like to have a variety of styles for our family portraits, so I have picked different photographers for different reasons. Some photographers specialize in outdoor golden hour, some in natural light studios, some for newborn portraits, and some for vacations pictures.

So TIP #1, research photographers in your area and find a few that you connect with when it comes to their images and style. How? Instagram is a huge help. Explore a few hashtags. (#lasvegasnewbornphotographer, #phoenixfresh48photographer, #fortworthlifestylephotographer) If you find what you’re looking for, then look at their website. Google is also a great help, but don’t just scroll through the first two pages, keep scrolling and researching, making a list of potential photographers.

TIP #2, Look into their portfolio and see if you can picture your family in their images. Read the photographer’s ‘About Me’ page. Is this someone you could see yourself being friends with? Honestly, Family, Newborn, and Fresh 48 sessions an be pretty personal and intimate. You definitely want a photographer that you feel comfortable with. Check out their instagram and see if they’ve posted any videos or stories that show more of their personality. Schedule a phone call and talk one on one. This is really helpful for both the photographer and client.

TIP #3 Figure out your budget. When you inquire with a photographer about investments, ask specifically what you get and if there are different packages. Nothing is worse than getting a gallery back and then having to pay way more than you thought for extra images.

TIP #4 Do what I do, ask your friends!!! Do you love your neighbor’s family pictures? Did you gawk at your friend’s birth announcement? Get those referrals and see how their experience was.

TIP #4 Lastly, think about what kind of experience you want. Do you want the whole shabang?? Hair, makeup, a client closet to pick dresses from? Do you need wardrobe help? Do you need help designing a gallery wall? Don’t be afraid to ask what extra services your photographer offers.

I hope these tips help! Nothing is worse than investing in pictures that you never display in your home. And nothing is better than looking at images each day that make you smile!

Baby Registry 101 - Las Vegas Newborn and Family Photographer

First of all, don’t register for clothes. Trust me. When I was pregnant with my first, my husband and I skipped on over to Babies ‘r’ Us, full of excitement, not knowing a thing (man, I don’t even think that store exists anymore ). I saw every cute onesie, tutu, and baby dress and licked away with the registry laser. After baby came, she had a closet full of more outfits than she could wear. So take it from me, newborns are inherently pretty simple. Here is what’s important.

Crib sheets. When decorating my kiddos’ nurseries, I always started with a few crib sheets that I could use. I pulled colors and themes from those and carried that into the rest of my nursery design. And trust me, you’ll need multiple sheets, even in just one day. I bought and registered for crib sheets from Target, Liz and Roo, and Pottery Barn Kids. (if you use the Lilly Pulitzer crib sheets from Pottery Barn Kids, please please please call me to photograph your baby 😉)

Diapers and Wipes. I know, there’s nothing fun or exciting about diapers and wipes, but you’ll just need a million of them.

Tummy Time Mat. This mat will take up a main presence in your home, so make it cute! I’m sure you’ve read, babies are drawn to bright colors and shapes in black and white. Research suggests these elements are great for brain development, so start there! Check out THIS one from Sassy Stages, or from or THIS mat from Loverly.

Baby Jumper. This are big and noisy and a freakin’ life saver. They’ll let your baby jump, walk, and run all over your house. This is a great item to get used. I got mine from a neighbor’s garage sale for like $40. I took some Clorox wipes to it, and voilà! I used it for three of my own babies before handing off to another mom. In fact, 10 years later, it’s still available! Click HERE.

Bottles. Nothing super fun about these either, but they’re kinda expensive once you get all the sizes, and loose a few.

Bassinet. I had a very boring pack’n’play for my babies they slept in when I brought them home. I was ugly and akward in my bedroom. Now. bassinets are made so beautifully and have so much technology as well to help you little one sleep, which means you sleep too! The Bilia Bassinet from Design Dua is simple and beautiful. It is easy to move from one room to another, even outside on a nice day. I had a client use the TruBliss Eve Smart Bassinet, and I was blown away. Not only does it look stylish, but it will glide, play music, and change lighting. 🤯

I hope these are some helpful items when it comes to the very overwhelming world of baby products. A note from me, less is more. Babies are pretty simple, then need food, love, and lots of diapers. The rest is extra.

If you are interested in a newborn session, and want to know the difference between an In-Home and a Fresh 48 session, read here. Hint hint…photography session gift cards are a great idea to add to your registry 😉.

My Favorite Session Locations - Las Vegas Newborn and Family Photographer

Las Vegas Nevada Family Photographer. I’ve been in Las Vegas for exactly TWO years now! Therefore, I’m officially an expert in the BEST locations for your family session. I hope you sense a lot of sarcasm there. Scouting locations is a major part of being a photographer. There are places that I want to try but haven’t, and probably so many places I’ve never heard of, stumbled upon, or considered going to. However, I have done my fair share of scouting so far, these are simply my favs!

My first favorite place will always be your home. Please, please, please don’t be scared to do an in-home session. The focus is on your family, not your interior design skills. These images are for you and your kiddos to look back on. Decades from now, you’ll more than likely not be in the same home or even same city. However, you’ll look at the images and remember all the memories that a home can have. It really is sentimental. Personally, I haven’t had an in-home session, but I so wish I could go back in time and get one done at our home in Texas. It’s where we brought our babies home, where they crawled on the floors, where we held the most amazing impromptu parties with our neighbors, and so many other memories.

Let’s venture outside.

Symphony Park is in Downtown LV. I LOVE this place! So colorful, green grass (like real grass, not turf), room to run. It just really embodies my style. So perfect for a kiddo milestone or family sessions.

I absolutely love going to the Dry Lake Bed. This was new for me recently to try out. The place is so big and open, I was kind of intimidated by the whole location. Woah, was I missing out! It is the perfect backdrop for family sessions. The dry lake bed is basically a blank canvas. If you like to dress in bright colors and fun prints, this is the place to get your session done! And what can I say about the lighting? In a span of 20 minutes, you’ll get bright sun, golden hour (like golden 10 minutes) and then cool hues of sun behind the mountains. Just gorgeous!! If you hire me and want to go outside, let’s go here!

Downtown Las Vegas is such a fun spot, but I must admit I have only done senior sessions there. The sidewalks are colorful, new murals are always popping up, funky alley ways, and then I’ll make you go to the top of a parking garage for a few more pics. Trust me, parking garage pics are fun!

I started venturing to Mt. Charleston this fall for family sessions, and I fell in love. When the Aspen trees turn golden, it is a completely different world up there. October is definitely the month to book your session there. There were colorful flowers, pops of pink and purple, yellow flowering bushes everywhere, green and golden leaves, it was literally magical! That’s where I WAS going to have my own family’s pictures taken, until Little League changed our plans, I’m not over it. 😤

Of course, there are so many other places that are beautiful in and around Las Vegas, but when clients choose one of these, I do a happy dance. Want to have a session at one of these amazing locations and make me happy dance? Let’s chat!

Manifesting My Goals for 2023 - Las Vegas Newborn Photographer

According to Oprah, one of the ways to live your best life is to manifest it. To manifest your dreams, you need to speak your goal, write them down, and be specific. Normally, I only share goals with a few industry friends in The Round Table group, because if I fail to meet them, I don’t really want anyone to know. However, this year, I’m taking a leap and telling you all, typing them down, and putting them out into the universe.

Monthly milestone session Your kiddos are quickly changing, so I want to help you capture then as they are right now, since in a few months, they’ll be bigger and older. I want to offer these quick sessions monthly, they will be easy to book, sweet and simple, and will result in probably some of your favorite images to hang up at home.

Film Add Ons Y’all, I don’t even know how to load film into a camera. (divulging too much?) However, I am going to be taking a deep dive into film photography this year as well as heading to the Photo Native conference in Palm Springs next month, and learning from some of the best in the industry. In-home sessions are already so intimate and parents are really able slow down with your kiddos and document your connections. Film can just capture that on a another level artistically. My goal is to make this something to offer to my clients on a consistent basis. In the meantime, if I come to your home for a newborn or family session, know that you will be my guinea pig with film! Don’t worry, I will still capture the 99% of the session with my normal equipment.

Summer Pool Sessions I got this idea from a photographer friend and mentor, Sabrina Gebhardt. I already just play around with my own kiddos when it comes to taking pictures by the pool. They are really some of my favorite images of them. How fun would it be to jump in and capture the fun for another family? I will be looking for model call families for this come warmer weather to test it out. I image blue water, lots of splashing, bright bathing suits, goggles, jumping, flamingo floats, all of it. Sounds fun, right?!?!

There you have it, my 2023 business goal manifestation. All the while, I will continue documenting your newborns and families, improving my art and your client experience. Stay tuned for progress!! And if you want in on any model calls I’ll be offering for these goals, make sure to join my newsletter. Newsletter link on my home page 😉

Las Vegas Newborn Photographer - The Difference Between Newborn and Fresh 48 Sessions

Documenting the arrival of a new baby to your family is so important, and there are several ways to do that. In the last few months, I have started to offer Fresh 48 Sessions, and I have gotten this question several times, “ What is the difference between Newborn and Fresh 48 Sessions? Well, let me explain.

Fresh 48 Sessions are done in hospital, within the first 48 hours (typically) of baby being born. I will come to you, at the hospital, and just capture those first snuggles, the tiny baby details, and tell the very beginning story of baby. These are definitely more of a documentary style of images. Fresh 48 Sessions are especially sweet if there is an older sibling that gets to hold baby for the first time. These are just timeless memories that you will want to look back on for years and years. All images in this blog are from a Fresh 48 session.

Anecdotal story…I wish I had done these with my babies, especially when I had my youngest. We knew he would be our last baby. When he was born, I completely missed when he got to meet his sisters. I was in the bathroom, with numb legs, having a nurse help with bathroom stuff. The girls came in the room, saw baby brother, snuggled him, held him, and I missed it. Yes, it’s on a cell phone. Will I ever frame that? No. Do I wish I had been able to coordinate it and have a memory framed on my wall from it? Absolutely.

Newborn Sessions are in your home. These sessions document this new chapter in your life. I photograph baby in crib, mom rocking baby in the nursery, family snuggled together on parent’s bed, laughing in the kitchen, etc. I will do my best to tell your true authentic family story. These are done when baby is about 4-8 weeks old. At this timeframe, mom has had time to heal from birth. Baby is gaining back some weight and starting to fill out and look more like themselves. Fingers crossed cluster feeding has settled down. Parents and siblings have had a chance to adjust to a new baby in the home. Check out THIS BLOG for examples of an in home newborn session and what you can expect at your in home session.

Have you been told that you need to have newborn pictures done in the first 10 days? I was told that with my first and this is a myth. For posed newborn sessions, they run smoothly when baby is sleeping. I, however, don’t do posed newborn sessions. Since mine are lifestyle, there is no pressure to have a sleeping baby. If baby is crying and needs to be rocked? Great, I will capture that! It’s real life and it is beautiful!

So what session should you book? Of course I suggest both. Baby will change so much in those first few months and a newborn in the hospital and at home are both wonderful occasions to photograph. Both sessions will offer beautiful wall art and photo albums to be enjoyed for decades and generations. I hope this has helped you understand the difference between At-Home Newborn Sessions and Fresh 48 Sessions.

Las Vegas Lifestyle Photography- Prepping for an In-Home Session- Alyssa Charboneau Photography

In-home sessions are so intimate and timeless. It is a favorite location of mine as a photographer. However, if you’re like me, you’re thinking, ‘I don’t have a magazine worthy home, it’s always a mess, in-home is not an option.” Honestly, I have not had an in-home session for my family. Yes, it makes me nervous too, but I really regret not having one in our old home in Fort Worth, TX. That’s where we brought our babies home and had all our baby and toddler memories.

So don’t be like me. In-home is especially ideal when kiddos are little. You have their play areas, their cribs, beds, toys, books. All the things that tell your family story and the season you’re in right now. Here are some quick tips on how to prep for an in-home session.

First, Get a professional cleaning. Like I said earlier, we don’t need perfection. However, as a mom, I am a nicer person when my own home is clean. 🤷🏻‍♀️ A fresh cleaning will put you at ease and allow you to focus on your kiddos, outfits, and setting a fun vibe for the day.

Second, Greenery 🌿and Flowers 🌷. Get some plants in your home for a few pops of color. Fake or real, in the images it won’t matter. However, they can really brighten images up and add dimension. I really love orchids, for a pop of green and color. I am no plant expert, I simply have a few easy to grow houseplants in my home. (But I think I just killed my fiddle leaf😥) If you’re in Vegas, stop by Las Vegas Plant Collective, they know what they’re doing when it comes to house plants. Also, a quick run to the store for a fresh bouquet of tulips or hydrangeas can really make a big difference. Other easy favorites you can grab at Trader Joe’s are hydrangeas and tulips.

Third, Beds and Couches…I will most definitely photograph your family snuggling, jumping, and even dancing on your beds and couches. So freshly made beds are an easy way to get your home ready. With couches, hide trendy pillows or unsightly blankets. This is simple but make a big difference.

Fourth, Hide charging stations and remote controls. I do the best I can when I am there to hide objects that may deter from the image, but I can’t do it all. Hiding phone and watch chargers is a super quick thing that you will be glad you did. Not only will they not be in your image, but the chords won’t either.

Finally, Relax!! I am there to photograph you and your family, not your interior design choices. I will find the beautiful light in your home, that is what I am really looking for anyways! Then we will have fun with playing games, tickle sessions, snuggles and laughs. Check out this blog that features another in-home session.

Las Vegas Family Photography- Yes, It’s 110 Degrees, But Let’s Have a Session- Alyssa Charboneau Photography

You read right. There are so many reasons to have a family session, in the heat of a Las Vegas summer, and I’m not crazy. Actually, I prefer to do my own family’s sessions in the summer.

First of all, let’s address the big sweaty elephant. The temperature. Let’s do an inside session!! Your home is where your memories are made and where you’ll back in pictures and remember raising your kiddos. These sessions are not just for newborn sessions. In-home sessions are really so special and intimate. Added bonus, I come to you! No need to drive across town, trying not to wrinkle outfits, stuck in traffic, etc. We’ve all been there. And yes, my family is that family that is always running late, forgetting my lip gloss, screaming at kids to hurry and buckle up. 🤦🏻‍♀️ So in-home is just so much more relaxed, not rushed, and AIR CONDITIONED!!! Click HERE for a blog post featuring an in-home session.

Studio sessions are also an option. I love this option, and have done studio sessions with my own family. A nice, crisp white background, a pop of color with furniture, lends to a classic yet modern twist on a family session. These are perfect for mini sessions, milestones, and childhood personality sessions. Also, AIR CONDITIONED!! I love to use The Gathering Place for studio sessions here in Las Vegas.

Second, you will beat the craziness of fall. Think about it, kids go back to school, sports schedules are insane, throw in dance, gymnastics, theatre, whatever your kiddos have going on. Do you really want to cram a photo session in there too? Just make sure it’s not during a Raiders game, right? So right now, kiddos are home, maybe you can schedule a weekday session, and keep those fall weekends as open as possible. Then when everyone else is rushing to find a last minute photographer and print cards, you can sit back and give yourself a pat on the back.

Third, it’s a money saver! You can take advantage of early bird sales on card printing websites. If you are wanting to frame wall art as well, summer is a great time for sales. I know a lot of photographers will offer incentives on summer sessions as well because it is typically a slower season. Also, photographers tend to increase prices for the fall season, simply because demand is so high. This is kind of a no brainer. I prefer Minted for my Christmas cards.

Fourth and last, the style of your session. This is a huge reason I love summer sessions. Personally, I don’t want to frame a photo of my family in sweaters and boots. We are spring and summer people and I want our style to reflect that. I love summer dresses (like I have a major problem with buying summer dresses), cute sandals, and bright colors. This fits our personality and our style. Are you wanting to have a more winter or fall feel for Christmas cards? Then schedule a mini with your photographer. However, when it comes to framing wall art that will hang for years to come, I want a timeless style that suits our personalities.

There you have it! Why I love summer sessions as a mom and as a photographer. So take a look at your calendar, check in with your photographer (or me 😉) and don’t sweat your families photography session. Get it?!?!

Need wardrobe inspiration? Click HERE.

Las Vegas Expecting Moms- Top 5 Items to Pack in Your Hospital Bag- Alyssa Charboneau Photography

Mammas, I’ve been there. You’re about 30-35 weeks along, that belly is getting in the way, and you need a foot massage like no other. The due date is getting closer and it’s time to pack that all important hospital bag. Birthing three little humans myself, I consider myself an expert 😉! So here are my top 5 items you don’t want to leave home without.

First, a cute and comfortable nursing robe with a matching swaddle for baby. You will have given birth and you’ll want to feel like yourself again, and a hospital robe is not going to help. I recommend and love Milkmaid Goods. For my third baby I finally got a matching set, the black buffalo plaid. Y’all, I still use it four years later. Also, the swaddle will be a go to when you get home. Another reason to pack this, there will be pictures taken, and like I said before, you’ll want to feel a little like yourself and this helped me feel just a bit put together.

A few pics of my Milkmaid robe with baby Graham. Totally wish I would’ve done a Fresh 48 Session with him and his older sisters that day.

Second, you will need a few nursing bras. If this is your first baby, you are probably overwhelmed with what to buy, what’s the best, the most comfortable, etc. I got mine from Target, they lasted three babies. And since we are talking bras, grab a few nursing tanks and bring those to the hospital as well. If you choose to breastfeed, this is your new wardrobe 😑.

Third, all your own toiletries. Grab your own shampoo/conditioner, your own face wash, even grab a few packs of eye patches. The complimentary stuff is just not up to par. Also, pack your own hair dryer. The last thing you may want to do is get up and shower, but my goodness, you will absolutely feel like a brand new woman afterwards. Trust me on this.

Fourth, your own pillow! You will be exhausted and will sleep at any chance you can between checkups, feedings, and diaper changes. I had the hardest time getting comfortable and learned to bring my own pillow. It was a game changer, trust me on this!!

Fifth and lastly, a sweet going home outfit for your sweet little one. Here in Las Vegas, it’s obviously hot in the summer. You can’t go wrong with a simple white onesie. I also loved lightweight sleep and plays for my kiddos when they were babies. I love this one HERE from local baby boutique, LoveBug. Don’t forget those little newborn hand gloves, too. They really can help baby from scratching themselves with those sharp little nails.

I hope you found this useful! Some things to think about, the hospital will provide everything you will need for your recovery and for baby while you’re there. I wish all expecting mammas the safest and smoothest delivery!! What are your must have items?

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Are you interested in a Fresh 48 Session? These are in the hospital with parents, baby, and siblings if applicable. A prefect way to document this special time. Click here 😉.

My little Graham the morning after he was born. Those first 48 hours are just a whirlwind.

Milestone Sessions…I Love These and You Should Too.

I love to photograph ALL the newborns and kiddos, but if I had to pick a favorite session, I think they may be milestone session. First, let's define milestone sessions...traditionally, they are when babies can sit (6 months-isH), when they can crawl (9 months-ish), first birthday, and every birthday after! (Because why not?)

As mamas, we know that our littles are constantly changing, and we are there to document it all with cell phone in hand! But let's be honest, cell phone images just don't always cut it. That is why I totally recommend milestone sessions for mamas with babies and toddlers. As a mom of three and a photographer, I just love these sessions! So I present to you, 'Five Reasons Milestone Sessions are my Favorite!'

Milestone sessions are short and sweet. Like 20-30 minutes short. Just enough time to capture the cuteness before little one is over me and my camera, and my singing.

Milestone sessions are FUN!! Like I said before, I will sing all the Encanto songs, dance, imitate Donald Duck, and do whatever else to make your little one laugh and smile. Is your kiddo more on the quiet side? No problem. I will let them warm up to me and the camera. Each child is different and some love all the attention, and others shy away from it. As a former Kinder teacher, I am pretty good at tailoring the environment to suite your individual child.

Also, these sessions are soooo simple! You don't have to coordinate a family in outfits (which is WORK!) It is simply about your little one. A sweet outfit or two, beautiful light, and those sweet smiles and quirks- that's all we need! My goal is to document who your little person is at this moment. If your babe needs to have Mickey by their side the whole time like Irene in these images, then great! My daughter insisted on having Moana while she was a flower girl in the wedding portraits, and I loved it! (the bride did too, I think?) But it tells a story and it is real.

Milestone session are affordable! With session times being shorter, and it centering around your sweet little boy or girl, there is just not a ton of work with these sessions. Therefore there is not a lot of investment required. Simple as that.

There you have it, why I just love milestone photography sessions. Whether you contact me to document your child's baby and toddler years, or another Las Vegas family photographer, these will be some of the sweetest portraits to look back on for years to come!

Do you know someone who has a little one that you think would love to have a photography session like this? Then copy the link below and pass it on! ☺️

How I Set Up my Photography Business for Success

Las Vegas Newborn and Family Lifestyle Photographer

Fellow photographers, this blog is for you! "Never stop learning; for when we stop learning, we stop growing." I first read a short essay on this quote by Loyal 'Jack' Lewman about 10 years ago when I was at a teacher inservice. Normally, I would skip over these articles and go about sipping coffee, but for some reason, this quote really stuck with me.

Fast forward almost a decade later, I had taken a leave from teaching and started up a small photography business. As any fellow photographer will know, it is an evolving and steep learning curve when it comes to photography. Those first few years were filled with hours of video instruction, lots and lots of free shoots, teaching myself Lightroom and Photoshop, and an unhealthy addiction to buying newborn wraps and tiebacks. I was improving, but I still felt that I had no real personal photography style and definitely no business plan.

Welcome to the stage, Sabrina Gebhardt. Her lovely images first filled up my Instagram when she teamed up with fellow Fort Worth photographer, Jodie Miears from Reverie Photo Co. for a newborn lifestyle workshop. During that workshop, holy moly, my eyes were opened!!  Here was this woman that made me feel so comfortable, forming a group of like minded photographers, and really truly wanting to help us and our business!! The session went great, and us photographers got a great hands on practice following Sabrina's lead. The best part though, was after. Myself and the other photographers from the workshop were in a private Facebook group and formed a small sense of community. We were able to ask questions and get to know each other a little. That was the first time I felt that I had another photographer or two to talk with. That in itself is worth it!!

Sabrina Gebhardt, Educator

Fast forward a few months, and Sabrina was offering a new course, The Organized Photographer. This course would cover everything and more that I desperately needed to know. How to set up a business, how to manage social media, what exactly SEO is and how to improve it.  ALL. THE THINGS!! This course was a lifesaver and I highly recommend this to every photographer that is feeling a little lost with their business. However, this was more that just modules. My favorite part was getting to know the other women in this group. We were all in it together!!

You see, Sabrina has a knack for forming a community. During our course, she hosted Q&A's, Zoom happy hours, round tables, and more. After the past year, I now have photographer friends all across the country!! I cannot tell you how much I have gained since I first started learning from Sabrina. I now have a firm ground to stand on when it comes to running my business. I am growing as an artist, I have the confidence to try new things with clients,  I have FRIENDS in the business, and I am continuing to grow personally into a better business owner, and wife/mom!

Sabrina Gebhardt, The Organized Photographer

What to Expect at your Newborn Session

Not sure a newborn session is right for you? Here is what you need to know about newborn sessions and why you should schedule one for your family.

Nearly nine years ago, I was a second grade teacher living in San Antonio, TX. I was completely new to all things baby. So the morning of my daughter's newborn pictures was hectic to say the least. (sound familiar?) Besides trying to work around feedings and naps, I had so many worries. Would my baby sleep? Would she scream and cry the whole time? Would she pee or poop on the photographer or her blankets? Also, what do I wear? Will still look like I’m pregnant? Will my boobs leak? All. The. Worries. Well, in the end, baby slept, and stopped to eat, she did pee on a blanket, and my boobs did not leak. Success.

Now, after five years of shooting newborns, I’ve learned a thing or two or 2,907 things. As a photographer, my sessions are designed to be as easy as possible, and dare I say even fun!! Here are the five things you can expect at your newborn session.

1. I will come to you!! Yes, I shoot most of my newborn sessions at the client’s home. Your home is your happy place. It is comfortable, it is relaxed, it is familiar, and it is where you are making these most beautiful memories with your new babe. The rocking chair where you rock baby for countless hours and nights, that should be documented. The living room, where you first brought baby home, sat down, and said, “Now what do we do?” That should be documented. The baby laying in your pristinely decorated crib, that should be documented. And family pups sniffing new baby’s toes on parent’s bed, that should also be documented. These are the reasons I love to photograph baby at home. It’s all about connections and real life.

2. You will want to look back years later at your home, baby’s nursery, all the details. Your home does not have to be a magazine worthy home. TRUST ME! I will find the best room, the best nook, and the best window with beautiful light. Luckily, we live in Las Vegas, where sunshine is in abundance and most homes are filled with natural light.

3. If you have older kiddos, they will try to take the spotlight, and that is just fine! Yes, we are documenting baby, but part of that is this chapter of your family. That includes big brothers or sisters, and I guarantee that they will get a little special attention too!

4. Baby runs the show. This is their first photoshoot after all. We stop for eating, diaper changing, fussiness, anything that we need to. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever had a session that we didn’t need to stop so baby could eat. That’s their job so I will always pause a session for a hungry baby.

5. You will be PREPARED, because I will prepare you. Before your session, you will receive a prep guide that will go way in depth with what to expect and other aspects on how to make the session run smoother. Just know, your baby will probably get hungry, will pee and poop during the session, and may even throw up on me…trust me, they ALL do! 

Overall, newborn session days can be the most stressful and tiring days. I am here to ease your nerves and give you a few less things to worry about. Your job is to snuggle your sweet baby and simply let me document this time in your life. Short and sweet.

Do you know of an expecting mom that may want to read this? Feel to forward this post!!