When this sweet little man’s mom came to me to talk about his 1-year cake smash, she had a great vision for the set; simple balloons with die-cut baby sharks. Adorable!

So, as life would have it, quarantine happened, and his session got rescheduled and rescheduled again.

I’m so grateful for clients who understood and rolled with it because by the time we did his session, he was 14 months old. If there’s anything we’ve learned that time is just time, and we’re all a little bit more forgiving now, aren’t we? 

I’m in love with his little jeans and chubby belly! Keeping the outfits super simple keeps the focus on the faces and the set and brings out all those baby features that will soon fade away as they become toddlers.

This balloon set would work with any kind of theme! All you need to do is tell me your colors, and I can design something exactly for you and your birthday baby.

And as usual, Tres Belle Cakes knocked it out of the park with the Baby Shark cake. The colors match absolutely perfectly with the theme.

These cakes are so whimsical and the perfect size for cake smash sessions. They are definitely kid-tested and approved!

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If your baby became a toddler quicker than you could imagine and you want to do a cake smash session, let’s go for it! Always happy to customize with your ideas! Book your session here.

Here are some ideas for themes: Pinterest

And here are some recent sessions: Cake Smash Sessions

Cincinnati Family Portrait Session & What to Wear

What to wear in photographs is one of the most popular questions I get before a session. The days of being all “matchy-matchy” are over, and I always encourage people to embrace their unique individuality in their photos.

Here are the top 10 tips for wardrobe and accessories for your photos.

1. Stick to primary colors or their close version. Flouresecnts cast weird colors on faces and tend to come and go in trends. 
2. If we are taking photos in a green area such as a park, don’t wear green clothing.  Wearing it as an accent color is fine, though!
3. Start with one outfit you like and build around it for everyone else.
4. Wear what feels good! Avoid overly fussy clothes you or your kids aren’t comfortable in. That goes for shoes, too.
5. Layering adds dimension and provides a different look. Think hats, scarves, cardigans, and statement jewlery.
6. Wear clothes that fit well. Baggy, saggy clothes do not make you look slimmer!
7. Coordination, not matching. Go ahead and mix and match patterns too, as long as they are in the same color palette
8. Keep it simple for newborn session. Grey, black white, is great because it doesn’t overpower the baby’s beauty and simplicity.
9. Dress for the weather and be flexible. You know that the weather is changeable here, so have a plan B (or layer!)
10. Dress for the scene. A suit or a fussy dress on a little kid in a forest setting will look weird, and your personality won’t come through.

The point of your photo session is that the photos represent you and your family as you are right now. We want you to look and feel fabulous and comfortable because that will shine through in the photographs. 

Keep your wardrobe as simple as possible, and be sure to stress to everyone involved in the photos that these session are going to be fun! 

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If you need further guidance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me! I’ll help you prepare for your family session from start to finish so you’ll all be looking your best!

Cincinnati Watch Me Grow Packages | Maternity, Newborn, and 1-Year-Old Cake Smash Photos

In the two years from the time you get pregnant until your baby celebrates their first birthday, your life is filled with more changes than any other time in your life. The time goes even more quickly than you can imagine!

These are the days that are filled with miracle and wonder! From the moment you feel that first fluttering until you welcome them into the world, it’s so important that these moments are marked, celebrated, and documented.

My watch me grow packages are designed for the parents-to-be who don’t want to miss a moment. Starting with the maternity session through the cake smash, we can customize a package that is perfect for you.

Maternity

Maternity sessions are done indoors or outdoors, and I am always happy to assist with ideas!  We can choose the color palate and set option that you love for indoor sessions. For outdoor sessions, we’ll talk about the look and feel of the session that you are going for and build on your dreams. These photos are so important because they show your children, just how loved they were before they were even born.

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Newborn Photos

Taken in the first few weeks after baby is born, these sessions mark the fleeting time of a newborn baby and all the sweetness they bring. From those tiny fingers and downy hair, every little bit of your baby is captured! So you’ll remember what it was like when you met your little love. These sessions are done in the studio, and parents are encouraged to be photographed in the session too!

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6 Month Session/9 Month Session

There are so many changes in a baby’s life between 6 and 9 months! They go from being a squishy little butterbean to sitting up on their own and engaging with people and the outside world. You can do one of these sessions or both. I love both because it’s really amazing to see the difference in these photos that are only three months apart!

1-Year Old Cake Smash

The iconic celebration! We’ll celebrate this remarkable year in the studio with a cake for the birthday kid to taste (or smash, or smush!)  as well as some beautiful portraits of them on a set of your choosing to mark the occasion. These sessions are when we really see their personality shine!

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I can’t think of a better way to mark the change in your family by having professional portraits made from maternity through one year. Have questions about which sessions are right for you? Here’s more information on my Watch Me Grow Sessions, or get in touch with me here!

Cincinnati Newborn Sessions | Safe Newborn Photos

Oh, how I love photographing newborns. One of the saddest things to me was thinking about all those sweet babies that I wasn’t able to photograph during the shutdown!  Luckily now, with careful sanitation and precautions, I’m back to photographing newborns!

At the studio, I take your health very seriously, and that’s especially elevated when it comes to newborns. So while I might not be able to do as much baby snuggling as I used to, by wearing a mask and getting mom and dad in on the posing, it’s safe to have families back in and get those special photos.

To get those squishy, curly, special photos of newborns, it’s best to have them done within the first two weeks of birth. Before baby starts stretching out and finding the world and when they are still sleepy and less alert.

Parents and Siblings

Photos can be done just of the baby, but I always encourage parents and siblings to get in on the fun for a few photos to commemorate this amazing time when you’ve added on to the family!

I have many different headbands and wraps for babies in the studio. So, you don’t have to bring anything to the session!  We can work together to choose the right aesthetic for the photos depending on where you want to hang them. 

Of course, if you have something special that was a gift, or that you bought bring it along. All of the props and wraps are fully sanitized between each session.

The studio is kept at a very warm and cozy temp for babies, so they don’t get chilled. However, adults may want to think about wearing layers, so you don’t get too overheated!  

The goal is always safety first when it comes to newborns, so any of the poses you see here are done with parents just out of camera frame.

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If you’re expecting or adding on to your family, I’d love to talk to you more about newborn sessions. All the sessions include time and talent and digital files, depending on the session that you book.

More information can be found here about the sessions, or call me at (513) 659-5840. 

Watch Me Grow Sessions Cincinnati Ohio | Watch Miss Eloise Grow 

In the topsy-turvy world that 2020 has become, there’s nothing that can remind you that there are still so many good and simple things like a beautiful little baby born to two loving parents.

Little Miss Eloise may have come into a world that felt a little uncertain, but there’s no doubt this little beauty is here to make life a little sweeter. She is just such a total love, and we had so much fun together during her watch me grow session!

With her creamy skin, big blue eyes, and adorable shock of ginger hair, I knew a lighter colored background would show off all of her best features.

I love when babies give me so many different “looks” during their portrait sessions, and Eloise did not disappoint. Big gummy smiles, intense model-like looks staring directly into the camera, and she also showed me her favorite game, laying on her back and playing with her toes.

That Hair! No Product Needed

And that hair! No product needed, please, Miss Eloise has her own style, and I bet next time I see her those sweet little sprouts will have grown into some lovely locks. The best part about watch me grow sessions is seeing how different babies are in just a few short months!

The best part about my watch me grow sessions is you can customize anywhere from bump to the first year. I have several different plans depending on how many sessions you want, and how many milestones you want to be recorded.

Great outfit choices all around were made here, from sweet little dresses to a custom-monogrammed diaper cover, and let’s talk about that onesie!  What a great way to infuse a little humor into the session!

Miss Eloise, I cannot wait to see you grow. You’re a special little lady, and I think you can take on anything this world has to throw at you.

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The Best Time To Do Sessions For Babies

• Between 3-4 months, when they can smile and hold their head up independently
• 7-8 months, when they are sitting all by themselves with no propping
• 1^St Birthday for the custom cake smash session

Do you have questions about safe socially distanced photo sessions? Don’t hesitate to contact me here & check out this blog post.

For many families, having portraits done yearly is a tradition that helps them mark time and revel in the growth of their family.  

Family photos are a reminder of what is really important in your life. There has been no time in recent history that it’s been clearer than after spending months sheltering in place with the COVID-19 pandemic; family is everything.

However, it can be unclear how to many people how family photos can be safely taken as we begin to reopen. Since there is no vaccine or cure at this time, it’s important that everyone involved with the process of having a family photo made adheres to the most recent safety standards.

If you’re unsure of where to start, here are some things you can talk about with your photographer and a few things you can expect.

Ask About Safety Measures in Studio Settings

If your photographer works out of a brick and mortar studio, ask them to detail their process of cleaning and sanitizing, as well as how they are able to pose you while maintaining a safe distance.

Safety Precautions You May See:

• The photographer Wearing masks and/or gloves during the session
• Taking temperatures of family members
• Only allowing family members who live together in the studio
• Showing how to pose by having you mirror them
• Cleaning and sanitizing all equipment between sessions
• Limiting sessions to one or a few a day
• Providing hand sanitizer
• Asking clients to remove shoes

For me and my studio, I’m only accepting 2 studio sessions per day so I have enough time to clean and sterilize the studio between sessions. Newborn sessions will always be the first session of the day. All toys and products have also been removed from my space, and snacks will no longer be provided. All newborn wraps and baby outfits will be sanitized and cleaned before any session as well.

Like many photographers, I’m also only allowing immediate family into the studio after a hands-free temperature check with a touch-free thermometer. I also ask that shoes are left at the door upon entry.

I will also be wearing a mask while families are in the studio as well as washing my hands and using hand sanitizer. I’ll also be changing my clothes upon entry to the studio and when I leave before entering my home, and showering immediately before I leave my home and after sessions.

For clients coming into my studio, I’m requesting that outside items from home be kept to a minimum.

In the event of an illness, I’m asking that anyone who was unwell be fever-free for 48 hours before rescheduling their session.

Consider an Outdoor Family Portrait Sessions In More Remote Locations

Cincinnati summers can be hot, but I’m working with my clients to try and schedule as many outdoor family portrait sessions as possible.

Outdoor photo sessions allow for more air circulation and may allow for more social distancing measures.  Look for photographers who know of locations that are off the beaten path rather than locations that may be crowded like public parks and beaches.

Some photographers may even have land outside their studio that they use for outdoor photos. Or they may be willing to come to your home to do outdoor photos in your yard.

I personally have a list of secluded locations that I love photographing at that my clients have been loving this season!

How Family Photos Happen in the Time of COVID-19

Your photographer should be able to give you an explanation of what you can expect from them in terms of posing, directing, and the viewing of the photos after the session.

They may have to stop more often to give feedback on posing rather than adjusting you themselves. This distancing is especially important when dealing with newborns, very young children, or anyone with ongoing health issues.

Things You Can Do To Stay Safe During Family Photos

It’s important to discuss with your family how the session is going to go, and what they need to do to stay safe. This is especially important with small children who may not understand social distancing boundaries.

• Carry hand sanitizer with you
• Wear masks whenever you are not being photographed
• Ask that the photographer wears a mask at all times
• If at a studio setting, have everyone wash their hands upon arrival
• No hugging or handshakes with the photographer
• Do not linger after the session
• When arriving home, change clothes and shower
• Limit contact as possible for two weeks leading up to your session

With a little bit of coordination, there’s a lot you can do to make a family portrait session as safe as possible.

Along with following a lot of the guidelines I’ve listed here, I’m personally working with each and every one of my clients to make sure they not only have an enjoyable experience, but a safe one as well.

Rather than letting this time pass you by because it is a hard time in history, a celebration of your family with a portrait session can be so meaningful to everyone.

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Interested in a safe socially distance family session?

Contact me here if you have any questions and let’s schedule something!

With the new decade just around the corner, the Brownfield family has something to look forward to in 2020. A New Year Baby!

Their baby is due right around the beginning of the new year, and while the gender is going to be a surprise, the love that surrounds the sweet little one is no surprise. Mom and Dad are ready!

Maternity photos are often the ones to get cut out of the budget because of the “big changes around the corner.” But I have to tell you, these “between” parts of your life are something to celebrate!

Years later looking at these photos I know it will mean so much to see that Baby Brownfield bump and remember the feeling of becoming first-time parents.

Seeing the tenderness and anticipation of their new life to come is so gratifying to me as a family photographer.

 I love capturing maternity sessions outside where everyone can be more natural and relaxed. Fall is always a fantastic time to do the session.

29-32 weeks of pregnancy is the best time to take photos when your belly is sweetly round, before it begins to drop in preparation for birth. 

Lots of women feel self-conscious about maternity sessions, but please don’t. I work with you and your partner to put you into cozy and intimate poses that show off your love and anticipation.

Not sure what to wear? Just ask! I’m happy to guide you, but if you feel beautiful you will look beautiful.

 The photos from your maternity session will be ones you cherish. Plus it’s so fun for little kids to see photos of them in mommy’s belly when they are older!

Details about my most popular bump and baby sessions are here: Watch Me Grow Packages. I  have packages that cover every important milestone from maternity bump photos through the first birthday cake smash!

There’s no other time in your life that is as important to be documented with photos. I can also assure you there’s no other time in your life that will go by faster!

Let’s work together to choose the perfect plan for your beautiful new family.

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Contact me here if you have any questions!

Newborn babies are some of my absolute favorite to photograph!

Newborn babies are some of my absolute favorite to photograph.

 

The little bitty toes, fingers, hair curls, that new baby smell – I love it all!

 

They grow and change so much over the coming years that at times it’s hard to remember that they used to be so small!

 

To commemorate this time in their child’s life, many parents opt for newborn portraits.

 

However, all too often, parents-to-be don’t know when they should schedule a newborn session. A week after the baby is born, two weeks, a few days, etc.?

 

And not only that, but with the bustle of having a new baby, how do you even prepare for a newborn session?

 

I totally get it – it can all seem really overwhelming. That’s why I decided to take a minute and compile a few tips for new parents and parents-to-be.

 

When To Schedule Your Newborn Session
 

As a newborn photographer, What I’ve found that works best is scheduling your session 3 months out from your due date.

 

This gives me time to fully customize your session and purchase anything I may need.

 

Then, once you and your baby have a discharge date, you’ll want to contact me and schedule the session within 3-5 days of your release from the hospital.

 

Since most parents are in the hospital around 3 days, this means your session will take place between 5-10 days after birth. This perfect, because babies tend to be really sleepy up until the 10-day mark.

 

(Plus, babies older than 2 weeks can sometimes start to develop baby acne, and with younger ones we tend to miss that.)

 

Once you have your date scheduled and you’re released, it’s time to prepare for your session!

 

3 Tips For Preparing For Your Newborn Session
 

There’s a lot you can do to prep yourself and the baby for having a successful newborn session. Here are 3 big things that can make a big difference in your photos!

 
1. Feed Your Baby.
 

Please feed your baby 2-3 hours prior to the session. After that, do your best to keep your baby awake between that feeding and your session time.

 

Then, when you arrive at the studio, be prepared to feed your baby again.

 

Making sure your baby is well-fed and ready for a nap will help them sleep through the session and will make it so they’re easiest to work with, resulting in the best photos.

 

2. Dressing your baby.
 

It’s best to dress your baby in an easily removed sleeper (zipped footed sleepers work great!) and loose diaper to minimize disruption when they get undressed for their session.

 

(Remember, we want them to sleep through the session as much as possible, so the easier it is to remove their clothes, the better!)

 

3. Bring your soother.
 

Soothers are controversial at this age, but honestly – they can make or break a session.

 

Since our goal is to keep the baby as comfortable as possible, it can really help.

 

So if you have one, make sure to bring it along.

 
But what if my baby cries?
 

If your baby cries, that’s ok! As well as having my own kids, I’ve been working with newborns for years and I’m pretty good at calming down upset and crying babies.

 

Additionally, I’m a seasoned pro at getting photos in during those few moments of quiet, however few they may be!

 

I also like to prep for newborn sessions by making sure the studio is nice and warm. This helps keep the baby warm during the session and encourages them to keep sleeping!

 

 

How I Prepare For Sessions
 

You’re not the only one who prepares for a newborn session! I take time before your session to get ready as well. Some preparations start a few hours ahead of time, and some even start years ahead of time. Here’s what I mean.

 

1. I’m Always Up To Date On My Vaccinations

 

I get asked if I’m up-to-date on vaccinations a lot, and for completely understandable reasons.

 

I am always up to date on all of my vaccinations, as the health and safety of you and your baby are of the utmost importance to me.

 

2. I Make Sure The Studio Is Warm Enough.

 

A warm baby is a sleepy baby!

 

Before your session, I make sure to get to the studio early enough so that I can turn the temp up.

 

This ensures that the studio is nice and warm so the baby is warm and cozy and more likely to sleep throughout the entire session.

 

3. The Entire Studio Is Sanitized.

 

Between each session, the entire studio gets a good sanitizing cleaning.

 

As I mentioned, health and safety are super important to me, so everything in my studio gets a thorough wiping down between every single client.

 

Linens and cloth props also get cleaned and laundered as well.

 

How Should You Prep For Your Session?

 

Ok, we’ve talked a lot about how to get the baby ready for the session, how I get ready for the session, but what about you!?

 

Don’t worry – if you inquire with me about booking a newborn session, I send you an entire guide including all of this info (and more) that will help you prepare.

 

I will also send you a session planning guide so you can pick all of the poses, colors, and themes ahead of time.

 

Want to see more Newborn Session with Heather Elizabeth Studios?

 

Check out my portfolio here!

 

Emmitt Robert Beckman made his appearance on Thursday September 20th at 7:51am.

He weighed in at 8 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20.5 inches long!

This little man had to bring his big brother Raphael in for the session. I think it is easy to see that Raphael is smitten with his little brother.

I don’t know if it was the emotional support that Raphael provided to baby Emmitt, but he is one of the most chill babies I have ever worked with!

He slept nearly the entire session! Look at that smile!

Emmitt’s mom used the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle outfit to tell Emmitt’s dad that she was expecting. So we had to incorporate that into the session.

Flu Season and Baby Portraits

With the flu season in full swing it is important to note that I am fully vaccinated and up to date on both the Flu and Whooping cough vaccines!

I also sanitize and wash all of my props and studio between each session.

Your baby’s safety is my number one priority.

You can rest assured when you come into Heather Elizabeth Studios for your baby’s portraits you are in good hands.

Contact me now so we can start planning your newborn portraits!

Meet Benjamin

Benjamin was an absolute pleasure to host at my studio, but sessions aren’t always that easy. As soon as a client schedules a photo session with me, I send them a copy of my welcome guide that includes all of the details they need to make their session incredible.

It’s been awhile since I have shared my tips to a successful newborn session so here goes:

Here are my top 5 tips to making your Cincinnati Newborn session amazing:

1. Book your session as soon as possible! Photos must be taken in the first 14 days of baby’s life. This allows me to capture those squishy, snuggly poses that you’ll cherish forever. Photos are scheduled based on your due date and have total flexibility based on when baby actually decides to arrive.
2. A full belly makes babies happy! The first thing I’d love for you to do when you arrive is to relax and enjoy my beautiful studio. (It’s going to be warm to keep baby cozy, so be sure to dress in layers for your own comfort.) The second thing on your list… feed the baby. Take your time (I’ve planned for this!) and let me know if you need anything to make you more comfortable. Let me know when baby is full and we’ll get started.
3. Don’t let poo scare you! Sounds silly, I know. But poo happens. It happens in those really cute outfits I’ve prepared for your little one and on my fuzzy blankets. I’m not afraid of it and I don’t want you to be either. Just relax and let me worry about those fun little surprises. I follow baby’s lead during all of my sessions and will stop for soothing, changing, feeding, whatever baby needs.
4. If we’re taking sibling photos, let’s do those early! I love capturing new big brothers and sisters as they oooohh and ahhhh over the new baby in the house. If these are on your list of “must haves”, let me know and we’ll make sure to take these first. This ensures that we have everyone’s full attention and that the little ones haven’t grown impatient by the time we get to their big moment.
5. If there’s something specific you want, let me know! Colors, props, outfits… if you see something in my portfolio that you absolutely love, tell me about it! Creating amazing photos that you’ll cherish forever is my passion. Tips on things you love will help me plan accordingly, so don’t be afraid to share.

Now for the rest of baby Benjamin’s preview!

How to book a Newborn session with Heather Elizabeth Studios.

Did you know we offer Milestone Packages  as part of our list of services. A Milestone Package will include a Newborn Photography Session in our Newborn Studio, a Mini Session for 4 months of age, 8 months of age, and a Custom Cake Smash Session in our Cincinnati, Ohio studio. This package will include an 8×8 album of your baby’s first year for you to cherish and share for generations to come!

At Heather Elizabeth Studios it is our PASSION to document your child’s life. These years slip away so quickly, this makes capturing these moments so very important.

Contact your Cincinnati, Ohio Cake Smash Photographer to schedule your Milestone Session today.