Tag: Lancaster Newborn Photography

April 30, 2015

Avalon :: Marietta Child Photography

Avalon turned 5 and her momma asked me to take her birthday portraits. I was really looking forward to the session because I knew exactly how spunky and out-going Avalon was. This was Avalon’s first solo shoot with me because the last time I photographed her it was during her baby sister, Haven’s newborn photography session. Child photography can be SO much fun especially if you have a child with the right personality and Avalon is the epitome of that. We had to reschedule because the poor kiddo had the stomach bug the day we were originally supposed to meet. But it all worked out perfectly because we had the most beautiful morning to play.

We met at one of my favorite Lancaster county locations. When I asked Avalon’s mom, Jess, where she would like to go for the portraits she replied “You choose! You are the one who needs to be inspired!” I love that!! I also love that Jess shares my belief that portraits should capture a child’s true personality for the age that they are at. She, again, like me, allowed her 5 year old to help choose her portrait day outfits. I allow my own children to choose their ensembles for the individual sessions I do with them each year and then mom picks for the annual family portraits 🙂 Jess said she had originally chosen some white dresses for the portrait session, but then quickly realized that white dresses were truly not “Avalon”. So, after some discussion they compromised on the outfits you see in the images below….my favorite being the floral dress, mardi gras beads, cheetah print leggings and hot pink boots. She rocked the outfit and the entire portrait session.

I love when a client trusts me so much that they just have a seat and send me off with their child to do my thing. I find that in most situations that it works best for the child and I to work together without mom or dad’s watchful eye. It gives me a chance to get to know the child instead of chatting with the parents and it gives the child the opportunity to express who they are without correction or direction from mom and dad. Avalon opened up and told me elaborate stories about the location we were at. She has quite an imagination. I am really looking forward to watching her grow….it’s sure going to be entertaining <3

April 10, 2015

Sean and Jenna :: Marietta Photographer , Maternity

Sean is my 14 year old daughter’s social studies teacher. She has spoken very highly of him since the very first day of school back in August. He is young and interactive and, judging from the way his students talk about him, clearly very good at his job. When I heard he and his wife were expecting a baby this Spring (picture the delivery of this news from a 14 year old baby-loving ginger) I, of course, offered my services as a Marietta photographer. They accepted. We settled on one of my favorite places in Marietta as the location for their shoot. Once again, Mother Nature played with me the week before I was supposed to photograph this session, but by Saturday, the day of the session, the outdoor world was a beautiful place again, albeit a bit chilly. As soon as I met Jenna, also a teacher….but for the little folks, I adored her. She was sweet and kind. And Sean was just as smily and friendly as I remembered him from our school interactions. These two are the perfect match. High school sweethearts. And, seriously, just so comfortable with each other. My job photographing them was one of the easier jobs I have ever done. Ordinarily I get a little nervous before a maternity session because sometimes clients just aren’t comfortable showing affection in front of the camera. Sometimes things look staged. I can tell you now that not one moment of this couple’s interaction was staged. When I instructed “Just act natural….snuggle in like you would if I wasn’t here”….they did. And it is all captured in the images below. I love an image you can FEEL. I loved the images when I told them to look at the camera and Jenna looked, but Sean chose to stare at his wife instead. I could go on and on about this sessions, but I will just say that this baby (gender unknown) is already one lucky child <3

April 9, 2015

Alexa :: Lancaster Newborn Photographer

Winter has always been my slow season in the Pennsylvania photography world because so many people prefer outdoor portraits. I did have a decent customer base as a Lancaster Newborn Photographer, but it was still always my slowest time for business because family photography fills up a good bit of my schedule as well. So, in my slower times I always try to learn something new. This year I went crazy with the education part of my business. You can never possess too much knowledge, right? To start, I decided to start taking some studio lighting classes in preparation for opening my own photography studio. I also decided to buy some webinars on newborn photography. And, if that wasn’t enough, I met with a mentor to learn advanced Photoshop skills one to two times a week. So, I was busy and I was learning a LOT. I also decided it was time to increase my prop collection for new humans. I was tired of my old stuff. So, in addition to learning, I was spending!! And, oddly enough, this was my busiest winter ever. I booked a dozen newborn sessions, but unfortunately, none of the expected babies were making their entrance into the world until Spring. So, I put out a model call…a heavily discounted session for someone who would let me practice my newly discovered knowledge and skills on their 5-12 day old baby. Enter Alexis…her mother emailed me and said we had the same hair stylist at Blades Salon and she saw on Facebook that I needed a model. She was due the following day and would be induced the following Monday which meant I could have my hands on a new human within 10 days. Done. Alexis came into the world three days later weighing in at 9 lbs, 8 ounces and looking just beautiful….the perfect model. I had a wonderful time practicing with her. Her parents were patient and chatty and the entire experience was truly exactly what I had been hoping for. I sincerely hope that I am able to work with Miss Alexa and her parents in the future <3

March 12, 2015

Ansley :: Marietta Newborn Photographer

I recently opened a studio in my home (Look for a blog about that soon!) And Miss Ansley was my first studio customer. I wasn’t “officially” open yet as a Marietta newborn photographer, but they agreed to overlook the disorder and bring their brand new baby girl to me. It was a wonderful experience on every level. She wasn’t too interested in sleeping, but I used all the magic tricks I picked up through my years of photography and she eventually gave in. Mom and Dad were awesome….Dad was a enthusiastic, proud daddy. He couldn’t have been more adorable with his tiny new human. I was relaxed in my own space trying out new props and techniques. And I feel as though the end result captured my comfort and happiness in my new studio. I am already looking forward to photographing this family again and again 🙂

FamilyTales Photography is located in Lancaster County, PA. Specializing in premiere in studio maternity, newborn, family and wedding portraiture. Serving Lancaster, York, Hershey, Harrisburg and surrounding areas in Central PA. All images and design © FamilyTales Photography. All rights reserved.

March 10, 2015

Ethan :: Newborn Photography, Milton

Ethan’s mommy and I went to school together. I hadn’t heard from her in years, but she must have been following along with my Facebook posts because as soon as she had little Ethan she messaged me and told me I had to take his portraits! Who am I to deny an old friend? This session gave me some angst because Mother Nature was playing games with the weather and the forecast was not good. I didn’t want to push Ethan’s newborn portraits too much later because I didn’t want to miss his “sleepy baby window”. So I ventured up to Milton despite the weather warnings. I am SO glad that I did. This smirky, happy little guy was absolutely worth the trip. And, of course, it was great to catch up with his mommy after all these years too.

February 6, 2015

I am Chandler Bing.

My 14 year old and I are binge-watching Friends on Netflix. The other night was the episode where Chandler and Monica were attempting to get their engagement portraits taken. As I was sitting there bonding with my teen I realized something about myself.

I AM THE CHANDLER BING OF BLOGGING!!!

Many of you probably don’t know that my major in college was mass communications with an emphasis on journalism. I was the editor of my high school paper. I never met an English class I didn’t love. I had MAD writing skills!! Then I attempted blogging. (Here is my ridiculous first attempt at blogging.) And much like Chandler, who loses all ability to smile when he is in front of a camera, I lose all ability to write creatively when I sit down to blog. Who knew?!?

Currently, I am sitting in the faculty room at my children’s school where I volunteer on Fridays waiting on the copier to finish a massive job. I was bored so I decided to give the old pen (Bright green! Go, Donegal!) and paper (the backside of a copying mistake pulled form the recycling bin) a try. I am not sure it is going any better than when I type.

So, why blog, you ask? As a photographer it is my goal to let my work tell the story, right? A picture is worth a thousand words and all that jazz. Well, research tells me this blogging thing is a necessity in building my business. I will spare you the very boring details. But, here I am (again)…..blogging….and, let’s be honest, not terribly well. But guess what?!? Business is growing. So, I will continue along with my Chandler Bing-like writing skills and hope that you all stop by once in a while to at least take a look at all the pretty pictures 🙂

By the way, here are two of my friends that are the supermodels of blogging: Jessica Coup and Susan Heydt. If my blog hasn’t put you to sleep you should definitely check them out! You won’t be sorry.

February 2, 2015

Ella Rose :: Harrisburg Newborn Photographer

I booked Miss Ella’s newborn portraits months ago. Her mommy found me on the Internet by searching for Harrisburg newborn photographer (which always makes me happy). I felt an instant connection to Jen because she shared with me that they chose the name Ella Rose for their firstborn daughter. Ella is my eldest daughter’s first name and Rose is my youngest daughter’s middle name. How fun is that?!? (I considered asking if they had a dog named Henry at home since that is my son’s name, but I was afraid they would think I was insane and change their minds about using me as their newborn photographer.)

Harrisburg Newborn Photographer

Ella was due to make her entrance into the world on March 6th, but instead arrived January 24. Jen emailed me asking how we handled newborn pictures since the newborn would be spending some time in the NICU. I explained that she should just contact me when they were released and we would do her portraits at that time. And then, on a whim, I offered to go to the hospital and do a quick lifestyle photography session to capture these early moments. Jen enthusiastically agreed.

So, this morning after some serious disappointment over the lack of a 2 hour school delay, I was off to Hershey Medical Center. Good news! Ella was progressing well and was moved to the Continuing Care Unit instead of NICU. I arrived at feeding time and just went to work snapping Ella and her mommy together. Jen is a natural and Ella…..well, Ella is just beautiful. I liked Jen and instantly felt at ease. We chatted and I snapped. I snapped and we chatted. She shared with me some photos of Ella and her daddy from her phone.

All in all, I only ended up spending about a half hour with Jen and Ella, but I had such a wonderful time. I am so anxious to hear from them that they are headed home and I can see them again. Until then, enjoy this adorableness <3

FamilyTales Photography – Harrisburg Newborn Photographer

January 15, 2015

Justin & Heather :: Maternity Photography Lancaster PA

Maternity Photography Lancaster PA

Heather’s parents won a gift certificate for a session at a silent auction for maternity photography, Lancaster PA. When she contacted me she mentioned she was pregnant with a baby boy and wondered if she could use the certificate for a maternity photography session I was thrilled. We tried to get together and shoot the session several times, but Mother Nature had a different plan. So, when I arrived for this maternity photography session near Lancaster PA, I was shooting a couple I had never met at a location I had never seen. As it turned out I hit the jackpot with a gorgeous couple and an amazing location. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.

Maternity Photography Lancaster PA

Maternity Photography, Lancaster PA

Maternity Photography in Lancaster PA

Maternity Photography Lancaster PA, was done by top rated and reviewed photographer Jaime Warburton of FamilyTales Photography. Maternity and newborn photography are a specialty of Jaime, who has many years experience photographing babies and moms throughout the Lancaster County area.

January 14, 2015

Tucker :: Newborn Photography, Milton

I first met Megan and Brandon when I did their engagement portraits several years ago. It was the first time I had ever had someone photograph ME at a shoot. Brandon’s mom was documenting it ALL! I went on to photograph their wedding. It was an amazing event. It was one of those weddings that I love so much. The kind where everyone there makes me feel like family. I was SO excited when Megan told me she was pregnant. After all, we had become more than photographer and client. We had become friends. I made the trip up to Milton to photograph their pregnancy announcement which heavily featured Wyatt, the St. Bernard. A few months later I happily left my own family’s Labor Day picnic to photograph Brandon and Megan’s gender reveal which they held at their own holiday picnic surrounded by family and friends. It was so exciting!! A boy! Megan was as shocked as anyone though there were priceless expressions all around. Then there were the maternity portrait on a bitter cold winter day. Wyatt, the furry big brother to be was the party star once again. And after all that Tucker FINALLY arrived!! And at 4 days old we finally met. I can’t wait to watch him grow. This is the goal for my business. I want to watch families grow <3