Why Newborn Photography is a Precious Investment: The Value of Professional Photos

Hey there, amazing parents!

🌟 So, your little bundle of joy is on their way, and your heart is bursting with love. Amidst the sleepless nights and diaper changes, there’s one thing you might be considering: Is professional newborn photography worth it? Spoiler alert: Absolutely! Let’s dive into why investing in those gorgeous, professional newborn photos is one of the best decisions you can make. Ready? Let’s go!

First Moments, Forever Memories

Let’s face it—babies change faster than you can say “sleep-deprived!” One minute they’re tiny little peanuts, and the next, they’re crawling, walking, and talking up a storm. Professional newborn photos capture those precious first moments, preserving them forever. Imagine looking back at those tiny toes and perfect little fingers years from now. It’s like holding a memory in your hands!

Expertise You Can Trust

Newborn photographers are like baby whisperers with cameras! 📸 They have the experience, skill, and patience to handle your little one safely and comfortably, ensuring that those adorable poses and precious expressions are captured perfectly. Plus, they know how to use lighting, angles, and props to create stunning images that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

A Professional Touch to Your Memories

Let’s be real—while candid snapshots on your phone are great, they often lack that professional flair. Professional photographers have the skills to create artistic and polished images that elevate your baby’s photos to a whole new level. With beautifully crafted poses and neutral backgrounds that let your family’s natural beauty shine, you’ll receive a collection of photos that are both timeless and perfect for showcasing in your home.

Quality That Lasts a Lifetime

Professional prints and albums are made to last, unlike those quick snaps on your phone that can fade or get lost. Investing in high-quality prints and albums means you’ll have tangible keepsakes that won’t just last for years—they’ll last for generations. It’s a way to ensure that your family’s history is beautifully preserved.

An Experience to Cherish

Let’s not forget the experience itself! Newborn photography sessions are more than just photo shoots; they’re cherished moments where you get to relax, bond with your baby, and create beautiful memories. Plus, many photographers offer personalized touches to make the session special and unique to your family.

Capturing the Unique Beauty of Your Baby

Every baby is unique, and professional photographers know how to highlight those special qualities. From your baby’s sleepy smiles to their adorable little quirks, a pro knows how to capture the essence of your little one in a way that’s truly special. You’ll get to see your baby’s personality shine through in every photo.

A Perfect Gift for Family

Looking for a meaningful gift for grandparents? Professional newborn photos are a hit! Beautifully framed prints or custom albums make thoughtful gifts that family members will adore and cherish. Plus, they’ll love showing off those precious baby pictures to everyone they meet!

A Lasting Legacy

Investing in professional newborn photography isn’t just about the here and now; it’s about creating a lasting legacy for your family. These photos will become part of your family’s story, a visual testament to the love and joy that your little one brings. Future generations will look at these images and feel the same warmth and happiness you felt when they were taken.

Celebrating Timeless Moments

It’s the overall artistry—the serene poses, the gentle expressions, and the subtle interactions—that make newborn photos truly special. Professional photographers skillfully capture these moments with precision and creativity, ensuring your baby’s early days are preserved in beautifully composed, timeless images.

A Memory That Grows With Your Child

As your child grows, those newborn photos will take on even more meaning. They’ll become treasured memories that you’ll share with your child as they grow up. Showing them how tiny and perfect they were at the start of their journey is a wonderful way to celebrate their growth and your family’s story.

So there you have it

Professional newborn photography isn’t just an expense; it’s a precious investment in memories that will last a lifetime. Ready to capture those adorable first moments? Contact us today, and let’s make some magic with those tiny toes and sleepy smiles!

Now Offering In Home Lifestyle!

This has been something that has been on my mind for a while. Years ago, I used to travel to homes and it became a little tricky. To the point I had to buy a new, larger car because I was hauling so much with me. It looked like I was moving in when I arrived for the session. You see, I have a little bit of a perfectionist brain that causes me to try and perfect things… for example poses. So I was hauling in everything but my kitchen sink to perform full posed newborn sessions in home. Which obviously wasn’t working. Especially when I got my studio and had everything at hand.

But I have definitely been missing having the option of in home and have recently found a way to blend and merge my style of posing along with a casual in home style. I’m so excited to announce that I am now offering in home newborn sessions again! Now, this post is to go over the differences of what to expect between booking an in studio or in home. There are different conveniences that come along with both for clients and we will explore what those are so you can make the best decision for your family.

When coming in to the studio, all you have to bring would be yourselves (and baby of course! ;) And some milk because, you know, babes love their milk.

I offer a large variety of wraps, props, backdrops, headbands, hats etc. for the session and put together the colors you would like me to use for the session.

These sessions are going to be a little more posed with full guidance and placement.

I do have a backlit light wall that I offer now in my studio as more of a lifestyle look for family portion in studio if you still want the full posed look.

Funny fact… I just had a pup in my studio last week that tried to jump through the wall because he thought it was a window. No dogs were harmed during session ;)

When it comes to in home, lifestyle - it will be more of a natural feel within your surroundings when it comes to the family portion. I can have your babe in regular clothes or still do a swaddle type wrap for these - that would be based on your preference.

*I do also welcome pups in to my studio if you want a studio session but also want to include your fur baby.

Below, I’ll post examples of an in home, lifestyle hybrid session. What this means is I blend lifestyle with a few prop poses. This time around, I don’t bring an entire car load with me but just a few small props, a couple base swaddle wraps and that’s about it. We are keeping the posed simple in home. I won’t be carting in a ton of backdrops but rather use what your surroundings have to offer. So this gives a blend of some posed (not as much as a full posed session in studio) and some natural in home.

Now, both sessions come with “pros and cons.” Not that there are any pros and cons, these are just some things you can consider when trying to decide what type of session you would like.

Pros:

• you don’t have to leave your home

• you get the lifestyle aesthetic if that’s what you are looking for, photos where you choose in the home

• if you have siblings, it may be less stressful for you to be at home in their surroundings (now, you’ll also see the other side of it in cons - that is all how you want to weigh it based on your children)

Cons

• while I don’t want you to “clean for me,” you are naturally going to want the areas photographed free of clutter etc. so that will make more work for you prior to the session. Ideally, areas to photograph in your home will have good lighting etc., which I will talk to you about prior to the session

• not quite as many “posed” photos in those squishy baby poses that you see in studio if that is the style you are looking for

• Siblings may be a little more comfortable in their surroundings and have a harder time focusing on the task of photos and wanting to go play with their toys/watch tv etc. Could be a little more candid depending on your little one. Cute no matter what! :)

*In home sessions are included within 10 miles of Winchester, VA studio. Additional travel fees may apply for homes further from Winchester, VA

Now, on to the studio! The studio is conveniently located off Senseny Road in Winchester. I have just about everything we need for the session - props/swaddles/backdrops/headbands etc. (I actually have a little bit of a prop hoarding problem so there’s a LOT)

I work with parents prior to session to determine the style/colors they are looking for with the newborn session. The prop poses are going to be a little more curated due to the larger selection that I have to use in studio and the parent/sibling photos are going to be a little more posed and stylized with a neutral backdrop.

On to some pros:

• You have to leave your house (which some people actually love getting out a little bit)

• No preparation of your home. You can leave it in that new baby disaster of burp cloths everywhere, the nightstands full of all the survival essentials, an unmade bed…. you get the picture ;)

• Siblings - some do better in the studio as they are not in their comfy home surroundings and, like my children, tend to behave better outside of their home. Now, take that with a grain of salt because the siblings in the 1-3 age range are adjusting to a big (AMAZING!) change in their life and go through some spurts of defiance. With all the years of working with toddlers, it sometimes takes a little work to get the “perfect” shot and that’s ok! Parents should NEVER worry about that with me. Also, some parents will have grandparents come pick sibling(s) up or dad take older kiddo(s) on a small breakfast date while I finish up with just baby. That tends to lead to a little less stress for parents to not have sibling around for entire session.

• Hair and makeup offered as an add on if you choose and artist comes to the studio

And some cons:

• You have to leave your house ;)

• Not quite as many opportunities for “natural” looking poses if you are looking for lifestyle aesthetic

• May seem daunting to you if you also want to bring fur baby - I never mind but I know it can be a lot if you are trying to get yourselves ready + possibly a sibling + bringing a pup(s)

So, as you can see here, there is not a right or wrong type of session. Just beautiful photos of your family with your new baby.

Let me know if you have any questions and I hope to see you soon!

Jenny

JMP Baby Ambassador Program

Hello, dear clients and friends of Jen Marie Photography!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you! As a newborn photographer, we understand the importance of capturing those precious moments that mark the arrival of a new life in your family. Every smile, every milestone, every tiny detail deserves to be cherished forever. Today, we are introducing something special that will make your newborn photography experience with us even more delightful – the JMP Baby Ambassador Program!

For Due Dates Starting in January 2024 -

What is the JMP Baby Ambassador Program?

The JMP Baby Ambassador Program is an exclusive opportunity for one lucky newborn client each month to become an integral part of our photography journey. We believe in celebrating the beauty of new life, and we want you to join us in spreading the joy of newborn photography.

What Does it Entail?

As a JMP Baby Ambassador, here's what you can look forward to:

1. 15% Off Your Sessions: Enjoy a 15% discount on all your photography sessions, from newborn to baby's first year. We want to be there to capture every moment as your little one grows.

2. Share Your Experience: We invite you to share your photography journey with your friends, family, and followers on social media. Your heartfelt moments and beautiful photos can inspire others to capture their own special memories.

3. Support and Encouragement: Encourage your social media followers to like and follow our business pages. In return, we'll be tagging you and your family in our posts, giving you the recognition you deserve for being a part of the JMP Baby Ambassador family.

4. Become a JMP Baby: You'll earn the title of a JMP Baby Ambassador, an honor that reflects your commitment to celebrating the miracle of new life through photography.

How to Qualify for the JMP Baby Ambassador Program

To become a JMP Baby Ambassador, here are the simple qualifications:

1. Love for Social Media: We're looking for clients who love sharing their life's beautiful moments on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.

2. Genuine Enthusiasm: Share your excitement about our photography sessions and the magical moments we capture.

3. Encourage Engagement: Encourage your followers to like and follow our business social media pages, helping us reach more families in need of our services.

4. Tag Us: Ensure you tag our business social media pages when you post your photos. This helps us track your support and share your beautiful moments with our community.

How to Apply

Interested in becoming a JMP Baby Ambassador? It's simple! When you book your newborn photography session with us, let us know that you'd like to apply for the program. We'll review your social media presence and enthusiasm for our photography services.

A Limited Opportunity

Please keep in mind that we can select only one JMP Baby Ambassador each month. We appreciate the enthusiasm and support of all our clients, and we want to ensure that each chosen ambassador has a truly special experience. If you are not selected in a given month, please do not be discouraged. Your love and support mean the world to us, and we value every moment we get to spend with your family.

Join Us in Celebrating New Life!

We can't wait to welcome you into the JMP Baby Ambassador family and share in the joy of capturing those precious moments with your little one. Together, we'll create lasting memories and inspire others to cherish every smile, every milestone, and every tiny detail of their newborn's journey.

If you have any questions or would like to book your newborn photography session and become a JMP Baby Ambassador, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to make your photography experience truly special!

Thank you for choosing Jen Marie Photography, LLC to be a part of your family's most treasured moments.

I’d love to hear from you!

Contact me at the link below if you are interested in becoming a JMP Baby Ambassador Today!

Winchester, Berryville, Purcellville, Leesburg, Stephens City Virginia Newborn, Maternity & Child Photographer

Fall Mini Styling Ideas

You have your fall mini booked! Woohoo!

But wait… now you have to figure out outfits. Ugh. I suggest staying as true to yourself as you can as to be comfortable. BUT, with that said, it does look great dressing up some! Here are some ideas to help.

If you are like me and don’t love to dress up, I’ll also add some casual ideas as well.

1. Coordinated Neutrals:

• Have the family wear a mix of neutral colors like beige, cream, and gray.

• Choose different shades and textures within the neutral palette to add depth.

• Accessorize with brown leather belts, boots, or shoes.

• This timeless look creates a harmonious and elegant feel.

2. Plaid and Denim:

• Dress the family in various plaid patterns, such as flannel shirts or dresses.

• Combine plaid with denim jeans or chambray shirts for a rustic and casual vibe. I recommend no more than two coordinating different patterns and pair with neutrals. It’s better to do the two different patterns that completely match.

• Add boots or booties to complete the country-chic look.

3. Earthy Tones

• Opt for warm earthy tones like deep greens, burnt oranges, and rich browns.

• Incorporate these colors into sweaters, dresses, and accessories.

• This palette complements the natural colors of fall foliage.

  Earthy + Rustic Bohemian

• Dress family members in flowing boho-style dresses, skirts, or tops.

• Incorporate warm, autumnal colors and floral prints.

• Add suede or fringe details for a rustic touch.

• Accessorize with headbands, wide-brimmed hats, or layered necklaces.

Adding a dressed-up element to a fall family photo session can elevate the overall look and create a memorable, elegant, or whimsical touch. Here's an idea for dressing up during a fall family session:

4. Elegant Autumn Dresses and Suits:

• Choose elegant dresses for the women and girls in the family. Opt for styles with rich, autumnal colors and flattering silhouettes.

• Dress men and boys in well-fitted suits or blazers and slacks. Darker colors like charcoal gray or deep navy work well for a dressed-up look.

• Add accessories like statement jewelry, ties, or bowties to enhance the formal appearance.

• Dress shoes or ankle boots can complete the dressed-up ensemble.

This dressed-up approach brings a touch of elegance to your fall family session without relying on tweed, creating a timeless and polished look against the backdrop of autumn colors.

Can’t wait to see all my booked families this year!

Cake Smash Photo Sessions: Capturing the Sweetest Moments of Your Little One

Hello, wonderful clients! We're excited to introduce you to one of our most cherished and adorable photo session offerings – the Cake Smash Session. If you have a little one about to celebrate their first birthday or just want to capture some delightful moments, this session is perfect for you. Join us as we share all the exciting details about this fun and messy experience that will leave you with heartwarming memories to treasure forever.

Why Choose a Cake Smash Session:

Cake smash sessions are all about celebrating your child's milestone in a playful and artistic way. They're a unique blend of joy, curiosity, and pure messiness, resulting in some of the most candid and heartwarming photographs. Here are a few reasons why you should consider a cake smash session for your little one:

Memories to Last a Lifetime:

Your baby's first birthday is a special moment that deserves to be captured beautifully. A cake smash session provides you with timeless memories of your child's journey into toddlerhood. We first start out with a “neutral” backdrop first before moving on to a themed backdrop for the cake portion.

Preparing for the Session:

Now that you're excited about the idea of a cake smash session, let's talk about how to prepare for the big day:

1. Choosing a Theme: Think about the theme or color scheme you'd like for your session. We can help you brainstorm ideas that match your child's interests or your family's style. We also offer a large variety of themed backdrops to choose from or can create a custom backdrop with your vision.

2. Cake and Outfit: With multiple bakers to recommend, you are able to have a baker create the cake of a lifetime or make it special and make the cake yourself! We offer a large selection of outfits you are welcome to use or may bring your own. It usually begins with an outfit for the “neutral” setup and then a second outfit for the themed setup.

The Session Itself:

During the session, I will guide you through the process. We'll capture the cake smashing, laughter, and delight as your child explores their cake.

It all ends with a splash

But seriously, what better way to end the smash than with one of your child’s favorite things to do?? A little bathtub splash after the session helps clean your little one up while also continuing to include adorable photos.

Cake smash sessions are a wonderful way to celebrate your child's first birthday or simply capture their vibrant personality at any age. If you're ready to create joyful and messy memories that will last a lifetime, contact us to schedule your Cake Smash Session. We can't wait to be a part of this sweet journey with you and your little one!

Twin Maternity Session

Winchester, VA Maternity/Pregnancy Photographer

Oh my word…

Doesn’t she look AMAZING?! I knew before I even met up with them that mama would just have the sweetest little twin bump. We did a pregnancy announcement session together with their toddler in the spring so they decided to have a special maternity session with just the two of them and I love it! What a great way to celebrate those last few moments together before adding two more babes in to their lives. I can’t wait to see if their little ones look just like big sis soon!!

The Newborn Experience.

A skilled newborn photographer can significantly ease the experience for their clients by creating a comfortable and stress-free environment during the session. This begins with clear communication prior to the shoot, where we discuss the process and address any concerns or questions the client may have. It’s important to feel that you connect with your photographer as they are holding in their hands your most precious person.

Every little one is unique and precious.

Flexibility is key, as newborns can be unpredictable, so patience is top priority while accommodating baby’s needs, allowing for feeding, soothing and breaks as necessary. At Jen Marie Photography, LLC, I offer a well-prepared studio with a variety of props, backgrounds, and lighting setups that can help streamline the session and offer diverse options for clients.

Expertise is necessary.

Furthermore, a gentle touch and a calming demeanor can help both the baby and the parents feel at ease, fostering a relaxed atmosphere that contributes to natural and heartwarming photographs. By prioritizing the comfort and needs of even the smallest clients, it can turn what might have been a potentially stressful experience into a smooth and enjoyable one, resulting in beautiful and genuine images that capture the essence of this precious time.

Safety is key.

Whatever you do, do not put pricing above safety! You have the 100% right to ask questions and verify that your photographer is knowledgeable in the safety of your sweet little baby. The image you see above is a composite of two images put together - that means my hands were never off of baby! This is so, so important as many photographers starting out don’t take the time or have the resources to take the necessary steps to learn baby safety in photography.

My hands are holding at the bony portion of baby’s head so that I’m not pressing on any soft spots. Then my hands are holding the wrists, making sure that the wrists are not too far back and potentially blocking their airway.

Hi there!

I’m Jenny with Jen Marie Photography! With over 8 years photography experience and six years with newborns, Baby safety is of the utmost importance to me! With a background as an x-ray tech prior to becoming self-employed and multiple courses and refreshers going over newborn safety and posing, I feel confident and at ease holding and posing your most precious little one. Safety is never compromised to get any adorable photos.

I hope to see you soon!