Blog
Click the links below to read my latest blog posts to help you prepare for any photoshoot. I can’t wait to work with you!
Avoiding a Frazzled Family Shoot: Tips on Prepping your Photoshoot
Category: family
Preparing for your Newborn Session
Capturing the Miracles of Those First Months: The Newborn Session
Tips on what to expect and how to prepare
Consumed with joy while unfathomably exhausted. Marveling at those tiny toes through a dim nursery nightlight.
The first few weeks with your little one are just so paradoxical! Each moment is exciting and challenging. New and miraculous. And unquestionably…fast!
A newborn photography session slows you down for some of those precious moments, capturing the beauty of your baby’s first phase of life. You will not regret booking a newborn session–trust me!
First things first. Schedule with me!
Of course, due dates are never firm, but having a rough idea of the month that the baby will arrive is helpful. I only take a few newborns per month so I’m flexible and accommodating for my families. Once the baby is born, we’ll communicate via email to work out the details – sometimes, families need a few weeks to get themselves together, others are ready the moment they bring the baby home! Whatever works for you, works for me – I had my first baby in 2021 so I completely understand how you feel.
What to Expect During your Newborn Shoot
While everyone is acclimating to life with one another, newborn sessions are generally best set in the comfort of your own home. This allows you to feed the baby with ease and feel relaxed in your element. When I arrive, I’ll take off my shoes, find the best light in your home, and guide you through every step of the shoot! It’s that simple! Personally, I love early mornings for newborn shoots.
Here are a few other tips to help you make the most of your session:
Plan who you would like to be a part of your photos.
Siblings, grandparents, and pets are all welcome! If it’s important to you to include others with the baby, just remember that we’ll need more time for more people.
Choose your wardrobes.
Generally, neutral tones and minimalistic patterns allow the baby to be the star of the show! Subtle colors are fine, but bold patterns and bright colors might be distracting. Consider what colors might compliment the nursery decor or other living spaces where we will shoot. Feel free to dress up or be casual, whatever makes you feel comfortable! Feel free to have a wardrobe change during your session for just babe or the whole fam!
Don’t stress about your home being impeccable.
You’ve got a full plate with a newborn, so don’t feel like your home needs to be perfect! If you’re like me, you’ll take any clutter and throw it in a closet or spare room 5 minutes before the session. A quick tidying up will go a long way. Keep your home warm the day of the shoot to keep the baby comfortable while changing clothes. I will move things around during the shoot if needed as well and I promise – I come with a no-judgement attitude!
Relax and enjoy some quality time together.
Look at your baby with awe and amazement–you deserve a little time to take it all in! My style leans to natural, real-life shots with genuine expressions, so I really love when parents are present and relaxed. I will, of course, get you some posed shots for birth announcements as well.
Years from now, your newborn photo gallery will allow you to reminisce on those sweet early days. Stress and sleepless nights? Sure. But one look at those precious little fingers and your heart will swell with nostalgia.
xo,
Natalie
Mini or Full Session: Which one’s for us?
Mini or Full Session: Which one’s for us?
The daffodils and tulips are breaking through and spring is in the air! My 2024 mini-sessions are underway in the Philadelphia area and I’m already having a blast. As I said before, the magic of the mini is in its budget-friendly nature and minimal time commitment. Need a few seasonal shots to freshen up your feed? Little ones growing up WAY too fast and feeling the pressure to capture them in this season? Mini-sessions are the perfect solution.
With that said, you may be on the fence whether you’d rather book a full family session over a mini. Let me talk you through some considerations as you weigh whether a mini or a full session is the right decision for your family at this point in time.
1. Mini sessions move at lightning pace.
Some parents love this aspect of the mini because for their kids, down time = meltdown city. Other children need ample time to warm up and get comfortable in a new setting. Mini sessions also help with any family member that doesn’t like getting their photo taken – you are in and out before you know it! If you think your family would benefit from a slow crescendo into poses, a mini might not provide enough time. Full sessions allow the space for families to ease into the shoot.
2. Minis require strict punctuality.
Listen, I have a toddler and I understand the colossal task of getting out of the door on time! Unfortunately, the marathon-nature of the mini does not allow for any wiggle room. To help with pace, I always have an assistant with me during mini sessions that helps greet new clients, jumps up and down to get kids attention, and even holds on to family pets when they aren’t needed for photos! If some more breathing room bookending your family shoot sounds comforting, a full family shoot might be for you.
3. Full family sessions will yield more variety in your photo gallery.
A full family session allows you the time to shoot in a number of settings, in multiple wardrobes, with a variety of people (should you choose to change wardrobes or include extended family). Because of this, your family photos will showcase your family in different lights. Expect to see an abundance of movement, texture, and composition variety in a full family package. Mini sessions will capture your family in the one predetermined setting, which appeals to many families who aren’t sure where to get photographed. Minis are focused, straight-forward, and require less thought.
4. Minis and full sessions possess a different energy.
On mini session days, I’m fueled with adrenaline and snapping away like crazy! It’s fast-paced, high energy, and silly–I just love it! With that said, some families might benefit from a calmer, quiet environment where we can interact on a highly individualized level and talk more in-depth about pose and shot desires.
Whichever option you choose for your family, just know that I’m committed to capturing the unique personalities of each family member as well as your love for each other. I want you to have the best possible experience in front of my camera whether it be minutes or hours.
XO, Natalie
Natalie is the most incredible family photographer. We have done both mini shots and newborn photos in our home – and wouldn’t trust this process with anyone else! She makes you look and feel beautiful, has so much patience with the kids (and dog!) and is such a joy to be around. Our photos turned out beautifully, and we can’t wait to continue using Natalie to document our boys growing up.
-Lisa
May 2021 Mini Sessions!
We are SO excited that you are booking your Sweetpeashots Mini Session in South Philadelphia! We can’t wait to see you!
Your mini photoshoot session time slot will be saved for 14 days and your signed contract & full payment ($199) is required to confirm your slot. All correspondence and payment information will be sent to the email address you provide.
This is a 15 minute photoshoot which includes 5 images of your choice from your package for download. Option to purchase additional images available.
Rain date: Sunday May 23rd – same time slot
South Philly Fall Mini Sessions!
Fall is a great time for family photos in Philadelphia. The days grow shorter which means that your younger children are still awake (and somewhat happy) at golden hour! This year’s fall mini sessions took place at my favorite South Philly (Pennsport) location for family photos, Dickinson Square Park. What I love about Dickinson Square Park is it’s mature trees, playground and gorgeous rose bush on the corner. This year we were blessed with 2 beautiful days, one sunny & one overcast – both made for gorgeous family photos. Here are a few of my favorite shots from our Fall Mini Sessions! Also, these booked up FAST this year, if you want to get on my email list, you’ll get first dibs in the Spring! Email sweetpeashots@gmail.com
Fall Mini Sessions in South Philly!
UPDATE: ONLY 5 SESSIONS LEFT FOR SATURDAY OCTOBER 5TH
SUNDAY OCTOBER 12TH IS SOLD OUT
Sweetpeashots is offering not one but TWO opportunities to schedule a mini session this fall! This is perfect for new family portraits, holiday cards, headshots, engagements!
This special opportunity is $99 for a 20 minute session including 5 high-resolution images to download from your album. Options to purchase additional images at $10 each or $99 for the entire album.
Photo sessions will take place in South Philadelphia (most likely Dickinson Square Park). Once you sign up, Natalie will communicate with you via email to schedule the time of your session.
Sign up here: Sweetpeashots Mini Session sign up!
Engagement Session – Valley Forge Park
Engagement sessions are the best. Honestly, just gimme two people completely in love and I could snap photos all day. One of my most favorite things is when I tell a couple “just be yourself…pretend I’m not here!” and it actually works! Keara & Clarence couldn’t take their eyes off of each other during our shoot in Valley Forge Park and it was just adorable. And then these two broke out the champagne, seriously – this is my kind of couple! Can’t wait until their wedding in May!
Farm Style Engagement – Spring Grove, PA
Nicolle & Brandon live in Florida but we met out in Spring Grove, PA on Brandon’s parents’ farm to shoot these super adorable engagement photos! Set to marry next year, these two love birds and I spent the evening dodging rain showers and chasing rainbows (literally!) Despite a shower or two, it turned out to be a gorgeous evening on the farm complete with a few cute cows! Congrats and best wishes you two! xo
Anthony & Julian – Twin Newborn Shoot
Anthony & Julian’s mom won my Sweetpeashots Photography Portrait Giveaway this spring and used her shoot to photograph her beautiful newborn baby twins! I met their entire family including grandparents and great grandparents during this at home newborn session in South Philly! It was evident they are surrounded by tons of love and support. Mom & dad certainly have their hands full – of 2 bundles of joy! Congratulations!
Maternity Shoot – Laurel Hill Mansion
Another gorgeous sunny afternoon was the perfect backdrop for this bright and cheery maternity shoot! This lovely mom & dad to be were all dolled up ready for their baby shower so we snapped some pictures at the Laurel Hill Mansion before their guests arrived! Can’t wait to meet your little man in a few weeks!
