Prepping for a Newborn Lifestyle Studio Session | Indianapolis Newborn Photographer

Thank you for choosing me to capture your little one at this precious, amazing, crazy time in your lives.  This phase will go by quickly so having these images will be wonderful reminders of how tiny your little one once was and how you felt when you brought your baby home. 

I'm looking forward to hosting you in my studio and I want to make it a comfortable and painless process.  Please use these tips and information to prep for the session to ensure it goes as smooth as possible:

*Try to keep baby awake for a couple hours before you leave for the session. Give baby a bath to keep him/her awake, interact with him/her, tickle feet. I know - so counter-intuitive to what you want to do, but again, we want baby nice and sleepy (:  Maybe even ride next to baby in the car on the way over to keep him/her entertained.  

* The goal is to have baby nice and full for the session, so I HIGHLY recommend feeding baby when you arrive.  This makes a HUGE difference and will help ensure a smooth session. I have a boppy you can use. (I will remind you when you arrive but strip baby down to his/her diaper for this feeding and please take a wet cloth during this time and wipe down baby's face/body to eliminate skin flakes and "eye boogers." If baby is super flaky you may consider using a baby-safe lotion (nothing greasy!))

*Please bring an extra bottle of breastmilk or formula. It’s easier to feed baby quickly in the studio if he/she becomes unsettled.

* If baby takes a pacifier, please bring it with. And even if baby does not take a pacifier, bring one and if you are comfortable, we may use it if baby appears that they just want to suck. I have some new ones in the studio as well. Newborns are so fresh they haven’t developed real patterns of liking/not-liking pacifiers. I know new parents are often reluctant and again I would never force a baby to use a paci if parents don’t approve, but as a mom of three, pacifiers were often a helpful tool.

*If you use cloth diapers please plan on bringing disposable ones for the session or I have some in the studio. The diaper stays on for the session and cloth diapers are too bulky.

*MOMS: This one’s for you! Take care of yourself! Don’t forget to eat and bring water (or I have water here). I know you usually carry the heavy load getting everyone ready for photos but don’t forget about your own self-care.

* My studio will be quite warm to help keep baby asleep and comfortable - so plan for that. 

* You don't have to worry about providing anything. I have outfits/wraps for baby.

* As for what to wear for mom, dad, and siblings (if applicable) - I suggest neutrals/earth tones for this type of session.

* Remember that newborn lifestyle studio sessions are for immediate family only.

*The questionnaire you fill out prior to the session is the time to let me know if you have any specific shots you want included.  Remember - this is a lifestyle session so do not plan on any formally posed shots.  If you want posed shots, then let’s talk about switching the type of session. Also PLEASE do not arrive and show me a bunch of Pinterest ideas on your phone.   I already will have a detailed workflow planned out and I don't like to be mean and say "no."  (:  It’s better to send me photos from my portfolio that you like before the session.

*Normal session time is 60-75 minutes but that is just an estimate - sometimes they are quick and easy, sometimes they last longer than planned.   Don't stress if it's taking awhile to get baby settled - it's all part of the process.  I can never guarantee we will be done at a certain time to accommodate older siblings’ schedules, work schedules, etc. We are on the baby’s schedule. I suggest you clear your schedule for the part of the day you’ll be with me. Enjoy the process. But as long as baby is calm, we’ll shoot eyes open or eyes closed, since it’s a lifestyle session.

*More than likely, I will have an assistant helping me that has worked with me several times.

*Regarding Covid, my assistant and I are fully vaccinated. We use hand sanitizer and have masks available if you want us to wear them.

*Just to be upfront, my family or portions of my family might be home.  They are used to this routine and will be completely out of the way as my studio is closed off. We do not have any pets. 

*Lastly, you need to know how to get here!  My address is 6525 Briarwood Place, Zionsville. 

*After the session I will post a sneak peek on social media within two days.  My typical turnaround for proofs is one week or less.  Once you choose your 10 favorites (or all of them), expect a 7-14 day turnaround.  Turnaround times are subject to change depending on my workload at the time but I will communicate expectations with you. NOTE: Proofs will not be fully edited.  They will be cropped and have basic exposure and color corrections.  I will complete all of the detail editing for the images you select, including redness removal, extending backgrounds, blemish removal, etc. The final images will be much more polished than the proofs. 

*Please let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to meeting you and your new addition! 

Rescheduling Notice: Please note that if I am sick, I will reschedule our session. Per my contract, if that puts us outside the window of 3 weeks of age, you have the option to cancel your contract and I will return your deposit. Babies can be photographed successfully outside of the 3 week window but I don’t want to compromise your desired results and I definitely do not want to risk the health of your baby. I will always be open and honest about my health (which good news, I am typically a healthy person - but I have kids and kids tend to bring those germs home). (: Since my studio is in my home, I also will have an open discussion with you if any of my family members are sick and we can mutually decide how to proceed.

Prepping for a Maternity Session | Indianapolis Maternity Photographer

From someone who has been through pregnancy three times, I understand that it can be a whirlwind. Your range of emotions vary from excited and overjoyed to nervous and exhausted. You may not feel your best, especially in the third trimester. But it does not last forever…..baby will come and you will regain your body. I’m so glad you chose to capture this time. You will never regret having these images to look back on and to show your child one day.

TIMING: Maternity sessions are best done between 32 and 36 weeks. If it’s your first, I recommend waiting until closer to 36 weeks so you have a nice, big belly. It’s all about the belly!

DRESS: I don’t have a maternity closet available (yet) so you will have to find an outfit. I do recommend a dress that hugs the bump. There are plenty of reasonable options on Amazon. Comfortable maxi dresses are the most popular. If you are not comfortable in a dress, pants and a nice fitting top is perfectly fine.

HANDS: Make sure your fingernails are groomed. You may want to get a manicure or throw on some polish. Many photos will feature your hands as your hold your sweet baby bump.

PAMPER: If you have time, pamper yourself. Get your makeup and/or hair done by a professional. Your confidence will show through in the images. I can send you recommendations for make-up artists and stylists.

EAT & DRINK: Make sure you have enough energy for the session - don’t skip meals the day of your session. Also ensure you drink enough water and feel free to bring water if it’s a warm day.

RESCHEDULING POLICY: If you have a conflict come up, please let me know ASAP. I normally am fine with rescheduling and transferring your deposit to another session. But please know that if it’s during my peak fall season (Sept, Oct, Nov), I have likely turned down business to hold your spot and I will have to charge a reschedule fee of $100, per our contract. If you do have your baby early and we don’t get your maternity session in, your deposit will be transferred to another session or go towards a newborn session if you purchased a package.

AT YOUR SESSION:

- If possible, place your PHONE, wallet, bulky keys, etc. in a bag to carry around or hand them to me to put with my stuff.  These things bulge in pockets and peak out of pockets and they just look funny in pictures.  I usually am carrying around a bag and I can store your stuff.  Please don’t leave valuables in the car - there have been reported car break-ins for photographers and clients at parks. People are unfortunately preying on us since they know we’ll be gone from the parking lot for period of time and possibly are leaving belongings in the car.

- If you have young children that are included in the session - make sure their faces are clean before getting out of the car.  I don't know about you, but my kids always seem to have bits of food, yogurt stains, and/or snot on their face.  Food and snot can be an editing nightmare.

- Please do not take photos with your cell phones during sessions (or bring a real camera and take photos of your own - and yes this has actually happened to me).  (Unless you want to take a picture of me taking pictures and post on FB about what an awesome photographer I am).  (: 

- If you choose a nature outdoor location in the spring, summer, or early fall, please check yourselves for ticks after the session and before getting in the car.  And again when you get home.  It's just a precaution; I actually have yet to see a tick on myself or a client after a session, but we know they are out there. 

- I will help you pose so please don’t worry about that. I focus on natural, simple poses, both looking at the camera and candid shots.

- Most importantly - RELAX, have FUN and be yourselves!  This is such a special time in your lives and my goal is that your session is one of the highlights of your pregnancy.

AFTER YOUR SESSION:

- Your work is done!  You did it!  I post a sneak peek on Facebook and Instagram within a couple days, unless you opted out.  I will finish editing and send you an online gallery within 14 days (21 days max during my busy fall season). 

If any questions arise at any point in the process, please don't hesitate to contact me.  kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388. 

New Baby Girl | Zionsville Newborn Photographer

I won’t lie, when Mom messaged me and told me baby girl was 10lbs at birth, I was so excited. There is something about those squishy babies that makes amazing photos. Then when she came in with a head of dark hair, my newborn photographer heart leapt out of my chest. Those cheeks, that hair…..so scrumptious! Am I right?? And to top it all off, Dad is in the Army and we were able to get a photo with him in his jacket with her. Might have been the shot of the year for me.

If you are looking for a maternity or newborn photographer in the Indianapolis area, please contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.

Prepping for a Lifestyle Session | Indianapolis Family Photographer

Thank you so much for booking a lifestyle shoot with Kelly Martin Photography!  I LOVE lifestyle photography because it really captures the true essence of the family members.  Real life – in the raw – no posing or fake smiles – truly candid moments.  My goal is to capture your family “as is” and show the personalities of each family member as well as the interactions and emotions between each of you. 

Here is some information regarding your upcoming lifestyle shoot as well as some tips to help you prepare:

• Space and light - Make sure there is space and good light coming through windowns in the rooms you want to utilize.  I suggest opening all of the blinds in the rooms we’ll be in before I arrive (and turn off all overhead lights).  I’ll take a quick tour of the house with your assistance to get acquainted with my surroundings and to make suggestions about the rooms with the best light. IMPORTANT: If you do not have good natural light in your house, results may be compromised and/or we’ll be confined to certain areas next to windows. If it is a super cloudy and dark day, we may discuss rescheduling.

• Plan a few fun activities for your family – ideally things that you normally do with each other.  Each activity doesn’t have to be a big ordeal – simple things like baking cookies, playing a quick board game, giving the kids horsey rides, & playing catch are great photo opportunities. If you need any suggestions, don’t hesitate to ask me beforehand or we can discuss when I arrive.  Don’t feel like the whole family has to be involved in each activity either – girls can bake some cookies while the guys wrestle around in the living room (or vice versa)  (: 

• Even though planned activities are key – so is some downtime where the kids can do their own thing and play like normal.  I love watching kids play and find it provides some really fun pictures when they are in the zone. 

• Most of the session will be done indoors in your house.  If you want to plan some outdoor activities, let me know and we’ll work with any shade we have or we’ll strategically deal with the sunlight (direct sunlight does not make for very flattering photos).  If it’s a cloudy day, then we’ll have an easier time getting good outdoor shots. 

• I will try to be a fly on the wall as much as possible, but I may make suggestions or subtly ask that you move slightly into some better light.  I may strike up some conversations with the kids to get them to open up a bit, if needed. 

• Plan on the session taking 1.5 hours.

• Tidy up and declutter – I’m not talking about a massive spring cleaning but a room full of scattered toys can cause distractions in photos.  You might even put away some items that are normally out in the open – just to ensure that your family will be the focus of the photos, and not the clutter.  This is when it IS okay to shove stuff in the closet (:

• Details and angles – I love getting creative with shots so you may find me standing on a chair hovering over you to get a shot or laying on the floor to get down to the kids’ level.  It’s all about the angles.  If I’m taking too many liberties in your house, let me know. 

• Let Loose! I know your house may be chaotic, especially if you have young children.  Don’t worry about it!  I’m here to capture your family and its candid moments – even the crazy moments.  So take it all in stride and relax.  Pretend I’m not even there and I’ll do my best to be as hidden as possible. 

If you have any further questions about your lifestyle shoot or prepping for it, please don’t hesitate to message, call, email, etc. 

I look forward to spending some quality time with you and your family!

Cool and Calm | Zionsville Family Photographer

I think it’s a rule that the more kids you have the more cool, calm, and laid-back you are. That’s the impression I get from the Montei’s, family of six. Their family session from last fall is one of my favorites of all time. I actually was a bit of a mess right before their session started. I did something I never had done before and i was extremely lucky I could cover myself without jeopardizing their session. I had a session right before theirs and I realized in the middle of it that I had forgotten to change out my battery. I ALWAYS have a backup, but I had shot several mini sessions that morning that sucked up all of my batteries so I was doing a mass charge at home. I forgot to grab before I left for my evening sessions. I get through my first session without running over - Whew! - and then rush home (THANK goodness we were at a location 10 minutes from my house) in between sessions to grab a charged battery. I had texted Lindsey to tell her I’d be a couple minutes late - explaining my blonde moment. She was so cool about it (I come from the business world so punctuality and professionalism is ingrained in my blood) and they were just letting the kids run around and play as I arrived from my frenzied trip. And then we proceed to capture an amazing session with a gorgeous fall backdrop.