Welcome Home Emily

 The newborn shoot was amazing, I have so many good pictures from it that's its actually a little hard to pick out my favorites to share with you. Little Emily was exactly 10 days old at the time of this shoot, she still had her little umbilical cord stump and everything. We took all of the pictures in front of a window in her nursery, and I couldn't have been more pleased to discover my little model didn't mind flash AT ALL. She was such a happy baby and it was a pleasure to be invited into the family's home during this special time and to be the one to take Baby Emily's first ever pictures outside of those taken in the hospital. If you'd like to see more of baby Emily's magic memories go to Fairytree Photography's facebook page and look under 'Welcome Home Baby - Newborn' .
Now here's baby Emily....

This first picture is my all time favorite. The bright vivid colors really pop! And little Emily looks so comfortable and happy to be surrounded by soft red feathers.

My next favorite also features a feather boa, except this time its a white one. I know every body's little baby is their little angel and that's exactly how this picture turned out. Doesn't she look divine? And she absolutely adored the feathers, smiling and clutching at them...it was so cute to see in person.

This one features the whole family. And what makes it special to me is the daddy. He's kinda to the back and the side letting the mother and his daughter take up the spotlight but at the same time its like he can't resist touching her, and really admiring her tiny little hand.

This ones kinda the quintessential 'I'm a little girl!' picture. Everything has to be pink and soft. And it looks like she was holding a little flower and went to sleep.

This ones very similar to the one above it but has a completely different feel even though all the elements are the same. But here it looks like she's sleeping on the flower and I allowed the flower to stay its original color, for a bit of contrast.

The really special thing about this picture is the look on the baby's face. She has this quiet little smile, like 'ah this is perfect all is right I'm with mommy' . It's an irresistible picture.

Waiting On Kathleen

So here are some of my favorites from last weeks maternity shoot by Fairytree Photography. Little Baby Kathleen is due in less than a week now, and with trips to the hospital it was a wonder in and of itself the mother was able to find time to due a maternity shoot. But we were able to squeeze it in and she will now have some amazing pictures to document this time period. To see more of these magic memories please visit us on facebook and look under 'Waiting on Baby-Maternity'

The silhouette absolutely a must have picture for a maternity shoot. It really highlights the form of the pregnant woman in a beautiful and evocative way. This particular picture is made even more precious by the weeping willow leaves hanging in the background, giving it an almost dreamy beauty.

This second picture is a testament as to why you should always keep shooting. Our Expectant Mother was trying to convince her three year old little boy to pose for me by either putting his hands on her belly or kissing it...he was having none of it. So while they were having their little chat, I just happily clicked away and scored this picture...one of the mother's favorites out of the shoot.

This one is a staple of the maternity photography. I made this bow and a matching blue one just about a week or two before. It really highlights how motherhood is a gift and that this particular gift... is a girl.

These are a pair of the new babies shoes. I know the mother is anxious for her baby girl to get here, so she can wear them.

Don't underestimate the props you have on hand. This cute little baby box was in our mother's home just sitting there waiting for us to use it. It was perfect for the session.

Its always important to make sure your older kids feel well loved and included during this time period when everything is about the baby. Interesting side note...the entire time we were shooting I did not realize his shirt said 'big brother' until I got home and started the editing process. What a great picture.

I love this idea! It was a little difficult to track down some baby blocks in this day and age but well worth it. The set that I had didn't include a 'T' but with a little creative editing the result was still spectacular. Obviously this only works with certain baby names and it depends on the size and curvature of the belly. I'm going to be ordering a complete set soon, because I adore this shot.

While this picture in and of itself isn't particularly amazing, the story behind it is. And that's why I've included it in my picks, because I know the mother was thrilled with it. The small doll in her lap is her baby doll from when she was a baby. The blanket behind her is a handmade quilt made for the new baby. The kicker both of these items were made by the mother's grandmother! How much more special can you get?

I call this the Goddess. It's a particular idea I have that one can never be closer to being a goddess than when one is about to give birth, to create life. The mother in the picture wasn't thrilled about showing her belly, but a little creative editing turned her pink undershirt into a nice nude color that you almost can't tell isn't real skin. I added just a little glow and poof, instant goddess!

Welcome Home Baby

Yesterday was our first maternity shoot which seems only fitting since today was our first newborn shoot. To have two shoots so close together that intimately mirror and relate to each other is amazing. Granted it would be more amazing if they were the same clients but still...In honor of today's first... I thought I would post some of the tips I have assembled on newborn photoshoots, a fitting followup to our last post I think.
But first some thoughts on the newborn shoot in general. First off babies are amazing! They are excellent little models, incredibly limber, not adverse to multiple outfit changes, but most of all babies are amazing because of the way they highlight a relationship, shaping and molding not only their own life but the lives of the people around them as well. Yesterday you were just a kid, to everyone but yourself and your friends of course. You enjoyed hanging out, going out for drinks, doing things that lets face it might not have been too bright. Today though... today you are parent, a mother, a father, the lifeforce behind another lifeforce. You are the safety line, the provider, the nurturer. What a difference a baby makes. These memories are more than magical on their own, every smile, every cry, even that drool bubble slowly making its way down your babies chin. You don't need much help. But to solidify these memories forever, just in case you forget how little and cute they once were when they break your favorite cd, or spill something on your favorite blouse, or shave the family dog...lets take pictures.

Things to Consider when booking your Newborn's first Photoshoot

The best place to have the shoot is in your own home.

• The best time is within 10 days of the birth. After 10 days the baby becomes much more active and much less flexible, making those oh so cute Ann Geddes style pictures almost impossible to snag.

A few hours before the shoot, turn your thermostat up. While this makes it a little uncomfortable for us adults, your baby will appreciate it. This helps make sure the baby is warm, comfortable, and sleepy even when you want those nude shots.

• Try if at all possible to feed your baby an hour or so before the shoot, again this helps make them comfortable and sleepy, and it will be less likely we have to stop the shoot to get in a feeding, which if this happens, that’s fine, your precious little angel’s needs come first.

• You’ll want to have a black outfit on hand for you, it’ll really contrast well against the baby’s skin and draw the attention to the baby not what you’re wearing. Plus black is almost always flattering.

Try to schedule your shoot on a day and time when the daddy and any siblings can be present. A first family photo would be adorable.

Have fresh diapers, a damp cloth, and some formula ready and at the hand, you don’t want to run all over the place looking for anything at the last minute.

Also pick out any outfits and/or props you want to use and have them setting out. Blankets with interesting textures and colors always look good as backdrops. Maybe an expected favorite toy. Or something to really contrast the innocence and fraility of your newest family member. We’ll bring a few props with us, blankets, toys, etc so don’t worry if you don’t have any

Save a wide-edged ribbon in a favorite color from your baby shower, it could come in handy.

Babies usually don’t like flash, so scope out your home and find a place that’ll have the most natural light at the time of your session. If your baby doesn't mind flash, we'll use it. But its good to have a backup plan.

If your interested ask Fairytree about making your baby announcements, complete with text cute borders and plenty of pictures from your shoot.

Come back soon to see some of the pictures from our Waiting on Baby and Welcome Home Baby shoots!

Waiting on Baby

So next Saturday will be our first maternity shoot! I am so excited to capture this stage of life, its a whole new type of photo. Not only do I have the subjects in front of my camera, there's also a hidden subject, the baby. And an air, a feeling to catch on camera. Expectation. Love. Emotions are running high along with hopes. Its putting on film the beginning of a new life, a new family unit. A more natural form of beauty isn't going to come my way. I want to make this memory even more magic for my customers. So I thought while I was scouring the internet for extra ideas and tips, I would make some of my own to share with my readers and prospective clients of Fairytree Photography. If I've left anything out please feel free to let us know. So without further ado here are my tips:

Things to Consider when Booking your Maternity Session

• The best time to have your maternity session is somewhere after the beginning of your six month and before the beginning of your last month. In the third trimester your belly bump will be the most developed making for wonderfully evocative pictures. Booking before the beginning of your last month helps to make sure you won’t go into premature labor and miss out on some tokens of the wonderful memories you have developed while you were waiting on baby and leaves us a little time to reschedule if you aren’t feeling up to par on the day of shooting.

• What to wear? This is a big question for a lot of expectant mothers. First off don’t wear anything too tight that’s gonna leave marks on your skin, some elastic waistbands, or too tight bras for instant. Secondly Do wear something that is form fitting, (I know a delicate balancing act). You still have a beautiful figure centered around that belly, why not show it off. Just because your pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t be a little sexy too. So no big sweaters, no bulky tshirts, no moo moos ;) Color wise, its always a good idea to have something in black. Black is very flattering and unless your are a woman of color it makes for a fabulous contrast against the skin, really drawing the eye to your baby bump, which is the center of the whole maternity session. Solid colors are usually more photographically appealing, and depending on what style you are going for, subdued colors bespoke elegance and sacredness, move vivid colors invoke vitality and energy. Also make sure you have something that will really allow the belly bump to show, either a shirt that can rolled up and under, a tubetop, a pretty bra, a robe, your husband’s unbuttoned dress shirt, etc. The most important thing to remember when choosing your clothes for a maternity session is comfort. We aren’t going to get the most magical shot if you're squirming in uncomfortable clothes.

• Who and What to include in your shoot? The answer to this question is simple, anyone you want. Obviously a significant other is a wonderful choice to include, you’re bringing this new life into the world together aren’t you? They’re going to have some pretty big emotions going on too. Why not capture it? Any previous children are also a wonderful idea. They are usually curious and excited about the new baby and it really shows off the family dynamics. These are the usual subjects, but why not include the family pet? Your mother or father? Your siblings? Can you imagine the feeling you will get when you look at a picture that has the baby bump, you, your mother, and your grandmother. Amazing!
• The what to include is a little more difficult. A lot of women would like a picture of the nursery before baby gets there and ‘messy’s’ it up. What about the food you’ve been craving? Or the outfit you plan on taking the baby home with. Baby booties, baby gloves. The baby’s name spelled out in blocks. Your sonogram. But you don’t have to limit it to just baby stuff, what about a favorite hobby?

• The place: Again comfort is of the upmost importance. Usually a woman is most comfortable in her own home. This a wonderful place to have pictures, in a favorite chair, in the nursery, on the front porch, looking out the window, all wonderful images. Very evocative and emotive. And just because we shoot in your home doesn’t mean we have to sacrafice the studio style shoots. We’ll bring along a couple of backdrops and props, and make it one less trip you have to make.
• In contrast having some of your shots outdoors would be a wonderful idea. The colors of the season are all around you, making a permanent impression on exactly when you were pregnant, was it summer, fall, winter? Also a pregnant woman is a thing of natural beauty why not add the beauty of nature to your shoot.
• Again with the place we have to talk about being comfortable. Are you going to be comfortable baring your belly outside, even if its in your own backyard? People, lookie -loos, love a pregnant woman. I bet you’ve had strangers coming up to you at the grocery store for weeks or longer now. Unless the spot is secluded the addition of a photographer is surely going to attract some attention. Is that ok?

• The last big consideration is the type of poses you’re going to want. Some women only want fully clothed pictures, no belly bump skin showing at all. Some women are more than happy to show off the belly but nothing more. Some like the idea of semi-nudes, where strategic placement of garments hides your ‘naughty bits’, or they’re wearing nothing but pretty lingerie. And lastly some ladies like to go al natural for their shoot, using the placement of their legs, arms, hair, to hide what they don’t want showing. Make sure you talk to your photographer about what kind of poses you want to do. Some photographers are not going to be comfortable doing nudes, just like some women aren’t going to be comfortable stripping down for their photographer. Think about it, and never ever do anything you aren’t comfortable with. A suggestion is just a suggestion, you’re paying for this shoot, its your decision.

• The last thing I want to add is to think ahead of time what kind of pictures you want. Have samples of images you like on hand, either from an internet, book, another customer's photographs. Talk to your photographer let them know what you want out of the shoot. Our goal is to make you happy while taking the best possible picture. And we’ll be taking A LOT of pictures!

• And don't schedule anything right after your shoot, it may take longer than expected and rushing never takes good pictures. We want to be able to take our time, take breaks when you get tired, have a snack if you get hungry, etc.

The First Post - A History

Fairytree Photography began like so many of the other great things in life...because two people fell in love. Corny...I know...but its true...

In early 2009 I, Cindal, got engaged to my boyfriend of almost four years. It was smack dab in some of the hardest hitting parts of the 'recession'. Before long neither of us would have a job let alone what I considered disposable income for things like wedding dresses, candles, flowers, cake, and most of all photographers. I was able through unscrupulous planning and hours on the internet find everything I wanted to make this special time near perfect, expect a photographer. We wanted engagement, bridal, wedding, the whole shabang, but photographers in our area were charging exorbitant amounts.

 It was then that an epiphany struck. We would do our own photos. I had already had  a great many hours logged into Photoshop in the process of designing the bookcovers for my self-published works. I'd had a great interest in photography for years, casually taking pictures and editing them just for fun. Everyone always loved my work. My mother, Linda, was an artist. Had been all her life. She has a good eye for composition and we just happened to have a Rebel Slr camera. The conclusion seemed easy. We decided to take the camera out for a test drive, doing an engagement shoot, hoping for a picture we would be proud to put in our local paper or put up on the wall. What we got was almost a dozen wonderful pictures, the best I'd ever had of myself and that includes the professional senior pictures my parents had ordered 5 years before.

Next we did a bridal shoot, with the same amazing results. We were more than happy to do our wedding the same way. It was then that the first inkling of Fairytree Photography came into being.

After having discussed our plans and deciding we were going through with it, I received the camera I am working with now for my bridal shower as a joint gift from my parents and grandparents. I was tickled pink.

When the day finally arrived and went so fast I'm happy I have those wonderful pictures, I boarded a plane knowing that I would have hours of editing when we got back from our honeymoon especially after I added the pictures I knew I would be taking in the gorgeous land of Ireland.

When we got back I began planning for Fairytree in earnest spurred on by all the beautiful images I had on the computer screen. I began offering my services to friends and family members for free, anything to get the experience I wanted. Since then I've done portraits, kids, animals, self-portraits...that picture you see next to my name...that's all me from start to finish.

I did my first wedding in June of 2010, enjoying every second of it. It took me a week to get all the pictures absolutely perfect, but in the end I knew the bride was overjoyed with the 40+ edited pictures and the video montage of her ceremony. And did I charge $2,000 and up for my services, covering over three hours including the ceremony and reception? Heck no, and I never will. No matter how successful we get I will never charge the exorbitant amounts that ironically made Fairytree Photography possible.

So if your interested in having beautiful affordable  pictures no matter the occasion please let us know, we'll be happy to turn your memories into magic.