It is official. I have been in my brand new Kent Island newborn studio for just over one year. It has been a wonderful journey so far. I wanted this blog post to be a bit on what I have accomplished this first year in my Kent Island newborn studio. Sometimes, it is easy to focus on what you still have to accomplish, verses what you have achieved. So, in an effort to be kind to myself, and focus on all the wonderful checks I have checked, let me tell you about the studio first.
As a photographer, I have to say, the light! The natural light that comes in to the newborn studio is perfect. The windows must be 12 plus feet high, and offers the best natural light photography to photograph, your little ones, and all the beautiful snuggles I get to document. The Kent Island newborn studio is about 1000 sq feet, and when I signed my lease, I thought, this is so much space! So much more than I ever thought I would need. After all, newborns are little! How much space will I really use?! Turns out, all of it lol. Which leads me to one of my best, and most recent accomplishments, Santa photography sessions. What they say about growing into your space at your home, is the same as it is for a studio. Currently, I think I must have 7 Christmas trees set up from our Santa photography sessions. I just purchased the Christmas trees to prepare for next years Santa photography sessions. After all, right after Christmas, is the best time to buy all things Christmas. The Santa photo experience is so fun for me. There is a part of me that loves classic photography, and there is just something timeless and nostalgic when I get to photography little ones with Santa. I will admit, not all kids trust the jolly man in his bright red suit. But when they get a little older, the wonder begins. There is a hope and excitement, and warmth, that Santa brings to Christmas. I get to see some of the same families over and over. Some families have been with me all 4 years that I have been doing Santa photography sessions. My wonderful friend Santa, is the only one they really know. And let me give him a shout out. The Santa who visits my Kent Island photography studio is a joy. He tells stories, he listens and interacts, and he even Ho Ho Ho’s. A big part of my having a studio came down to me wanting to do inside Santa photos. In 2021 we had 3 days for Santa, and last year we about sold out 5 days of Santa. That was about 80 families that came to usher in Christmas with us!! And I have to say, I am excited to plan for next years Santa photography sessions. They are always such a fun time for me. I am sure I will write a blog post about how things went this past year, so stay tuned for that! I The previous link will show the promo for this past years Santa photography sessions, but I also want to share my first blog post here.
My Kent Island newborn studio is set up with a few backdrops currently. I have an all white classic backdrop and a boho backdrop. I also have a black wall that I will be expanding. Both the boho and white area primarily use that beautiful natural window light that I get. The boho photography backdrop is set up to document lifestyle newborn sessions. Lifestyle newborn sessions are beautiful ways to just remember the moments, snuggling on your little one. I have been adding on to the boho area with more textures, palms, draping, knits, off various off white shades. I wish I were a little more crafty. I would love to get some extra florals draping in there.
The clean white backdrop will be turning into a second area for lifestyle photography. I want to keep it clean and bright for photos. But I will be incorporating a few elements so that it another location perfect for lifestyle newborn photography sessions. I totally understand that people have different styles and I want a classic and simple photography backdrop available for your newborn studio photos as well. A new sign will also be going up! I am finally getting around to displaying that. And I will be purchasing wall art, so you can see some of the beautiful ways to showcase your photography. Your family photos really do deserve a place in your home, not just on your phone and computer. The black backdrop will be getting a little bigger as well. I want to have a very classic area there as well.
I have also spent time this past year beefing up my client closet for you mamas! Most of the dresses I have purchased are bump friendly, and I am continuing to add more and more options for you. I think it may become a slight obsession. Who wouldn’t want to have countless gorgeous dresses, and wraps at there disposal. And it doesn’t matter, if I have nowhere to wear them. They are here for you! I am also adding more children’s clothing up to size 6 as well! The goal of having a client closet is three fold. I want things to be as simple as possible for you when planning your newborn studio photos, and your family sessions as well! I also know that it can be expensive to purchase new outfits for everyone in your family. We often do this, because we have a vision for our photography session. And let me be frank, your outfits are a huge part of how your photos will look. Whether your goal is gorgeous wall art, or simply clothing that puts the focus back on to your family and specifically your newborn, clothing is really quite crucial. Buy having some outfits available for you, it helps me give you the photos you are envisioning with the least amount of stress to you.
I am continuing to perfect my craft. I have loved getting to know each and every family that I have crossed paths with, whether you have come into my Kent Island newborn studio or you have allowed me to visit you at home, or even if we have ventured off into the beautiful nature that surrounds us. I am not sure how many families I have photographed this past year, I would say about 3 TB’s worth of photos have been taken this year. I barely know what that means, but I know it is a lot!! I have no idea how people find me lol. I am terrible at SEO, terrible at posting on social media, and updating my website. But what I am good at, is connecting with people, especially little people. And through that authentic connection you get an authentic photo. I do have goals to get better at the logistics of having a business, these things are important. Your brand is important. But what my focus is on, and what it will always be on is you. Your interactions with one another, being comfortable with me, helping you enjoy the moments instead of the stresses that can come with photographing your family. I will focus on making things beautiful and easier on you. I hope each and every one of you has a beautiful new year, and if you would like to contact me, I would be honored if you allow me to help you document it.