Grow with me sessions with Fancy Nancy Photography, LLC

I just love my Grow with Me babies. Why? Because just that, they have grown with me. I have watched them through so many first's. We build a bond, a friendship with one another. Which is is so important with these little ones as we go into their Custom Cake Smash and 1 year birthday! I have watched them smile, cry ( possibly alot), learn how to roll over, sit, their first teeth and their first steps. Hopefully they learn they can trust me and that it is fun day when we take pictures. I love it even more if I have been blessed enough to be a part of your lives as a family through pregnancy, maternity images, maybe your birth, the fresh 48, then newborn, 3 month, 6 month, 9 month and on to their awesome custom cake smash. Maybe even some special mini's in between like Spring, Mommy and Me, Time with Daddy, Fall and Christmas! I just love watching these little ones and the wonder as they learn so many new things so quickly. Not only do I offer discounts if you book together ( We can build a special Grow with me package just for your family's needs) but we get the opportunity to build a friendship! We work together to build that special newborn session and then each session after to your specific colors, themes and likes. Many times we document this special time with baby's newest loves. Whether it be a new love of Mickey Mouse or a new stuffed animal Grandma gave that they are currently in love with. A new snack that is a must. I want to capture all of these special memories for you and your family. It just goes so fast. So I hope to work with you and your family soon. Lets build memories together.  

When Daddy makes you a bowI just love including special pieces that your family has put so much heart into!

I just loved photographing this sweet girl. She was a little older than most of my newborns, but she was just a sweet dream. Her daddy had made her this sweet bow and we just had to incorperate it into her session! I love using special items made with love from your family and friends. That is what memories are made of right? I love to capture this sweet special time in your lives and baby will never be this little again. That with special things that family have put so much thought and heart into for the love of this newest family member. I just can't wait to capture this special time for you and your family. 

I get asked alot "What do I bring to our session? " or "What do we wear to our session?" and the answer is, bring your family, their personality and the smiles. Do not stress out. So here are some tips on making that run as smooth as possible. Because lets face it, getting ready for your session is likely to be alot like a Sunday morning before church. You know what I mean, right? The littlest one has a blowout of the most massive kind. Your toddler NEEDS to wear his Buzz Lightyear boots that light up. Your shirt has a stain or doesn't get dry in the dryer. Your hair has a mind of its own and your husband is less than thrilled about all this hoopla. So take a step back. Yes, spend the time coordinating outfits, but if something doesn't work out, no worries. If it is anything I learned from my husbands time with the Marines....it is to adapt and overcome. Try to with the most amount of grace you can muster. So, grab another solid color shirt. Grab another dress. It is ok. But keep your smile. Grab the little one first and get that baby cleaned up. Then tell the toddler the Buzz Lightyear boots are fine, but Mommy is bringing a backup pair. Or heck, don't tell him that part. Tell him we are going to get some AMAZING shots of his favorite boots and he will rock them. Because we will and it will be great. Just remember, no one likes red faces on session day. Have him or her pick a book that matches while you finish putting your hair up in an amazing messy bun if need be. Then, sing songs on the way, play Disney in the car. Tell jokes. Have FUN. Then when we meet up, tell me a joke. Let me know about how awesome those boots are. We will get some images with them and I will probably be able to talk him/her into the shoes you wanted. Bring the tickles, the silliness and the fun. Because your smiles are what make for memorable photos that are YOU. They are what your family is made up of. That is what looks good on your walls and social media. The love and the fun. Not the stress. Oh and bring some wipes, just in case. ( although I usually have those too) Bring your favorite blanket or quilt, we will use it or use mine. Bring Buzz. Because trust me, as a mom of a 16 year old that spent over a year in a dinosaur costume ( yes I let him wear it EVERYWHERE) I miss those times. I wish I had lots more images of that dino because he was adorable and I was too caught up in the moment to realize too many times. ( His sisters school awards ceremony, yes...he was a dino) So once again, bring your personalities, even if you thing they aren't magazine cover worthy, I assure you, they are. And I look forward to some fun and smiles with your family. 

Choosing the right newborn photographer for you!

1. Has this photographer been trained in the safety of my baby. This photographer will be handling your most precious gift. They should be trained and knowledgeable about handling your baby, especially if you are looking for the more posed newborn photography. There are workshops and classes our there that many of us that specialize have taken. Just one of my classes was with a NICU nurse that is a newborn photographer on the side. I have taken that class alone twice. She addresses many of the issues that could arise at your session and things to be watching to keep baby safe and healthy during your session. Many of the more advanced posing you see such as "froggie pose" or anything where a baby is "suspended" it seems are most likely what we call composites. ( or should be) This is where it appears baby is on it's own, however in my studio they would have hands on them at all times and I take multiple images and put them together for appearance in Photoshop. Safety must always come first. 

2. Do I like this photographers editing and "style". Not every professional photographer is going to fit everyone's style. Some of us shoot more light and airy, while others shoot more moody and shadowy. Some edit clean and high contrast while others have a more matte style. Look at the images of more than one photographer and get a feel of how he or she shoots and edits and if that is something you love. These are going to be hopefully on your walls for many years to come and capturing one of the biggest milestones in your families life. Choose wisely. 

3. Does this photographer fit in my budget. Many make this a first priority and while I agree it is obviously important, I ask that it isn't the #1 of importance. In this day and age we seem to make a way for things we want. $5 coffee every day. A new hairstyle. Nails. Remember that those things are fleeting, but images of your newborn will last a lifetime if captured by a quality photographer, as they should be. Think of the last time you saw an image of your grandparent or your parent that made your heart skip a beat from long ago. These images will be there many years from now to bring back memories of one of the best times in your life. One that goes way too fast. I ask that you to keep this in mind when assessing your budget. If it is a reputable photographer that you love, but you may not be able to afford it in one payment, ask if they take payment plans. See if you can cut out something in your daily budget that is not necessity beforehand and maybe for a bit after. I think you will find that you won't regret spending a few extra dollars on these images in the long run. 

4. What is included in the photographers packaging prices. Do you want more along the lines of digital you can print out as you see fit? Are you looking for amazing, quality wall art? Maybe find someone that offers both. I know I personally love guiding my clients to the perfect wall art after a session, but know that in this digital age you want to share with your family and friends over social media too. 

5.Photographers personality. Now this one may be higher or the lowest on your list, but I know I end up being friends with many of my clients after our sessions. True friends. But some just like to do business and be on their way. You may like a quiet photographer that just gets you in and out, and that's okay. ( I may not be your photog then though. lol ) I tend to talk. Alot. I mean, not I have had too much coffee, drive you nuts talk really. ( or I hope not) But I love to get to know my clients. I love to watch your babies grow so I plan on seeing you more than just this once. I would love to see you back for at least 6 month sitter, cake smash and family portraits. Maybe Christmas minis. I don't do well in silence, it makes me nervous. But if that is what you are looking for I am pretty sure there are photographers out there that fit that bill also. 

I know there is more, but these are the key points I feel are important when you are doing your search. Get references, look at reviews. Basically "stalk" your local photographer pages. Ask questions. I feel comfortable in my knowledge and have no issue with answering these questions. I hope to hear from you soon. Or lead you to someone that can fit your top 5!

Holden with all of his adorable smiles https://www.fancynancyphotography.com/p120882629

I was SO excited to meet this adorable family and this sweet boy. He was a dream and even gave me a few smiles! I think that it was he liked the new studio, but I could be wrong! I haven't blogged in FOREVER, so I thought this would be a great way to ring in the new year with my new studio is actually drawing attention to such an amazing sweet session.