Kalamazoo Michigan newborn, baby, maternity and child photography | Ellen Dykstra Photography

Important Tips for Your Baby’s Photography Session

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:51:30 +0000

We know all too well that babies are not as peaceful or as quiet as they appear in their pristine photographs. So, what happens if your little bundle of joy gets cranky during for the photographer? Usually, if you go at the wrong time, or if you take your newborn in while hungry, you’d have to cancel your session. Rescheduling isn’t always a pleasant task, for you, the baby, or the photographer, so it’s best to do what you can to get your new son or daughter in the best mood possible.

Newborn babies love the warmth. Turning up the heat about an hour before I arrive is a great way to make your little one comfortable and cozy. Babies feel content and calm in homes that are about 80 degrees in temperature, so even if you get a little hot, it’s worth it!
Try not to rush normal feeding, yes two hours is just a tight window but if the baby is not satisfied, or if the baby feels you rushing, he or she may notice your stress.
Even if you plan the session solely for your child, you should consider being in at least a few photos. The interaction between a parent and child is inimitable, and I love capturing that.
If your baby needs a break for nursing or consoling, go for it, there is no need for a rushed session. I do not book more than one session per day, so that I can give special attention to each client.
Do not worry if your baby happens to go to the bathroom during an undressed pose. This happens often, and as it is a normal part of life, it does not upset or offend me. For sanitary reasons, I launder all backdrops or props before your baby interacts with them.

If you would like more tips & information on newborn photography sessions, please email me or give me a call, and I’ll be happy to help!

rivers | okemos newborn photography

admin — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:08:52 +0000

Rivers- such a great name for this adorable little guy. I first met his family when his mom was pregnant with his big sister a few years ago, and it was fun to catch up with them and see how much she had grown. Rivers looks so little, but was almost two pounds heavier than she was at her newborn session. And he is as relaxed as she was feisty- so much fun to see the differences in siblings from the start.

Ella

admin — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:01:33 +0000

She’s the second daughter for this sweet family, and was just as easygoing as can be. You could tell that she was already used to the sounds of her busy older sister and the family dogs, because she napped right through it all. In fact, her dad was doing some repairs in another part of the house during our session, and she slept happily through that, too. I’m not sure if that proves good sleepers are born or made, but it worked out well for pictures!

Her farm-style house is beautifully decorated in a shabby chic style, so we thought this basket and background would fit it well-

This newborn session took place when she was about 8 days old, and ideal time for photography of a new baby. If you’re expecting a baby and are interested in maternity or newborn photography, contact me at ellen@ellendykstraphotography.com or 269-267-7083. Newborn sessions can be tentatively scheduled in advance, and maternity sessions are best scheduled at 32-34 weeks of pregnancy. See http://ellendykstraphotography.com/portfolio/maternity/ or http://ellendykstraphotography.com/portfolio/newborn-gallery/ for more examples.

brayden | delton newborn photography

admin — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:40:41 +0000

His big sister Makayla was such a tiny peanut, and Brayden followed in her footsteps by coming a bit early. He had to spend a few days in the NICU, but was doing wonderfully by the time of our photo session. It’s common for babies who have spent some time in the hospital and who were early to be just a bit less settled, because they’ve been in such a stimulating and busy environment. Brayden was very easy to get along with as long as I kept him securely wrapped- he did not like the feeling of being free of clothing! That’s OK- we can work with that, and can still get lots of variety. He loved the company of his family, too, and I just love the images of him snuggling with his mama and his sister.

I had to include this one, because it just cracks me up. You have to love a dad who is this quick and has a great sense of humor!

Plainwell newborn photography

admin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:07:43 +0000

Two adorable boys! Big brother didn’t want a picture of just himself with the new baby, but he loved being part of the family pictures. It helped that they were taken in a fun spot- Mom suggested their bed for the family images, and I loved the idea. She had a beautiful grey, white and yellow color palette for their outfits, and they were perfect with the bedroom as the backdrop. The result is casual, comfortable and happy pictures of their now family of four.

mattawan newborn photographer | elin

admin — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 01:09:37 +0000

Her beautiful home on a lake in Mattawan was a perfect place for her newborn session- it was a bright and sunny day, and the serene setting helped to set the tone for a peaceful morning with her family. Big sister Ainsley was so proud of her new little sister, and it was so cute to watch the two of them together. I think I see hints that Elin’s coloring is going to be just as pretty as her sister’s- there are signs of another redhead to come!

portage maternity photographer

admin — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:09:22 +0000

This sweet family was expecting their second boy (now here, but that’s another post!). Even with an energetic toddler to chase around and another baby due soon, this mama-to-be looked serene. And she’s another expectant mom who makes pregnancy look gorgeous!

I love big brother checking out his belly in the one below : )

augusta newborn photographer | peyton

admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:47:59 +0000

These girls were so sweet that I could have taken either one home with me, but big sister really stole my heart. Even now, I can’t look at her pictures without smiling! She was so smiley and affectionate- she’s going to be a great big sister.

jackson baby photographer | elaine

admin — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:59:45 +0000

Elaine holds the record for being the youngest new baby I’ve photographed- she was just three days old at the time of her photo shoot. She kept her parents waiting a few days, but her mom was still ready for pictures on the day we had scheduled (and looked amazing- hard to believe she’d just had a baby!). Not all babies are settled in in those first few days, but Elaine snoozed her session away and did beautifully-

We did pictures with her family inside and outside (just popped out for a few by the front door of their new house), and her big brother was incredibly cooperative and so good to her. I hadn’t seen him since we did his baby pictures, and wasn’t quite expecting him to be the big boy he is already!

5 inspiring Pinterest boards to follow if you’re decorating a nursery

admin — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:32:22 +0000

It was so much fun to write about incredible maternity fashion Pinterest boards last week (and I came up with so many more, in so many helpful areas), that I’m making it a theme. Pinterest is an endless source of beauty and inspiration, but it can be a bit overwhelming, so a list of recommendations to give you a starting point can’t hurt. Consider yourself warned, though- it’s addictive!

I’ve loved incorporating nurseries into maternity sessions lately, and then doing an ‘after’ picture once baby arrives. So much time, love and work goes into these spaces, and they’re so carefully planned for the little baby who’s going to call it home, that they really reflect the dreams for this little one and the family’s personality.

If you’re expecting a baby and decorating a nursery, here are five Pinterest boards to get your creative juices going and to give you plenty of inspiration, no matter what your style!

1. Project Nursery-

not just one board, but many, and there’s a reason they have 37,000 followers- great taste, helpful organization and lots of ideas. They have boards of nurseries by color, design style and themes. Great place to start if you’re looking for a direction to head.

2. Oh Baby-

the nurseries on this board have a sweet and vintage feel. She also has a great eye for lovely accessories, so if you’re looking for just the right finishing touches, this is the perfect board.

3. Nursery Spaces-

chock full of nurseries with a clean, modern vibe, and lots of color.

4. Cheap Chic Nursery-

Nicole believes in affordable design without sacrificing style, so her boards are a collection of ideas to make your decorating dollars go farther while still creating a beautiful room for your baby.

5. Baby Nursery Rooms-

Cristin Priest of Simplified Bee is a designer mom, and her eclectic. elegant board is full of unique touches.

Bonus board- more on the Bump magazine’s boards later, but one nursery board really stood out- Gender Neutral Nurseries.

For those who like surprises and don’t learn their baby’s gender before it’s born, colors, themes and design elements that would work for either a boy or a girl- genius!