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

the sitting-up stage

admin — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:39:24 +0000

It’s no secret that my favorite baby stage after the newborn is when they’re sitting up confidently. There’s just something about having a new point of view and new abilities that seems to make babies happy at that age. Stranger anxiety usually hasn’t set in yet, they have a bit of a schedule, and life is good. That makes the six-nine month age a perfect time for another round of pictures. Blythe was such a beautiful baby at her newborn session, but now she’s added charm and personality that make her irresistible. No way can you look at this face and not smile!

I love all the baby rolls you can see in these images, and the way all the little habits of this age show up- everything goes in the mouth, and their legs are flexible enough to even make that include feet!

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 always as peaceful or as quiet as they appear in their pristine photographs. So, what happens if your little bundle of joy gets cranky during their photography 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! The most successful sessions seem to happen when we’re sweaty- that’s a comfortable temperature for a lightly clothed baby!
Feed your baby right before the session, and try not to rush the feeding. Babies pick up on stress quickly, so relax and take your time. I only schedule one newborn session a day, so there’s no need to hurry.
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 priceless, and I love capturing that.
If your baby needs a break for nursing or consoling, go for it. We work on ‘baby time’ and it’s worth taking our time to get a relaxed and happy baby. 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!