I had the pleasure of meeting then one-week old Baby Keaton last week just before we went out of town.  He is so tiny and adorable!  I always forget how tiny the brand new little ones are until I see one, and oh my, it just melts your heart.  It’s a good thing I have a bunch of these lined up so I can keep getting my newborn “fix”!   They weren’t sure how Keaton would do without his clothes on, but he fell asleep like a champ.  Dad had to work, but we did get some shots of Keaton and his beauiful momma.  You’ll have to take note of his “positioning” in the one just below on the right, we just about died laughing.  What a little man!   Thanks so much for letting me spend a few hours loving on your little one, and enjoy your sneak peek! 

This was a very exciting session for me for a number of reasons!  First, this session was for my “That’s My Kid” contest winners!  Big Sis Mary graciously donated the bulk of her session to her brand new one week old (at the time) baby brother.   It has been way too long since I’ve gotten to photograph a tiny little newborn, so I was really psyched about that too!  While it took quite a while to get baby Jacob completely asleep (and some sweat and patience on the part of both Mom and Dad), it was well worth the wait.  Once he was out, he was out!  After Jacob’s newborn pictures, we moved the fun to their backyard for some milestone pictures of both big brother Daniel and big sis Mary.  Mom really took to heart our Wardrobe Wednesday post from last week and came prepared with lots of great props and ideas for their images – almost everything you see in the outside images are their’s and we even used Mom and Dad’s old baby blankets for the newborn session.  It really makes it so much more special!  We wrapped up the session with their cute “1-2-3″ outfits, and that was exciting to say the least.    Mary and Daniel are soooo in love with baby Jacob, they could barely keep their eyes and hands (and sometimes entire bodies) off of him.  I had so much fun with you guys, thanks for letting me capture this special time!

This week’s contribution comes from the very talented Erica of Erica May Photography.  She is lucky enough to photograph a lot of newborns, so she is certainly a good source on the matter!    I was really excited when I saw her post as I actually have some newborns on the schedule this fall … it’s been too long!  Here’s what she has to say:

“This week I chose to highlight what to wear for a maternity session and there also a few ideas at the end on what to dress your baby in for their newborn session. For the maternity session I chose two different outfits. This is definitely not required for your maternity session however if it is ok with your photographer and if there is a place to change (or if you are skilled at changing in the car, behind a tree, etc.. =P) then I definitely recommend it. A new outfit can change the whole look and feel of your session! For pregnant women it is nice to show off that baby bump so tighter fitting shirts and dresses are great if you feel comfortable in them. We definitely want the focus more on you but don’t forget about dad too if he is in the pictures. Since cute and fashionable maternity clothes can be hard to find pick out your outfit first and then just pull colors from that for your guy to wear. Also feel free to bring anything to the session as far as props go (i.e. your baby’s name in blocks or letters, special stuffed animals, cute baby shoes). If you are not sure, just bring it and your photographer will let you know if it will work or not.

A lot of people ask what they need to have for their newborn session. Really you don’t need to worry about having anything! Your photographer will most likely bring it all. BUT if you have some time and just like to shop feel free to buy a few special headbands, hats, or diaper covers for your session. The nice thing about doing this is that you can pick colors that work with your baby’s nursery or your house AND they become a keepsake. How special would it be to show your kids their newborn pictures and have one of the little hats that they wore in them. They will never believe their head was that tiny! =P. It is a good idea though if you buy any props for your newborn session to send your photographer a picture of what you have that way they can plan and coordinate what blankets and backdrops they will be bringing! All of my choices below for newborns are found on Etsy. I highlighted some of my favorite shops however there are a ton of different sellers to choose from! For mom and dad I recommend solid color shirts to keep the focus on baby. You can even go shirtless for dad and a small tank for mom if you want a really natural look.”

Shopping Guide:
 
Outfit #1
 
Woman:
Jeans – $29.99 Old Navy
Maternity Striped Gauze Button Front Top – $24.50 Old Navy
Maternity Cropped Denim Jacket – $29.50 Old Navy
Steve Madden “Sysco” Shoes – $39.99 Dillards
Hand Stamped Jewelry Necklace (with baby’s name) – $38.00 Etsy (sayanythingjewelry)
 
Man:

Jersey Cargo Polo –$9.99 Old Navy
Boot Cut Jeans – $79.50 Banana Republic
Sketcher “Urbantrack” shoes – $55 Dillards
 
Outfit #2
 
Woman:
Smocked Tank Dress – $59.50 GAP
Kenneth Cole Flower Sandals – $49.99 Dillards
Purple Swarovski Flower Pendant with beaded chain $7.50 Etsy (crystalglowdesign)
 
Man:
Classic Flat front shorts – $29.95 American Eagle
Slim Fit Plaid Shirt – $54.50 Banana Republic
Basic Leather Flip-Flop – $16.99 Aeropostale
  
Newborns:
Girls:
Various Headbands found on Etsy (pictured headband is from Neisha’s Blue Boutique)
Various Simple Headbands on Etsy (pictures headband is from handmadebyharlan)
Various Beanies and Hats on Etsy (above hat from JoCo Couture)
Various Diaper Covers on Etsy (above diaper cover from JoCo Couture)
 
Boys:
Various Beanies and Hats on Etsy (above hat from JoCo Couture)
Various Diaper Covers on Etsy (above diaper cover from JoCo Couture)

Got a bun in the oven?   Contact me today to schedule a session at lindsay@lindsayhorn.com!

This week’s jam-packed (and very entertaining) post comes from the amazing Morgan of Morgan Dawson Photography.  She has pulled together a great variety of fun ideas for our littlest clients.  I love all of the great colors, and the little knit hats she found totally rock!  I also LOVE Babylegs for little ones – definitely check that out!  Here’s what she has to say:

Some of the most popular portrait sessions are with kids in the newborn-to-two-years-old range, which is why I decided to focus on their clothing needs. Unlike other groups, you really need to dress for the age. So here we go…

Newborns: Less is better, but if you want your baby clothed go for a diaper cover rather than a plain disposable one. They come in all sizes – even newborn – and a wide range of fun colors.

Cake Smash: If you’re not familiar with them, the concept is simple: cake + child + camera = hilarious. This is going to get really messy, really fast – so a colorful diaper cover is all you need!

Bigger Babies and Crawlers: Even though you probably have a closet filled with cute outfits, this might not be the time. Layers and ruffles can spell disaster with a constantly scrunched-up baby. The more time spent tucking in a shirt, moving away a collar ruffle, or pulling down a dress means more missed shots and an annoyed baby. Stick with simple pieces like a fun onesie or diaper cover with some BabyLegs. The other nice thing about these outfits is that they make changing diapers during a shoot a snap. (Again, less fussing = happier baby.)

Walkers: Once your child can walk you can start to consider layers. A skirt or dress with a cardigan, t-shirt with a button down on top, etc. Just make sure you still keep it simple (nothing that needs to be tucked in) and comfortable – these kids will be on the move!

And finally, a quick note about accessories. Hats and headbands are definitely cute, but if your child isn’t a hat-person, then don’t force it. The hat-on hat-off scene is a sure way to upset a baby. If you have something picked out, consider practicing wearing it once in a while before the shoot. The more comfortable your child is, the better the photos will be!

I hope you like the examples I’ve picked out. They might not be for everyone, but I hope you’ll consider showing a little personality (yours AND your babies) in the outfits you pick. And with unpredictable newborns and toddlers, it’s always a smart move to bring a second outfit… so make it a fun one!

The pieces above all come from retailers that may be new to you, but I think you’ll enjoy. Please note that these are just examples; you can find similar items at traditional stores like Old Navy, Gap, etc.

Luvaboos: I think it’s important to support small and local businesses whenever possible. Luvaboos is a natural parenting store and baby boutique that specializes in cloth diapers. Even if you’re a 100% disposable person, their covers are too adorable and totally fit over disposables!
Happy Heinys Pocket Trainer (orange) $15.95
Blueberry Cloth Trainers (green) $15.95
FuzziBunz Perfect Size Diaper (white) $17.95
Bummi Super Brite Diaper Cover (mixed) $12.25

Kitsel: This is one of my favorite online retailers for fun children’s clothing. Be sure to take a minute and browse their full line of T’s and onesies – they’re hilarious! The “I’m only doing this till my band gets signed” onesie is a personal favorite.
Shabby Baby Hibiscus Dress $42
Felt Blooming Flowers Onesie $29
Headphones Onesie $23 (also comes as a t-shirt)
Chick Magnet T-shirt $22.95
See You Later, Alligator Onesie $28.00 (also as a short-sleeved onesie and t-shirt)

BabyLegs: I don’t have kids yet, but these just seem like the most brilliant item ever. They can be used as leggings in babies and toddlers, or worn on the arms of children (or their parents). A friend swears her baby’s uniform is onesie + BabyLegs.
Go Fish Leg Warmers (UV 50+) $12
Jelly Bean Stripped Leg Warmers $12
Camo Leg Warmers $8

Threadless Kids: They carry a large line of onesies, hoodsies (!) and t-shirts for kids of all ages. The main site is for adults.
Glou-glou T-shirt $9

Mini Boden: I don’t know where I’ve been, but until recently I was out of the Boden loop. Men, women, teens and babies – they’ve got it all!
Skate Cargos $24

Etsy:
Bright & Birdie Beanie Hat $20
Vibrant Giraffe Beanie $20
Turquoise Flower Hair Clip with Lime Green Headband $7.95
Plaid Baby Newsboy Hat $15.00

If you have a little one, make sure to read up about my Milestone Mini Sessions on my website!  And as an extra incentive, if you book a Milestone Mini Session by Tuesday May 25th, you will get a free 5×7!  Contact me at lindsay@lindsayhorn.com to schedule today!

          If you or someone you know is expecting a little one in 2010, then this is for you!  There is nothing more special that you can do for your new arrival than to memorialize that time forever through photographs.  That extra-tiny brand new sleepy smiley baby stage is so fleeting, and those early days can be so disorienting for the parents, I think it is so important to capture that moment in time to treasure forever.   We had so many troubles early on with my daughter that I didn’t get around to “officially” photographing her until she was one month old, and it just breaks my heart.  I would give anything to go back and make sure I had some really good pictures of her in the first couple of weeks!  In the hopes that others won’t have that same regret, I’m offering this newborn special.  If you book a newborn session (i.e. pay your deposit and pencil in a date based on your due date) before March 15th, you will receive 25 free custom 5×7 flat birth announcements.  You can choose from a selection of beautiful templates and then we will customize it to your liking using your favorite images from your session.  If you book a Belly & Baby Package or Baby’s First Year Package (which already include free announcements), you will receive a $50 Print Credit (may be applied to prints only).  The sessions may take place any time this year – if you are due in 2010, then you are eligible.  This would also make a fabulous gift for any expecting parents that you know.  It’s so hard to choose a baby gift that won’t be “grown out of” within a few months – this is a gift that will truly last.  All sessions puchased as gifts will be beautifully presented on a printed gift certificate. 

           The best part about booking a newborn session with me is that I come to you!  That’s right, I remember all too well that the last thing I wanted to do with a week old baby was go anywhere.  So, I bring my portable studio to you.  This includes backdrops, blankets, and some great props like hats, “pods”, angel wings, baskets and more!  Sometimes the most meaningful images are the ones taken around your own home, if you wish.  The master bed and nursery make for beautiful and intimate backgrounds for newborn photography.  And lastly, I get to cuddle and love on your newborn for several hours.  Okay, so that’s more of a perk for me, but I still thought it was worth mentioning.    Please let me know if you have any questions, and please share this great opportunity with any other expectant parents that you may know!  There are great little buttons under this post for emailing and sharing via Facebook and Twitter that make it all too easy.  Thanks for checking in! 

Oh my goodness, thank you baby Alanna for granting me my much-needed newborn fix!  I’m convinced that you needed to come so early because you knew how excited I was about this.    Seriously, I was itching to get my hands on a tiny little baby, and I don’t know if I could have lucked out with a sweeter (or smaller) little one.  She really wanted to stay awake and play for awhile, but once we got her sleeping she was one of the smiliest babies ever.  It was sooo cute!  We got some great pics with mom and dad too – as you can see she really hammed it up for both of them.  Thank you for entrusting your sweet little one to me! 

That’s right … book your family holiday session in the month of October (session can take place any time before the end of the year) and choose from a couple of different options … from family mini-sessions to FREE holiday cards!  If you are interested, please contact me at lindsay@lindsayhorn.com for details.  I’m currently booking a limited number of sessions and spots are filling up fast, so don’t delay!    And since I know you want a sneak peek of some of these *gorgeous* holiday cards, here you go!

These are just a few examples of the completely customizable templates that I have available.  I have both folded, tri-fold, and flat cards available in different sizes.  To help celebrate the addition of these press-printed cards to my product list, I will also give a set of 24 free birth announcements (with envelopes) to anyone who books a newborn session in the month of October (session doesn’t need to take place in October)!  So pass this on to all of your expectant friends!   Here’s just one example of my sweet birth announcements …

I have templates for girls AND boys, and neutral options as well in many different sizes.  So, remember to help spread the word and rack up those referral print credits for yourself! 

I finally finished the last (but certainly not least) of my little trio of newborn sessions – sweet baby Madeline.  She wasn’t so sure about this photo shoot at first, but after a little snack she was all smiles!  She may have the tiniest little bottom that I have ever seen, but unfortunately she really put her foot down when we tried for some naked shots.  I don’t think Mom and Dad will mind a girl with a little modesty that early on.   I have to give big time props to Mom too – you could have unleashed a team of professional stylists on me when I had a 10-day old baby, and there is no way I would have come away looking half as good as she does.  Way to go!

Here is a little preview of Baby Evelyn’s newborn session from a couple of weeks ago.  I know that Mom and Dad have been waiting very patiently, and I’m sorry for the delay!  Little Evelyn was soooo *tiny*, I even got to put her in my itty bitty basket!  As you can see from the big smile on her face, I think she really liked it.    Mom and Dad were kind enough to let me use them (well, their hands) as props too, and we got some really sweet ones.  You’ll see what I mean …

Finally, here is a little sneak preview of sweet Baby Kennedy’s newborn session.  She’s only 11 days old here – what a cutie!  I got to try out my new pink hat on her too.  She certainly did it justice!