Maternity Sessions | Northeast Ohio Photographer | Studio

Studio maternity sessions are so fun and cozy when done in indoors. Although, I love taking wintery photos outdoors but sometimes in northeast Ohio it can be just too cold! My studio sessions include 2-3 different setups to help give your gallery a unique and modern look. The setups include backdrops and my lifestyle area in the studio.

The best part of choosing me for your maternity shoot, is full access to my Client Closet! I have a range of maternity dresses available for you to try and choose on. The photo attached below are part of my client closet!

When to book?

I recommend booking maternity sessions early in your second trimester. I want to make sure you get in my calendar and all set for the shoot. The pictures usually take at the end of the beginning or middle of the last trimester. I offer one simple pricing for my maternity session. It’s a 45 min shoot for $450 and that includes all of the images. Usually about 40 images.

I also have a bump to baby and maternity/newborn bundle which offers great pricing with multiple sessions.

More questions? Please reach out and I would be happy discuss which package would best fit you!

xoxo~Danelle

Motherhood Minis 2024 | Mommy and Me Photography | Cleveland, Ohio | Mother's Day

I’m so excited to be hosting my motherhood mini event in my new studio! They will be held on 4/20 from 9-12:30pm. They must be pre-booked with the link below or reach out hello@danellejoyphotography.com.

The mommy and me photo session is perfect for mom and her little ones. We need to get mom in the picture, am I right?! Mom is always the one taking the photos of dad and kids. Not this time. It is moms turn to get all dressed up and have all the pictures done.

This makes a perfect mother’s day gift, so dads don’t wait to book! These sessions will fill up fast. Surprise her with a fun shoot, she will thank you later.

For more information on my photography please reach out.

Hope to see you soon!

~Danelle

How to get ready for a cake smash | Chagrin Falls, Ohio | Best Baby photographer

Cake smash sessions are always a favorite of mine! They can be so fun, stress free and full of giggles. Especially if you plan early enough. I recommend booking a cake smash a few months ahead of time, in order to plan the session. I’m always happy to coordinate the planned theme. Many times moms know exactly what they want for the first birthday.

Other times I have heard, “I have no clue”… Any ideas?!

Of course I have some great ideas! I also recommend bringing the outfit and cake to the shoot. I can provide most of the decor and balloons for the session.

Be Prepared for Anything!

Those are the basics of how to get ready for a cake smash session beforehand. Once you show up at the studio, the best advice I can give is to be prepared for anything! As long as you are relaxed and ready to have fun that will go a long way to helping your baby do the same as we celebrate their birthday

Have more questions about how to get ready for a cake smash session? Please reach out and I would be happy to do a phone consult and plan the cake smash session!

~Danelle

Lily turns 1! | Cake Smash Portraits | Milestone Photography | Solon, Ohio

We started with formal pictures for Lily’s first birthday. Since many parents like to have the cake smash pictures taken, we always wait until the end.

What do you get with cake smash photos? It’s a full hour session that includes the family and some traditional pictures. The photo are with my backdrop and the lifestyle area of my studio. We end with the customized them for the birthday shoot. I like to work with the family and help them plan for the birthday shoot. Lily was all red and black ladybugs. How cute is that?

Are you interested in Cake Smash Photos? Plan ahead and book now so you can have the adorable photos for their birthday party!

Reach out for more detailed pricing and special offers for my packages right now.

See you soon!

~Danelle

Lifestyle Newborn Session | Newborn Photography | Award Winning Photographer

So what is this thing called Lifestyle Photography?

A term that photographers throw around a lot is “lifestyle photography,” but if you’re not a photographer, you might not have any idea what this even means. I’m going to go into detail and explain what entails lifestyle photography.

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1st Birthday Portraits | Milestone Photography | Cleveland Family Photographer

There is nothing better than seeing the family come back for their first birthday portraits. My bump to baby package allows the family to receive maternity, newborn and first birthday.

The first birthday shots can either be a full 1 hour customized shoot or a 30 minute simple shoot. I recommend bringing a smash cake and the splash photos with a clawfoot tub can be added on.

For more information on either my bump to baby package or smash first birthday portraits, please reach out

Thank you,

Danelle

1st birthday portraits, Cleveland photographer
First Birthday Portraits, Family Photographer

January Studio Newborn Photoshoot | Cleveland's Best Photographer | Newborn Portraits

It is always the biggest compliment when I see parents come in for photos with their 2nd and 3rd child. It is such an honor to watch their families grow over the years. This sweet session was the family’s 2nd child and was such a dream at his first newborn shoot.

Meet Baby Grayson!

When should newborn pictures take place? I recommend anytime from day 5 to day 15 of life.

Does it have to be in that time frame? This is a strong recommendation if you would like the pictures to look like the ones you’ve seen on my website. Within that time frame the babies are usually sleepier and easier to wrap for the photos. Once they reach the 1 month age, they have grown and changed so much!

What newborn packages do you offer? I offer both a the full 2 hour shoot which includes family, newborn and sibling pictures. I also offer a petite newborn shoot for 1 hour. These photos are just of the baby alone.

What’s included with the newborn packages? The packages include the shooting time, full access to all high end wraps, bonnets and props. It also includes a minimum of 40 digital images. I usually send anywhere fro 40-50 images. You’ll also receive 20% off my professional printing services.

When should you book a Newborn Session? I recommend researching and booking your photographer during your second trimester. I know it’s early but my calendar does fill up and you can’t wait until the baby is born. It will be hard to find an open photographer.

Ready to book you session? Please reach out and I’d be happy to offer a phone consultation for your next Newborn Shoot.

Thank you,

Danelle xoxo

Love is in the air | Valentine Photography | Mentor, Ohio

“Love is in the air” How cute are all of these little kiddos! Valentine minis are always so much fun and hit with many. These are fun and quick little sessions that take place in my home studio. Each mini session package includes 12 digital images as well. Please be on the lookout or subscribe to my email list for the more upcoming mini shoots.

Valentine Mini Photos

Snowy Maternity Photo Shoot | Cleveland, Ohio | Squires Castle

There is something so beautiful about a maternity shoot taking place at a castle filled with snow. It was a snowy and chilly January but that didn’t stop this sweet couple from venturing out. I love when couples are all about capturing photos outdoors, even if its during the dead of winter. Outdoor shoots in the snow can be very beautify! For more information on my maternity sessions please contact me. I offer both on location and indoor shoots.

Welcome Baby Marcus | Cleveland Photographer | Best Newborn Photographer

Oh, how I love how everything came together perfectly for this studio newborn shoot! This family nailed their neutral clothings by mixing it up with some browns, blacks and creams. Your photos need to be elegant, classy and timeless especially when looking at them 15 years from now. When choosing what to wear, I don’t recommend any thing too trendy, stripes or patterns. Neutrals are always best! When booking a session with me, I’m happy to help consult clothing ideas and suggestions. Please reach out!

xoxo,

Danelle

Newborn Photographer | Best Baby Photographer | Cleveland, Ohio | Northeast Ohio Photographer

The pops of gold and navy blue really made this sweet newborn session come to life. When preparing for your newborn session I usually recommend choosing a complimentary color palette as opposed to matching. The days of wearing all white and jeans are gone with the 90s. lol..

Today, choosing a coordinating color palette that is neutral in color but adds a little hint of color is best. I usually recommend neutral colors and no prints or stripes. This can be very busy to the eyes and we don’t want to take the focus off the baby.

For scheduling and more information for spring and summer 2023, please reach out. I only take so many clients each month and my schedule is filling.

~xoxo Danelle

Sweetest Guitar Shoot | Family Photographer | Cleveland, Ohio

When your dad is guitar player and is his daughters number 1 fan! I mean how cute was this? The sweetest little guitar shoot. At the end of your cake smash session, if there is something special that you would like added, please let me know. I’m happy to add it in.

For more information on my milestone child sessions please contact me.

Spring Family Portraits | Rockefeller Greenhouse | Cleveland Ohio

It might be March and snowing but that doesn’t mean we can’t capture some beautiful spring photos! Inside… that is.

Throughout the Cleveland Ohio area, there are many gems to hold a family session indoors. One of my favorites is the Rockefellar Greenhouse located in Cleveland. It is so beautiful with the brick building, tropical plants and flowers. Its perfect for a family, child or maternity photo session.

Another favorite of mine is the botanical garden. You can never go wrong with this beautiful backdrop. If you have a large family, if you call ahead you can reserve the garden for yourself.

If you interested in spring portraits please reach out.

~xoxo Danelle

Natural Newborn Photography | Northeast Ohio | Best Newborn Photographer

When looking for a newborn photographer, it can be overwhelming. There are so many talented and different types of photographers out there. Some only like lifestyle, studio natural light or even studio light. All of this can create very different types of photos.

How would I describe my Newborn Photography?

My photos are more centered on the airy natural light with some studio light. I love my photos to have a light, white and crisp edge to them. My favorite style are the natural unposed posed photos seen below. There is nothing bette than a sweet newborn on white linens and captured just how they are. No crazy awkward poses, just them sleeping the day away.

Many parents still request posed prop photos and I do love them as well. The benefits of my photography style compared to others is I offer both! I like to offer both posed prop plus more natural lifestyle themed photos. All taken in the comforts of my home studio.

All you need to do is show up! I’ll take care of the rest!

xoxo~ Danelle

Lifestyle Newborn Session | Newborn Photography | Award Winning Photographer

This time of year can be so cold and bitter. Who wants to venture out of their home especially with a newborn?! No one, right! How nice would it sound if I said you could stay home while I bring everything to you! Amazing right. Why bundle up and venture out. This is exactly why I like to offer Lifestyle Newborn Shoots in the comforts of your own home. What is a Lifestyle Newborn Shoot? I get asked this many times and many people have told me they don’t just want candid photos. That is why I bring all my newborn items with me and you get both candid shots plus all the prop newborn shoots. All in the comforts of your own home. The only requirement I need is a nice window lit 4 ft x 4ft area. Usually a patio slider door works perfectly, and has beautiful light coming through even on the darkest day.

Depending on how the baby is acting I like to start with the wrapped prop and bean bag poses. They look very similar to what you see here in my gallery. After I’m done with the newborn shoots we move on to the lifestyle (candid) shots throughout the home. Places that work the best are living room, nursery and master bedroom.

I am now booking newborns for 2023, and I offer both in studio and on location shoots. Please reach out for more pricing and booking information.

Baby Elise | Newborn Photographer | Mentor, Ohio | Northeast Ohio | How to prepare?

I know so many parents have questions about Newborn Photography! Especially, after the baby arrives your world can be turned somewhat upside down. The best advice I can give anyone planning on Newborn Photos is to book your session in advance! Please don’t wait until the baby arrives, most photographer are already booked at that point. It’s best to book ahead of time and then sit back and relax until the baby arrives. It is one less thing you need to worry about.

I understand once the baby arrives the first trip for all of you other than leaving the hospital is most likely to the photo shoot. So how to prepare:

Before the session:

Newborn photos are best done within the first 2 weeks of life. If the baby comes early or late no worries I leave room in my calendar to adjust the shoot dates. Please bring all essential baby items with you, bottle, changes of clothes, diapers, pacifiers. Recommend the family to wear neutral clothes. Flowing dresses look nice for mom and add a more soft look to the photos.

During the session:

After arriving, I like to start with the baby first unless they are unable to settle. Then I will move onto family and newborn shots. Plan on the photos to take about 2 hours. If you are traveling with younger siblings I recommend either bringing 2 cars and dad can leave with the siblings once their photos are done.

After the session:

I will do a sneak peek of fully edited photos 2-3 days after the session. You are able to fully download and share those photos. The full galleries are done in 2-2.5 weeks. The galleries are archived for 1 year with my studio.

This really is a special and amazing time of your life. It just takes a little planning ahead of time but will make many lasting memories.

Baby Addie | Newborn Photography | Modern and Timeless Photography | Ohio

I understand and get it.. You just returned home from the hospital and most likely traveling through a fog. Everything seems to be a whirlwind but yet moving at a snails pace. Then you remembered newborn photos are next week. That means you must cram into normal clothing, hair and makeup. Yikes!

That can all seem to daunting and not on the priority list. Fast forward to your baby’s 1st birthday and this will all seem like a distant memory. You’ll be glad you booked those photos during their first 2 weeks of life. Let’s face it, you were exhausted and might not remember most of it.

Looking back on those newborn portraits will be the best decision and memories you’ll make.

I always recommend for both mom and dad to be in the newborn portraits. But if you are not feeling yourself and would rather just have photos of the baby. I do have a package for that as well.

However, I can’t stress enough how important those newborn portraits are. You’ll look back and can’t believe how tiny, flaky and beautiful that newborn was.

xoxo Danelle

Lifestyle Newborn Photography | Mentor, Ohio | Cleveland, Ohio

How to prepare for a Lifestyle Newborn Shoot! You just had a baby, discharged home and the photographer is showing up this week~ Yes, it can feel like a whirlwind of emotions leading up to the birth and afterwards. The most important thing is to RELAX. The house doesn’t need to be magazine ready, I can make any spot of any home look picture ready.

When to book:

The sooner the better with Newborn Portraits. Newborn photo dates fill up quickly and its best to get the date you want and no more stress of worrying. I also recommend Newborn photos to take place from day 5 to day 15 of life. Anytime after that is still possible. I also like to explain to parents that around the 1 month mark, babies are much more awake and aware of their surrounding. At this age its hard to settle down as quickly, and create those desired newborn poses.

When I’m traveling to your home, all I ask is a 4x4 window lit area if possible. This spot is where all the typical newborn shots and props take place. The more lifestyle aka candid shots take place in the living room, nursery and master bedroom. I alway say less clutter the better.

What to wear:

I’m a big fan of soft earthy neutral tones. Pick a neutral color pallet and have mom, dad and siblings pick a color to coordinate never match. Please don't show up with white shirts and blue jeans.. That look left with the 80’s;):)

I also recommend feeding the baby and keeping the house warm right before I arrive. This will create those sleepy vibes I need from the baby.

If you’re interested in setting up Lifestyle Newborn Shoot, please contact me.

xoxo ~Danelle

Boho Lifestyle Studio Set | Cleveland, Ohio | Mentor, Oh

Eek!! I’ve been planning and working on changing my studio space for a while now. I have been loving the new boho inspired look for a while and thought it would make a wonderful addition to both newborn and family sessions! Don’t get me wrong the traditional backdrops still have a their own place as well! I felt like I needed to create this new modern vibe that would also create a cozy relaxed space for families.

The space features the white bed and the oh so popular cocoon chair filled with boho accents and plants. This space will be given as an option during the newborn shoot. If you would still like the traditional backdrop poses done, that’s not problem.

The main reason for switching over to more a lifestyle look is it gives parent another option for photos. I love traveling to families homes for newborn shoots. But I also get it, you just had a baby, exhuasted and the last thing you feel like doing is getting your house ready for a photo shoot!

Take the stress away book the session for a newborn shoot at my in home studio. Please reach out for more information:)

Best,

Danelle