How to Choose the Perfect Photography Style for Your Family | Mentor Ohio Newborn Photographer

If you’re anything like me, I bet you've got a wall in your house dedicated to family photos, right? The smiling faces on the wall serve as a constant reminder of what truly matters in life and work.

But have you ever wondered how to choose the right photographer and the right style to capture your family's unique spirit even better? Although photographers frequently use jargon like "Lifestyle" and "Portrait," it can be hard to truly understand what types of images these terms will produce. So, what does it all actually mean?

Just like you wouldn't wear a tuxedo to a beach party, some styles just work better with certain moods and moments.

First up, let's talk about the Classic Style also known as Portrait Photography.

Classic Photography is timeless, a little more formal and almost always heavily posed. This style usually has a lot of emphasis on the pose, so you would expect to see more rules than creativity.

Picture your grandma's vintage photo hanging on the wall - that's a perfect example of traditional portrait photography.

Generally this is the “holiday card photo.” You can clearly see everyone’s face and everyone is looking at the camera and smiling.

Mentor Ohio Family Photographer

Next, we have Candid Photography or some call this Lifestyle Photography.

It’s all about capturing spontaneous moments - the giggles, the funny faces,

the sudden burst of dancing in the living room.

Usually this is done on-location or in studio, but your photographer might use more casual prompts and poses in order to get laughs and reactions from those being photographed.

This style is perfect if your family loves a more casual look to their photos. You might not be able to see everyone’s faces and some people’s faces might look goofy, but that’s the point of candid photography!

It's less about perfection and more about authenticity.

Mentor Ohio Family Photographer

One you might not hear too often is Fine art photography.

This is a style that emphasizes beauty, creativity, and artistic expression.

It's a genre of photography that's often compared to a fine painting or sculpture, with each image carefully composed and thoughtfully designed.

The photographer may use lighting techniques to create a certain mood or emotion, and the subjects may be posed in a way that highlights their form and beauty.

The goal of fine art photography is to create a work of art. This is where many of my artistic newborn shots fall under!

While it may not capture the spontaneous moments of candid photography, it offers a different kind of beauty and depth.

Mentor Ohio Newborn Photographer

Finally, for those who love activities, “Day-in-the-life” Photography could be your perfect match.

This style aims to capture real-life events or milestones or activities in a storytelling manner, often set in personal and outdoor spaces.

So if your family loves to hike, camp or picnic, lifestyle shots will catch those special moments.

With day-in-the-life photography, there is generally no posing or prompting at all. The photographer really is a fly on the wall while your family participates in an activity you all love doing together.

I particularly love day-in-the-life photography for families with toddlers because it’s so much more fun to do an activity they love than trying to ask them to sit still and smile for a more classic type of photography session.

I often times do Fresh 48 Photography which takes place about 2 days after birth in the hospital. These are beautiful natural candid shots taken of your newborn.

Cleveland Ohio Fresh 48 Photographer

Now, here's the fun part: deciding on the best style for your family!

This isn't about choosing 'the best' style out there, but rather what's best for your family (and this might change depending on the season of life your family is in).

If your family is a lively bunch that's constantly on the move, candid or lifestyle photography might work best. For families that love tradition and formality, portrait photography could be the way to go.

But hey, who says you have to stick to one style? Now that you know the terms photographers use for these types of sessions, feel free to ask your photographer if they do these types of photography and if they’re willing to mix and match.

For example, I generally include both “classic” and “candid” in my portrait sessions because my clients like a mix of both.

As you ponder over your next family photo session, let these styles play in your mind.

I can't wait to see you and your family in front of my lens, capturing those moments that will become treasured memories!

Love,

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

Fall minis were so golden | Cleveland Family Photographer | Fall Photography

Northeast Ohio definitely gave us some beautiful fall weather this year! The trees seemed so bright, beautiful and golden at all of my shoots. I was so glad there was no need to reschedule and deal with rain this fall. Most of my mini sessions this year took place at Chagrin River Park and Squires Castle. I really appreciate everyone for trusting me with their family photos again for 2022!

Best of the East Cleveland 2022 | Best Photographer | Cleveland, Ohio

I was extremely honored to be notified of being a Top 3 Finalist for the “Best of the East” for photography held by Cleveland Magazine. This is such an honor and extremely grateful for those who nominated me. Each year Cleveland Magazine selects the Best of the East of many different categories. They also hold a Best of the West section at well. This year the Best of the East was finally able to hold their party at Landerhaven! All of the best of each category represented and came together that evening.

I feel so honored to do what I love and able to be recognized at the same time!

I am forever grateful, thank you!

XOXO~Danelle

Santa Photography | Cleveland Family Photography | Pictures with Santa

This year has really turned out to be a real Merry Grinchmas. But that doesn’t mean we still can’t have fun with Santa. Many people are choosing to skip the lines at the mall with Santa due to all the restrictions. I mean who wants their pictures taken with a plexiglass Santa?! I’m now offering a safe alternative for Santa Photos 2020! Its so easy and can be done without you leaving the comforts of your home. Just email me a good high resolution image and I will create a beautiful Santa composite. The cost is $15 for 1 digital Santa photo. You may choose from Old Time Vintage Santa or Traditional Santa! Merry Christmas:)

Fall Mini Photography Session Giveaway | Cleveland, Ohio | Family Photography

The wait is over the time has come!!
I am excited to announce I am offering a 
FALL MINI SESSION GIVEAWAY (valued at $125) !! This will take place on October 16, 2018 at 6:30 PM in Lake County.

I am so very thankful for all the families who have trusted me with their newborn, children's, family and senior photos over the last 18 months! I never thought this little idea of opening a small business would come true.
Its my turn to give back to the community and offer this free photography session.

How to Enter: 
1) LIKE my FACEBOOK PAGE
2) SHARE this post
3) Comment your name or private message me why your family should be chosen

You can nominate your own family or nominate another family that may have went through a hard time this year and could benefit from a beautiful fall photography session! 
Contest will run from 9/27-9/30 at Midnight. The winner will be announced Monday October 1st!

Sunflower Mini Photography Sessions | Avon, Ohio | Maria's Field of Hope

Maria’s field of Hope is the Prayers from Maria Foundation first planted the Sunflower field in 2014 to gracefully draw attention to the lack of funding for childhood cancer.  The field was inspired by the memory and spirit of Maria McNamara, planted as a way to love and honor the courageous children who are battling cancer and those we have lost. The field is located in Avon, Ohio and is really a beautiful and heartbreaking atmosphere at the same time. The field itself is very beautiful with its acreage of sunflowers spreading for miles. However at the same time, each field is lined with yellow signs and pictures of precious children that have either lost there battle with cancer or currently in the middle of battling cancer.

I started offering mini photography session at Maria’s field for families to celebrate and take in the beauty of the field. I also am happy to donate 50% of my earning to Maria’s foundation in order to help find a cure for Childhood cancer. 2018 might have marked that last time the sunflower field will take place in Avon, Ohio.

I am hopefully Maria’s foundation will find another plot of land and continue this amazing foundation they have started.

Holiday Mini Sessions | Cleveland Family Photographer

I am excited to announce that I am now booking an additional day of Holiday Mini Sessions. I originally announced 2 days of holiday mini session and they were so popular by demand and sold out through email alone! I wanted to give everyone a chance to get those Christmas photos done for 2018. I added on another Holiday Photography Mini Session on Saturday November 10, 2018. At a local tree farm. These sessions are quick 20 minute sessions but perfect for couples, senior photos, engagement or family sessions.

Please contact me today for additional pricing and time options for my Holiday Mini Sessions!

First Communion Photography with a precious little lady

I have had the honor of watching this sweet little girl grow up through the eyes of my lens. I first began photographing her when she was only 4 years old. Its so hard to believe how quickly time escapes us and here she is making her First Holy Communion. I had the honer of photographing this sweet girl for her communion photos. I always have so much fun with her and she has become such a natural in front of the camera. Many blessings to you Madelyn!!

Easter Mini Sessions with Live Bunnies

I was so excited to announce my Easter Mini Sessions with Live Bunnies! These cute little bunnies belonged to a friend of mine and she was more than happy to loan them for a day. At first I was a little worried with bunnies and kids. Most people will tell you photographing kids and animals can be a challenge. Forget about photographing them together;) I was very happy to announce both the kids and the bunnies were a dream to photograph. I couldn't believe how laid back these bunnies were no matter how many times they were tugged, pulled and carried around. 

Overall, my first session of Easter Mini's with Live Bunnies was a success. This is something I would hope to offer again soon for my clients.

Cleveland Child Photographer, Cleveland Child Photography, Cleveland Family Photography, 

Sunflower Family Sessions

If you frequently travel around the Cleveland, Ohio area specifically Avon, Ohio you may have noticed the beautiful sunflower filed. This field can be seen off of I-90 in Avon, Ohio. This beautiful sunflower field is planted every year to raise awareness for childhood cancer, specifically Childhood Gliomas. The field is named "Marias field of Hope" and was started by the McNamara Family after they lost their beautiful 6 year old daughter Maria to a Brain Tumor. Now every year it is their mission to raise awareness to all the many of young children lost too soon to Childhood Cancer. The field is bittersweet as it boasts with beauty but also heartbreaking as you read about the many children still fighting a battle today. This field receives visitors in the month of September, as many families visit the field wanting to capture a few snapshots with their own family in the flowers. I was happy to host a sunflower family mini session with 5 families and I also donated a large percentage of my earnings to the Maria's Field of Hope Fund. Here are some of the beautiful images we created in the Sunflower Field.