Lake County Ohio Premier Photographer | Motherhood mini sessions | Family Photographer

Its time to Celebrate you mom~

I get it and understand moms do so much for the family but often times behind the scenes. Moms are the chefs, chauffeurs, nurse, teacher, playmate and much more to our family. The constant and work and dedication never goes unnoticed however, sometimes MOMS should be in the spotlight.

AND THAT SPOTLIGHT IS NOW!

I had the the best time at my motherhood mini sessions, which I offered the end of April. The motherhood minis took place in my beautiful natural light studio that features a soft white boho theme. These photos were the perfect time to capture that love between mom and her loved ones. Most of my minis are 20 minutes in length and include 15 digital images with the shoot.

My minis usually sell out very quickly and are announced through my newsletter first. Make sure you sign up and don’t miss the next fun theme mini!

xoxo~ Danelle

Lifestyle Newborn Sessions | Chagrin Falls Photographer | Danelle Joy Photography

When booking a newborn session it can be difficult with all the decisions that take place. Not only choosing the right style photographer you would like for the newborn portraits but also the type of photos. Most photographers offer newborn or in home newborn shoots. What is exactly the difference?

The traditional newborn portraits usually take in a studio and the in home newborn session take place in the comforts of your own home. When choosing a newborn portraits with me I do offer both sessions.

What do you get with each session?

With the newborn portraits, they take place in my studio and its combination of backdrop, props and “lifestyle” type photos in the lifestyle area of my studio. So you actually do get a unique combination of both!

For the in home session, when traveling to you. I bring my props, outfits and accessories needed for the shoot. The rest of the photos are taken wherever you would like in your home.

During your session, I'll capture special moments with each family member and the baby as well as the family all together. If siblings are involved, we usually take care of those photos first so that they can go and play during the rest of the session. There will also be time for photos of the baby alone; these are usually done when the baby is sleepiest. 

How can you prepare if I’m visiting your home?

I usually ask for a 4x4 space that is window lit. I usually use the back slider area of most homes. It brings in tons of light and enough room for the newborn portraits with props. The rest of the photos can take place either in your living room, bedroom or nursery.

For more information, please reach out and I’d be happy to answer any questions.

xoxo~ Danelle

6 month Milestone | Child Photographer | Willoughby Ohio Photographer

It is so hard to believe how quickly 6 months or even a year flies by! Baby Marcus rocked his six month sitter session! When booking a bump to baby package with me you can easily customize the sessions however you would like. The most popular is the maternity, newborn and first birthday cake smash sessions. However, Marcus’s family wanted to do Newborn, 6 month and 1 year portraits. I am happy to accommodate any type of sessions you would like.

What is a six month sitter session? The six month milestone session, also known as the “sitter” session, is my absolute favorite to photograph. If they are sitting, we document that. I usually like to photograph them on their bellies pushing up, on their back, and rolling around if they are rolling already. At this age they love to play with their toes and their favorite toy is probably their hand.

This session can be baby only or include family too. I always recommend including family for this session if you're able. If you would like to book your sitter session, please reach out since my calendar does fill quickly.

Look forward to hearing from you soon!

xoxo~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

When to take Maternity Photos | Cleveland, Ohio | Danelle Joy Photography

As you are preparing for your new little one to arrive I’m sure the to do list is never ending. I understand that this time can be the most stressful and exciting time of your life. Also, not to mention you might not be feeling your best. But this doesn’t mean that this special chapter of your life isn’t meant to be celebrated and documented.

A maternity photo session allows you to focus on the new life your body is working so hard to create, instead of the way you look, and can remind you of the excitement and joy that comes with bringing your child into the world.

Your body is changing in so many beautiful ways and this may only happen a couple times in your lifetime. It’s even sweeter when your kids are older and you show all the photos of when they were your in your tummy.

But as time goes on, you’re going to miss that bump!  It won’t be at first, but as the months pass and your baby starts to crawl, you’ll look at old photos and think, wow I do miss being pregnant.

The truth is, while pregnancy is hard, there is something very magical with it. You’re growing a new life, and you’re the only one your child is depending on. You feel their every hiccup, every kick, and every headbutt to your ribs. You’re completely connected.

So when is the best time to get maternity photos done? I recommend anytime from week 30 to week 35. I want your bump to be large enough but I also don’t want you to feel to big and uncomfortable. This seems to be the most ideal time. I offer maternity photos in both studio and outside on location. Once the weather breaks there is nothing more beautiful than taking photos on location.

For more information about booking your maternity session, please reach out.

Now booking Newborn Photography 2024 | Timeless and Classic Portraits

Wow, 2023 was a wonderful and busy photography year for me with close to 150 shoots. That’s a lot of editing, lol! I’m so excited to get started with 2024 and now booking due dates for the new year. I offer both a full 2 hour and mini 1 hour newborn package. I also offer in home newborn shoots where I visit and take photos in the comfort of your own home. Many people prefer a mixture of both lifestyle and styled poses. I do bring a few props to capture those styled poses. The rest of the shoot takes place throughout your home.

My calendar does fill up quickly, please reach out if you’d like to book.

Thanks,

Danelle xoxo

Why You Should Add On A Maternity Session | Cleveland, Ohio | Danelle Joy Photography

As you are preparing for your new little one to arrive I’m sure the to do list is never ending. I understand that this time can be the most stressful and exciting time of your life. Also, not to mention you might not be feeling your best. But this doesn’t mean that this special chapter of your life isn’t meant to be celebrated and documented.

A maternity photo session allows you to focus on the new life your body is working so hard to create, instead of the way you look, and can remind you of the excitement and joy that comes with bringing your child into the world.

Your body is changing in so many beautiful ways and this may only happen a couple times in your lifetime. It’s even sweeter when your kids are older and you show all the photos of when they were your in your tummy.

But as time goes on, you’re going to miss that bump!  It won’t be at first, but as the months pass and your baby starts to crawl, you’ll look at old photos and think, wow I do miss being pregnant.

The truth is, while pregnancy is hard, there is something very magical with it. You’re growing a new life, and you’re the only one your child is depending on. You feel their every hiccup, every kick, and every headbutt to your ribs. You’re completely connected.

So when is the best time to get maternity photos done? I recommend anytime from week 30 to week 35. I want your bump to be large enough but I also don’t want you to feel to big and uncomfortable. This seems to be the most ideal time. I offer maternity photos in both studio and outside on location. Once the weather breaks there is nothing more beautiful than taking photos on location.

For more information about booking your maternity session, please reach out.

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

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

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