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.
There is nothing better than freshly fallen snow on a beautiful tree farm during the holiday season. I mean its picture perfect, am I right?! I’m been so fortunate to be able to shoot here at Sugar Pines Farms for the last 4 years. Even their tree farm name gives you a warm feel when you think of tree farms. My tree farm minis are announced and booked during the fall for the Christmas Season. They fill up very quickly! If you are interested in future tree farm minis, please join my email list.
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!
When it comes to professional photography it can be an investment from start to finish. I completely understand the time, energy and finances it takes from the moment you start googling “photographers near me” to the actual shoot day. The process can be daunting, whether your expecting and want every moment of your newborns life captured or your a busy mom of 3 who desperately needs updated photos. Its all a process from choosing and researching the best photographer for your family to coordinating outfits. My goal is to help take the stress out of those moments.
When booking with Danelle Joy Photography the very first thing I like to do is a Pre-session consult. This can be done via phone or email and its my chance to understand your needs, style and goals for the photo shoot. After all, anyone can take some quick pics of your family, but you want more than that, you want treasured moments.
The Pre-session consult includes discussing the best type of package, location and expectations during the shoot. I am also always happy to include my professional opinion for clothing choices as well. I have put together many articles that focus on starting in your own closet first and adding little pieces of clothing into the mix. You don’t need to go broke just for the photo shoot. I usually recommend many of my clothing finds from Target, Tj Maxx and Old navy.
Since I understand it is a large investment, NEW this year and included with my Signature Family and Newborn sessions is a custom 8x8 photo book and Video. I believe after all, you should receive more than just digital images from your session. The photo book is hand selected and created by me, featuring the favorite photos. I am so excited to be offering a Video new this year. This will be a collection of behind the scenes and photos all put together like a slideshow. Oh cool is that.
My overall goal is to create a beautiful and lasting experience for you. If you are thinking of family photos for the spring and summer it is better to book more sooner than later. My 2020 calendar is starting to fill. Please contact me today for your next custom photo session.
It’s not too early to start thinking about family photography for 2020. My summer calendar fill up quickly so if you are planning on getting outdoor family portraits its best to contact more sooner than later. Spring and Summer photography is a great time for photos outdoors. I recommend many local parks and areas throughout the Lake County Ohio area. Please contact me to book your next family session.
You may have heard the term "Lifestyle Family Session", but never fully understood what that meant or what it entails. I was excited to announce my Newborn sessions now have the option of adding on the Lifestyle Session at a clients home. So what is a "Lifestyle Session"? The at-home lifestyle newborn sessions are about the connection and love that family members already have for this new life. During these sessions my goal is to capture the special moments with each family member and the baby as well as the family all together. The siblings are involved as well with the session. The benefits of having the session in your home is to allow the siblings to run and play while the "newborn posed" pictures are taking place. These sessions are at a much more relaxed-casual pace and often times the youngest member of the family (aka, the newborn) will dictate how the session runs. The session is usually 2-3 hours in length depending on how sleepy the baby is in order to achieve the newborn poses. I usually like to start the session with the Newborn. It is best to keep the baby awake 2-3 hours and fed prior to my arrival. Once I arrive I prefer to begin with the newborn photos. These photos usually consist of props and the use of my beanbag. If the baby is not cooperating, no worries, we may move to the nursery with some candid mom and baby photos. Its a very laid back session, and we all go with the flow. If the baby is still not quite ready for their individual pictures this is a great time to photograph the baby with mom, dad and incorporate the siblings. After those pictures are complete, I will go back to the newborn photos. My newborn photos are a mixture of swaddling in a few "posed" positions but often times they may appear in a more relaxed newborn position. My goal isn't to turn your beautiful newborn into a "frog" pose but rather photograph all the unique and beautiful qualities the newborn has in a more natural way. This would include the baby's feet, eye lashes, and flaking skin. After all, time waits for no one, and we have a very small window of time to capture these beautiful newborn characteristics. If you are interested in my "Simply Beautiful Newborn" Sessions, please contact me for pricing and booking. It is best to book the newborn sessions prior to delivery. The best time period to photograph newborns is day 2-12 of life. Anytime before 2 weeks of life is best and helps to achieve the sleepy and newborn qualities.
First Birthday Photography is one of my favorite sessions! This little lady enjoyed having her pictures taken in a relaxed studio setting. I offer 2 different options for first birthday. Outside or inside, studio photos for the backdrop. This milestone photography session is stress free while it lasts less than a hour. Many times I can capture all of the unique shots within 45 minutes. This is long enough time for a busy little 1 year old. I also offer a smash cake option at the end. This is my favorite part. If your interested in having your child's one year photography session, please contact me soon.
First Birthday Milestone Photography Session, Family Photography Session
The beautiful fall colors paired with a covered bridge might just be my new favorite location for fall family photos. I was asked by the S. Family to take their family photos at the Harpersfield Covered Bridge. The bridge is located near Geneva in Ashtabula County. As soon as I drove through the bridge and saw the beautiful water, trees and falling leaves I knew this would soon become a special place. The more I talked with the S. Family I began to learn how this place held a special meaning to them. They spoke how their grandparents would visit here often and they even had an oil painting of the bridge hanging in their home. My goal was to re create those images and memories the best I could with the covered bridge. The bridge dates as far back to 1868, when it was first constructed. I greatly enjoyed my time with the S. Family, they all were so much fun to be around and make some memories together. Here are some of my favorites from our time together.
The Summer Mini Sessions for July 2017 were held at Headlands Beach. It may not be known as one of the most beautiful places in all of Ohio for swimming. However, it continues to be my favorite places in Ohio for family portraits. The natural sandy beach, tall grasses, blue water and golden light all come together and make a beautiful backdrop for photography. I was lucky enough to have 6 families join me in my Summer Minis and capture some beautiful images. Headlands beach is and will always be a favorite place to photograph many families to come!
Trying to figure out "outfits" for a family photography session only brings one word to mind, "stressful". I understand and have been there myself before I figured out the missing puzzle piece to finding great outfits. The little secret is called Color Palette! I think we all at one time or another fall into the habit of wanting our kids to be all matching match. I still do at certain times but for photos its more about creating a beautiful color palette for your photography session. I tell my clients to focus on 1 or 2 colors and blend them in throughout the family. I would have Dad wear a shirt with maroon color and accent the color with a pop of maroon in baby girls headband. Its all about making the colors flow throughout the family. The outfit below is a great example of a natural look with a pop of color. This works best for a natural beach session. Please email Danelle Joy Photography for individual help regarding "what to wear" at your next photography session.
The magic of the golden hour... Even though I don't live in the beautiful Outer banks area of the Carolinas, this place can create some magical photos. Plan a visit to the Headlands beach during the late summer months, an hour before sunset and you will find some breathtaking backdrops. Headlands is located in Mentor, OH Lake County and is the longest natural beach along Lake Erie in Ohio. What exactly is the "Golden Hour"? It is typically the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which daylight is redder and softer. Its during this time that creates a beautiful golden glow in your images. The beach boasts natural sandy, golden rod beach grass and beautiful lighthouse. This is the perfect package to create stunning family photos.
