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
A cold but beautiful outdoor Maternity Photoshoot at Lake Erie | Mentor Ohio Maternity Photographer
I’ve always love having outdoor maternity shoots in the middle of winter. The snowy backgrounds always create the beautiful backdrop for maternity shoots. A beautiful growing family met me at Lake Erie Bluffs near Mentor Ohio. They also brought their 2 cute dogs along for the shoot. When we arrived the wind was howling over the lake and we were in a snap of the frigid temps. The dogs of course were loving being outside in the snow and running around. We quickly took some shots with the pups and put them back in the car.
Cleveland Ohio Maternity Photographer, Lake Erie
We then made our way down to the frozen lake. It was really beautiful seeing Lake Erie completely frozen over! Megan also loved drift wood, so we were lucky enough to see driftwood still scattered throughout the frozen banks. Did I mention at this point, the wind is still howling, lol! They were both a trooper with the cold. I must say though this might have been the coldest day I have ever shot photos in. I’ve been doing outdoor shoots for over 7 years now.
Cleveland Ohio Maternity Photographer, Lake Erie Bluffs
WE continued throughout the shoot taking beautiful images along the frozen water! If you are expecting and thinking about maternity photos. I do offer both indoor and outdoor maternity sessions. I hope by reading this, the outdoor winter sessions are very possible!
Click here for more of my maternity work shown in studio and on location outside.
Have a good day,
Danelle
How to Prepare for Your First Pregnancy in Cleveland by a Northeast Ohio Newborn Photographer
Did you know there are more than the typical 3 trimesters of pregnancy? Today I’m spilling the tea on everything you can expect from conception to the mysterious "4th trimester."
I’m not only going to share with you what to expect in each, but also a lot of local resources you can use as you plan for your pregnancy, newborn and birth in Mentor Ohio.
Cleveland Ohio Newborn Photographer, Mentor Ohio Newborn Photographer
First Trimester: The Secret Life of Pregnancy
The first trimester is like a secret club where only you and your growing baby are members. During these first 12 weeks, your body is working overtime to create a new life, and you might be feeling the effects (hello, morning sickness). It's like you're part of an exclusive group that only fellow expectant moms can truly understand.
Second Trimester: The Golden Age
For many, the second trimester is the golden age of pregnancy, where you can finally start enjoying the journey. With the nausea subsiding and the baby bump showing, it's time to embrace the experience.
Third Trimester: The Home Stretch
The third trimester is when things start to get real. As you prepare for your baby's arrival, you'll want to make sure you have everything in place for a smooth transition.
Birth: The Main Event
The moment you've been waiting for is finally here: birth! Whether you're planning a natural birth or a C-section, this stage is exciting and emotional!
Cleveland Ohio Fresh 48 Photographer, Northeast Ohio Fresh 48 Photographer
The 4th Trimester: What No One Tells You
Surprise! Your journey doesn't end with birth. The 4th trimester is the first three months of your baby's life, where both of you are adjusting to the world outside the womb.
● This is the time of possibly postpartum depression or anxiety can occur here. If you are experiencing some sadness or feelings of being low, it’s best to seek help and talk with someone. Local support groups filled with other moms going through this same phase are all a great resource. Ask while in the hospital, the nurse should give you local resources available.
This is also the time when breastfeeding can be a challenge for both the mom and baby. There are tons of lactation support available to help guide your through this challenging time.
Of course, every journey is unique, and it's okay to feel a whole range of emotions along the way. As long as you've got your support system and resources, you'll be able to navigate this crazy adventure.
Thanks for reading!
Since you made it all the way down here – are you looking for a Newborn Photographer? Click here to see more of my Newborn Photography galleries.
What is a Lifestyle Newborn Session | Chagrin Falls, Ohio Photographer
What is a lifestyle Newborn Session? It basically means capturing those natural candid moments in the comforts of your own home. Even though I currently own my own studio and love doing studio work, still travel to people’s homes. It’s so fun to capture them in their own element. And especially during the winter after coming home from the hospital who wants to leave the house?
My lifestyle newborn sessions are a little different than other photographers. I still like to bring all of my wraps, accessories and props for those posed newborn shots plus the lifestyle shots. SO you are getting both sessions in your home! All I need is a small window lit area, usually a back slider works best and I can do about 90% of the posed and lifestyle shots. The other shots can be taken throughout your home if you would like. Places such as nursery, living room and master bedroom.
If you have more questions about my lifestyle photographer please reach out!
xoxo~Danelle
Cleveland Ohio Baby Photographer
Cleveland Ohio Photographer
Cleveland Ohio Lifestyle Photographer
Capturing all the tiny details in Newborn Photography!
Cleveland Newborn Photographer
As your Cleveland Newborn Photographer I Love for you to leave the session with a wide variety of Portraits. This is including all the tiny little macro shots of those baby hairs, tiny toes and little finger nails. These precious little details are only here for so long and are worth documenting.
Capturing the details in newborn photography is essential for showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of each newborn. Newborns possess delicate features and tiny characteristics that can easily be overlooked — the soft curls of hair, the delicate eyelashes, the tiny fingers and toes, and even the unique patterns of their skin.
Here are my tips and tricks in creating those soft beautiful detailed shots!
Close-Up Shots: I always use my macro lens and adjust the camera settings in order to get super close-ups of the newborn’s features. I like to focus on their eyes, lips, and a small hand clutching a finger. These shots create a connection and evoke emotion.
Natural Light: Utilize soft natural light to enhance the softness of their skin. Early morning or late afternoon light can provide a warm glow that highlights the newborn's features without harsh shadows.
Textures and Props: I like to Incorporate blankets, hats, or wraps with interesting textures. These props can create a sense of warmth and provide a pleasing contrast with the smoothness of the baby's skin, adding depth to the images. As you can see from my galleries, my images are very soft, light with an artistic point of view.
Patience and Timing: Newborns often have unpredictable schedules. Allow ample time for breaks and changes in position. A calm environment will result in more natural and relaxed photographs, allowing you to capture those fleeting expressions and gestures.
Editing: I take a lot of pride in my post processing editing. Each photo from every gallery is Hand Edited in order to provide nothing but the best for my families.
Cleveland Newborn Photographer
Cleveland Newborn Photographer
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
Best in Photography / Award Winning Photography/ Cleveland, Ohio Newborn Photographer
I’m so happy to announce I won the “Best in Photography” for the city of Painesville, Ohio. This is my 3rd time winning this award and 2nd year in a row. I can’t thank everyone enough for trusting me year after year with your precious photos. I look forward to creating many more memories together!
Twin Newborn Photography | Cleveland, Ohio | Mentor, Ohio | Northeast Ohio
Two is always better than one, am I right?! There is always something so special about multiples. I love the opportunity to photography twin newborns! The goal when I have newborns is to offer both photos together as well as solo photos. For more information regarding twin newborn photography, please reach out for both pricing and scheduling. Cleveland, Ohio Newborn Photographer.
Chillin with my friends | Newborn Photography | Cleveland, Ohio
Sweet little guy snoozing with his buddies!
Looking for newborn photography sessions? I currently offer both mini and full newborn sessions. The mini newborn are photos of just the baby taken whether the baby is asleep or awake. This is done in my home studio and you have full access to all the props and wraps needed for the photos.
The full newborn session is called my Simply Beautiful Newborn Session and is a 2 hour session taken in my home studio. These are photos taken of the entire family and as well as the baby alone.
I also offer in your own home session options. How nice for you to stay in the comforts of your own home?!
Please reach out for more pricing regarding newborn photography in Cleveland, Ohio.
Always worth the wait | Newborn Photography | Cleveland, Ohio | Lake County, Ohio
“Always worth the wait” is saying it in simple terms once your bundle of joy has finally arrived. Those 9 months of worry, waiting and anticipation quickly fades away once your sweet little one is place in your warm arms. Newborn photography has quickly become a favorite of mine over the years because of 4 children of my own I understand how quickly those younger (and exhausting) years take place. Honestly, a newborn only seems so itty bitty those first few weeks of life and before you know it they are a month old. A lot more alert, moving and possibly keeping you up at night;)
In regards to newborn photography I do offer a full signature session and my petite newborn session. My most popular package is by far the signature full session. This session is 2 hrs and takes place in my home studio. Due to Covid I have taken extreme caution and sanitation measures in order to keep everyone safe. With the full session, I recommend the photos take place within the first 2 weeks of life. At that age its easier for me to sooth and calm the back to sleep which is needed for some newborn posing.
If you are interested in scheduling a newborn session, please reach out for more detailed information.
