Danelle Milk 3/13/25 Danelle Milk 3/13/25

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Danelle Milk 2/24/24 Danelle Milk 2/24/24

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

Danelle Milk 1/31/24 Danelle Milk 1/31/24

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.

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Winter Maternity Shoot | Squires Castle | Cleveland, Ohio | Best Photographer

When is the best time to take Maternity Photos?

I recommend anytime from week 28-36. I want you to have a nice little bump but also not uncomfortable for the shoot.

Where do they take place?

I offer both outdoor and indoor studio shoots for maternity. The outdoor shoots seem to be more popular even during the winter time! I love going to squires castle after a fresh blanket of snow. I also recommend the moms to bring blankets and cover up in between shoots.

What happens during the shoot?

I understand it can be awkward and unsure of how to pose. No worries! I will guide you every step of the way with the posing for the shoot. Please check out some of my most recent sessions here:

How long do they last? I offer both a mini 30 minute and full 1 hour shoot. With the mini session you also receive 15 images. The full 1 hour shoot you’ll receive close to 40 images. All of my pricing includes the session fee and digital images. No extra hidden costs.

How much does to cost?

Click here for pricing: Danelle Joy Photography Pricing

What should you wear?

I recommend wearing clothing that you would feel comfortable. I do offer a few maternity dresses that you are welcome to borrow. Long flowing dresses look amazing in the shoots.

Ready to book your photo shoot?

Reach out and I’ll get it scheduled

Contact Me

Thank you,

Danelle