Headlands Beach Photography

Family Photography at beautiful Headlands Beach Mentor, Ohio

Even though we might not live near the beautiful coastal with a true ocean breeze. We can all dream about it right?!

Living near Lake Erie can’t replace the ocean, but still creates some of the most beautiful views and photography options! The stunning dunes near the boardwalk out to the water allows photographers to create so many stunning images.

I have taken so many different types of photos at headlands beach over the years and has become such a beautiful staple for all of my summer sessions. I love holding summer mini session in June which sell out so quickly!

I also offer private family sessions, for more pricing information and scheduling please reach out!

Smash Cake Photography | Mentor, Ohio Photographer | Minnie Mouse

Baby Jazmin’s Minnie Mouse themed birthday photography shoot!

I have the best time when families contact me and are interested in doing a specialized themed for their baby’s first birthday photos! Really the sky is the limit the all the different options and themes we can create together. My goal is to work with the family and customize their desired theme.

Baby Jazmin’s family was interested in a fun Minnie Mouse theme! So of course I immediately thought of lots of pink, white and gold color accents. I provided most all of the decor and the cake was made specially by her grandma. How cool is that! Her grandma owns an adorable cake business in Mentor, Ohio.

Are you thinking of first birthday portraits? Please reach out since I do schedule well in advance. I also offer different pricing options for those who either want a lot of just a few pictures of their special day:)

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

Baby Sister Newborn Session | Chardon, Ohio | Cleveland Ohio photographer

I was so thrilled to hear that this special family was expecting baby number 2! I had the privilege to photograph their first baby girl and many mini sessions along the way with them. There is nothing more special then watching a family grow up before my eyes. It’s hard to believe I’ve been doing this long enough to photograph not only their 1st baby. But I’ve literally watched many of the families grow from baby 1, 2 and even number 3! That means the world to me, when so many families keep coming back. That is truly the biggest compliment anyone can ever give regarding my photography.

Sweet Gwennie was welcomed with big arms in the studio. I had so much photographing her and her adorable family. Big sister rocked the session too, and allowed me to capture so many sweet moments together.

Are you expecting a sweet little bundle in 2024. Please reach out, I would love to chat about the many different maternity and newborn packages I offer.

Look forward to talking to you soon~

xoxo, Danelle

Chardon Ohio Photographer

ONE Happy Camper | First Birthday Portraits | Mentor Ohio Smash Cake Photography


ONE HAPPY CAMPER,

1st Birthday Portraits, complete with smash cake photos

ONE Happy Camper! Oh my goodness how cute and adorable is this birthday theme! I’ve had some really cute ones over the years, but this campsite set up was absolutely adorable.

The ONE Happy Camper set up featured everything you would need while camping of course. A fire, text, wood, trees and big beautiful moon.


What it includes with the smash cake photos! When booking my full 1 hour session, I help you plan the session! If you already have a theme in mind, I do help coordinate everything you would need for the session. You are welcome to bring a customize smash cake or I can arrange a simple nude cake to be used. With the session I like to start with regular formal portraits of the baby by themselves then we move onto the family photos. After a quick outfit change, if needed we move into the smash cake photos. After all of the cake fun is over. The session is complete with super fun complimentary splash photos that are included with your session. You want to go home with a clean baby after all right? How fun does this sound?

Ready to book or have more questions, please reach out and I’d be happy to talk with you.

xoxo~Danelle

Baby Sutton is ONE | Willoughby, Ohio | Best Baby Photographer | Smash Cake

It’s always so amazing to me how quickly just 1 year passes by! I first met this cute family for their maternity shoot. It was a cold snowy day where we met at squires castle. They were booked the bump to baby package, which I love, because I spend the entire year with the family!

I meet them at their maternity, newborn and finally at the 1 year first birthday shoot. Sutton was all smiles for her first birthday portraits. Her smash cake was also so very special since it was hand baked by her Grandpa!

How cool is that!

If you are interested in milestone pictures of your little one it’s better to plan ahead and book in advance. I understand many people want the pictures done and printed prior to their birthday party. Most of the time my turn around is 2-3 weeks. However, my calendar does fill up and I want to make sure you get the date you prefer!

For more information about my milestone and smash cake packages, please reach out! I would be happy to talk about the prices and what the process entails.

~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.

Headshot Photography | Cleveland Ohio | Mentor Ohio

Are you in need of an updated professional picture for your business or LinkedIn profile? Let’s face it the cropped cell phone picture might not be the best option.

I offer a quick and easy 30 minute headshot package. These only take place during the week in my studio. The package is $350 for 15 digital images. You are able to choose your favorite 15 from a fully edited gallery.

Please reach out for more specific booking.

Headshot Photography

Love is in the air | Valentine Photography | Mentor, Ohio

“Love is in the air” How cute are all of these little kiddos! Valentine minis are always so much fun and hit with many. These are fun and quick little sessions that take place in my home studio. Each mini session package includes 12 digital images as well. Please be on the lookout or subscribe to my email list for the more upcoming mini shoots.

Valentine Mini Photos

Snowy Maternity Photo Shoot | Cleveland, Ohio | Squires Castle

There is something so beautiful about a maternity shoot taking place at a castle filled with snow. It was a snowy and chilly January but that didn’t stop this sweet couple from venturing out. I love when couples are all about capturing photos outdoors, even if its during the dead of winter. Outdoor shoots in the snow can be very beautify! For more information on my maternity sessions please contact me. I offer both on location and indoor shoots.

Mentor Newborn Photography | Introducing Sutton

I am asked many times when is the best time for Newborn Portraits? There really is a magic timeframe for those adorable photos. Why? Because the baby really does need to be somewhat sleepy and still have that squishy newborn look. Its hard to believe, once they are close to 1 month old the “newborn” look is starting to fade. They are also much more awake and moving around.

I recommend photos to be done anytime from day 5 to day 15 of life. That gives a nice 2 week window for the photos to happen. It also give mom some time to recover from the hospital stay.

If you are expecting, please don’t hesitate to reach out and book your newborn portraits. I recommend booking them at least 3 months in advance, in order to secure your spot.

Please contact Danelle Joy Photography for more information.

Sometimes miracles come in two | Cleveland, Ohio | Newborn Photographer

The weather was crisp and cool but it made for the perfect backdrop for maternity photos in October. Squires Castle nestled in Cleveland, Ohio remains one of my top choices for maternity shoots. Especially during the fall and winter. There is just something so mystically, dreamy and beautiful about a castle secluded in the woods.

I also understand how it can be tough to sometimes to photograph little ones, when they are filled with energy. Thats why my style of photography isn’t staged and stiff. If the kids want to run, I run with them! And capture those genuine fun smiles. After all the candid picks, usually end up being my favorite anyway!

If you are excepting and want to learn more about all of my maternity, bump to baby and newborn photography. Please reach out! I have many packages that can be what you are looking for.

xoxo~ Danelle

Lifestyle Newborn Session | Cleveland, Ohio | Best Baby Photographer

I absolutely love getting the chance to visit and shoot at family’s homes. There is just something so special about photographing those beautiful new moments in the comforts of your own home. Plus, wouldn’t it be great for me to visit you! After all no one feels like leaving the house right after coming home from the hospital.

What happens when I visit? I bring everything to you! The unique thing about my style of photography is I offer a little bit of both posed newborn photos with lifestyle photos. I have heard many times people still like both setups! I do bring everything needed for the newborn shoot. All I ask in advance is a small 4x4 window lit area for those shots. Usually a back slider or window works perfectly. The lifestyle photos are usually taken throughout the home such as the living room, master and nursery.

I’m now booking into 2024. Please reach out for more information.

xoxo~

Danelle

Lifestyle Newborn Shoot | On Location | Mentor Ohio | Cleveland Ohio

There is nothing sweeter than visiting a family’s home and telling their story. I understand and get it, you just came home from the hospital and your world has been turned upside down. To say the least. The last thing you feel like doing is leaving the house with the baby and half the nursery to get photos taken. So let me visit you! Thats the beauty of lifestyle newborn shoots. I bring everything to you and take the photos in the comforts of your own home. The session is usually about 2-2.5 hours long and includes photos of just the newborn and creative shots with mom and dad. Please reach out and schedule your newborn shoot today:)

Studio Newborn Photography | Best time for Portraits | Cleveland Photographer

I’m sure you have heard many times, they grow so fast! “Don’t blink, they’ll be driving soon”. Well, unfortunately that is very true. If you do blink you might miss something. I’m not saying this to scare or pressure you into anything. But time seems to move so very quickly from the moment you found out you’re expecting to the time they are graduating.

Newborn portraits shouldn’t be any different. I always stress to many of my families that these are time sensitive photos. Its so hard to believe they change a lot in that first month. But they really do! You only realize it when you look back on those first couple weeks of photos.

I recommend newborn photos to be done anytime from day 5 to day 15 of life. I am more than happy to photograph anytime after that. However, the photos may be a little different. Babies are more awake and its not as easy to wrap and squish inside bowls, lol.

My summer newborn calendar is filling fast. If you are thinking about portraits, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I would love to have a phone consult with you and discuss the process of my newborn photography:)

xoxo…Danelle

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.

Styled Maternity Session | Cleveland Ohio Photographer | Northeast Ohio Photographer

I was so excited to offer a styled maternity session for a couple beautiful moms to be. The shoot took place in the beautiful sixth city studio located downtown. I’m now offering maternity dresses to all of those who book a full maternity session. I have heard so many times over the years, that the maternity dress is just worn once. So why not have the option to choose a dress From my client closet, wear and return it!

This new service is complimentary when booking a full maternity shoot. My spring and summer schedule is filling. If you are expecting and considering professional photos, now is the time to book. I recommend the maternity photos be done from week 32 -week 36 depending on how you’re feeling. I then recommend the newborn photos anytime from day 5 to day 15 of life.

I offer different packages to help meet everyones needs. Please reach out for more information.

xoxo~ Danelle

Sweetest Guitar Shoot | Family Photographer | Cleveland, Ohio

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.

Mentor Newborn Photography | Introducing Sutton

I am asked many times when is the best time for Newborn Portraits? There really is a magic timeframe for those adorable photos. Why? Because the baby really does need to be somewhat sleepy and still have that squishy newborn look. Its hard to believe, once they are close to 1 month old the “newborn” look is starting to fade. They are also much more awake and moving around.

I recommend photos to be done anytime from day 5 to day 15 of life. That gives a nice 2 week window for the photos to happen. It also give mom some time to recover from the hospital stay.

If you are expecting, please don’t hesitate to reach out and book your newborn portraits. I recommend booking them at least 3 months in advance, in order to secure your spot.

Please contact Danelle Joy Photography for more information.