Lilyan Grace Howell - Newborn

I had the opportunity to photography a beautiful newborn baby girl a couple weeks ago. Her name is Lilyan.  She was born on February 3, 2012.
This sweet little nugget was 10 days old when these portraits were taken. I love photographing newborns because it is such a magical time in the family’s life that goes by So quickly.  It is very important to me to capture all the details that the parents and family are already cherishing. 

Homemade baby food for your little Sprout

I thought I might take a personal minute on my blog.  My son is almost old enough to start solids (almost 6 months) and I am, of course concerned for his nutrition.  As I work with so many new moms I thought you might appreciate a few healthy options for your babe.




Nutritional and Easy Homemade Baby Foods your Little One will Love

Avocado
Serve fresh, mashed with a touch of garlic salt. If you’re feeling fancy, add finely diced tomatoes.

Peas
One cup contains more protein than a tablespoon of peanut butter! Steam or boil until tender and puree. Tastes wonderful with steamed and pureed carrots as well!

Squash
Many varieties are perfect for one of baby’s first foods. Roast until tender, puree and voila! Stir in some applesauce and a pinch of cinnamon for a delicious dish.

Peaches and Pears
You can use fresh or canned peaches and pears. Simply slice, mash and serve for a yummy treat any time.

Remember – You should always consult your pediatrician about all dietary choices for your baby. Be sure to allow a week after you introduce a new food, before you introduce another. Use clean hands and utensils when preparing baby food, and be sure that foods are at a comfortable temperature before giving them to your baby.

Bon’ appetite!

Jonathan - 3 Months

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My son is three months old and I decided it was time for some more photographs.  My Baby’s First Year program offers a “tummy time” session.  Some photographers offer baby photographs at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, but my son is a prime example for why I choose to photograph milestones instead of months. 

My program allows your new baby to develop at their own rate with sessions when they are newborn, pushing up on their stomach (tummy time)  sitting up on their own and standing or walking.


Jonathan isn’t quite pushing up on his own happily so we will be have to schedule another session for him when he is a little older.



Jonathan 3 months old:

Passion in Life and in Business.

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   Photography has been a passion for me for many years.  Before I talk about the image above, I would like to share a little about my journey to where I am today. My father was an amateur photographer in the seventies and his nikon film camera is what I learned on.  When I was studying theatre in college I found photography had become a point of inspiration for my scenic and lighting designs.  This integration of art forms, as well as my love for graphic design fueled my quest for knowledge in photography.  By the time I had graduated and started working for a professional theatre company I had become extremely interested in wedding and portrait photography, which continues to be my focus today.

     Wedding Photography challenges me in fun and exciting ways.  It is fast paced and requires a great deal of energy. Having worked in theatre, I am no stranger to working under pressure.  I might go so far as to say I thrive in it.  I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with many wonderful brides who appreciate my tremendous energy and passion that I exhibiting without sacrificing calm professionalism when the need arises.  The challenges of wedding photography keep me on my toes and the reward for my effort is a lifetime of memories for the couple, beautifully captured.

     However, wedding photography has become a secondary focus for me for this year.  

     A few months ago something changed in my life that refocused my portrait photography and yet again reignited my passion for the art form.  My son, Jonathan Tatom was born.  If, a year ago, you had told me I would be photographing newborns I would have chuckled politely at your ignorance to my impatience.  Now, three and a half months after his birth, each time I get the opportunity to capture a moment of those first few days of the life of a child I feel blessed and fulfilled.  I also feel extremely honored that the parents would allow me to be one of the first few people to spend a significant amount of time with their new family, and trust me with their precious new life.

To say I am excited about the coming year is an understatement. I am thrilled beyond comprehension at my new boutique portrait focus.

     Thank you Jonathan for being the best thing that has happened to my life, my marriage, and my business.

From the heart,

Sarah Tatom

Wife-Mother-Photographer

This blog was inspired by a post in Nigel Merrick's Photography Business, SEO and Marketing Website.

The Dangers of Infant and Toddler Photography

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Thank you for all those who have come back for another entry of my blog. Today we will be discussing the joy and wonder of photographing infants and toddlers.

I know you said “awwww”

Oh yes. Adorable aren’t they?
Well hidden beneath that beautiful face, baby soft skin, and diaper full of poo, is a mini-photographer-saboteur. Little do you know looking at all the beautiful smiling faces that it took about 200 photos to happen upon that gem of a photograph. It should be noted the child is very annoyed at his or her slip of cuteness during the session.
In most photos they tend to look like this:

Mommy wants a 30x40 canvas of This

I should note this does not generally apply to newborns. I am not one of them as of yet, but there are baby whisperers out there who have a magical ability to put newborns to sleep so that they will be free to fire away with their camera.

Not Me

I have only had one opportunity to work with a newborn and fortunately the parents were very helpful. The trick with newborns is just that...put them to sleep. Once they are out you can manipulate them into any outfit and adorable pose you want.

got to hide their no no parts

Toddlers, on the other hand. They are a different breed. I imagine after a year of cameras being thrust in their faces they are going quite tired of the whole thing and have decided the best course of action would be to cause as much problems as possible so as to ensure the parents will not bring them their again.

There are some facts about children that age that can help guarantee a fun-filled day of boo-hoos from the child and pulling out of hair by the photographer. About the time parents are wanting one year pictures of their darling little bumkin sweet heart lovey cakes shnookums; many children have begun teething. It is inevitable that little brittany or robby will have their molars and bicuspids coming in together at the exact moment your are set up and ready to shoot.

someone get this kid a popsicle

Another important facet about children around the toddler age that can lend itself to a whole Host of problems especially in a studio setting...Little Janie has just learned to Walk!! *gleeful smile from proud mom*
What does this mean for the unsuspecting photographer. Chasing Janie away from all the wires, softboxes, and props she manages to find in the moment it takes you to take your settings down a stop.

Lawsuit

If possible, stick to available lights and on location photography. Unless your studio is baby-proof (and unless you specialize in infant photography it surely is not) ask the parents if they would like you to come to them. The Pros far out way the Cons. yes you have to pack up your equipment and haul it-but your studio remains intact and no parents are suing you for the flash bulb that inexplicably ended up in little Janie’s nose.
If the parents are unsure about this arrangement, talk to them about the sentimental moments it can create with professional photos in such a familiar environment.

*sigh* the fond memories

Perhaps the toddler won’t know what is going on until you have procured a number of satisfying images. Rest assured Bobby, Janie and little Susie have every intention of making you look like a fool. Perhaps now you (parents and photographers alike) can be a little better prepared.

Next Week: Christmas and family expectations of the new photographer.

There are still a few openings for the Blog Contest from last week. Check it Out!