by Kristin Vacca | Mar 13, 2024 | Newborns
If you’re expecting a baby and researching Wethersfield newborn photography or another nearby town in central Connecticut, congratulations! I’m so excited for you to be celebrating this beautiful milestone, and I hope that you’re doing very well as you navigate your pregnancy and all of the upcoming changes! Taking the time to capture professional newborn photos and invest in custom-printed artwork of your images is something that you won’t regret! I’ll never forget holding my daughter for the first time. Silly me – I thought that I’d be up for photographing my own newborn’s professional images only weeks after a c-section. Don’t be like me – schedule a professional to do them for you in advance! It seems like so long ago and yesterday at the same time! Your professional images and artwork will be a time capsule of this precious time when your baby was so new and tiny. The amazing part is that your images will only grow in value as time passes.
Full-service newborn photography session
Googling newborn photographers, especially in Connecticut, yields a lot of results, which can feel overwhelming. Which newborn photographer is right for you? Not every photographer is created equal. First, you’ll want to choose a professionally trained newborn photographer with a portfolio of newborn images that you love. But that’s only a small part of it! You’ll want someone with years of hands-on training, a registered business, liability insurance, up-to-date on necessary vaccinations and sanitizing techniques, and additional certifications so that you know you aren’t handing your baby to just anyone.
Newborn baby girl wrapped in pink during her portrait session
Newborn baby pose in a sweet pose
Another thing to consider is a full-service newborn photographer. What is full-service newborn photography, you ask? I’d love to answer this question for you and more!
What is Full-Service Newborn Photography
Full-service newborn photography is so much more than snapping a few pictures of your baby. This type of photography service creates an unforgettable and stress-free portrait experience. As a full-service newborn photographer, I aim to approach each custom session with the kind of tender, loving care that I would have needed as a new mom. I remember holding my beautiful newborn daughter close while feeling exhausted and even frazzled during those first few weeks after she was born as I learned to take care of my baby and heal from childbirth. The newborn phase goes quickly, and newborns lose their “womb memory” and flexibility fast, so taking the time to capture professional portraits allows you to bottle up this moment with your baby. You’ll cherish these images as the years go by, and you watch your child grow up.
Mom and dad proudly hold their newborn daughter
My full-service process handles all of the details of the session so that you can relax and enjoy your experience. During the session, you can relax knowing that I have your newborn’s safety and comfort at the top of my mind. We never force baby into an unsafe or uncomfortable pose, and my workflow is designed for their age and developmental abilities at that time. Baby will be safe and content during the session. And if baby needs a break, then we take one! Each session is baby-led, with plenty of opportunities for changing, feeding, snuggling, and more.
Sweet newborn boy is safely and professional posed for his portrait
After your session, we’ll schedule your image reveal to sit together in person or on Zoom and look through every image. I will guide you through ensuring we tell the best story based on the images presented. You’ll choose your favorites, and then we can create your custom albums or wall art or a wide variety of other products included on my Menu if desired. There are even a lot of gift ideas, perfect for Grandparents and other family members! I handle all the final designs, sizing, ordering, and shipping of your beautifully chosen artwork. It’s a seamless process from beginning to end.
A full-service newborn photography session handles all newborn wardrobe and props
How Full-Service Newborn Photography Saves You Time
Unfortunately, what you’ve been hearing from other moms is true: once you have a baby, you’ll have a lot less time on your hands! Luckily, your time will now be filled up with making wonderful memories with your baby. Full-service newborn photography actually saves you precious time so that you can enjoy a peaceful photoshoot experience and professional artwork without needing to figure out what to do with your images yourself or worry about inferior products in your home. Here are three ways your newborn photography will save you time.
Sweet newborn baby boy with his parents
- Session Planning – We’ll connect to plan your dream newborn photoshoot, ideally before your due date. We’ll talk colors, wraps, props, and any other details you’ve seen on my website or social media that you might like to use for your session. Are we including children or other family members? We can chat about what everyone should wear and what to expect during the session so there are no surprises, and you can look forward to your appointment. I’ll also send you a prep guide leading up to the big day with suggested tips to prepare for, most likely, your first outing as a family. Clients love following me on Facebook or Instagram leading up to the session and seeing what else I’ve been working on with other newborns and their families.
Each full-service newborn photography session is completely custom
- Session Day Experience – Each newborn session is a little different, but generally, you can expect the session to take around 2-3 hours, depending on if I’m coming to your home or we’re working together in the studio. We expect and encourage breaks during the session for feedings, diaper changes, and snuggling. You will still save time and enjoy a positive experience because of my newborn photography expertise. As a Master Newborn Photographer, I’ve gone through countless pieces of training and education to use the safest techniques in capturing all of your dream images. You can trust that you’ll love the results.
Each newborn session includes lots of time for breaks as needed
Black and white image of a newborn baby boy
- Custom Portrait Artwork – Digital files are amazing, but what do you do with them after receipt? Many photographers might just send you a link and leave you to figure out the rest. Our full-service experience means that we will not only assist you with selecting your images but also take care of many printed options. Never fear, these options can go along with your digital files! Creating an album with your baby’s photos yourself can take a lot of time and might not be a priority when you’re caring for a new baby. You’ll need to go through all the images, choose your favorite, lay out all the photos, and cross your fingers that when you print the album, it turns out the way the photographer created it. My clients can trust me to create their baby album or other printed products for them and professionally print this precious heirloom with my trusted print labs. All of my artwork is of the highest quality and will last you for many decades to come. Consumer labs just can’t hold a candle to our professional quality and often can negatively affect the artistic editing we’ve painstakingly applied to each image. An album is just one example of what we can create together. We can design grandparent gifts, wall art, Print Collection boxes, and so much more.
Little details to create timeless portraits of your newborn
Black and white image of a newborn girl wearing a bonnet
Wethersfield Newborn Photography
If you’ve never heard of full-service newborn photography in Connecticut, I hope this article explains what it means. You might have been surprised at how my full-service process saves you precious time! I’m so glad you’re researching newborn photographers, and I hope you find the best one for your family. I would love to be your newborn photographer! Simply send me a message here, and we can connect further!
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Fall in love with each newborn session image
by Kristin Vacca | Nov 9, 2023 | Babies, Cake Smash, Maternity, Milestone, Newborns
Which Baby Photoshoots Are Important During Your Baby’s First Year
They say when a child is born, a parent is born, and this couldn’t be truer! Everything is new, and the journey you are walking on is together. There’s something so beautiful about that first year. If there’s one thing that people will tell you over and over, it’s that that the first year goes by so fast! The first smile, the first step, the first birthday – these are moments that pass in the blink of an eye. It’s really unfair how fast it goes by. The good news is, that by documenting each of your baby’s biggest milestones, you’ll have a way to revisit this wonderful time. That’s why it’s essential to capture these precious memories so you can cherish them forever.
Below, I’ll share the top five must-have baby photoshoots during your baby’s first year.
Wish there was an easier way to stay on top of these milestones? That’s where the Lifetime Plan comes in. I’ll share more about that, too!
5 Must-have Baby Photoshoots During Your Baby’s First Year
1. Maternity Photos
The journey of parenthood begins during the pregnancy with a maternity session. This photoshoot captures the radiant glow of an expectant mother, the love between partners and older children, and the anticipation of your baby’s arrival. Maternity photos mark the beginning of your family’s story and are the first step in documenting your baby’s life.
Beautiful expecting mama and her son.
Studio maternity portrait
2. Newborn Photos
After your baby’s arrival, it’s time for the newborn session. This photoshoot captures those sweet, tender moments when your baby is just 1-2 weeks old, including all of those little details that will change so quickly. Newborn portraits freeze time and preserve the tiny features, delicate expressions, and the immense love that fills your home. These photos are the foundation of your baby’s story and are an important piece of the Lifetime Plan.
Newborn photography session
Studio newborn session
- Three Month Photos
Newborn photos are taken within two weeks of birth (most often) and up to six weeks old; however, sometimes clients need to wait to take their baby’s photos for a number of reasons. If you miss the newborn window, there is another option that’s just as adorable! The three month baby sessions are perfect for documenting their precious babyhood with images of tummy time, back shots, and the beginnings of expressions while still in that newer baby stage.
3 month old baby portraits
Black and white 3 month baby photo
4. Six Month Sitter Photos
Your sweet newborn is now an adorably chubby and expressive baby! The baby phase goes by way too fast, and this session allows us to hit the pause button and document each kissable cheek, wrist roll, and smile. We’ll meet baby right where they’re at developmentally, but many clients like to wait until baby is sitting up independently between six and seven months. Parents help me get some of the best expressions that will create treasured images. You’ll look back on these and instantly be transported to baby snuggles and coos.
6 month baby boy sitting proudly in the studio
Fall 6 month studio session
5. The 1st Birthday Cake Smash Photos
The grand finale of the Lifetime Plan is the 1st birthday cake smash session. Your baby’s first year has been a whirlwind of growth and changes, and their first birthday is a celebration of that special journey together. The cake smash session allows your little one, who is more independent and curious, to dive into a delicious cake, creating adorable and messy photos that symbolize their transition from baby to toddler. We love customizing our Newington families cake smash sessions to be exactly what they want. You can choose from a list of themes and options, or tell me your dreams!
First birthday cake smash session
Birthday boy enjoying his cake smash session
Blue balloon cake smash session includes tub time
First birthday session
Birthday girl holding a balloon during her first birthday portrait session
Let’s explore how the Lifetime Plan can help you preserve these special moments!
The Lifetime Plan Explained
The Lifetime Plan is designed to document your baby’s journey through their first year, which is filled with significant milestones and growth. This plan includes three sessions within up to 18 months. The best part? Because you’re essentially booking once for three sessions, you only pay ONE session fee at a reduced rate, plus you’ll receive a product credit with each session towards you photo order. This investment allows you to secure your spots in my calendar for all three sessions, ensuring that no milestone goes undocumented.
Professional Baby Photographer In Newington, CT
The Lifetime Plan is more than just a photography package. This is a way to document your family’s growth and the first-year milestones of your precious baby. Investing in these sessions allows you to look back on the journey, celebrating the love, growth, and joy your baby has brought into your life.
Don’t let these important moments slip away – Ready to start your journey? Contact me today to ensure you document every smile, every step, and every memory during your baby’s first year. Do you know someone who is expecting a baby? These sessions make for PRICELESS gifts!
by Kristin Vacca | Jun 1, 2023 | Newborns
Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot | West Hartford, CT
So many new families enjoy the excitement and change to their families as they grow with more children! Often I am contacted about photography services to celebrate this special time, but sometimes, it can be too much of a burden. Handling a new baby, schedule, lack of sleep, and many times other siblings at home with their own needs, many parents opt out of newborn photography for their future children. But wait! There’s an option! A lifestyle newborn photoshoot may be the best option for you to consider to get the best of both worlds.
Here, instead of coming to my Newington, CT photography studio for posed newborn photography, we’ll come to your home, in this family’s case, West Hartford, Connecticut, for something a little simpler. We don’t have to have as strict of a schedule after baby is born either, so usually in the first 4-6 weeks is fine. We really want to capture your new family unit in your own space. A lot of times, older siblings are much more comfortable in this setting. Here, there was a 2 year old sibling who needed some breaks to do something else in between. No problem! We could photograph other parts of the family while he took a break.
Here, instead of coming to my Newington, CT photography studio for posed newborn photography, we’ll come to your home, in this family’s case, West Hartford, Connecticut, for something a little simpler. We don’t have to have as strict of a schedule after baby is born either, so usually in the first 4-6 weeks is fine. We really want to capture your new family unit in your own space. A lot of times, older siblings are much more comfortable in this setting. Here, there was a 2 year old sibling who needed some breaks to do something else in between. No problem! We could photograph other parts of the family while he took a break.
We posed them in their living room and master bedroom primarily, and even an adorable sitting area with great backlighting! Well lit areas of your home will serve you well, although we can bring supplemental lighting if needed. We’ll bring wraps, headbands, or you can pose them in a simple white onesie or outfit that you have (pajamas, etc). This family was so happy to be accommodated at home, and loved the final results! Not only did they end up with a beautiful photo gallery, but we helped them with an Heirloom Signature Album to enjoy the photos in with some corresponding digital files as well. You can learn more about our newborn photography types here, and contact us in your 2nd trimester about how we can help you in our studio – or in your home for a lifestyle newborn photoshoot.
by Kristin Vacca | Mar 14, 2023 | Flash Lady BLOG, Newborns
Fall Woodland Newborn Photos | Avon, CT
This Mom last came to see me 4 years ago for the birth of their daughter. I can’t believe that much time had gone by already and now it was time to welcome her son to the world for his fall woodland newborn photos! The first time around baby girl was breech and ended up needing to wear a special brace for her newborn photoshoot to protect her hips. We were still able to have a lot of adorable photos, but it limited the amount of poses we could do safely. Safety is always the #1 priority! So when baby brother joined us I was really hopefully we could give him a full posing experience! Although he was ready to see the world and find out what we were doing, he still enjoyed snoozing away for plenty of the session! I couldn’t help loving those little smirks and smiles that he gave us though! I mean how can you resist that little face? Safe and warm in my Newington, CT photography studio, he slept in various props so that we could pose with some cute woodland styles and neutral colors. Mom asked for browns, greens, and blues when we were able to. We even incorporated some fall themes being an October session. It was a beautiful series of photos for this family and I especially love the closeness of their family photos and how many Mom chose in black and white. Enjoy some of their many favorites below, and don’t forget to contact me in your second trimester if you are hoping to schedule time around your due date (and as early as possible to schedule for your maternity session if you hope to utilize our Lifetime Plan option as well. Which photo is your favorite?
by Kristin Vacca | Feb 28, 2023 | Flash Lady BLOG, Newborns
Fall Studio Newborn Photos | Berlin, CT
I absolutely love my time with each of my clients, especially when they are seeing me for a longer period of time. Our First Year Baby Plan is perfect for clients utilizing for baby’s first year or for a maternity session prior to baby’s arrival! You might remember this family when they had their maternity photos done earlier in the year, and before we knew it, it was time for their baby boy to make his big arrival and come see me for fall studio newborn photos! I couldn’t wait to meet him! They arrived at my Newington, CT photography studio for his photo shoot, and he couldn’t have been a better model for his first close-ups! He slept the morning away in my comfortable and temperature-controlled environment (very important for newborns!), which made it very cozy and allowed me to run through a wide variety of safe poses with him. His parents were hoping for neutral colors and a few fall vibes as well, which we incorporated into his photos and props. Of course, if you remember, they had showcased a little outfit of jeans and a t-shirt during their maternity session that they brought along for their family photos, and it was so adorable on him! Being in an outfit instead of wrapped up (and still sleeping) allowed for some alternate parent/family posing with his parents, which were some of my favorite images! I loved the gallery we created for them and the final printed and digital products they chose to cherish them. I can’t wait to see him back for his first birthday cake smash! Enjoy some of their many favorites below, and don’t forget to contact me if you or someone you know is expecting in 2023!
by Kristin Vacca | Jan 3, 2023 | Flash Lady BLOG, Newborns
6 Week Old Newborn | Manchester, CT
The newborn stage is so precious for many reasons, and it’s a big reason why we recommend contacting us in your 2nd trimester to plan for your upcoming due date before baby arrives. We aim to schedule your newborn photography session around 10-14 days old so you have some time to settle at home, but baby is still pretty sleepy and flexible. If you’re not able to contact us before then, it’s ok! Reach out anyway – we are not afraid of working with “older” newborns and will do whatever we can to give you sweet photos up until your baby is about 6 weeks old. After that time, it’s usually better to wait for the infant milestone closer to 3 months. Of course, we will do whatever you are hoping for with our recommendations in mind. I was so happy to be contacted by this family to photograph their 6-week-old newborn baby boy. He was still little and pretty sleepy (with some snuggles!), and they were hoping to get some beautiful photos of him before he was too alert. He definitely couldn’t wait to check out my studio and see what everything is about! But with lots of rocking and baby whispering (our specialty of course!), he drifted off to sleep so we could get these sweet photos. His Dad is an aerospace engineer as well and had asked for something with airplanes. I just loved the photos we put together! The family photos together were SO sweet and natural, and I just love the heirloom album and corresponding digital files that we put together for them in the end! Check out some of their many favorites below, and don’t forget to contact us if you or someone you know is expecting! These make great baby shower gifts, too!
