Why you, Mama- need to be in the shot!!

In the whirlwind of life, amidst the chaos of schedules and responsibilities, there's a simple yet profound aspect that often gets overlooked – the presence of us Mamas in photos with our babies. In an age where capturing moments is as easy as the click of a button, the significance of these snapshots goes beyond mere visual documentation; they encapsulate memories, emotions, and the timeless bond between a mother and her offspring. Our babies will not care in 20 years if our hair or makeup was done in the photo. They won’t care that there was fog on the day of the session. They won’t care that there were multiple meltdowns on the ride to the session. They will only care that you were in the image with them! They will not only have the tangible image itself (I will write more later on the importance of printing our images ) but will will cherish the memories of just close to you in the shot.

Mama and Me photo sessions have gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. These sessions offer a dedicated time for us Mamas to step into the frame and create visual memories with their children. We could even say that they are a validation of identity for our kids, reinforcing the bond, the love, the cherished integral part of being in the family unit. Can we call them visual anchors? Being the 7th of 8 kids- I understand that my Mama was a busy woman ALL.THE.TIME. All of the photos that I pour over from when I was little- she is in only a handful of - and of course, it is because she took them.

In a world that often values perfection, being in photographs with our kids allows us to embrace imperfection and celebrate authenticity. These images capture the raw, unfiltered moments of parenthood – the messy hair, the mismatched clothes, the spontaneous laughter – and in doing so, they encapsulate the beauty of real-life connections and genuine emotions. Our babies will CHERISH these in years to come.

Us Mamas will always have a reason not to be in the shot. We want to loose that baby weight, our hair is too gray, our clothes are up to par.. I say: screw all of that and focus on the love, the connection, the bond ! I want to tell a story, your story, a brief snapshot into the fleeting time we have while our babies are this small! My Frankie is already 2! Time is a thief I hear people say. Photos will preserve those memories. Get in the shot. Book the session. Put the timer on your phone and throw on that dress that is sitting in the back of your closet waiting for the ‘right’ occasion. Just get in the shot!! I PROMISE you- you won’t regret it.

How to prepare your home + What to wear for your family session!

Feb 8, 2024.    Planning (+booking) a family or newborn session is a fun and exciting endeavor. It can also feel a little overwhelming and stressful. The thoughts of having to organize your house as well as organize outfits for everyone can be a lot. I’m here to help!

1 ) Your home:

I don’t need a lot of space - I promise.  The majority of my family/newborn shots are on a bed or sofa next to a window or door. Natural light is my best friend! Open all the curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible.  Looking through my galleries,  it may seem as though the majority of these backdrops are super put together homes- I can promise you they are not. Most often,  we are piling amazon boxes behind us, we are shoving piles of laundry, breast pumps, extra blankets, coffee mugs - you name it-  into another room.  You don’t need to rearrange the whole house. I use maybe 2 or 3 spots in your home.  I will always try to use as much natural light as possible so someplace close to a window works wonderfully. 

• I love shots of your little one(s) on a carpet or blanket on the floor - a quick vacuum over a bright or light rug will do the trick! I can always take a big white blanket with me- just let me know. 

• Pull out any light/textured blankets you have before I get there. I love to use them to wrap your little one or to throw behind you guys for a makeshift photo studio look. 

• . A light or bright bedspread or bed sheet is awesome for a family shoot. I will take multiple combinations of you all on the bed or sofa so take a quick minute to declutter the side tables or coffee table. We can pull over your favorite cosy chair to a window and have you nestle there. 

  That's it. Keep it RAW, keep it natural, keep it simple. Let me do the rest ❤️
  

What to wear for your family session !

Start with Mom! Think light, bright, Earth tones. Think texture;  chunky sweaters, pleated skirts, linen shirts, cozy sweaters matched with Jeans. Textures can add all sorts of layers to an image. 

If we are shooting indoors - go lighter and brighter. For outdoor sessions ; try for more earth tones.

• Denim is always a winner for me. A denim shirt with a long bright skirt. Jeans and a white t-shirt or jumper. Denim on your little ones with a simple plain t-shirt. A denim dress with a colored scarf. 

• Steer clear of logos or text. Avoid too many lines or polka dots. A beautiful long dress with a flower or animal print is really pretty. 

• While I do love seeing similar color tones and palettes, it is really fun and interesting to mix patterns and designs.

• Coordinate but Don’t match!  Choose a palette of maybe 2 or 3 colors. 

• Clothes that move and flow will add an exciting element to our gallery; long maxi dresses, long skirts, a heavy overcoat.

• I Love getting to style sessions with you. We can go back and forth via text- just shoot me some photos of what you are working with and I am happy to help!

• Check out this website for all sorts of stunning inspiration! https://styleandselect.com/blog/

• I have started a pinterest board from my sessions - more inspo here : https://www.pinterest.com/katiehanrahanphotography/