Newborn Photography Session Portland - Kimi Photography

Choice of Media for Newborn Photography

misohime — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 01:37:29 +0000

It has been a while since my last post...

We have been updating our website and fixing some errors here and there, and also updating our studio where we do maternity and newborn photography in Portland, Oregon. So, it has been a while since I sat down and wrote a blog.

Meanwhile, we have received many inquiries from all over Oregon about maternity photo shoots and newborn photo sessions. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us. I have also been asked why I do not offer digital only packages, and that question inspired me to write this blog post

I have been doing photography for over 20 years, and I have been the owner of a studio and a professional photographer for 12 years. There is something at the core of my heart that keeps me being a photographer, and I would like to share that with you.

Why would you like to have your baby's newborn photography? Is it just to announce your baby on social media?

Newborn photography was not so popular in Portland, Oregon when I started about 12 years ago. Now, you can find newborn photographers on Google Maps so easily. Whether someone is an educated photographer or just a beginner, we can all call ourselves newborn photographers. Photography is a job that does not require a license. There are many conferences and classes that teach photographers, but it is each photographer’s choice to continue learning or not.

In this era, we all can be a photographer, right? With a phone and some AI app, you can pop in your baby’s headshot and create an image! Share it on your Instagram and announce your baby. I believe that a photographer is not a person clicking a shutter and just editing digital images. If that is only what we do, our job is already taken over by AI and social media.

Then why do you hire a professional newborn photographer?

I love capturing moments and editing beautiful portraits, but I also love crafting art. Crafting something to last for generations. We are professional in photography, but also in printing as well. I know some people do not want to carry physical art. I understand that. However, I also would like everyone to think about why you want to have your baby’s pictures. Is it just for memorial photos? I believe photographs should and will be a tool to tell your baby how much he or she means to you and your family. They can be a love letter to your future family members. It depends on what we value.

How can we pass on these love letters?

It is easy to store pictures on digital format. Especially if you just want to capture them and share them on social media, it is a great way! How about 10 years later, 20 years later, and 30 years later or even more? Please imagine how many pictures are taken every year and you have to go through them to find the photo session you really love? When our generation is gone, how will those digital media files get transferred to your baby’s family? This is the most important part for me as a photographer who wants to be your messenger to deliver that love to your future family. There is still so much ambiguity with the circumstances on digital files.

How about physical art? It is not always easy to store. Yes, it does cost more, because we actually have to create art with materials and real human labor. BUT it is more certain that we can pass them on if the art is made to last and stored well. It is just like how you treat your treasure. (we chose these heirloom pieces)

I feel like if there will be some better ways to store and keep for generations are invented in the future, that generation will transform the format for their future family. In 2026 though, I believe that it is still too early for us to just depend on digital files. Like the Library of congress that also shares some helpful guidance about preserving family photographs and memories.

What do you choose for your newborn session?

Like I mentioned above, there are many ways to create newborn photography images. It can be done with a phone, with an app, by hiring a photographer who only delivers digital files, or by hiring a photographer who creates art products. There are also many reasons to capture these moments. Depending on the purpose, we can choose the format of media for our photographs.

I have photographed over 550 newborn babies (we have a small selection here) over the last decade or so. As much as you love and cherish your family, the photographs & memories will be valued more in your future life.

If you would like to learn more about our photographs and products, please contact us and let us know you want to cherish your new family member for generations.

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Portland Newborn Photo Session with Older Siblings

misohime — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 19:11:39 +0000

Capturing the Magic: Newborn Photography Sessions with Older Siblings

Welcoming a new baby into the family is a monumental moment, not just for parents but for siblings too! A newborn photography session that includes older brothers and sisters can be a heartwarming way to capture this transition. Kimi Photography offers Portland Newborn Session with older siblings. If you’re a new parent preparing for this special shoot, here’s what to expect, along with some fun tips to make the experience smooth and memorable.

The Joy of Sibling Involvement

Including siblings in your newborn photography session brings a unique dynamic that can result in some truly heartwarming images. The bond between siblings is something special, and capturing their interactions can create lasting memories. Plus, it’s an opportunity for older siblings to feel involved and celebrated during this significant family change.

What to Expect During the Session

1. Planning Ahead

Before the booking, We will have a consultation. At the time, please mention that if you have older kids, you would like to include them in your newborn session. We usually photograph sibling shots first. Then we move on to family photos etc. This way, the older siblings will be free to play and be with their parents while we photograph your newborn 🙂

2. Timing is Key

Depending on the older sibling’s age, some siblings still take naps, so timing of the session is very important for our newborn session with older siblings. All kids takes time to adjust, and not everyone will enjoy being the older sister or older brother right after the new family addition comes to the world. You may think postponing the session helps, but we still prefer photographing newborn with older sibling sessions in 5-14 days after the newborn was born. That is still the best timing according to our experience. Newborns thrive on a schedule, so planning your session around nap times and feeding can lead to a smoother experience. For siblings, aim for a time when they are well-rested and happy.

3. Capturing the Connection

I will work to create a comfortable atmosphere for both the newborn and the siblings. We suggest poses that showcase the bond between them like gentle kisses, cuddles, or simply sitting together. Encourage your older children to interact naturally with the baby. These candid moments often turn out to be the most cherished images.

4. Keeping It Fun

Engaging older siblings during the shoot can prevent any feelings of jealousy or boredom. Bring along a few of their favorite toys or books to help keep them entertained between poses. Sometimes, a little silliness goes a long way. Have them make funny faces or strike goofy poses to get them in the mood!

Fun Tips for Parents

1. Dress for Success

Outfits matter! Coordinating but not matching is a great way to create a cohesive look. Soft colors or pastels work beautifully for newborns, while older siblings can wear outfits that complement these tones. Make sure everyone is comfortable, as this will help keep spirits high.

2. Snacks are Essential

Don’t underestimate the power of snacks! Having a small stash of treats for older siblings can keep their energy up and spirits bright. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in how the session unfolds.

3. Expect the Unexpected

Kids can be unpredictable. There might be moments of fussiness or distraction, and that’s completely normal. I will be adept at capturing the beauty of these moments, so don’t worry if everything doesn’t go perfectly.

4. Relax and Enjoy

Remember, this is a joyful occasion! Embrace the chaos and focus on the love you share as a family. Please bring your smile and joy to the session.

A newborn photography session with siblings is not just about taking pictures; it’s about celebrating your family’s new chapter. By preparing and keeping the experience fun, you can create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. So, plan early with your photographer and get ready to capture those precious moments of sibling love and the beauty of your growing family!

Contact us here

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Neutral Color Portland Newborn Photography

misohime — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 04:59:22 +0000

Neutral Color Portland Newborn Photography

I get many inquiries about my newborn work each month, and I love collaborating to create artworks with my client’s family and their little one. Some people know exactly what poses they like for their newborn pictures, and some people just leave all of the creativity to me. I like both ways as long as their baby is comfortable to do the requested poses. What many people miss are the colors for newborn pictures. I prepare newborn props and wraps, but our newborn session includes family pictures and sibling photos as well. Unless you are in something like designing or art industries, it can be difficult to coordinate, but neutral colors would help in coordinating your outfits. I hope you enjoy seeing neutral color Portland newborn photography on this blog post.

When I have a consultation with my clients, I usually say let’s start with some neutral color. What is neutral colors and why do we start coordinating with neutral colors, right? Neutral colors can be a wide range, but I think most people have wardrobes with some beige, light cream, grey and beige grey in their closet. You don’t have to match exact colors between your family member, because those colors usually do not really stand out.

Let’s take a look at the color palette. These colors are used in this baby’s newborn session. For example, the 5 colors from left on the top row are in the same shade. The dusty/cloudy colors are nice to create cozy, warm, fresh feelings. I also added some other colors. They are the accent colors in this session.

So if you would like to keep your family member outfits very simple, you can use beige, light cream, grey and beige grey as the main color, then let’s add one or two accent colors depending on the number of family members. If this is your first baby, let’s just add one accent color.

If you would like to, you can request your accent colors. For this session, I gave them some choices to choose, but we can also just use one or two accent colors. If you look around your house, and find an accent color you like and that goes well with your house decor, I think the color might work for your photo session too. Pictures should be on the wall, not in a drawer!

If you are interested in our session, please contact us below.

Looking forward to have a consultation with you!

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Portland Newborn Session With This Baby Boy

misohime — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 04:49:35 +0000

Portland Newborn Session with this Baby Boy

Newborn sessions are something special

To me, a newborn session is something different than other sessions. Some people says they don’t understand why I keep photography newborns; They don’t pose well by themselves and make mess sometimes, and I can photograph other subjects also. Well, I get to hold the little creation who does not even know there are impurities in this world, and that is amazing. Also, I am always getting the feeling of being refreshed and cleansing my heart by those little humans. They are little, but they are probably way more power on some points than big humans I believe. I recently had a wonderful time during a Portland Newborn Session with this baby boy as well.

What can you get and feel from your newborn pictures

The time we photograph newborn is about when they are 5-14 days old. They literally only focus on breathing, eating and defecating and whatever the things that human has to do to live. All babies have their name and parents, but nothing else. They are just like a white clean big canvas that your family is gifted, right? We have been photographing over 400 babies for the last 9 years (in 2023) and what we have been capturing is the very beginning of these love stories. Some parents come to us to just capture just as their memory, but I believe that you can get more than that from having your newborn session.

Photographs will have more value and meaning after time passes. Not many parents think about when their little one becomes a grandparent in the future, but when that future comes, isn’t that kind of amazing for them to have seen your little one’s newborn pictures with your very first family portrait by your future family? The love you are experiencing now will be passed on to your family in the future. At least, that is what I think while I photograph newborn sessions and what I try to capture.

What to expect from the beginning of the love story

Not only do we photograph newborn portraits on our bean bag and with some sets with props, we photograph family pictures and pictures with parents. Also I think the detail shots of the baby’s would add more emotions, so we try to cover them as well. Every baby has a preference on their preferred poses (I can tell once I hold the baby), so we do not guarantee which poses we cover, but of course we would like to hear what parents want us capture and try if the baby allows us 🙂

These are just some sample pictures from a Portland Newborn Session with this baby boy. They got many images to choose from. If you are interested to capture the beginning of your little baby’s love story, please contact Kimi Photography! We would like to know you and capture your very first family pictures for you and for your future family!

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Her newborn session and 1st birthday photo session in Portland

misohime — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 19:09:26 +0000

Her Newborn Session and 1st Birthday Session In Portland, OR

Before and After

Just uploading these pictures makes me smile…How can she be so cute? It has been a year since I photographed her and her family, and I get to photograph her 1st birthday smash cake photo session. I’m so honored to be their photographer again! Let’s check out her newborn session and 1st birthday session in Portland, OR.

Newborn

I thought she would not be any cuter than this. Just like an angel! Her facial expression was just precious, and we had a wonderful time photographing her and her family.

1st Birthday

Are you ready? Yes, she became cuter and got more expressive. Cake smash session are only about 1-1.5 hour long session and this girl just rocked it!

Are you interested in having a session with us?

It is wonderful if you would like to create your family memories with us! We are highly focused on creating memories with photo products and art that our clients can pass down as their family treasure. To learn about our session and how you can create your family treasure, please contact us! We would like to get to know you.

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How Prenatal Yoga and Maternity/Newborn Photography Can Help

misohime — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 20:56:44 +0000

Embracing Pregnancy and Parenthood: How Prenatal Yoga and Maternity/Newborn Photography Can Help

Bringing a new life into the world is a miraculous experience, and pregnancy can be both a joyous and challenging time for expectant mothers. Prenatal yoga is a wonderful way to prepare for childbirth, with physical and mental benefits that can ease the journey. Capturing the beauty of pregnancy through professional maternity photography can help mothers-to-be cherish this special time and remember it for years to come. And when the baby arrives, newborn photography can freeze those fleeting moments of early infancy, creating precious keepsakes that families can treasure forever. In this blog post, I will tell you a little about how prenatal yoga and maternity/newborn photography can help.

How does prenatal yoga help for maternity time?

Prenatal yoga is a wonderful way to prepare for childbirth, and there are many benefits for both the mother and the baby.

Relieves stress and anxiety

Prenatal yoga can help mothers-to-be manage stress and anxiety. The practice emphasizes deep breathing and relaxation techniques, which can help to calm the mind and reduce tension in the body.

Improves flexibility and strength

As the body changes during pregnancy, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy level of physical activity. Prenatal yoga can help with this by increasing flexibility and strength in a gentle way.

Reduces common pregnancy discomforts

Many pregnant women experience discomforts such as back pain, swelling, and fatigue. Prenatal yoga can help to alleviate these symptoms and make the pregnancy more comfortable.

Prepares for childbirth

Prenatal yoga can help to prepare the body and mind for childbirth. The practice emphasizes deep breathing and relaxation techniques, which can be very helpful during labor and delivery.

Enhances the bond between mother and baby

Prenatal yoga provides a wonderful opportunity for mothers-to-be to connect with their babies. The practice can help to foster a sense of calm and relaxation, which can be felt by the baby as well.

Prenatal yoga helps to manage the the stress and help to relax with controlling the physical uneasiness. Also, it will strength the body and the bond between mother and baby by both of them being involved in the physical activity. Then how about Maternity & Newborn photography? Does it “help”? Here are why I think it helps just like Prenatal Yoga: not physically but very much so mentally.

How does a maternity and newborn photo session help for parenthood?

I have worked with many mother-to-be ladies, and many of them mentioned that they feel not great with their look while they are pregnant. Pregnancy makes ladies gain weight and increase swelling, so I can understand why they feel that way. However, I also believe that maternity time is such a precious time to create and strengthen the bond between mother and the child. I would like them to be proud of who they are and how they look during the pregnancy. Maternity photos can showcase the beauty and strength of a pregnant body, and help mothers-to-be feel proud of their changing form. If you are going to have a maternity session and newborn session, I always recommend to choose a photographer who would include couple and families. Taking time out for a photo session can be a special bonding experience for couples or families as well.

Maternity time is one of the most emotional times for women. Some people go through postpartum depression. The pictures include your family and your spouse which will keep reminding you that you have wonderful people around you and loves you.

Newborn session is capturing a beginning of life and family love. The captured moments will be cherished day by day as they grow up and a professional photo of a newborn can become a treasured family heirloom that is passed down through generations.

Just like prenatal yoga can help your pregnancy time by physically and mentally, maternity and newborn photo session give mental support for maternity time and parenthood. It is a beautiful time of life, but it can be a hard time for some people and families. I think preparing and reducing the discomforts will be one of the ways to enjoy it. By photographing the beautiful moments of your life as a photographer, we would like to support our Portland community as well!

If you are interested in learning our session, please contact us.

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My Incredible Journey with My Clients: From Newborn to 1st Birthday #1

misohime — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 04:46:31 +0000

My Incredible Journey with My Clients: From Newborn to 1st Birthday #1

I am blessed to have been a part of my clients’ incredible journey, from the time they bring their little bundle of joy until they bring the babies to celebrate their 1st birthday. The bond I have formed with my clients is unique, and I feel privileged to have been able to capture their most special moments. Being a newborn photographer in Portland, Oregon, I get to see the joy and wonder of parenthood firsthand, and it is a true blessing. Watching my clients become parents and seeing their love and excitement for their new little one is something I will never tire of.

Their very first newborn session

This family came with their first girl a couple years ago, and recently they just came to our studio for their 2nd baby’s newborn session. Their pictures are beautiful and so joyful, so I would like to share some photos and write about the sessions for the next couple of blogs.

This girl came over about 2 months after her birthday. We usually take newborn pictures within 5-14 days after their birth, but she could sleep pretty well.

Here is the process she is getting to sleep. She was yawning a lot until she gets to sleep and after she decided to sleep, she gave us such sweet smiles.

It was so heartwarming to see how much their little girl had grown now. This is just a beginning of their family history and my incredible journey with my clients. In the next blog, I will share her 1st birthday session pictures. I feel grateful for the opportunity to document their journey and provide this family with art that they’ll treasure for a lifetime. Here are our products that we chose specifically to last: CONTACT US

To all my amazing clients, thank you for entrusting me with capturing these priceless moments. I am so blessed I get to be your photographer and I look forward to watching your family continue to shine.

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Newborn friendly Portland Oregon restaurant

misohime — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 05:19:51 +0000

Newborn Friendly Portland Oregon Restaurant #1

Having a newborn is definitely a joy. However there is not so much time for the mom and dad to take a break after their baby is born. I heard some people feel like it is too much trouble to go out to eat after they have their newborn. If it makes their live easier to be at home, that would be great, but I believe nothing should let them feel that way. When you feel like going out to eat with your newborn and little kids, there are some great restaurants in Portland, Oregon. I would like to keep writing some blog posts even in the future about newborn friendly Portland Oregon restaurants, so we can all enjoy Portland’s awesome food!

Dough Zone in South Waterfront Area

Since the beginning of 2023, we have started seeing some new restaurants in downtown Portland and the waterfront area. Dough Zone is a new dim sum and noodle restaurant in the South Waterfront area. We have been to the one in Seattle a long time ago, so we are so happy to have one in Portland.

If you go there on a nice sunny day, you can wait around the restaurant. There is not so much car traffic around the restaurant, so it is safe for kids to play and wait there as well. Also, the Dough Zone is located in a park/residential building area on the riverside, so you may want to take a walk to feel the air and wait for your turn, if you have to wait in line.

We went there on Saturday in March 2023 around 2:30pm and the waiting time was about 30 mins.

Their food was very tasty! I actually like that they have smaller portion dishes for soup dumplings. We can try more different dishes.

Dough Zone in South Waterfront seemed like a very newborn friendly Portland Oregon restaurant! I hope parents with small kids would also enjoy their awesome dishes, and parents would have a refreshing time with their kids!

Sorry about the all phone photos, but it is enough to tell where it is:)

They don’t have automatic doors at their entrance, but once you go in, the path to the eating area is wide enough to go with a stroller. They also have kids chairs for sitters.

It was pretty spacious with bunch of people and family friendly. The view was nice too.

When I went to use restroom, I saw a changing table in a women’s room, so it is very thoughtful for newborns and smaller kids.

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What to prepare for your first newborn session

misohime — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 04:52:42 +0000

Are you expecting your first baby? Are you ready for your newborn session?

I am sure it will be the most wonderful and joyful experience. To have a wonderful newborn session, I would like to write about what to prepare for your first newborn session.

Let them be sleepy

-Avoid coffee if you are coffee drinker

We are Portlanders, I drink at least 3 cups of coffee, so it is tough for me to tell my clients who love coffee…but yes, caffeine does not help to let your baby sleep if you breastfeed them. I think refraining from caffeine a day before the session would really help your baby to sleep well during the session.

Here is an article about caffeine for breastfeeding moms!

https://www.webmd.com/baby/is-caffeine-safe-while-breastfeeding

-Timing direction for feeding will be given when you book your session with us. Usually we ask you to feed them right after you arrive at our studio, but it really depends. So instead of getting nervous about it, let’s just focus on what your baby needs. Most babies will sleep when they are in their car seat, so how long it would take you from your home to our studio matters. I can give you some advice from my experience once we schedule your session!

-If your baby tends not to sleep at night, they will sleep during the session most of the time, so we hope you can relax while we take care your baby. Some parents bring their laptop, snacks, and books.

-Even you want pictures with their eyes open, let’s let them sleep first. Some clients see my Instagram posts with smiling babies and babies that are awake, and ask if I can photograph a wide awake baby. It is easy to let them be awake in a new environment. Calming down however is a key to photograph happy mellow babies!

Clothing for your 1st family picture

This is something you can prepare before the baby is born. We usually ask what color you would like me to coordinate for your session, so wearing something that will go well with the colors of the theme or even neutral colors might be a good choice.

Newborn clothing and swaddle wraps are prepared at our studio, so unless you have something you really want your baby to wear a picture with, all baby stuff is ready at our studio.

Also mom’s dresses are available. We have a few different sizes and colors. Please ask for more details.

Bring extra bottles and diapers

Many babies come to us between 5 to 14 days old, so coming to the session can be their first time to go out for a long time. It would be a 3 hour session, so please prepare extra bottles. We don’t feed them constantly, so no worries. We feed the amount the baby will take. We believe that taking anxiety away from parents help make their baby calm and the session always go well. Happy full babies are better than crying hungry babies 🙂

I just wrote what to prepare for your first newborn session. We have experienced that these worked with other babies, but everybody is different! Some parents care about us so much and being sorry if things do not go smooth during the session, but seriously no worries. We enjoy seeing those personalities! We know all new parents are adjusting to their new life when they come for our newborn photo session.

If it is hard to follow anything above, then please ,mbring your joy and happiness to your newborn photo session!

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Colors for Portland Newborn Baby Photography

misohime — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 04:54:45 +0000

What color would you like for your Portland Newborn Baby Photography?

When you think of having your baby’s newborn photo, how would you tell your photographer what color you would like and ask to coordinate the color for your session? Or do you even have any colors in mind? Some of my clients have preferences when they book with us, and some will just tell me a color they like. It can be hard to decide the color by yourself, so I just wanted to give you some tips in this blog post.

Why do you want to tell the photographer your colors?

If you would like to leave it to me, I can coordinate that. No Problem! The reason why I think it is good idea to tell me is that when you would like to put those photographs on your wall or have an album, you may appreciate the sequence of colors. Colors will compliment the pictures also.

I like simple color choices, but I love using a color palette to coordinate the sets. Unless I will be asked to go with “COLORFUL”, I will go with neutral and nature colors with a hint of color. Those really fits well with Portland newborn baby photography.

For this session, the mom wanted to go with light/dusty purple. By the way, we always have a consultation before booking, and at that time I usually ask about color choices. If you don’t have any ideas at the time, we can make the decision after your baby is born. For this session, she just told me the one color, simple to enhance the beauty of her baby and a rustic mood, so I coordinated with the colors above!

You cannot miss Black and white detail shots 🙂

How to make a decision on your color for Portland newborn baby photography?

Match with your wedding color

If you had your wedding ceremony, you can start brainstorming from your wedding colors. Sometimes colors have a very particular gender image (like passion pink etc), so it may not work out for some couples.

DID you already, or are you planning to paint your baby's room?

If you already painted or planning to paint your baby’s room, the color can be in the color palette for your newborn baby picture. Also, we can complement colors to enhance the room color well.

Take a look at your home interiors

Home interiors and colors show what you like. I personally like light greens, light beige, rustic wood colors, so those colors are everywhere in our living room. By adding it, you may have a more comfortable feeling to the pictures. If you are thinking to have wall art pieces, it is always nice to know where you would like to have it too, so that is something you can think about along with the color!

In this blog post, I just shared some ideas of why and how you would like to choose your colors for your Portland newborn baby photography. When I photograph, I would like my clients to LOVE their photo and colors is an important element to make my clients fall in love with their pictures.

While you are waiting for your little one, I hope you will have a fun time thinking what color will suit your family and your baby!

If you are interested working with us, please contact through here.

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