Even if you don’t know anything about settings, no worries. I can and I will love doing it for you 😀

While I was writing this, I found a fun article about cake smash sessions.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]https://www.photoshopactions.com/blogs/blog/cake-smash-photography-everything-you-wanted-to-know[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4167″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]I think a cake smash session is as exciting as a posed newborn session. It would be even more fun too! 1 year olds will smile more and that even makes parents smile more. We always plan a session right after the nap time of your baby, so usually it works out with them in a good mood.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4164″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”4166″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”4165″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]This page is full of girl’s 1st birthday cake smash sessions, so here is another link for boy’s portrait session!

http://kimiphotography.com/one-year-old-celebration-at-kimi-photography/[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4156″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”4157″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”4158″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]It is usually takes about 1.5 hours at the most. 1 year old babies usually cannot focus more than 1.5 hours, and we can capture quite many pictures in 1.5 hours! I ask parents, please do not pressure your baby to sit still or smile during the session! Babies love their mom and dad the most. They don’t want to be away from their parents, so I will ask parents to play and be with their baby until they at least get more comfortable at our studio.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4169″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”4168″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”4170″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post How to coordinate your baby’s cake smash session? appeared first on Kimi Photography.

On the session day, his mom said she did not have a chance to cut the boy’s hair. I love his curly hair, and it worked out just perfect ;)[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3929″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3927″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]She has so many facial expressions![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3926″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3939″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]I almost always add some artistic composed images to a collection in my newborn session.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3938″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Details are always great to remember how small they are![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3936″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3937″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3935″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3933″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Beautiful family!![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3931″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3930″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]If you have a child already and are having a newborn too, and you don’t think you can get any pictures of them with all chaos you are dealing with everyday, please contact us! Kimi Photography provides newborn session with siblings in Portland.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Newborn session with siblings in Portland! appeared first on Kimi Photography.

1 Find a photographer who is available for both inside and outside sessions!

In Portland, Almost half of the year it rains…If you are expecting to give a birth in winter time, you might want to check the availability for an inside session. If you would like to, you can reserve an outside session for beautiful weather, but I recommend to have an inside shoot option in case of a rainy day. Usually, maternity photography is taken during the 3rd trimester when all the organs will be pushed by baby and you may want to go to the bathroom more frequently than before. Especially in the cold weather, you don’t want to hold it and take a risk of having pyelitis or cystitis. Also, maternity photography session can be a time concern; it has to be taken before the baby is born! You don’t want to wait for weather too long to miss the moment. At Kimi Photography, we offer both inside and outside maternity photography sessions. We also have some maternity dresses for you to wear if you would like. For our in-studio sessions, we ask your preference of a sexy moody type of maternity photography session or light and laughter type. Here are some sample images of in-studio Portland maternity photography session.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3813″][vc_single_image image=”3814″][vc_single_image image=”3812″][vc_column_text]

2 Be comfortable with your photographer!

Being comfortable is a key to choose your photographer in any photography session. I believe for maternity session, you might want to choose someone who is also knowledgeable about pregnancy and newborns. It always helps to understand what you are going thorough and what care is needed during the photo session. Also, if you are interested in a newborn session, you can use the same photographer as the maternity session. It is just a photo session you may think, but I believe that photographer is a person who helps to create your family memory which becomes your life history. You want to choose someone you like![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3803″][vc_single_image image=”3802″][vc_single_image image=”3801″][vc_single_image image=”3804″][vc_column_text]

3 Coordinate the session: color, make-up, clothing!

I personally prefer neutral colors like cream, white, grey and black for the dad to wear. The mom is beautiful, so I don’t think we need to wear too much jewelry or add too much colors. Simple colors will accentuate the beauty of maternity, although I do have some colored maternity dresses for an in-studio maternity session. Portland maternity photography session is to capture the beauty of pregnancy and the love to the baby, so dad’s neutral color choice helps to put more attention to the mom 🙂 If you have a theme or color that you like, it is always nice to match with your spouse. Also, you may want to consider hiring your make-up artist. Some of you might be really good at DIY make-up, then you don’t have to. I will retouch the images, so you don’t need to wear too much make-up. However, as it really makes you confident in front of the camera, It might help :)[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3805″][vc_single_image image=”3806″][vc_single_image image=”3807″][vc_column_text]

4 Bring your personal props if you have them!

I have tons of props at my studio for maternity and newborn sessions. However, if you have any personal props which are related to your baby or pregnancy, let’s photograph with it. For example, you can bring a pair of shoes for your baby. If you have a toy or cloth that you used when you were little, you can bring them! Personal props make your Portland maternity photography session more special. Also, the personal props can be used to tie in your newborn session, to have before and after type of shots if you like! At your consultation, you can talk about what you have in mind, so we can come up with the best way to use the prop for your session![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3810″][vc_single_image image=”3808″][vc_single_image image=”3809″][vc_column_text]You and your family must be really excited to have the new family member! I would love to meet you in person and hope to capture your family. If you are interested in the best Portland maternity photography, please contact Kimi Photography! http://kimiphotography.com/contact/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Tips for Portland Maternity Photography Session appeared first on Kimi Photography.

There are many kinds of photography and different kind of photographers in Portland Oregon. I would like to talk about why choosing the right kind of photographer is important for your session. Also, the reason why I become a newborn photographer in Portland.

Usually, my page comes up when people search on Google “Newborn Photographer in Portland (Oregon).” Kimi Photography page does not come up when you search “Product photography in Portland.” Why? Because I am not specialized in product photography!

If you are interested in product photography for instance, that is what my husband specializes in at Hood Idea over here:
https://hoodidea.com/product-photography/

If you are not familiar to the photography industry, you might not know the reason why the specialty of the photographer matters for your photo session. Here is a page that introduces kinds of photography.  https://www.urby.in/blog/types_of_photography/[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]For example, when you are looking for a newborn photographer for your new family member, you don’t want to have a nature photographer who is not so familiar to newborns. Why? Nature photography is completely different from a newborn photography! Nature photographers search and wait for the best lighting, fog, or animals in their frame. They are specialists in capturing the beauty of nature. Newborn photographers need to know about babies and be able to communicate to bring out smiles and interact with the family. Newborn photography involves more emotional moments than nature photography.

If you hear “oh, she/he is a great photographer” from someone, I would like you to seek out what types of photography is she/he specialized in. Choosing your photographer in this way helps you to find the best photographer for you![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3743″ img_size=”large”][vc_single_image image=”3779″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3744″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Please don’t forget to check the portfolio when you choose your photographer. Photography styles and colors would vary for each photographer. The portfolio would also give you an idea of the editing skill and what you can expect from the photography session.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3742″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]It is also very helpful getting to know about the photographer on a personal level and knowing about the photographer’s experience. Now, I market myself as a newborn photographer, but I also take some family pictures and maternity, because babies closely relate to family and maternity! I love capturing all those moments because it is such a precious time in people’s life. Capturing life is why I like photography. I sometimes take pictures of weddings using my experience of working for a newspaper and wedding magazine as a photojournalist in past. It can tell a little about the additional skills of the photographer.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3538″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]When I transitioned to become a newborn photographer in Portland, I was worried about being judged. Well, I don’t have my own child. If you would like to know more about me,  please check out here. However, I DO love babies and my husband loves them too!

To be one of the professional newborn photographers in Portland, I believe knowledge of newborn babies are very important. Babies cannot tell us what they like or not. We need to be sensitive and thoughtful for them by understanding them.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3042″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Just loving doesn’t prove the safeness and guarantee the satisfaction towards my newborn photo sessions.  To fill my confidence, I have taken classes learning about newborns & child birth, women’s biology, and newborn photography poses etc… and I am always furthering my education! Mom photographers are knowledgeable for sure by experience. However, I do not have any worries about being a newborn photographer anymore without having my own child 🙂 Learning the right kind of skills always helps to have confidence on what you love to do.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3748″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3749″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]After getting the confidence and trust from my clients, my purpose in taking pictures became more clear. I like taking pictures, but I love photographing to make my clients happy. I want them to have something in their hands when they talk about their family history. It might be just photography, but I believe that by being your newborn photographer, I can be your family history teller. Capturing the emotions, beauty and joy of having a new member in your family!  I hope I can keep making effort to serve our community as a newborn photographer in Portland.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Why I am a newborn photographer in Portland appeared first on Kimi Photography.

It was such exciting news hearing about my younger sister when I was 4 years old. However, I was not clearly understanding what would change and not change. That made me a little nervous.

Even if you try to give the most attention to your older child, the newborn baby will take up your time. It is not easy for someone who was used to being the center of the family and now they have to share the spotlight with the new member. To understand the situation and role change for having a new sibling, older siblings need some preparation and encouragement. Family transformation needs a lot of love and trust, right? 🙂

While I take pictures at a newborn photo session, I see how your older kids are reacting to the newborn and I try to give them complimenting words as being a good big brother and sister.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3709″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3712″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]We have variety of age groups that come for their newborn photo session from all over the place! I often meet 2-4 year olds as older siblings at my newborn photo sessions. At preschooler age, they are still very attached to their mom. Also, it is hard for them to understand sharing too. I feel that they are very sensitive to the new member compared to other ages.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3711″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]I was researching how I can encourage and prepare the older siblings at my session, and I found these web pages with some interesting points!

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Preparing-Your-Family-for-a-New-Baby.aspx

and this one on helping your child adjust to a new sibling: https://smartparentadvice.com/adjust-to-a-new-sibling/[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Dads are always very helpful! Like it says, it would be a good opportunity for them to spend quality time with dad. Most of the time, I finish up all sibling and dad photos with their newborn first. So they can play or spend time together while I capture mom and the new sibling. This way, the older sibling doesn’t have to wait for their little brother and sister for too long, and mom doesn’t have to be overwhelmed at our newborn photo session.

Dads, you guys rock![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3511″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3720″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Many parents want to have some siblings shots. I always like to capture those moments. The key to capture those moment with a newborn is communicating enough to the older sibling first. Encouraging them to be sweet to the newborn and earning the trust from them by not controlling their feelings.  I will only be with them a short time during the photo session, but most importantly showing love to the older one during the session makes the newborn photo session more memorable for them!  By seeing the pictures I capture, I hope they understand and adjust to the change and are proud of themselves being a big sibling!

Please contact Kimi Photography, if you are interested in having your newborn pictures and family photography.

http://kimiphotography.com/contact/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post How to prepare your kid to have a new sibling? appeared first on Kimi Photography.

Yes, it is hard and as parents you also have to take care of your kids first, so it must be tough being their photographer and parents at the same time! I am glad that I can be helpful as a newborn and family photographer! When you have a second child like this family and ask photographers to capture the memories, there are some tips to have successful newborn baby, sibling and family photo session!

This family came to have their child and newborn pictures taken from Salem Oregon.

The older brother was about 1 and half years old. It’s usual for a 1.5 year old to be “non-stop,” but he did a great job as an older brother!

When parents with their second baby comes for family pictures, I always try to give attention to the firstborn child.  The oldest kid can be a mood maker for the family session :)[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3174″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3173″ img_size=”large ” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]I asked the parents to bring snacks and toys for the older brother, so he can get entertained and keep the good mood going.  So when you have your second child and decide to hire a photographer to get family and newborn baby pictures, that is the key 😉

I love hearing the giggles and laughs at my studio![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Family tips for a Sibling and Newborn baby photography session appeared first on Kimi Photography.

The post Portland Newborn Photographer Kimi Photography: 3 week old baby Julian appeared first on Kimi Photography.

You may not realize the importance of newborn baby when they are at 2-3 weeks old. Yeah, they are so tiny in your arm, but the moment will not be the same later! They grow up so quickly in just a few months.

Sadly, it is not something you can rewind.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2611″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]With our 2 and half hour newborn portrait session, baby Jacob did a great job 🙂 He gave me a smile! Every baby is different, but I heard that he just started smiling recently and I wanted to capture that for the parents.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2610″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]They picked natural brown and green for props. Also, the parents mentioned that Jacob’s room has some Native Indian theme to it. So, I made a little tent with headband for him to be in the theme. It was funny that he posed and looks like he is saying “awawawaw!”[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2609″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2617″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2620″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]Such a beautiful mom…The mom’s smile just tells how much she is in love with who she could hold on her arm. I love the connection between the mom and Jacob.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal” image=”2621″][vc_column_text]Jacob’s dad was a great helper for calming Jacob. When babies smell or feel mom, they tend to get fussy or cry if they can’t be in their arms. They would like to be fed or get more closer to mom. So for baby sessions like this, we usually ask dad to be a part of the photo session. With his mom’s love and dad’s big help, newborn photo sessions go easier![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Please don’t forget to leave some comments on this page below. They are participating in our comment contest to get the photo slideshow to share it with their friends and family.  The parents who get most comments (unique people/IP’s) on the photos or celebration messages on this page get the prize.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]At the end, I am so glad to photograph you guys 🙂 Thank you so much for choosing me as his first photographer![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Portland Newborn photographer – Baby Jacob 3 weeks old appeared first on Kimi Photography.

Benjamin and his parents came to our studio for a newborn baby photography session. I am always honored to be the first photographer of someone’s life! How cool is that! We just finished showing the final edited images 2 weeks after their portrait session.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2343″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2454″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]I think all parents have different things that they want to remember from the first photo session for their baby. The funny postures, warmth of the little hands, wrinkly smiles, the beauty of this precious life…[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2346″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal” image=”2355″][vc_single_image image=”2342″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]It was wonderful hearing what the parents thought about the images of their son. The description of the emotion behind the images and what it meant to them is truly what makes capturing these moments priceless. The words the parents gave me just filled my heart with joy. This is exactly why we do this, seeing parents filled with love for their child and knowing they will enjoy these moments forever.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Please don’t forget to leave some comments on this page below![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2352″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Newborn baby Photography: Baby Benjamin appeared first on Kimi Photography.

Plan the portrait session ahead of time!

For the newly mom and dad, the first few weeks goes so fast.

It is always nice to plan ahead for your newborn photo session. Usually my clients make an appointment when they are about 7 to 8 months pregnant. We usually meet for the consultation before the baby is born.  This way, parents can be comfortable being at my studio, getting to meet us and learning more about the session which makes their baby also comfortable. It is amazing how contagious that comfort can be! Some parents decide to do the maternity session to capture the beautiful curves and coming joy. No worries even if the baby isn’t born on the due date or came out earlier than expected. We can be flexible with the photo shoot date once you make a reservation with us.

The best time to photograph newborn babies is 5-10 days after the birth. We capture and create wonderful images of babies at any age, but it is more easy for babies to pose at that age. If your baby is already born, please let us know as soon as possible.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2073″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]What do we wear for the newborn photo session?

I usually ask parents to dress complimentary with each other and wear some neutral colors.  We can take some family photos if the baby allow us, so please plan for it.  For babies, nothing more than diaper or cloth!  Wrapping the baby with a swaddling blanket and cover with some blankets helps babies to keep warm. We have baby wraps and some knit clothing for babies (you can see some of what we have on our gallery page). They are all washed and sanitized for each photo session. If you have any preferred clothing, you are welcome to bring them![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”785″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]Keep your baby awake for 2 – 3 hours before the session and Feed your baby right before!

I know it’s really difficult sometimes to keep your baby awake, if you can, it will help your baby be more sleepy and relaxed during the session. Feeding your baby before the photo session will keep them content and sleepy. Ideally, feeding them 20-30 minutes before the photo shoot should help make them sleep.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”1836″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]What do we bring to the Photo Session?

• Diapers
• Pacifier
• Formula (if necessary)
• Usual go out supplies your babies needs

The most forgettable thing is the pacifier…but it is very useful for the photo session. We have a changing table, diaper wipes and sanitizer etc, but if you can bring what your baby can be comfortable using, that would always be better.

For the newly mom and dad, please enjoy the photo session. Babies are unpredictable. Since we also take naked portraits of your baby, babies can sometimes pee suddenly. Please don’t be ashamed. It is totally natural and we are used to it. If it happens just laugh 🙂

Once you make an appointment with us, we reserve 3 hours for your newborn session including feeding and changing time etc. We don’t like to rush to photograph this beautiful moment of your life. Usually it will be done in less than 3 hours, but just in case, we have enough time for you![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2093″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]What do I do at the session?

I will be handling your baby during the session. I am a member of WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) and I’ve been trained to properly handle and use safe poses for babies. Your baby’s safety is of utmost importance to me. I will involve the parent’s help in also being secure with poses for extra safety. I will let you know how to help when I need your assistance in that. Other than that, I would like you to experience capturing one of the greatest moments in time of your life and enjoy the session. I would recommend you to bring your book and snacks for your comfort![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2347″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Tips for Your Successful Newborn Photo Session! appeared first on Kimi Photography.