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Having Faith When Your Family Feels Like a Hot Mess

This one is for my mamas with littles. If you’re dreaming of a family portrait session but worry about how it’ll work with your little kids, I have you covered! Let me share how you can have faith even when your session may feel like a hot mess. You’re not the only one worrying about this, so let me put your mind at ease. 

As a mom of two and a family portrait photographer, I’ve seen it all! I’ve had toddlers running around my studio, having big feelings, or simply not showing any interest in cooperating. I have every trick and tactic in the book up my sleeve to capture that perfect family shot no matter what (even if we need to bring in the PhotoShop Magic gods). Family and motherhood photography is important to me because I want mom to be in the photo with her children. 

Let me share some tips to prepare your kids for the session so you can keep the faith!

How to Prep Your Kids for the Session

1. Talk Up the Session – In the days leading up to the session, talk it up like it’s the most fun thing ever. Tell them that your friend Alicia is going to take your family photos and she can’t wait to meet you. (or see you again)

2. Full Bellies – Trying to get a hungry toddler to go along with photos will be a huge challenge. 

Try to make sure your kids are fed and watered before the session. That goes for you too, mom! If everyone’s fed, we can avoid any hangry outbursts. If they won’t eat beforehand snacks are always welcome in the studio. Please bring your favorite snacks. 

3. Let Me Run the Show – You will be pleasantly surprised at how much your child will listen to me. I’ll let you know if I need any help. Otherwise, sit back and let me work my magic to get the best smiles. Some days if it’s us against the parents together (playfully, of course), kids will think it’s a fun game 😉

I have one more tip for you that might just be the most important one….

How to Keep the Faith During a Hot Mess Family Session

Okay, my last tip is for you, mom, to relax during your family session. Your children will feed off your energy, so the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed they will be. If your children are running around, take a deep breath and loosen your shoulders. It’s really okay! Just pretend the running isn’t happening like you don’t even see it. As I said before, I got this for you. I will let you know if I need some backup, but more likely than not, I can wrangle them where I need them. I use goofy props, ask them questions, and you’ll probably hear me make the silliest sounds to get them to stop and give me the best smile. If we have to sing silly songs or take a dance break just go with it. Sit back and relax, mom. We’ll get more beautiful portraits for you. 

Charlotte Family Photography 

Your family portraits are something you will treasure forever. I want to make the entire portrait experience enjoyable and stress-free by handling all of the details for you. You can trust me to plan your session so that you end up with the portrait artwork of your dreams. The best part? I’ll even hang it up for you. If you’re interested in learning more about a portrait session, please send me a message.

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Charlotte Newborn Photographer | Little Love Stories: Navigating A Pandemic Pregnancy

navigating a pandemic pregnancy, newborn with family, Fort Mill, SC, Charlotte NC

 

What was it like navigating a pandemic pregnancy?

  • I found out I was pregnant right when everything began to shut down which was very hard for me.  My first OB appt to confirm mysweet newborn, Charlotte NC, Marvin NC pregnancy was over the phone which really messed with me. I was finally able to go in for my 12 week appt but my bf was not allowed to come in to see our baby on the screen. Due to COVID he is still unable to come to my appts and has only seen pictures of our child.  I had a minor scare with placenta previa but I was cleared after a few weeks.
  •  
  • What do you like to imagine for your child’s future? *
  • I want my son to be great at whatever he wants to do.
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  • What would you like your baby to know about YOU (their beautiful mama!)? *
  • I want him to know that I love him and I’ve been waiting my whole life to meet him.
  •  
  • Is there an encouraging message you would like to share with other mothers navigating their own pandemic pregnancy? 
  • new mom with smiling newborn baby, Charlotte NC Indian land, SCYou can do this! Your body was made for this!
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  • Why are beautiful photos important for you and your family? *
  • This is my first child and I want to have beautiful memories of this experience.

 

 

After his arrival, can you share about your first moments with baby?

  • The first moments with Cameron were very precious. I didn’t cry or anything I just looked at the amazing little human we had created.
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  • Any surprises in labor and delivery? Anything you didn’t expect?
  • Nothing went according to my birth plan due to my water breaking and only being 1cm dilated. They had to administer medication. Thisnew family, baby, Charlotte NC, Tega Cay, SC prohibited me from laboring in the tub at planned and I was unable to walk around because they were monitoring him. I ended up getting an epidural because I was hungry and tired but everything worked out.
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  • What’s the best part of being a new mom?
  • The best part baby snuggles and knowing I get a chance to mold him into a great person
  • navigating a pandemic pregnancy, newborn with family, Fort Mill, SC, Clover SC navigating a pandemic pregnancy, newborn with family, Fort Mill, SC, Charlotte NC
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  • What’s the hardest part?
  • The hardest part right now is breastfeeding.

 

 

 

 

Want to learn more about the Little Love Story series? Your next step is to get in touch…  Click Here

 

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Rock Hill SC Family Photographer | Hope during this pandemic

Little intro you may have read my earlier blog with the newborn love stories and I loved the results so much that I added the questionnaire to my next family portrait sessions. Below are the questions and answers I asked of this momma of 4 before and after her portrait session. Hope you love learning more about this beautiful family as much as I did. -alicia

Tell me about your family! 

We are a family of 6! My husband and I have professionally worked with families and youths for almost 20 years. He is a 15 year Army Veteran and we are also new Pastor’s in the Charlotte area.

What is your favorite thing about being a parent? 

Teaching and equipping our children to leave the home and seeing those skills performed while in the home.

How has being quarantined with your family affected your relationship with them (good or bad)? 

It has been great. We are a homebody type of family. It doesn’t feel that much of a difference other than Wingfield Academy beginning.

What are some ways you hope to maintain the closeness this has brought your loved ones once you return to your busy life? 

We will continue to remain close. We’ll probably get out more once things begin to look normal.

What is the one thing about your kiddo’s childhood that you want them to remember? 

Finishing Kindergarten, Second grade and Fifth grade at home with us.

What would you like your children to know about YOU? 

How much I really love them!

What are your hopes for your children’s future? 

To remain loving, compassionate and caring adults.

Why are beautiful photos important for you and your family? 

We love pictures!! They capture moments of time we will never get back.

What is your favorite part of being a mom?

I love to watch my children learn, grow and get excited about what they experience.

What is your favorite thing about your spouse?

How much he is intentional about making me happy.

If this stage in your family was the chapter of a book what would the title be?

New Beginnings, New Experiences….same Tribe!

Hardest part of being a mom?

The hardest part of being a mom is that one day, and at any time, my children can do the opposite of what I’ve taught them and it can be detrimental to their lives.

Favorite trait of each of your children?

A: How compassionate and aware of things he is. J: Her nurturing abilities. LR: How loving he is. T: His ability to make everyone smile and feel happy.

Any predictions on their futures? future scientist, youtube star?

A will be the next soccer playing businessman dealing with architecture. J will be the most loving, happy-go-lucky, singing teacher. LR will be the most compassionate Pastor and animal loving zookeeper. The jury is still out with T. But I bet donuts to dollars he will be smiling while doing it!

 

 

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Charlotte Newborn Photographer | The Story of a Miracle Baby  

miracle baby, lake norman, nc Fort Mill, SC, Charlotte, NC

Once upon a time, Denisse and Chris decided to give themselves the opportunity to find their soulmate through match.com. Chris was living in Florida and Denisse in Costa Rica, after having a long distance relationship for a couple of years Chris proposed at the foot of a waterfall in Asheville, NC, they got married and moved to the Lake Norman area in NC.

After being married for 2 years Chris and Denisse decided to start trying to have a baby. Little did they know that It would take them 3 years of fighting against infertility (3 medicated cycles, 3 IUI and 1 IVF), they went through multiple miscarriages until they were able to conceive a viable pregnancy with their miracle rainbow baby Liam S. McCoy (baby #5). 

miracle baby, fort mill, sc, Lake norman, nc

The pregnancy was smooth and enjoyable for the most part, however during the 1st trimester Denisse experienced multiple bleedings and the last 2 weeks of pregnancy she had high blood pressure, which forced her to delivered her miracle baby at 39 weeks. Liam came to the world after a good and fast labor without any complications.

Liam’s story is the story of a warrior, despite all the odds, 3 years of his parents fighting against infertility and a pandemic in the mix he came to the world at 3am on June 5th. 

Miracle baby boy in blue, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC, Lake Norman, NC

Denisse said:

The first moments with Liam were magical and unforgettable, happy and joyful tears came out of my eyes when I saw him for the first time, we did skin to skin and I couldn’t stop admiring his cuteness, enjoying his nice smell, looking at his beautiful blue eyes, blonde hair, little hands and feet. I was in complete awe by his perfection.

We are blessed to have Liam in our lives and we are treasuring each minute with him.

We are looking forward to getting to know him, who he becomes, what he likes and dislikes. We would love for Liam to learn about his diverse background (Costa Rican, American, Danish, Scottish and Irish). We would like for him to travel and explore the world, get to know different cultures and ways of living.

Miracle baby boy in blue, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC, Lake Norman, NC

We would like for him to enjoy this gift called life and have fun throughout the journey.

The best part of being a mom is the unconditional and profound love that you get to feel for a little tiny human and the blessing to enjoy new experiences with my miracle baby boy. The hardest part is to silence all the outside noise of how to raise a child and follow your intuition through this soul journey. I am learning that each day with a newborn is completely different and embracing the learning opportunities that each brings is key.

To all the moms out there “Treasure every moment, every experience, every second with your kids, they are a treasure, they are a miracle. Get to know your kids, have fun learning who they are and what they want to do with the gift you gave to them, the gift called life”

Oh little boy these photos are proof that fairytales come true, looks at us we have YOU. 

Want to learn a little about newborn posing safety? Check out this quick article from Professional Newborn Photographer Nani 

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Charlotte NC Newborn Photographer | Just relax and enjoy this special time

Now I know you are thinking what is she talking about just show up and relax? Im talking about newborn portrait sessions. Moms tell me all the time that they didn’t do newborn portraits because they just kept putting it off or thought it was gonna be a ton of work. I’m here to bust that myth today. I make it easy for moms. All you have to do for great newborn portrait sessions are come with baby and relax.

Ok, ok I know you are saying it can’t be that easy.

And you are right there are a few things we need to discuss before it can be that easy. The day of your session though it really is that easy. Get up, grab baby (maybe feed baby) and then head over. I can literally take care of the rest food, coffee, hair and makeup (ok that’s my awesome make-up artist queens), baby whispering we’ve got all that covered!

Ok so now your asking what do I need to do before the portrait day?

It’s really pretty simple. We have a conversation where I ask a bunch of questions to find out what you really want your portraits to look like, feel like and what medium you will want them displayed in the future. If you choose a home visit I can come and make suggestions for wall art locations, style to fit your home. Portrait needs check

I even help with clothing, color choices and send you a style guide before your session.

If you want to work with a stylist I can arrange for one to come visit your closets. She will help you pick the family’s portrait day outfits. Speaking of clothing we have a closet full of gowns for moms to feel glamorous and not have to buy a dress. How’s that for easy? Clothing check

Spouse and kids, I know you have concerns

I know poor husbands get a bad rap, it’s not their fault really they are trained to act foolish about emotional stuff. Let’s be real portraits are full of emotions and feelings. But don’t fret I’ve got a few tricks in my arsenal for your spouse if they aren’t into long portrait sessions. Most adults can be reasoned with and if that doesn’t work I can always act like a bratty kid and get them laughing. Usually when I explain I need them to smile, participate and have fun for 20 minutes and then they can leave. They almost always agree.

Kids are a bit more complicated than I can explain in this post, but again trust me I’ve got tricks, jokes and last resorts a plenty. It all boils down to planning. I’m gonna ask questions about their ages, likes, personalities etc so I can be ready to get them to participate. Also for newborn sessions with siblings I always have a helper, they make great comedians, tickle monsters, and toddler chasers.

Have more specific questions?

Leave a comment, send me a message or just call 803-336-5125 and I’ve got an answer. Let’s collaborate and make your newborn portrait session perfect for your family. Let’s create a plan. So you can just show up and relax on your new baby’s portrait day.

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Planning ahead for Amazing Baby Portraits – Fort Mill

planning ahead for baby portraits, wall artwork, fort mill, sc, Charlotte, NC, Tega Cay, SC

When you are expecting baby number three it’s easy to think oh I got this I know what is coming next. Moms who plan ahead are my spirit animal. (serious over planner here).  Plan ahead moms make their life and mine so much easier. I distinctly remember chatting with this mom about where she wanted portraits to be displayed in her home.  How she wanted them to feel and how having a photograph of the three kids together was so important to her.  

Why newborn portraits matter in the grand scheme of things

Having photographs of this special time is a once in a lifetime opportunity and something this mom didn’t want to forget. The newborn stage goes by so fast and it’s easy to forget the small details. Having newborn portraits on the living room wall will remind her that she was wanted and loved! Planning ahead for amazing baby portraits is the best way to achieve this goal.

Great Job Mom

Shout out to mom on her clothing and styling choices for this session. I feel like she could teach other moms how to style a family and make it look effortless. These kiddos always look put together yet casual for portrait sessions. But don’t let that fool you it’s never as effortless as it looks. I recall tears from little D last year when he had to take off his batman shirt for picture day! 

Perfect little sister

Little miss was a dream baby model, I’m not sure she cried the whole session. And only woke up to eat near the end. She seems to be an easy going little sister and that will help mom out immensely with two active older brothers. 

Are you planning ahead for baby at home?

Check out my best baby soothing tips here.

 

 

 

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How talking about your family helps create amazing family portraits, Tega Cay, SC

Family Gallery Wall, Tega Cay, SC Portraits, Fort Mill, SC, Charlotte, NC

Family Wall Gallery

The C family came to see me for family portraits and asked me to create a family wall gallery series for their home. I love to help families prepare for their family portrait session. It’s so much fun to sit down usually with Mom and talk about their family dynamics. Who doesn’t love to talk about their kids, right! But why you may be asking do I want to know all about your family. Well so I can learn what makes them laugh, smile or what gets their attention. There is nothing better than making a little one smile and knowing the topics she cares about ahead of time makes it so much easier!

How to make it easy!

Can you imagine for instance if your little one is into my little pony and loves to read about horses? Now imagine we are in a portrait session and she and I are talking about ponies and how they love to run. Can’t you just see her face light up? Now lets think about this same scenario a little different. Say I didn’t ask those questions ahead of time and we are already in the studio trying to get this little one to smile. And all I keep talking about is Disney princesses. Well she could care less about Cinderella or Ariel,  see where this is going? While I have enough experience to try something different, if I know ahead of time what she’s into the process goes much faster and more smoothly. 

And even easier!

What else can make the process even easier you guessed it, didn’t you? Well if not here’s a hint. Knowing what dad is into? I mean come on if I’m all did you see the Panthers last Sunday and he’s a baseball fan I’ve lost him already. But if Dad likes to rebuild old cars and I can ask him about his latest project. You know I’m gonna get his best smile. So when you are ready for your next family portrait remember I’m gonna ask you all about what your family loves and the more you share the better the outcome!

Leave the C family some love in the comments.

You can see it in the photographs these girls were all about laughing and having a great time! Thanks again C family for letting me capture your little miracles and create your family wall gallery. 

-alicia

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Studio Maternity Portraits, Fort Mill, SC

fall studio maternity portraits Fort Mill, SC Tega Cay, SC Charlotte, NC maternity portrait

Studio Maternity Portraits

Aren’t these guys just the cutest? Two dapper young men are ready to add to their crew. One more little man is joining this adorable family. It was so much fun to celebrate this time in their lives for them. Pregnancy portraits can be a little nerve wracking for expecting mommas. I totally get it and aim to make all mommas feel super comfortable in my studio. And you can see that here she looks comfortable and happy doesn’t she?

Creating wall portraits for her family was awesome these portraits just naturally fit together in and cohesive story telling way. Telling the story of her family is the goal. Are you ready to tell the story of your pregnancy and your journey? Get in touch and let’s have a chat about your story.

-alicia

PS want to learn my 8 best tips for new parents? Grab my free guide.