A Bitty Basket Smile: Logan, Utah Newborn Photographer

I created the bitty basket session to give moms an affordable newborn photography session that didn't sacrifice quality. I love doing bitty basket sessions because they are short, sweet, and low-stress, and they get families beautiful images on a budget. 

Little Baby S was absolutely perfect for his newborn session. His mom did a great job preparing for the newborn session and he was sleepy from the get-go. 

We wrapped him up and started shooting, and then, he gave us the cutest, sweetest smile. Capturing these fleeting smiles takes an amazing fast-focusing camera and lens, and a photographer with experience. 

Before we finished his quick little newborn session, he graced us with yet another newborn smile. 

Because bitty sessions can capture these newborn features too!!

Baby M: Logan, Utah Newborn Photographer

There are so many wonderful experiences that I am able to enjoy as a newborn photographer. Baby M was a fantastic experience reminding me that each baby comes as their own little selves and it's up to me as a newborn photographer to capture that little personality during our session. 

Most babies I have at least 1 guaranteed shot- wrapped up, with a hat on, in a basket. Whether they are awake or asleep, brand new or 6 weeks old I can get this shot. 

But this little man did NOT want his hands wrapped and he let us know it! 

So the easy shot became impossible. 

While the more difficult shot? Yeah, he rocked this one like it was the easiest thing ever!!

Baby's really do know themselves from birth!! That is so fun to see!

Elizabeth Baptism: Logan, Utah Temple

Meeting a new client for the first time is one of my favorite parts of photography. Especially because most of my clients are shorter than me. I love getting down to their level, shaking their hand and making them feel at ease. 

That is the most important factor in child photography. Sure, it's important for me to have great gear I can count on, professional knowledge of composition and lighting, and all sorts of other things. But I have to first have an ability to work a true-blue smile out of a shy or stubborn or just regular child. 

This is the challenge that I adore!

Particularly when my clients are as lovely as this darling little almost-eight-year-old. 

Seriously, getting these belly-laugh smiles at the end of her photo session were the best! She rocked her baptism session and made my job as a photographer so much easier! 

Thanks little one!

Lybbert Family: Logan, Utah Family Photographer

Lybbert Family Session: Logan, Utah Family Photographer

Some of the families I get to work with as a family and child photographer are just the best. This fun extended family is definitely the cream of the crop! Extended family pictures are always crazy fun. For my clients, they can often be a cause of stress though, which is tragic, because what's better than getting beautiful images of all the awesome people in your life?

 So, let's review a few ideas to ensure that your extended family shoot is as awesome as it can be!

1. Focus on a loved one. 

 The hardest part of extended family all getting together? Differences of opinion. Start your shoot out right by resolving these differences long before the shoot. You can always vote on things like location and colors, but focusing on a loved one, I have found is a great way to ensure the final decision is accepted. 

Maybe it's grandma, maybe it's an Aunt who is sick, or a family that is visiting from a long way away. Turn decisions into a way for family members to show support or love and suddenly differences of opinion just vanish. If everyone loves mom and knows that she's chosen to have pictures done at the beach, their love can help them have a good time, even if they don't even like the beach! They are focused on making someone else they adore happy! 

2. Make it simple. 

The easier the whole process is for getting family pictures taken, the better! Make it simple by picking a location that is convenient over one that is exotic. Pick a time that will suite the needs of family with young children, or older family members. Choose clothing options that leave room for a bit of personal expression and utilize items that family likely already owns. Keep the drama to an absolute minimum and you'll see lots of happy smiles. Best of all- choose a photographer who knows how to get beautiful images without spending too much time. The longer your family shoot goes, the harder it will be to keep it simple and happy.

3. Bribe 'em with a goody. 

Extended shoots are all about family, so why not plan a fun activity for after the shoot. Get pictures done quickly, and head on out to have more fun. If you bring goodies for little smiles during the shoot, bring items like smarties that won't make a sticky mess. 

With luck and a bit of preparation, extended family photos can turn out great!