Newborn Props ~ Boise Newborn Photographer

Topic of the Day: Newborn Props 

I don't use too many props for newborns as I think brand new babies are just perfect as they are. My sessions are lifestyle in nature as I photograph newborns and their families in their own homes. However, I think incorporating meaningful family heirlooms, special items or blankets can add a very personal element to some newborn images.

For example, we just received an old metal tub for our 10-year anniversary. It was used as a table decoration at my grandparents surprise 10-year anniversary party. It's the perfect size to hold our little newborn we'll be welcoming in a few weeks.

If you could use one prop to photograph with your newborn (whether you're having a baby right now or not), what would it be and why?

And congratulations to all of you having babies this year! 

Here are a few examples of how we did incorporate some family treasures into newborn sessions.  

This little sweetheart was photographed on the handmade blanket her great, great grandmother made. Definitely a treasured keepsake for her family and will help remind them of her every time they see this image.

   

 This handmade doll cradle basket was given to my sister for Christmas when she a little girl. She loved playing house with it. Her baby girl fit perfectly in it and now all of her girls enjoy playing dolls with it. Both blankets used in this image were also wedding gifts from special friends. 

   

During this 9-month session, my client pulled out a blanket given to her baby girl as a gift. It made the perfect backdrop for simple images that captured this growing little baby.   

As you can see, these images are simple and focus on the baby, but by including an item special to the family, the image can evoke even more memories as it's cherished through the years.

Of Love and Marriage ~ Idaho LIfestyle Photographer

I remember the day as if it were yesterday. I remember thinking how fast it went by and how I just wanted it all to slow down. We were surrounded by our closest family and friends. It really was a wonderful day. We said our vows in a faith-filled ceremony, then enjoyed a wonderful dinner and dance to celebrate the joining of our lives. It was our wedding day, July 20, 2002.

Looking back on the last 10 years, so much has happened and it seems to have flown by! We'll be welcoming Baby #4 soon. We're living in our second home. We've grown older, and hopefully, wiser too.

I love looking back and remembering all the details of our wedding day and how wonderful it was. Yet, what fills my heart with greater joy is thinking how I love my husband even more today then the day we wed. And that is an amazing feeling.

Now sure there are days when I think, "have we not learned anything about each other in the last 10 years?" It's like I'm looking at a stranger. But, those aren't too common. For the most part, we're on the same page. I guess more importantly, when in a committed marriage knowing that it truly is 'death due us part', you just concentrate on working through those tough days. You know that the good outweighs the bad. For me, I'd rather go through all the ups and downs with my husband than without him. He loves me so much and really offers a lot of forgiveness. He works extremely hard to provide for all of us. He has a tender part of him that just melts my heart when he shares it with others. He makes me laugh-every day. He's a great dad and I love seeing him interact with our children. And I love spending time with him--even if it's just to run errands. Any one-on-one time spent together helps strengthen our marriage.

I feel extremely blessed to have found this man to spend my life with and look forward to many, many more years with him! Happy 10-year Anniversary to my hubby!

 

7 Days of Marriage Tips : From Proverbs 31 Ministries

{Day 1} Be the person you'd like to be married to. If you'd like a little more grace for your faults, give a little more grace for theirs. If you need more love and understanding, give more love and understanding to your spouse.

{Day 2} Nobody is perfect. Don't let the world at large find out about your spouse's imperfections via your mouth. "The heart of her husband trusts in her..." {Prov. 31:11}

{Day 3} Make it a point to give your spouse the best of you: the best of your smiles, the best of your touch, the best of your (good) attitude, the best of your laughter, the best of your words, etc. Don't always bring them what's left of you after the world has drained you.

{Day 4} Greet your spouse with a kiss. It's a mood enhancer. Science says touch releases endorphins, so you begin to associate seeing your spouse with a pleasant feeling. And you can't say anything you'll regret when your lips otherwise occupied. Voila! Mood enhanced!

{Day 5) Be intentional. Every day, look for a way to bless your spouse either secretly or openly. A thankful, giving heart will repulse the weeds of blame and discontent.

{Day 6} Love "Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." {1 Cor. 13} Choose to believe the best about your spouse, even when they aren't communicating well. Sometimes it is hard to find the right words to express yourself. Some folks find it hard to communicate with words at all. Grace, grace.

{Day 7} Keep in mind that time affects all of us and no one remains the same as we were when dating. Life's circumstances can make us lose our sense of humor, change us physically, act less romantic, etc. Take some time to find those two people who fell in love and reconnect. (Trust me, they're still in there somewhere.)

Hope those dating or in a marriage find these tips helpful too!

"Your Story" Belly to Baby Plan ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

I've always thought there was something beautiful and special about an expectant mother. And it's no secret how much I've loved being pregnant myself. Babies and toddlers happen to be some of my favorite subjects too! I find what brings me inspiration in my photography is my own need and great desire to preserve for other women and families what I so desperately want preserved for myself~TIME.

When I'm feeling and seeing that movement inside my belly, sitting in the rocker holding my tummy or reading our little one a book, I know I won't always remember these moments. I yearn for an image, a photograph of the moment captured so I can be transported back in time.

It's all the unseen moments I have with my children I want to remember even more than what we all look like. I want to evoke the emotion that parents feel when they hold their babies and gaze into those sweet faces relishing in the present, while hoping for the future.

A "Your Story" maternity session takes place at the location of your choice. It can be at your home or someplace special to you. I do have a few outdoor locations I can suggest, depending on the look you want, but I really love when clients want to use places unique to them. It only adds to your portrait experience and makes things even more special for you.

The "Your Story" newborn session takes place on location at your home. This is something that adds to the custom experience with Maggie Malson Photography. There is no need to bundle up that brand new babe because I come to you! My style is documentary in nature, so along with capturing all the precious details of your new baby, we'll also be photographing the decorated nursery and capturing moments of you and your spouse snuggling with, rocking, reading to, and taking in all the newness of your wee one. Siblings are also welcome at both maternity and newborn sessions.

My work is best displayed in custom-designed fine art albums or as wall gallery collections. Clients have chosen me because of my storytelling and timeless style and love having beautiful art to share throughout the years.

If my style appeals to you and you want to know more, or to book a "Your Story" Belly to Baby Plan, please call ASAP.  I look forward to telling your story during this wonderful time in your life.

~M

A first year baby plan is available so please ask for details about it as well.