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Ahh!  Hello there Blake!   While I love photographing all babies, being able to photograph my assistant’s baby was SO much fun.  This insanely adorable boy was born to a super helpful and adoring big sister who I’m sure has been the talk of 4th grade because of how cute her little brother is!  Blake’s family patiently waited to find out his gender until he was born which made picking his name a take forever once he arrived.  Besides his gender, this little man had another surprise… His awesome hair caught his parents’ off guard because it is totally different than both of his parents!  Besides his perfect little side swoop part in his hair, I also sewed up some new hats for this little guy. I mean seriously, who else can rock a sweet dinosaur print night cap or a blue knitted hat like Mr. Blake?  Not many, that’s for sure!

When doing newborn photo shoots, I always start with the baby’s diaper on and covered in some way. I have many knitted onesies to choose from, as well as perfect wraps in about every color. Sometimes babies have their own plans and decide they are just not comfy in whatever I had planned for them, or sometimes they can have some wardrobe malfunctions (can we say blow out diapers?) requiring a complete change up.  It can be tough to change a newborn into too many outfits though, and changing head/hair accessories and blankets is an excellent way to keep it simple and easy for everyone. Also, an adorable naked baby makes for some photography perfection!Keeping it simple can help keep the focus on your adorable baby and not on the outfit itself. If you are ever unsure about what you want or what would be best, I provide a guide to help out, and I’m always here with advice before your scheduled photo shoot !  We can come up with an idea together that will work best for you and your baby.  I simply adore baby hats, headbands, and naked little baby bottoms- they can transform a photo and just make them look cute as a button (not like they aren’t already!)!

 Carrie Bandy is an Canton newborn photographer also specializing in families and baby photography in the Canton, Ohio area including Akron and New Philadelphia, Ohio.
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Well hello there, William!  These precious little bibs were finished up just before his session and he looked absolutely ADORABLE in them. I am so glad they got finished and ready for William to use.  William is a very loved baby brother to his awesome big sister and makes such a loved addition to this beautiful family.

Bringing a second baby into the world is such a joyful addition for a family, but can also be a bit tricky when it comes to balancing the needs of both kids.  When adding a second child to a family, so many people offer loads of advice.  Some of it works, some of it doesn’t.  One piece of advice that turned out to be really helpful for me is “always make sure the older sibling is taken care of before feeding the baby.”  I didn’t really understand how important that advice was for us, but wow it is so true!  If there was no snack or some form of entertainment (a book, a toy, etc) ready to do with the oldest while the baby was being fed, the oldest would inevitably have a sudden need for a snack or some major attention the moment baby feeding commenced.  It happened, without fail, every single time.  The minute I started listening to that advice, everything started to calm down.  The only thing that I did  differently was making sure the oldest had a snack available and kept a book close by when feeding the baby so that we could spend time reading a book together. I don’t know if it is that kids just love snacks and they care a whole lot less about attention while they are snacking, or if it gives them a sense of security knowing that mom is prioritizing their needs too. Either way, it really does help. The best part is, it’s something that’s easy to do and can make the home so much more peaceful.

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Carrie Bandy is an Canton newborn photographer also specializing in families and baby photography in the Canton, Ohio area including Akron and New Philadelphia, Ohio.

More on this topic: newborns

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New baby Lillian was in for her newborn session last fall. Mom requested lots of lavender, and she looked perfect in it!

  • We met in college while attending Michigan State University. It was not love at first sight. We knew each other through mutual friends for about a year before even becoming friends. After a semester of friendship, we started dating the day before spring break in 2005. We were married in 2007.
  • I had him pick up my progesterone prescription from the pharmacy on the way home from work. We were given a roughly 2% chance of being able to have another baby, so it was a complete surprise when I found out I was pregnant.
  • I was surprised at how much more difficult this pregnancy was from the first. My first was twins that I carried to 38 weeks- and I loved being pregnant! I had morning sickness well into the second trimester and was much more uncomfortable this time around.
  • We were thrilled to be having another girl!
  • We decided on her name while I was in labor waiting for my c-section to start. I had picked Lilliana earlier on, but he wasn’t sure. It turns out Lillian was a family name and we both liked that too, so we went with it.
  • I think we were ready for the twins by 28 weeks. I was just putting Lillian’s swing together at 37 weeks. We were just much more relaxed this time- it’d all get done.
  • I was scheduled for a c-section on Wednesday, but I went into labor Monday morning. She was born Monday afternoon. Dad works at the hospital and sees c-sections all the time, he did fine.
  • Before the twins were born, I had a dream about a baby with a head of dark hair. When they were born, they were almost bald and very blond. I remember being surprised, like the dream was supposed to have been real. Then when Lillian was born, it was like de ja vu. The way they held her up for me to see her, the lighting, and that head of dark hair. It was just like my dream 5 years ago.
  • It was all a little surreal, like I still couldn’t believe (even after being miserable for 9 months) that we were really having another baby. I still look at her and can’t believe she’s ours.

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Carrie Bandy is an Canton newborn photographer also specializing in families and baby photography in the Canton, Ohio area including Akron and New Philadelphia, Ohio.

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I know how stressful picking out outfits for the whole family can be (hello Bandy Family of 6), so hopefully this will give you some helpful tips and directions. It’s a little lengthy, but try to spare some of your dedicated Facebook/Instagram time to read it through and ask any questions 😉 And remember, I love shopping, and I’m here to help!

Tips to think about before getting started:

To get the flow going with wardrobe, start with one outfit that you really like, usually a dressier version of your usual outfit. From there, build it for everyone else. I suggest starting with mom’s outfit, pick something that mom feels great in.

Layer, layer, layer! Layers add dimension and depth. Use cardigans, belts, statement necklaces, scarves, hats, blazers, etc.

Wear what you feel good in! Moms and dads, this is a tip for you specifically. If you aren’t comfortable in what you’ve chosen for pictures, it will show. If you can’t find a dress you feel good in, but you rock a good pair of shinny jeans, do that. If you can barely walk in heels, there’s no harm in doing cute and comfy flat boots.

Purchase clothes to fit — and fit well. I know we all have a hard time buying clothes for our kids that don’t leave a lot of room for growth, seeing as they do grow so fast. However, a too large polo shirt, saggy ill-fitting jeans, or a jacket that’s falling off the shoulders look sloppy in photos. Most likely, you’ll be purchasing outfits specifically for pictures, so choose something that fits perfectly. Snug fitting make it look tailored. A too-big jean jacket will not compliment shape, rather it hides.

Matching is out. Coordinating is in. And anything goes!  Wearing same colored shirt, pants, shoes, etc looks a bit awkward, and dates the pictures. Coordinating color is what really brings your wardrobe together. I usually choose two main colors, and maybe one accent pop of color. And then mix neutrals in all over 🙂  Also, mixing stripes with plaids and tweeds is okay!

Dress for the weather, and be flexible. You know in Ohio it can be 50 and cloudy one day, and 75 and sunny 2 hours later! Be prepared to be flexible in case you have to switch it up last minute. If your child is underdressed, she’ll be grumpy, and it will reflect in the final images. I speak these words from experience… and I cannot edit the blue out of lips 🙂

Dress for the location. Your session is rural, so a fancy black dress and dress shirt/tie wouldn’t be the most appropriate wardrobe for the session. Think sweaters, cardigans, long pants, maxi dresses/skirts.

Tips for Different Body types (Women)

  1. Maxi dresses are flattering on every body type. Keep that in mind while shopping! Maxi dresses are usually a slam dunk for shoots, and they’re so versatile. Add a belt fitted cards and scarf to layer.
  2. Skinny jeans are flattering on most women, even curvy ones! Pair them with cute wedges, and your legs look a mile long. (Try to avoid heels that will sink into the grass 🙂 ) If you’re not comfortable with a tighter fit, I recommend a fit called “skinny boot cut.” You can find them at american eagle and gap, and old navy also has the best high rise for your waistline. A darker wash also is the most slimming.
  3. Flaunt your best asset. If you’re self conscious about your arms, wear a sleeve. If your stomach is your problem area, a flowy top is great to hide it. Dark, larger prints help camouflage. Very light colors add a little weight and will draw attention to you in images.
  4. Remember, check yourself out in the mirror. Sit, stand, and make sure you like how you look! If you’re sucking it in the whole time and only like top when standing slightly to the right, try a different outfit 🙂

Child Wardrobe Tips

  1. Timeless always has a place. A big monster truck or a giant flower decal will make your image look dated. Stick with classic patterns (stripes, polka dots, plaids, tweed, florals).
  2. Dress the kids in clothes that fit perfectly, not with room to grow.
  3. Shoes are very important. If you have the cutest little trousers and button down for your son, but slap on his favorite pair of Disney tennis shoes, it makes the whole look lose cohesiveness. If you know your child will never wear a pair of dress shoes again, check out eBay, poshmark, or local second hand stores. You can get a great pair of little leather loafers for $5!
  4. Remember, coordinating is key, NOT matching.
  5. Keep hair accessories simple. You want your daughter to be noticed first, not her hair bow 🙂

What to Avoid

  1. Neon. I know it’s popular, but it does not photograph well.
  2. Men’s activewear fabric polos, like the under armor or nike ones. Again, they do not photograph well, they tend to look oddly shiny… and let’s be honest, chest hair and lumps/bumps are emphasized in photos with this fabric 🙂
  3. More than 1 person in a plain solid top. Solid colors are great, but make sure you include textures (think patterns within the fabric – like a cable knit sweater, lace, or ruffles).

Getting Started. Pick out the outfits, and then accessorize.

  1. Pick out mom’s outfit.
  2. Pick a Rockstar for the group.  The rockstar is the outfit that has a bold pattern and the most colors, everyone else’s outfits will be pulled from the colors on the rockstar. Mom can be the rockstar 🙂
  3. Now pick 1-2 outfits with more subtle patterns that coordinate with the rockstar. The tops OR bottoms can have the pattern, and then pair it with a neutral. Remember, neutrals can be navy, olive, khaki, denim, grey, white, you don’t have to stick with just denim and white!
  4. Pick a solid color that has some texture for the next outfit.
  5. If you have more outfits to pick, alternate between the subtle patterns and solid colors.
  6. PS. Dad’s outfit is usually last 🙂 From experience, Dads aren’t too picky, so just go with whatever’s missing and jeans.
  7. Now accessorize with scarves, hats, necklaces, tights… you get the picture.

Here’s my family from last year

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Here are some ideas to get you started, and I kept cost in mind. All of the items shown are currently at Target, Old Navy, and the Gap, but I’m sure you already have some articles of clothing in your closets that can be used 🙂 I randomly chose the amount and ages of children, but they’re all easily swapped out.

Example 1: Christmas Red’s

  1. Mom’s red dress with a pair of wedges/boots/booties
  2. The Rockstar:  a floral with a variety of colors. (The top right plaid boy’s outfit could also be the rockstar)
  3. And then everyone else, using reds and neutrals that compliment each other
  4. After I pick everything out, I imagine mom with each child, dad with each child, and then the kids together, and think – Will anyone clash really bad beside each other?

 

 

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Example 2: Classic Fall

  1. Choose Mom’s outfit, which happens to be Rockstar. The small floral print ties everyone’s colors together. This top would be great for moms that want to hide a little weight 🙂 The darker color and flowy midsection help camouflage the tummy and arm areas. High rise denim from Old Navy also does wonders for your waistline 😉
  2. Then just choose some neutrals and colors from mom’s top. There’s a lot of grey going on, but there are many different shades to keep it more appealing.
  3. Choose different bottoms, try to avoid everyone wearing jeans. Girls are easy to find colored leggings to change it up.

 

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A few more examples that are great for fall and winter to give you some ideas, the rockstar is circled.

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Carrie Bandy is a Canton family photographer also specializing in families and baby photography in Canton, Akron and New Philadelphia, Ohio.

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Mom, Carrie, was referred to me by my husband (doesn’t happen very often 😉 ) for her newborn and maternity sessions. We had a beautiful evening for her maternity mini, and we chose an urban location. I love the first one of Carrie laughing! She also shared about her new little guy, Oliver.

  • The best thing about pregnancy was the actual pregnancy. It took 3 years and a lot of doctor appointments and medication for me to finally get pregnant. I had finally {almost} come to terms with the fact that this was most likely the last attempt to conceive. After waiting so long and wanting it so badly, I really couldn’t believe it when the test came back positive. I think I spent half the pregnancy in shock that it was really happening and, obviously, had a lot of fears after waiting and wanting so long. I look at Oliver sometimes still and can’t believe that he is really here and that he is mine. He truly is my dream come true.
  • Nope! I wanted it to be a surprise. At my first ultrasound appointment, the baby had its legs crossed so they wouldn’t have been able to tell me, even if I wanted to know. I did have the screening test done early on in my first trimester so the entire pregnancy I went knowing that somewhere in my chart there were test results that told the gender and all I had to do was ask. But, I held out!
  • I procrastinated until the 8 weeks with everything – painting the nursery, assembling all of the baby gear, installation, etc! It’s a good thing that I finally went into nesting / panic mode and got things done since Oliver came 3 weeks early!
  • I was sent in to be induced early and unexpected. I spent about 37 hours going through the process but never progressed. I had terrible back labor so finally I asked for a c-section…which went anything than a normal textbook delivery. The epidural didn’t work so they had to give me stronger drugs. Oliver was born at 9:15 and in a VERY loopy state I met him briefly in recovery before going back to sleep until I could wake up and officially (& coherently) meet him a few hours later.
  • That he was so tiny! LOL My entire pregnancy I was told he was measuring big and had been prepared for a 8.5-9 lb baby. He was only 6 lbs 12 oz! His nickname had been Baby Porkchop for my entire pregnancy and here he was just this little peanut.
  • Exhaustingly wonderful. Oliver is the best snuggler ever so we spend lots of time cuddling (& napping). The dogs are sloooowly adjusting. We’ve made tons of progress since the first day home. Every time Oliver cried, squeaked, grunted or tooted, Maxine thought she needed to answer by barking at him…repeatedly…which accounted for A LOT of barking. Luckily, that phase passed after the first day!

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Carrie Bandy is an Canton newborn photographer also specializing in families and baby photography in the Canton, Ohio area including Akron and New Philadelphia, Ohio.

More on this topic: newborns