What style of photographer are you and what can I expect during my session?

I am a lifestyle newborn and family photographer, and I am driven to capture authentic moments of connection in a natural and artistic way. I shoot in natural light, and I do simple guiding to facilitate pictures that will capture your unique interactions as they naturally unfold. My sessions are laid back, full of movement and laughter, and we genuinely have fun. I don’t force your kids to say “cheese” or even look at the camera (though I promise to get a couple standard “everyone-looking-at-the-camera” posed shots for Grandma). If your kids smile, I want the reason to be because they actually had fun. For newborn sessions, I don't do cutesy outfits or place your baby on pillows or in baskets; my posing stye is baby-led and natural – I want you to remember them just as they looked when you look back at your photos.

 

Where are you based?

I am currently based in Dallas, Texas and serve many nearby cities. The first 30 miles roundtrip of travel (from 75229) are included in the session fee. Travel to other cities will be subject to prior agreement and a travel fee. I also frequently travel to Los Angeles, please subscribe to my email list to be notified of any LA-based sessions. 

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When and where is my session? 

Newborn sessions are held in the comfort of your home typically within the first 3 weeks after giving birth. This is because we can get shots of your babies while they are still tiny, sleepy, and before baby acne breaks out. However, we can take pictures up to 3 months after birth if you prefer to have pictures of your baby when he/she is more alert, smiley, and interactive.

  

On-location Family and Maternity sessions are usually take place in gardens, parks, trails, lakes, or urban settings. Think about what setting best reflects your family. Maternity sessions are typically done when mom is between 29-35 weeks pregnant. 

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In Home Family sessions take place in the comfort of your home. These sessions are more documentary in nature, centered around activities and events that will capture your family's personality. We will plan the time around the activities we want to shoot.

 

What time will my sessions be?

For in-home newborn sessions, I typically like to shoot late morning or whenever there is best natural light in the home. For outdoor sessions, I love to shoot during the golden hour (an hour or so before sunset) to get that beautiful warm look. If we want to shoot in an urban setting, sometimes I like to shoot earlier in the morning before shops open to avoid crowds. Of course, with kids (and naps), we will decide on the best time together.  

 

How long will my session be? 

For Newborn sessions, my first priority is that parents feel the least amount of stress and baby and sibling(s)’ needs are met first. If in the middle of the session, baby needs to eat, please feed! Toddler meltdown? Snack break! I allot 1.5 hours + for newborn shoots to accommodate for the unpredictability.  On-location Family and Maternity sessions are 1hr long. I try to work fast because if you have kids, especially little toddlers, I know they don’t hold attention for too long! For in-home Family sessions, I come hang out for 2 hours(ish) and follow your family around doing whatever it is your family does.

 

What exactly is the in-home documentary family session? In-home family session is a mix between lifestyle and documentary photography. I do provide some direction on posing (and will grab some family portraits), but mostly I will follow your family around like a fly on the wall, capturing your natural interactions.  Before our session, we will discuss typical family activities that you want to have photographed and plan around that. It could be a snapshot of a typical day-in-the-life of your family or any activities that will tell your family's story during this season of life. (e.g Making pancakes together Saturday morning? BBQ and pool fun? Bedtime routine? Backyard shenanigans?). 

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What should I wear?

I got you. After you book, I'll send over a wardrobe guide as well as be available via text and email to give you feedback and suggestions if you need.

 

Do you shoot with props?

I don’t typically shoot with props as I want the focus to be solely on YOU. However, if there is something sentimental that you’d like to incorporate, please let me know in advance. For maternity shoots, some clients like to bring an object to take an announcement photo with. (e.g. a letter board, an ultrasound, booties).

 

I have rambunctious kids and getting them to stay still and smile at a camera is next to impossible! Tips?

Yes! I totally get it! I have 3 kids of my own, and sometimes to just get them into the same frame is impossible. Don’t stress about that and let me worry about capturing your kids.  My first priority is that the kids are themselves and have fun! On the day of the shoot, just love and play with your kids as you normally would.  I want to capture who they are - especially that rambunctious personality!

 

Do you edit your own photos?

Yes! I edit all my photos in-house. My editing is style is to enhance the natural and authentic look of my work, and I promise to deliver a varied and beautiful gallery of images consistent with that.  

 

Special note about Newborn Session edits: In the beginning, newborns have flaky skin, fine hair all over the body, white dots on their noses, etc. – those are all perfectly normal and uniquely beautiful about this stage. While some photographers like to smooth out those “imperfections” on the baby’s skin, I love to capture those tiny details to tell the newborn story. However, one thing to note: Due to hormonal adjustments after birth, babies can break out in acne and cradle cap that can be distracting and difficult to edit out. If that happens, we can discuss about possible rescheduling until that clears. (This is one of the reasons I shoot before the 3-week mark as baby acne tend to emerge around then).

 

When will I receive my images?

Starting packages includes 30 edited digital images. Within a week after our session, I upload an album of 50-80 unedited photos to a gallery for you to choose your package number of images. (You may select more images for an additional charge.) After your selection, I will edit your images in detail, up to JYP standard and in consistent with my style. I will deliver the final gallery within 15 business days. You will have the option to purchase prints and albums after image delivery through the gallery, which is set up through a professional photo printing lab.

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More questions? No problem :) Email me at judyyuphoto@gmail.com