Importance of Trying Something New | Maternity Smoke Bomb Photos

Romantic Smoke Bomb Maternity Session 

Sometimes, as a photographer, I get into the groove of photographing my sessions. Over the years, I have learned what works and what doesn't work; there is a seamless flow from start to finish when it comes to working with a couple as they celebrate this new life they've created.

However, when this sweet mama to be booked her outdoor maternity session with me, she mentioned she's interested in using a smoke bomb. I, Sarah, have never used a smoke bomb before and have heard from friends it's difficult and can be hit or miss. Nevertheless, it is important to try new things. Not only does this show creativity, but it also creates better customer service and ensures your clients have dynamic and breathtaking pregnancy portraits they're sure to love for years to come! In fact, Mom commented that one day her grandchildren will see these photos and know how much baby is loved.

Before the session took place, I asked a great gal pal a few tips on using a smoke bomb. For this session, I brought along a friend to light the bomb. The first step is to see what direction the wind is blowing; followed by this you place your bomb on the ground. Next, you pose your client, have the assistant light the smoke bomb and then work quickly. A good tip to keep in mind is to talk with your client about the posing beforehand so you can switch things up very quickly before the bomb stops. Mom expressed wanting more natural photos during this portion of our time together. At first, I did pose them where they were looking at the camera, smiling, but later realized that the more natural the photos are, the better the results.  

I have to admit I was a little bit nervous before these took place! I kept wondering if the smoke would stain their clothing; if it would not go off, etc. But guess what? We had a blast! This sweet couple had me laughing the entire time and really put me at ease. I am so stoked to have tried something new and put myself out of my comfort zone.

Full disclosure: mom did bring the smoke bomb herself. She brought two options: one was a little shorter and one longer in terms of how long the smoke "bombs" for. I will follow up soon on a great store to get these from! :-) 

Here are some of my favorite smoke bomb maternity images. I look forward to meeting their daughter in just a few short weeks for the posed newborn session. :-)

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Other highlights from the maternity session

Before the smoke bomb portion of their session took place, however, we focused on lovely maternity images; I really like to showcase both the couple together and Mom by herself. 

My favorite part of this portion is Mom's mustard lace kimono! Not only is it very spring and fresh, the vibrancy is the perfect reflection of her warm, sweet, and kind personality. I urge mothers to be to consider colors that are unique because it adds a special dynamic to your session. :-) 

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As always, thanks for visiting my blog, friends! 

Warmly,

Sarah

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Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Harris County. In addition to breathtaking baby portraiture, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting mothers and couples. Sarah joyfully serves the entire Harris and Montgomery county areas including Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Richmond, West University and Rice Village.

Prep Guide for Smash and Splash | Classic one Year Old Portraits

Houston Newborn & Baby Photographer, Sarah Borchgrevink, shares tips for preparing for little one's cake smash and bubble bath session.

Cake Smash & Splash Prep Guide for Parents

Greetings! Thank you for choosing me to photograph your little one’s cake smash and splash! I am very excited to have them in the studio, or even on-location, for a gorgeous set of one-year portraits. Cake smash sessions are adorable and are a super fun way to celebrate the monumental milestone of your sweet baby turning one! Here is everything you need to know about our session together. A cake smash and splash are when baby smashes a cake followed by splashing in the tub! If you would like to omit the bubble bath (or prefer the bubble bath to the smash) let me know in advance so we may adjust session design. Most parents book in the studio because this ensures baby is happy and well rested since we do not have to worry about the sunrise/sunset light. My outdoor sessions take place right as the sun is coming up and right as it is going down so if you prefer outdoor lighting remember that nap times may need to be adjusted so baby is well rested for their session.

I provide the following for cake smash and splash:

  • Time & talent designated in your session type (mini, standard, deluxe)

  • A white cake stand or cream antique high chair

  • · Vintage quilt if outdoors

  • · Rustic floor props for baby to sit upon such as a box or bowl

  • · Farmhouse bowl for the bubble bath

  • · Warm water & bubbles

Parents provide the following for cake smash and splash:

  • · A cake of their choice (typically 9”)

  • · Any specific décor or props you would like that are not seen in my studio

  • · Balloons, streamers, cake topper etc. If you are bringing additional décor, let me know in advance so I may set aside more time for set up

  • · Diaper cover for baby during their cake smash or a birthday outfit

  • · Towel to clean baby up + extra outfit

When Do Cake Smashes Take Place?

Cake smashes are best done when the baby is 11 months old and not yet walking. This is also a great time to book your cake smash so you may receive your photos and prints before baby’s birthday party. Many parents like to use the photos for invitations so it’s best to plan wisely. Always give yourself enough planning time. There is a two week turnaround time for photos so keep this in mind when contacting me for your cake smash. I want this to be a great experience for you!

My Baby Portraiture Style

My favorite way to photograph babies is in a simple, classic and timeless scene. I like to avoid too many props because it detracts from baby and is distracting in the images. Feel free to peruse my portfolio in advance so we can make sure we’re a good fit for one another!

Here are sample sessions to view:

Helpful Tips in Preparation for Baby’s Session

  • · Let the cake sit in the car overnight so it is warm and easy for baby to get into

  • · Avoid fondant icing – babies often dislike the texture

  • · HEB makes wonderful 9” white cakes with buttercream icing

  • · If using a colored icing remember this may stain baby’s skin; red velvet cake, for an instance, will also stain the baby’s skin and it will look like the baby is injured in the photos.

  • · Bring a towel and change of clothes for baby

Thanks again for choosing me to photograph your baby! Let me know if you have any questions so I may assist!

-Sarah

Baby’s Unique Features| Macro Details Included for a Soulful Gallery

Creating Stunning works of Newborn Fine Art through the Use of Impeccable Macro Images

Breathtaking images of your sweet little baby

Before I was a mama to four little ones, I thought all babies were the same once born. However, now that I specialize in posed newborn portraiture, I can attest this is anything but true. Newborns are absolutely perfectly, wonderfully and fearfully made. They are all unique, individual and even from the first few days old, have their own spirit setting them apart.

This inspires me to focus on macro images in all of my posed sessions. You see, having a soulful final gallery is of the utmost importance to me. I set your galleries apart by including unique color schemes, cozy wrapping, newborn safety, and also focusing on spectacular macro photos of your precious bundle of joy. 

Parents often ask, "what's a macro image?" The answer is simple! Macro images are a type of photography. The skill is photographing the objects very close to the lens, thus showcasing all of the special details. You use a special kind of lens for this, as a typical portrait or telephoto lens cannot do the trick. Here's the Canon 100 mm f/2.8L professional grade I keep on hand in my studio.

Macro images make my mama heart so happy because this makes you baby's features truly unique! Your baby has their own profile, set of toes, sweet chubby chin, and darling eyelashes. Their tufts of hair and lips beckon to be photographed. Your little one will never be this small. the newborn stage is only the first few weeks of life. Macros are included to preserve this stunning time in your life. You will look back on your gallery and enjoy reminsicing over the time in which baby is just becommong part of this world.

Recent macro images | favorites from in studio

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Thanks for visiting my blog to see what type of macro images make baby have a special and unique final gallery! Since you enjoyed this topic, you may like reading about the following topics, too!

 

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