Chicago Family Photo Sessions With Your Pet: Tips for Candid, Stress-Free Sessions

Thinking about including your furry family member in your upcoming photo shoot? As someone who specializes in pet-friendly family photography in Chicago, I can say with full confidence: yes, bring the dog. Or the cat. Or the overly confident guinea pig (I would lOVE this).

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Newborn Posing

I like to photograph newborns before they are 14 days old. This is because they grow SO FAST. In the first 14 days they are brand new…scrunchy, sleepy, and easily pose-able. Although I don’t really “pose” babies, I actually like them unposed and in natural positions. My newborn photo shoots are baby-led, meaning the baby is the boss basically.

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What Is The Best Time Of Year For A Family Photo Session?

What is the best time of year for a family photo session? I guess that’s up to you and what you are looking for in your photos and what you want them for. Do you want a session inside your home? That can be done anytime of year. Do you want greens and flowers in the background? A summer photo shoot might be best for that. Maybe some nice fall foliage? Do you want holiday photos? Is this a birthday milestone session?

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Travel: Edinburgh Scotland

Edinburgh is such a beautiful, interesting city, with so much history…I didn’t mind spending our three days just walking around. The gothic style architecture and cobblestone streets in Old Town are stunning, and the little winding streets we found ourselves on revealed hidden shops, pubs, and restaurants. The Royal Mile, a bustling street that links the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is lined with quaint shops, cute restaurants, and street performers.

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Behind the Lens: A Guide to Sessions with Natalie Maria Photography

A photo session with Natalie Maria Photography is relaxed, fun, and real. Learn what to expect before, during, and after your maternity, newborn, or family session.

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When To Book Your Family Session

Thinking about booking a fall family photo session? Imagining the pretty leaves changing color and beautiful soft golden hour light? But it’s only April…you want a session in October. Might as well wait a few months to book, right? WRONG! Summer and fall are both very busy times for photographers. Specifically August-December, with September, October, and November being the busiest for me personally. It’s best to book your session as early as you can.

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7 Reasons You Should Schedule An Annual Family Photo Session

Personally, I think it’s important to document your family and your life through family photo sessions as often as you can. You could do it every couple of years, but then you’re missing out on all the big changes your little ones go through. Ideally I think once a year is great.

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When To Book Your Maternity and Newborn Photo Sessions

In addition to things like setting up the nursery, purchasing baby essentials, and making sure you are prepared in every way possible, you know you would like to do a newborn photo session. But do you look for a photographer now or wait?

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Hawaii Travels

When I was around 8 or 9 years old I did a school report on the Hawaiian Islands…and I’ve wanted to visit ever since! Finally in April of this year my husband and I went. And it was so beautiful! The water, beaches, the lush green vegetation, mountains, volcanoes, flowers…just gorgeous. All of it.

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