, , ,

What Newborn Session Is Right For You? | Posed vs Lifestyle vs Fresh 48 {Newborn Photography in Cypress, Houston and Tomball TX}

, , ,

Selecting the Right Newborn Session For You: Posed vs Lifestyle vs Fresh 48

Like many of you, I am a mother and I have thee little red headed girls: Emma Olivia (6), Lucy Rose (18 months) and Amelia Charlotte (5 weeks). However, I'm also a photographer - one who's favorite genre is newborn photography. There is something sacred about newborns; the stillness celebrating new life. I document heavenly treasures. I cuddle your babies and revel in spending time with them and meeting your family.

This in mind, when my newest squish, Amelia, was born I truly wanted a beautiful newborn session and to photograph her myself. I looked forward to her session for months. I purchased hand made, custom props such as head bands, fabric, posing back drops, antique buckets and baskets and bowls. I could not wait to have her in front of my camera! Because she is mine and I do have the luxury of taking her photos, I did all three styles of newborn portraiture with her: posed, lifestyle and a fresh 48.

You may be asking what does that mean? This post is intended to explain the difference and use examples of Amelia (plus introduce her to you!) so you can see which session resonates most with you. I love offering three types so I may best serve my clients. These descriptions are essentially just a nut shell; the complexity of each session can vary depending on which portrait artist you're conversing with. I'm just doing a quick overview for you. :-) 

Posed: This is beautiful, fine art and specialized photography. These are the images of babies on soft, pillowy blankets, rustic buckets, and sessions with props. I personally love these! You don't want the session to be *too* prop heavy but I adore placing babies in antique items and styling them based around nursery colors. These sessions portray several set ups and are filled with squishy newborn poses that are creative and focus on the baby. These sessions are typically 3-5 hours long and do include family photos, but almost the entire session is about baby. Here are some samples:

Lifestyle: This is a laid back, documentary approach to newborn and family photography. There are minimal props, posing and instead the session focuses on connections and interpersonal dynamics. This is about storytelling and capturing the ever so precious emotions surrounding bringing a new baby home. It's the way your baby fills your arms; your husband gazing lovingly at you; your toddler kissing the top of baby's head - it's showcasing family bonds. It's also very laid back. Sessions range from 60 to 90 minutes and are always held in your home. If you aren't a fan of posed newborn photos, this is the session for you. Here are some samples of Amelia. I simply placed her on my bed, opened the windows, and captured her as she is. No posing. No props. Just pure baby and her own activity - exactly where she is in time and place.

Fresh 48: These sessions are exactly what they sound like: a session taking place when your baby is fresh and new and under 48 hours old. They're hospital based and are really neat because they focus on the immediate arrival of baby. They're not birth photography but they're when baby is at his or her most "new". They're even more of a documentary style of photography than lifestyle and have their own place in newborn photography. These are also often an "add on" to either a posed or lifestyle session. Here is Amelia literally minutes after being born. I will always treasure these images as this is when she became part of this world. 

And there you have it - a quick run down of posed vs lifestyle vs fresh 48. I would be honored to serve you in your newborn photography needs. Visit the newborn tab to see more examples and styled sessions if you wish.

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in the custom art of newborn, maternity, family and children/babies portrait photography. Sarah serves the Houston and surrounding areas including, but not limited to, Cypress, The Heights, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Spring, Katy, Rice Village, Memorial, Jersey Village, Magnolia, and Tomball TX. Please contact Sarah or connect via Facebook for more information.

 

Sweet Sibling Photography Session | Houston TX Child Portraits

Northwest Houston Children's Photography:

Cypress, Tomball, Jersey Village and Spring TX Photographer

Good morning! Today is Friday and it's a beautiful day here in Houston. It's a little chilly, however, but I think we can all appreciate cool weather after the heat of summer. This morning I am previewing the J kiddos - a wonderful bunch I recently photographed. Let me tell you: these kids are troopers! Not only was it 30 degrees during their sunrise photo shoot, they were absolute angels and a complete joy to photograph.

Mom and Dad were looking for updated portraits of their little ones. I designed a session that is both timeless and classic; this is so the images can be hung year around and even 30 years from now, the photos will not have a specific date attached with them or gimmicky trend. 

Here are some of my favorite images!

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.

                                                                                                                                                                     

Making the Most of Your DSLR: Now Offering Mentoring Courses and Small Group Classes | Sarah Borchgrevink Photography

A few general details about courses:

  • These are held by appointment only and are offered year around, 7 days a week
  • I am accepting one on one mentoring and small groups
  • Courses are based off the thousands of hours and dollars I have spent on learning this trade 
  • Courses are designed for each student based on your needs and goals
  • Learn to create dynamic and powerful images through proper technique, light, and getting it "right" in camera
  • Available to eager beginners to advanced hobbyists 
  • Courses are $100 per lesson and are 60 - 90 minutes long, held in your home or on location
  • Package bundle rates are available for those seeking multiple lessons

Like many of you who may be reading this, I am a mother. My children are the greatest loves in my life. I’m also a photographer, and this all-consuming love for my little ones is what sparked my interest in photography. You bring this tiny bundle home from the hospital; the dust settles and you see what unconditional love truly is. Suddenly you understand how fleeting time can be and this is no longer a phrase you hear tossed about. You blink and that bundle is now an almighty and tyrannical toddler. You close your eyes for a brief second and they’re getting on the bus to go to kindergarten. Each milestone happens quicker than the last. You feel this every day and see a change in who they are as they enter the world.

Such is life.

Because of this, I document my children’s childhood often. These are informal moments from them running through the hose, riding their bike, feeling the sunshine upon their face, splashing in the kitchen sink, or perhaps reading a book. I document their little toes and eyelashes; the curl of my middle child’s hair, or the sheer joy that radiates from my eldest when we bake cookies together. These are sacred moments and there will be a time when you fondly hold these images and they connect you to your past; a tangible thread in time which resonates within your soul – the heart of motherhood.

You may have noticed I also share many of my images on social media such as my blog or Facebook. Many times friends or acquaintances will ask me questions about settings on their camera or how I use my camera. This is my trade and I have spent years learning; while I always will be learning and moving forward, sharing my knowledge is something I’d like to do.

As of 2016, I am offering one on one mentoring and photography courses for either budding hobbyists or perhaps those who would like to learn their DSLR cameras. I'm particularly interested in working with fellow moms (or dads)  who  need some help in making the most of their DSLR. Nearly everyone has one. I want to help you capture joy; I want you to document your own fleeting moments and embrace your kiddos being little. The unrehearsed aspect of life is what lingers – this is what tells our story.

Classes  are one on one or small groups, such as if you or a friend would like to get together. Parents could also learn at the same time. Courses cover basic composition and teaching you how to make the most of your DSLR. You achieve this by finding the light, learning to track a moving subject, and the correct settings that result in properly exposing, metering and basic camera foundations such as ISO, aperture and shutter speed. This can also help you leave "auto" and enter "manual" so you have full control of your images and can have the best possible quality. I’d also be happy to help you with light processing and directing you to the proper labs to ensure you print you images.

If you'd like to chat about a booking an appointment please feel free to fill out my contact form and I'll be in touch shortly!

Learn More

Located in Cypress, a suburb of Northwest Houston TX, Sarah Borchgrevink captures natural light portrait photography. She currently documents the custom art of newborn, maternity, family and children/babies milestones. Investment for professional services begins at $230.00 and includes high resolution digital files, released printing rights, social media sized copies for sharing with family and friends, and impeccable heirloom products to purchase. If you're curious about the experience with Sarah, browse reviews, too.  Please contact Sarah or connect via Facebook for more information.