How to Prepare for your Newborn Photography Session
Frequently Asked Questions

What are some things I should do before baby arrives?

My clients ask me this question all the time. I guess it’s because I have four kids of my own. Or maybe it’s because I am a newborn photographer here in Dallas. Either way, I’ve heard so many suggestions over the years and tried a few things out myself while waiting for baby. It is such a joyous time waiting for your little one to arrive. And everyone is full of advice for you, both positive and negative. Well since this question of what to do before baby comes up more often than not, I decided to make a little list to refer to.

1. Go on a date with your spouse / significant other

No matter what you think might happen, you are likely to not get a chance to go out alone together for quite a while. And you likely won’t want to! But it’s so important to spend time together. Don’t forget each other in the whirlwind of nesting and getting your house ready. I still remember that 12 years ago on the weekend before our son and first child was born my husband and I went to see a movie and had dinner together. Not that exciting, right? Wrong. We still remember the movie we saw and talk about it fondly from time to time. And we have always been grateful that we took the time to acknowledge our relationship before starting this exciting journey as parents together.

2. Get your hair done and a mani pedi

This is pretty self-explanatory and I don’t mean to go negative but… You won’t have as much time for self-care after the baby arrives. It will be some time before you have the opportunity to go out. That’s why taking care of yourself is one of the most important things to do before baby arrives. Getting a mani pedi hand in hand with getting your hair done. See what I did there? 😉 You will feel so good with your hands and feet taken care of. Special bonus? They say that foot massages can induce labor so if you’re really wanting that baby to arrive it could be a great 39 or 40 week treat.

3. Get an acupuncture treatment

Acupuncture can assist in digestion and easing discomfort during pregnancy. It also can reduce stress and anxiety. Sounds like a great thing to do when you’re expecting, right?

My friend Emily Guevara of The Acupuncture Juncture here in Dallas, is an amazing acupuncturist. She is well known around Dallas as providing excellent care. You can read more about her here: Fertility Acupuncture in Dallas.

4. Fill your freezer

I hated nothing more than cooking after my babies arrived. And life is a bit more hectic than you would suppose. Having access to good healthy food at all times is a big plus. Cooking in advance and stockpiling a freezer stash of foods was a big sanity saver for me.

5. Hang out with friends

Make sure you and your spouse both take time to spend with friends. This is important for both of you. It falls in the column of self-care to make sure you have time to connect with your friends without the worry of leaving baby at home.

6. Get Adjusted

You read that right. You might want to consider chiropractic care during your pregnancy. It can help address issues that cause discomfort and it could prove to assist you in having an easier labor. My friend Erin Calaway over at Apex Wellness is a Webster Certified chiropractor. She provides amazing care to all of her patients. Read more about her here – Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy.

7. Sleep

Pretty self-explanatory as well. It is difficult to sleep in the last trimester. I had horrible insomnia and reflux with all of my pregnancies. That made it really hard to sleep especially near the end. But I tried my best to get in extra sleep where I could because I knew how much I would miss it once the baby came. Like all seasons in life the sleep deprivation eventually passes. But it is one of the less fun things about having a sweet baby around. If you have troubles sleeping after baby arrives call my friend Mary Cantwell of Rest To Your Nest. She is featured on my blog here – her service is amazing and will help you get some z’s.

8. Babymoon

Having a babymoon goes right along with taking time for a date night. But it goes one step further. Why not take a short vacation with your spouse. Could be you won’t go away alone together for a long time. Even a romantic weekend at a bed and breakfast would be a nice idea.

9. Read a good book

I don’t know about you but I love to read! However, this passion has taken a significant back seat to my kids. I definitely remember the last few books I read before my kiddos arrived. It’s hard to feed baby and read a book in the other. Although, you might try Audible as a great alternative to reading an actual book after baby arrives.

10. Go out to the movies

I love going out to the movies. So I definitely recommend doing this ahead of baby’s arrival. You won’t have as many opportunities to go to a movie theater afterward.

11. Have a phenomenal maternity photography session

What kind of maternity and newborn photographer would I be if I didn’t recommend scheduling a custom maternity photography session? When you schedule a portrait session with a photographer like me it is an incredible experience. You get hair and makeup, you get to select gowns from my studio wardrobe to wear, and you also get to help design your custom portrait session. Afterward, you get to keep your portraits in the form of beautiful keepsake artwork. You get to feel like a queen for the day and you will never forget the experience because you get to enjoy your artwork forever.

12. Schedule newborn pictures

While scheduling maternity portraits it’s a great time to schedule newborn portraits as well. Newborn photography is best done when baby is 7-14 days old – for a variety of reasons. This is why it’s important to schedule it ahead of time. What’s more, if you’re working with me you get to choose from packages that take you from maternity through newborn and tell the whole story of baby’s arrival.

Thank you for reading!

Thank you for reading about what to do before baby arrives. I hope you’ll comment below and tell me what you did or suggest to do before baby arrives!

Learn more about booking a session

Dallas Newborn Photographer Laura Levitan of Mod L Photography loves to provide her clients with helpful information and resources about pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Her blog is a helpful resource to parents all over Dallas, Forth Worth and beyond. Check out other entries in the blog for great local businesses.

What made you interested in prenatal yoga?

What are your goals while teaching prenatal and postnatal yoga?

Where are your yoga and infant massage classes located?

Bami Yoga is located in Frisco. You can schedule a class by clicking here: Bami Yoga Schedule

What types of classes do you offer?

Bami Yoga offers multiple types of classes:

Prenatal Yoga

Partner Prenatal Yoga Date Night

Yoga to Support Childbirth

Mommy and Me Yoga

Infant Massage

MUTU System – a total body fitness system for women to heal the body from the inside out, flatten the belly, improve pelvic floor function, strengthen the core, and improve health through mindful changes to eating habits.

Visit Bami Yoga to learn more and to schedule a class!

Contact Mimi via email: mimi@bamiyoga.com

Dallas newborn photographer Laura Levitan of Mod L Photography interviews experts in the Dallas Fort Worth area who serve expectant mothers and families with young children. Laura loves to connect with the community and help her clients by providing excellent reviews of other businesses in the city.

Where can we find you on the web?

Facebook

Dallas newborn photographer Mod L Photography specializes in maternity and newborn photography. She designs custom newborn photography sessions in her Dallas studio for new parents. Her gorgeous archival artwork is something you bring home to share with your children as they grow together.

1. sports themed newborn photography

Do you love sports? Are you super excited about sharing your love of sports with your newborn baby? Let’s start during your newborn photography session in my Dallas studio. When we sit down at your design consultation we will talk about your favorite sport and your favorite team. We will come up with a plan to showcase your love of that sport. I love to focus on your sport and your team colors. Sometimes families come in full fan gear. Sometimes we lean to a more subtle sports theme. As a fan of sports myself I just love designing a sports-themed newborn photography session.

2. Animal-themed newborn photography session

Animals play a big part in our lives. Many people have a favorite animal and love to include them in the theme of their newborn photography session. I love adding to my collection of tiny, perfect, newborn-sized felted lovies. They are made by hand by a talented local artisan and are perfectly shaped for babies to hold in their hands. I have several different options and am always adding more. I would love to hear about what favorite animal you would like to feature in your newborn session.

3. Hobbies and Interests Themed newborn photography session

Do you have a love of travel? What are the things you’re excited to share with your new baby? Don’t forget ideas from your favorites shows and movies. These are some of the things we can highlight in your newborn photography session.

4. Your own culture or heritage themed newborn session

Is your family heritage very important to you? Why not honor that in your newborn photography session. There are many ways to pay tribute to your heritage, the city where you grew up, or your cultural background. Sometimes we incorporate things from your hometown or textiles and colors from your heritage.

5. Finally you can always use your nursery for inspiration for your newborn photography session

You’ve spent months anticipating the arrival of your precious baby. Part of that journey is likely decorating the nursery. Your theme could be anything and we can always incorporate the colors and ideas from your nursery into your photography session. In fact, when planning any Dallas newborn photography session we like to incorporate colors from your home. This way your artwork will display perfectly and blend with your current decor.

Well there you have it. Five great themes for your newborn photography session. Get in contact to plan yours today!

how did you get started in fertility acupuncture?

I began as an intern for an established fertility acupuncture practice in 2004. That experience really helped shape and support my idea of where I wanted to take my practice. Working with them I moved to Dallas to open and direct 2 acupuncture clinics. In 2012 I decided it was time to go out on my own. Having the foundation of working with this practice gave me the confidence and experience to continue in this field of fertility acupuncture and I love it. I continue to grow and educate myself so I can continue to provide top of the line care for my patients and be informed by the most recent research coming out of our medicine.

2019 Could be a banner year for Wildflowers in Texas

Experts are saying that due to rainfall in October and the average temperature this year, we could be looking at an amazing year for wildflowers. What does that mean for me and for my photography clients? You guessed it. Amazingly beautiful pictures in the wildflowers! This is hands down my favorite time to get outside for sessions. The weather is beautiful and the scenery is unmatched. It’s definitely time to start thinking about booking your wildflower pictures and bluebonnet pictures.

In parts of North Texas, Dallas and Richardson in particular, we have wildflower planting programs. Of course, there is the ever-present bluebonnet. But we also have incredible waist-high wildflowers in certain areas of town.

When should you take wildflower pictures?

Wildflower pictures should be scheduled well in advance to take advantage of their short growing season. Clients have already contacted me to schedule their family, maternity, and individual portraits in the wildflowers this season. Weekend dates are very popular and fill up quickly. Because we aren’t sure exactly when the season will start or when it will end it’s always good to plan ahead. That way we have ample opportunity to reschedule due to bad weather or move the session up if we see that the flowers are starting to fade.

But we take family pictures in the Fall

Who says family portraits have to happen in the Fall? Or any pictures for that matter. Our wildflowers are unique to Dallas. We don’t get a lot of Fall foliage. Why not take advantage of something special to our area?

Another advantage? Get holiday cards out of the way well in advance. One less thing to worry about when you’re running around Christmas shopping.

When will the wildflowers bloom?

Typically bluebonnets and wildflowers reach their peak between March and the end of May. It all depends on rainfall, temperature, and whether they have been disturbed by livestock grazing or mowing. We should start to see their little blooms popping up anytime now.

Check out these great resources for more information on Texas Wildflower Season in 2019! Don’t forget to contact Laura to book your session now!

https://www.dallasnews.com/life/texana/2019/02/20/texas-could-best-wildflower-season-almost-decade-thanks-wet-october-report-says

http://www.txsmartscape.com/articles/post.php?post=48

Call Laura now at 214–460-6992 to book your wildflower session!

Last week in my post Dallas Maternity Chiropractor Dr. Erin Calaway of Apex Wellness I wrote about meeting with Dr. Erin Calaway of Apex Wellness she is a pregnancy chiropractor in Dallas, TX. She is also an amazing family,and pediatric chiropractor serving Addison, Plano, Richardson, Carrollton and surrounding areas.

What is the goal of chiropractic care during pregnancy?

The goal of chiropractic care during pregnancy is to provide safe and effective relief of a variety of symptoms and to improve overall function during the pre and postnatal period. Some symptoms that may be alleviated with the help of your chiropractor are; nerve pressure and muscular strain, reduced localized muscle pain and extremity pain. Chiropractic care can also help your body to function better in general to reduce swelling, morning sickness, and hormonal swings. It can possibly help to make labor more quick and easy.

What is one of the main ways chiropractic care can help during pregnancy?

During pregnancy the growing fetus puts a great deal of strain on the mother’s spine, buttocks and legs. A common complaint during pregnancy is sciatic nerve pain. Chiropractic care can help to alleviate sciatica.

Read Dr. Calaway’s recent blog article about Pregnancy Chiropractic Care in Dallas, Tx for more information.

When can you start chiropractic care during pregnancy?

The earlier the better. Chiropractic care can assist in helping the body to run more smoothly during all stages of your pregnancy.

What makes your chiropractic practice different?

I look at my patients as whole people. My goal is to develop a program in the office and at home. I call it a whole body approach. In the office we use chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture and massage therapy. But treatment doesn’t end there. We send our patients home with a comprehensive plan. Exercises designed to maintain health. And diet recommendations to improve overall wellness. I don’t simply adjust you and send you on your way. I make sure to work on underlying issues so that you maintain your health over time.

What about pediatric chiropractic care?

We treat all ages of children at my practice starting with infants. Some things it can help with are colic, allergies, ADD, sports injury and cold and flu symptoms.

Visit Dr. Calaway at Apex Wellness:

Apex Wellness

6009 Belt Line Rd #110 Dallas, TX 75254

972-392-9402

In this two part series I’d love to introduce my friend Dr. Erin Calaway. She is an amazing Webster Certified Chiropractor located in Far North Dallas, right near my studio. At the cross streets of Preston and Belt Line, Dr. Calaway’s practice – Apex Wellness – is near Addison, Carrollton, Richardson, and Plano. Apex Wellness also offers acupuncture and massage.

North Dallas Maternity Chiropractor

I recently met with Dr. Calaway to interview her for a blog post about chiropractic care in pregnancy. We arranged a time so that I could tour her amazing North Dallas chiropractic practice and get to know her better. As we spoke we discovered that we had actually met years before! That was before our kids were born and careers were started. No wonder we felt so instantly comfortable with each other!

Planning for beautiful wall art

It wasn’t long before we decided that it would be fun to decorate one of the beautiful walls at Apex Wellness with some of my wall art. A maternity chiropractor with beautiful maternity pictures and newborn photography on her walls? Why not?

After months of planning and collaboration, I sent the design to be printed through my archival printing process. Soon the artwork was delivered and then ready to hang at Apex Wellness. I have been honored to work with some of Dr. Calaway’s patients so we were able able to incorporate some of their portraits into the design.

How to hang a large wall art collage?

I take great pride in proper installation of wall art. Especially such a large design. The first step is to carefully plan the pieces so that they fit properly in the desired location. Secondly, I use rolls of paper to layout the design and mark places for where nails will be located. Thirdly, I hang the paper on the wall and use it as a guide. Lastly, I hang the portraits and remove the paper.

I hope the patients and staff of Apex Wellness enjoy their new artwork. I know I am grateful for the opportunity to display my work.

Next week please join me to learn more about Dr. Erin Calaway and her extraordinary practice at Apex Wellness. Pregnancy Chiropractor in Dallas, TX – Dr. Erin Calaway. 

To visit Apex Wellness or to schedule an appointment for maternity, newborn, child, individual, or family chiropractic care please contact:

Apex Wellness

6009 Belt Line Rd #110, Dallas, TX, 75254, US

972-392-9402

Laura Levitan is a Dallas-based contemporary fine art photographer specializing in maternity and newborn portraits. Laura works with her clients to create stunning works of art for their homes. Through photography, Laura tells the story of each family with custom imagery and exclusive professionally printed artwork. But Laura has a dirty little secret. While on vacation or when spending time with her kids, she rarely gets the pro camera out. She prefers to capture day-to-day memories, on the fly, with her cell phone. Please read below to learn behind the lens tips and tricks for capturing great cell phone photos of your kids, wherever you are.

Basic Cell Phone Camera Tips

1. Clean your lens
   • There’s nothing worse than messing up a picture because of the mess all over your lens. Make sure to keep that lens clean and smudge free!
2. Turn phone horizontal
   • We see the world in a panorama. Sometimes it’s nice to take a picture in portrait mode. But for the most part you will see more of the action when you use landscape.
3. Zoom with your feet
   • Cell phones are not equipped with powerful zooms. You can lose a great deal of quality in your image if you use the zoom on the cell phone. Just use your feet or take a full size photo and crop later.
4. Keep camera steady
   • This is pretty self-explanatory – brace yourself!
5. Always be ready
   • If you can, keep your phone in camera mode. This way you’ll always be ready to snap that picture.

Get to know the settings on your cell phone camera

1. Set your focus
   • Use the box on the camera screen to set your focus. Just tap on the screen where you want your focus to be and things will become much more clear.
2. Adjust exposure
   • On the iPhone next to the focus box there is a sun icon. Once that appears just swipe up or down on your screen to raise or lower exposure.
3. Take multiple shots
   • To make sure you get the right one just keep pushing that trigger. You can always go in and delete the bad shots later.
4. Use burst for kids
   • Use burst mode to get many options.
5. Try different modes
   • Experiment with all of the modes on your cell phone camera. If you don’t understand how to use them YouTube is your friend. Keep playing until you find what you like.

Lighting: The most important thing no matter what camera you use

Do

1. Use light from the side or front
2. Shade is your friend
3. Golden hour is the best time of day to shoot
4. Shoot on cloudy days

Don’t

1. Use backlighting unless shooting a silhouette
2. Shoot in direct sunlight
3. Use your flash unless you really have no other choice

Composition: No matter the camera composition makes the portrait

****Disclaimer – none of the following portraits were taken with a cell phone. They are just the best examples I have for the composition style I am trying to demonstrate.****

1. Rule of Thirds
   • Use the grid setting on your phone to help you visualize where you place your subject in the frame. Try to place your subject in one of the four quadrants of the grid.
2. Triangles
   • See how many triangles you can picture here with the posing. Dad’s arms form a triangle. Mom and Dad’s heads and bodies form a triangle. All three sets of eyes form a triangle. See if you can find more and list them in the comments below! 
3. Leading lines
   • See how the steps form lines leading up and out of the portrait and they also lead and focus your eye into the subject.
4. Avoid distracting backgrounds
   • This is self-explanatory and I do not have an example 🙂
5. Reflections
   • Use reflections to provide interest 
6. Framing
   • Here the couple is framed by the bridge. You can use all sorts of things in the environment to frame your subject. 
7. Use negative space
   • Sometimes the space around your suject is as important as your suject. All of the negative space here leads your eyes into the subject. 

Perspective: What do you see?

1. Get down on their level
2. Bird’s eye view
3. Play with angles

Now what? – What do you do with all of your cell phone photos?

1. Experiment with editing apps
2. Don’t over process – sometimes less is more. Don’t go crazy with filters. If the photo is amazing it should be good without too much editing.
3. Print your pictures!

[maxbutton id=”1″ ]