Updated posing guide| Newborn & Family Photographer| Jacki G. PhotographyLLC| Richmond, VA

I have been photographing newborns for over 11 yrs. I have had many training and traveled to mentor with the BEST!! These are some of the poses I try to get with the little newborn models. I have also included some of the props I have used. Not pictured are the parent poses or sibling poses that are included in the Deluxe newborn session. It is very important to follow the prep instructions for the newborn session as this will help ensure we get as many poses as we can. Pricing can be found on my website. There is a price different if you would like me to travel to you. I have all the wraps, outfits, headbands and props. If you would like to bring something special you may.

Huck finn pose unwrapped.

snuggle pose

wrapped

butt up

hands on chin

tucked in

taco pose wrapped

froggy

The above images are some of the props i have available.

Newborn Photography| Jacki G. Photography LLC| Richmond, VA| Newborn & Family Photographer

Hiring a newborn photographer is more than just a price!

Please do your homework when hiring someone to work with your newest little bundle. I totally understand that pricing can be scary when it comes to hiring your photographer, but these are moments you will never get back! They are fragile and so small. Your photographer should be trained and highly experienced. You aren’t just paying for your photographer to take the images, you are paying for an experience. This is just a small portion of what goes into a newborn session.

There is planning, deciding on the colors you would like to use. Choosing props for the set up and following instructions to make the session move smoothly.

This is before and after of just the editing portion of 1 newborn pose. Most galleries are between 10-50+ images. Each image is edited and cared for so that each picture you recieve is perfect! A full gallery takes hours to cull, edit and refine. Consider all these when you are expecting a new baby. I love all my clients and am so thankful for the trust they put in me to capture these beautiful moments.

Please do your research before just hiring anyone to handle your sweet little baby.

Welcome to the world S. 9 days new| Jacki G. Photography LLC| Newborn and Family Photographer| Richmond, VA

Darling newborn baby S. 9 days new made her appearance in my studio recently... she even brought along her two big brothers who I also photographed as a newborn.

I hope you enjoy a peek into her session. I love to photograph growing families. I try and photograph siblings and parents first then concentrate on the newborn. The studio gets very warm so be prepared. I have a few puzzles and toys for the older siblings to play with while I photograph their new baby sibling. If the other parent wants to take the older siblings home or back to school that is also an option.

This little one had me working for these images but you wouldn’t know it from the perfect little images.

If you would like to book a session with me please reach out via email. My online scheduler isn’t always up to date.

jacki@jackigphotography.com

www.jackigphotography.com

Sunflower minis NOW BOOKING!! | Jacki G. Photography LLC| Richmond, VA| Newborn & Family Photographer

It is that time of year again!! Sunflower mini sessions are NOW booking!! The Sunflower is one of my favorite flowers and a beautiful backdrop to get updated family portraits, baby photos and maternity photos. They bloom for a brief period anytime from July into early September. But, if you miss out on these massive blooms, you can still get beautiful pictures with the many pockets of wild sunflowers around the areas. I will also be having a Studio sunflower backdrop for those who would rather have their baby photographed indoors. This backdrop is ONLY for children.

Here are some of the challenges with photo sessions at those large sunflower fields.

During the late Summer, the sun rises early and sets late. There is harsh, direct sunlight from about 8am to around 6:30-7pm. I usually find myself crossing my fingers and toes, hoping for overcast skies. Direct sunlight means dark, unflattering shadows and squinty eyes for your pictures. . Since it’s better to put the sun at your subject’s back, a photographer only has until the sun clears the horizon to enjoy soft morning light. 

What are the best solutions to these lighting issues? Stick to those limited times of soft light, bring lighting equipment out to the fields, or choose locations with better shade. Everyone loves that amazing golden light mixed with happy sunflowers. But, I encourage you to pray for some clouds!

I have very limited time slots!

I will have several different days to choose from.   There are three different Sunflower patches I use.  A sunflower patch in Hopewell, A smaller sunflower patch in Mechanicsville and a Large sunflower patch in Goochland.  There maybe a fee to enter the farm so be prepared.   The mini session is 15 min and you get 5 digital downloads for $225 plus tax.  

The third challenge is heat and bugs. In August and September, the evenings in Richmond, VA  tend to be hot and muggy. You won’t want to forget your bug repellant.

Enjoy these images from previous years photographing families in several different sunflower fields.  If you would like to book a session please email me  jacki@jackigphotography.com 

Newborn Poses| Jacki G. Photography LLC| Family & Newborn Photographer| Richmond, VA

I have been photographing newborns for over 11 yrs. I have taken several safety classes as well as attended newborn and baby workshops to perfect my skills. There are some staple newborn poses in which newborn babies are photographed. Here are some of the most common poses:

1. The "Womb" Pose: This pose replicates the position the baby was in while in the womb, with their legs curled up and their arms close to their body.

2. The "Taco" Pose: In this pose, the baby is swaddled tightly and placed on their side, with their knees tucked up towards their chest.

3. The "Froggy" Pose: This pose has the baby on their stomach, with their head resting on their hands and their legs bent at the knee, resembling a frog.

4. The "Huck fin" Pose: This pose has the baby lying on their back, with their arms and legs curled.

5. The "Side" Pose: In this pose, the baby is lying on their side with their legs bent and their hands near their face.

6. The "Prop" Pose: This pose involves the use of props like baskets, buckets, and blankets to support the baby in a variety of poses, such as sitting or lying down.

7. The “Hands under chin” This pose baby is on stomach with wrist over each other babies back is arched.

8. The “Potato pose” This pose baby is wrapped and place sitting up with a spotter, baby can also be placed on their back all wrapped up.

It's important to note that safety should always come first when photographing newborns. Parents should work with a professional photographer who is experienced in working with newborns and knows how to safely position them in these poses.

If you would like to book a newborn session the best time to photograph a newborn is before they are 14 days old. They are more likely to sleep and don’t mind to be molded into these positions. Not all babies will be able to do each pose.

Newborn Photography in Studio| Jacki G. Photography LLC| Newborn & Family Photography | Richmond, VA

A newborn photography session in a studio is usually scheduled within the first two weeks of a baby's life when they are most likely to be sleepy and more easily posed. The studio is typically set up with a variety of props, backdrops, and lighting equipment to create a comfortable and safe environment for the newborn.

Here's a step-by-step overview of what a newborn photography session in a studio might involve:

1. Pre-session consultation: Before the session, the photographer may have a consultation with the parents to discuss their preferences, any specific poses or props they want to include, and to go over important details such as safety measures and session logistics.

2. Studio setup: The studio will be arranged with various props such as blankets, wraps, baskets, and other accessories that may be used during the session. Backdrops and lighting equipment will also be set up to create a suitable environment for capturing beautiful images.

3. Baby preparation: The baby will be carefully handled and prepared for the session, including being fed and burped, and then undressed and wrapped in blankets or props for the photos. The photographer will prioritize the safety and comfort of the baby at all times.

4. Posing and photographing: The photographer will work to capture a variety of poses and expressions of the newborn, including solo shots, as well as shots with parents or siblings if desired. The photographer may use different props, poses, and angles to create a diverse and artistic gallery of images.

5. Patience and flexibility: Newborn sessions can take time as babies can be unpredictable and may need breaks for feeding, diaper changes, or comforting. The photographer will exercise patience and flexibility to ensure the baby's comfort and well-being throughout the session.

6. Post-processing: Once the session is complete, the photographer will select and edit the best images from the session, enhancing them with appropriate color correction, cropping, and other adjustments to create a polished final product.

7. Viewing and ordering: The parents will be invited to a secure site to view and order the downloads from their session. They may also purchase additional products such as prints, canvases and albums.

Overall, newborn photography in a studio is a specialized genre that requires experience, safety precautions, and a gentle approach to handling and posing delicate newborns to capture precious memories that parents can cherish for a lifetime.

Spring Minis Now booking! | Jacki G. Photography LLC| Richmond, VA| Family & Newborn Photographer

I’m excited to announce Spring mini sessions this year. I will have a few spots open for Spring Studio and Outside with the blooms.

I also like to photograph near the murals in Richmond, VA

A mini session is 15 min and you get 5 digitals for $225 plus tax and you get 5 digital downloads.

These images are examples of several spring mini session locations i have photographed in the past. Some are studio with the different backdrops i use. The spring studio sessions take place in my Short Pump, VA location. These sessions are for children only. The outside minis are suitable for families and i try to do a mixture of posed and lifestyle. These sessions are for families of four or greater.

Most blooms are best captured the end of March until May.

1:1 Newborn Photography Mentoring| Jacki G. Photography LLC | Newborn Photography| Richmond, VA

1:1 mentoring

$1000.

The 1:1 Mentoring can be tailored to you. We can focus on learning the specific skills you would like to improve or we can go through my complete workflow. These will cover Newborn Safety, Parent Prepping, Session Styling, Studio Lighting, Session Workflow, Table Posing, Prop Posing, Camera Settings & Angles, Wrapping Techniques and editing.

One day 9am to 5pm
2 Newborn Models

Newborn Safety, Posing & Workflow

Studio Light, Session Styling & Camera Settings

Editing, Marketing & Business Tips

Newborn Photography In Home vs In studio| Jacki G. Photography LLC | Family & Newborn Photographer | Richmond,

When you first find out you are pregnant it feels like you have all the time in the world. You’re careful not to start buying things too early and wait longingly for each scan to see that little face. And then, in a flash 9 months has passed and your baby is here. A great way to capture those early moments to remember forever is with a Newborn Photo shoot.

I used to be know as the In home newborn photographer. As of this year, I want to make the switch to in studio newborn photography. I used to bring the studio to your home but since I have gotten older 51 yrs and had a surgery late last year it just isn’t feasible for me to travel like I used to. I’ve been in business for over 11 yrs. I have photographed hundreds of newborns, babies and families and I think its time to make the switch. I can still come to your home but the price will be different. I will still offer on location outside photography.

In home sessions are going to be more expensive than studio sessions. Your photographer needs to plan and gather all of the appropriate props, pack up all of her equipment, travel to your home, set up the equipment, break down and pack up the equipment again, travel back and then unload the equipment and props again. She also needs to be skilled to handle different lighting scenarios and be able to work around other obstacles a studio photographer does not have to encounter.

A studio photoshoot gives your the opportunity to relax for a few hrs. There is no need to worry whether your home is clean. You just need to get yourself to the photographers home studio and remember to take anything you’d like to include in your images. I have a wide variety of props, outfits and wraps for a newborn that are all sanitized and cleaned after each session.

My home studio is cleaned and sanitized after each session. I have a large prop collection you could choose from if you decide to change your mind during your session. The lighting is consistent and we don’t have to worry about moving furniture and taping up your windows. I have a few games the siblings could play or an echo view they could be entertained after we have photographed them with the new baby or a parent could take them to daycare.

I will still offer lifestyle newborn photography but that is not my specialty I have many years training and have gone to conferences as well as 1:1 mentoring with the top newborn photographers in the US.

I have photographed maternity, newborns, and babies up to one year old and beyond n my studio. I have many backdrops for families and the littles one to choose from as well as burp cloths and more at my home studio.

I look forward to working with you in 2023!

Santa minis were a hit| Jacki G. Photography LLC| Richmond,VA | Family & Newborn Photographer

How lucky am I to have been working with the same Santa for a few years now! He even brought Mrs. Santa with him this year to the studio! ! I wish honestly I could have done 2 straight days of Santa Minis because they were so sweet and magical. How fun to witness the joy and magic (and fear haha) that comes from kids when they meet Santa. Santa was so sweet with everyone and won over the most fearful of kids by the end of their time with him. He was so gentle and really made an effort to make a connection with each kid individually. Some of the kids brought their lists directly to him, and he brought Mrs. Santa to help ease some of the kids fears. If you missed out this year just know this will definitely be something I do next year!

Newborn Photography| Jacki G. Photography| Richmond, VA| Family & Newborn Photographer

This sweet little one was 5 wks new. for her newborn session  and the perfect mix of sleepy and awake.  I love the neutral and airy colors we choose for this session. She was so calm and wasn’t a huge fan of her belly but we did get some great poses from her. This session took place in the comfort of her own home. I clean and sanitize all outfits, blankets, wraps and anything that touches baby. We usually start with Parents poses then move onto newborn poses. These are a few of my favorite pictures from her session.

If you are interested in booking a newborn session for your little one please contact me.

One of my favorite props| Jacki G. Photography LLC| Family & Newborn Photography | Richmond, VA

One of my favorite props is the heart shaped bowl. There are so many different ways to use this prop.

Why a heart?

A heart is life, a heart is love, a heart is happiness.

As a newborn photographer and mother, I know how special bringing new life into the world can be, which is why I wanted to incorporate a heart prop for my families to choose from. The heart signifies the new little life you are bringing into this world, a person you will love, with your whole heart, forever. A heart is our life source.

My photography goal is to capture the life and love of each unique moment.

My commitment is to make each family fall in love with their baby and bottle up that feeling to keep forever.

Newborn Photography by Jacki G. Photography| Richmond, VA| Family & Newborn Photographer

The sweetest new family of 4 here on my blog today! I was able to capture this adorable family a few years ago for her sons sessions and was so happy to have this couple back for their newborn and family photoshoot! I cannot get over their baby girl and how well she did for her session and Big brother was so good with her. Here are a handful of my favorites from this in home studio newborn session!

Newborn Photography| Jacki G. Photography| Richmond, VA| Family & Newborn Photographer

Mom wanted a simple cream/white session for her sweet little girl. We also incorporated flowers and Moms wedding dress in some of the poses. Big Brother was a so good with his little sister considering he is still a baby himself. Mom also wanted more lifestyle instead of posed for their family portion of the session. The light in their basement was perfect. I brought the studio to the comfort of their home. I clean and sanitize everything after each session. These are a few of my favorites from her session.

Welcome to the world X. 11 days new| Richmond, VA| Jacki G. Photography| Family & Newborn Photographer

Studio newborn sessions are what I’m most known for and they are probably my favorite sessions to shoot. I love getting in my newborn cuddles! To have this many people trust me with their brand new babies means the word to me. I got to photograph Baby X. 11 days new. He was such a good model and Big Sis who is only 15 months old did amazing with him. I look forward to working with this family again.

Mom wanted to use the toilet paper prop since her baby was born during Covid19

Welcome to the world K.| Richmond, VA| Family & Newborn Photographer| Jacki G. Photography

Welcome to the world baby K! It was an honor to take photos for this beautiful growing family. Enjoy these shots of this precious newborn! He was a champ during his session. His session took place in the comfort of his own home. I bring the studio to you. Everything is sanitized before each session. I wash all the blankets and outfits i use during the session.

Christmas Baby| Richmond, VA| Jacki G. Photography| Jacki G. Photography| Family & Newborn Photographer

I love when families come back to me to photograph their second, third etc. babies. I photographed little D. his first year using the Grow with me package and the family booked the same Grow with me package for their little Girl. She was born on Christmas Day which is really awesome. She slept for the last half of her session. I brought the studio to the families home. Everything i use is cleaned and sanitized after each use. I wear a mask and make sure that everyone is healthy before we begin. Mom picked out creams and pinks for little P. newborn session. Newborn sessions are best booked before baby is 14 days old so that the baby will sleep and like to be posed . These are just a few of my favorite images from the session. I look forward to documenting her grow.

Madison's Senior Portraits| Richmond, VA| Jacki G. Photography| Family & Newborn Photography

Madison your smile lights up a room!! We have loved getting to know this fun senior- she’s an amazing woman. We love her because she’s not only beautiful to photograph, but she’s fun and sweet as can be. We had trouble choosing our favorite image from her senior portrait session, but here is a few of the many that we love. I photographed her Drape portraits as well as her casual portraits . We choose a few different locations to show different side of Madison.

Lifestyle photography| Jacki G. Photography| Richmond, VA| Family & Newborn Photographer

G. was 8 days old when i traveled to VA beach for his newborn session. I photographed his older brother a few years prior. I love when i get to photograph families as they grow their families.

The family was so adoable during the session. Big Brother wasn’t that interested in baby brother but i did manage to get a few great shots of them together. I took some posed portraits of the family and siblings then we took a few lifestyle images as well to round out this adorable session.

For the first half of the newborn session G. was wide awake and eager to show me his gorgeous eyes that sparkled just like his mothers! In all my years of photographing newborns the ones where they look straight into my lens has to be one of my all-time favorites. When a newborn baby looks right at you with eyes as big as dinner plates, you can’t help but wonder what they’re thinking about and what beautiful things they will see in their lifetime. Getting to be part of that world is something I will never get tired of experiencing.

Capturing parents with their babies is so important to me – it’s a tangible memory you’ll never want to forget, and one you’ll cherish as your little one grows into a bigger version of themselves. That’s why newborn photography is so special to me, and why I absolutely adore my job as a photographer (which is more like a passion than work!). I’m essentially creating a blueprint for your life with your child, and you’ll have tons of stunning images to look back on to remember the sweet moments you spent, holding your newborn in your arms, gushing over how much you love them.

These are just a few of the images from G. gallery.

Cake smash give away| Richmond, VA | Jacki G. Photograph| Family & Newborn Photographer

Do you know someone turning one? Or maybe your baby is getting ready to turn one? Tag the parents of a soon to be one year old in the comment section below, and one lucky one year old is going to win a complimentary cake smash session to take place at my home studio. A winner will be selected in two weeks so make sure to share this post with family and friends in RVA.

these are examples of some cake smash sessions i have photographed before. The session does NOT include digitals or prints.