Raleigh Cary Newborn Photographer - Fixing Newborn Skin Photoshop

As a newborn photographer it is crucial to know how to use Photoshop to touch up baby's skin. Each newborn's complexion is different but overall the majority tend to have milia, dry skin, red blotches, and/or scratching from their sharp nails. Lets face it all these skin issues are real life and truly document what your baby looks like in that particular moment. However I have found as a photographer, parents seem to favor the touched up look. The first thing they often say is "oh just this morning he started breaking out, or he clawed himself on the way over" They are automatically worried about their newborn's photos being ruined by these tiny flaws. As a newborn photographer I have also noticed that my "finished" work sells hands down over the natural look. So it is pertinent that anyone photographing babies and newborns especially, knows how to use the clone stamp, patch tool,heal brush, soften skin. I also use a tool Portraiture that works wonders and saves me from a lot of manual fixes. Here is an example of a recent newborn straight out of camera. For this shoot I spent about 2 hours photographing and probably 6 hours editing skin. Its a time consuming job but the results are worth it.

Raleigh Cary Apex Newborn Photographer - Owen

Owen's newborn session was perfect just like his mom's maternity session that we did in downtown Apex. So many sweet photos to fill up his album. Once in his milk coma Owen let me pose him anyway I wanted. Of course its always important to run a space heater to keep them warm and a white noise machine, just adds to the sleepiness. 

Newborn Owen - Raleigh Cary Photographer

Another awesome newborn photography session with a little boy from Durham. His parents brought this sign along to incorporate into the photos, what a great idea. Owen was an eight pounder and all cheeks. A good sleeper and so much fun to work with.

Baby Pyper - Cary Newborn Photographer Raleigh

Trying to catch up on all my session posts. This little Raleigh newborn girl was an angel to photograph. She was petite and slept so well for me. She didn't even make a peep when I repositioned her. Loved the way she constantly curled her lips so cute. Thanks for bringing her over Jen. 

Drop 10 Diet - Raleigh Baby Photographer

This photographer is not digging the muffin top that has started baking since I had to stop running the last couple years. Boy its amazing how fast the pounds creep up. My job doesn't help either. Yes I am normally sweating my butt off during sessions, whether its from the heater for a newborn session or earned sweat from chasing a toddler. However when I'm not shooting I'm sitting on my butt in front of this computer most of the day. Not only am I a lot fatter with my sedentary jobstyle but I also have a lot more aches and pains from the hunched over position I spend too much time in.

After continually staring at that flab roll falling over the top of my jeans as I edited my photos I became fed up! This will not be the year I retire that bikini! After discovering the Drop 10 Diet in my Self magazine I knew I had to make some changes. Overall I consider myself a healthy eater. I eat a very balanced diet for the most part, I just have two downfalls, my portion sizes (seconds please) and my preferred late night snack: a big hunk of crusty bread, lots of cheese and a couple glasses of wine at 9:30pm when my hubby comes home from work, bad, bad.

Its been 5 days since I started the diet, a record for me. I finally weighed myself this morning and discovered I lost 1 meager pound. I was really hoping for 5 but I do realize how long it takes. So on the bright side only 9 more to go.

Here is a sample of my meals yesterday. Please do not judge the photography. These were taken with my crappy phone camera, no I do not have an iPhone obviously. In fact I am giving my husband my iPhone upgrade because I am not good with phones, however after looking at these photos I'm thinking maybe I should renege on that deal. I could use a better phone camera huh?

Here are my 3 meals (Breakfast 350, Lunch 450,Dinner 450). On top of that I had a plain greek yogurt with 1/3 c.blueberries (I admit I had to choke that down) and an orange for my allowed 200 snack in the morning. Then in the afternoon I took the girls to the movies so I snuck in a bag of 100 calorie popcorn and 2 york peppermint patties for the 200 anything calories you can use or save.  I also ate about 10 plain m&ms and 2 handfuls of theatre popcorn because it just taste so much better. I knew this was going to happen because I have no will power therefore I ran 2 miles with Sophia before the movie in addition to the required circuit training workout.
So all in all I stayed the course.

Cary Baby Photographer - Mini Album

Working on lots of orders this afternoon. Mini Accordion albums are very popular! A perfect item for mom's or grandma's purse, dad's desk or even the fridge as they have a magnetic closure. They are sold in sets of 3 and are a steal at only $99/3 albums.
Had to share this one with you another sweet little newborn and his family. This is how it looks in my ordering system, hence the red lines.

Referral Photo Gift - Raleigh Photographer Baby

Here is an example of one of my referral gifts. A 12 photo accordion mini album. Lauren received this album of her adorable little girl after referring a friend to me for her daughter's newborn photos. Thank you Lauren. Referrals are my best source of marketing. I truly appreciate my client's spreading the word.

Newborn & Baby Studio - Photographer Raleigh

Many photographers in the Raleigh area that photograph newborns and maternity work exclusively on-location, meaning they don't have a dedicated studio space. Because studio rental space is not cheap many photographers can not afford the overhead of their own studio.  I am very blessed to have extra space in my home that I have been able to convert into a studio and office. Having a dedicated space is important to me because it provides my clients with options.  If they are more comfortable in their own home and would rather not drag baby out, I can pack up my stuff and become a portable studio. However if they'd rather not have someone come into their home and set up shop, they can come to my in-home studio. About 75% of my clients choose to come to me, which says a lot.  Most people seem to prefer studio based photographers.

My studio is located in a development near the intersection of Ten Ten Rd & Holly Springs Rd. We have often been referred to as living in the "Bermuda Triangle of Raleigh" Our mailing address is Apex,NC however we technically reside in and pay taxes to Cary, NC.  We are about 10 miles from downtown Apex but can practically touch the city borders of Holly Springs & Raleigh. Not sure why they chose to map the area so strangely?

This morning I took a few photos of my new and improved studio and office space. I am so happy and so much more productive in my new workspace. Within my studio I now have an area dedicated to newborn photography, a few places I use for maternity photos and many options for baby photography.
I have several different canvas backdrops for boys and girls, and an area with a large backdrop for shooting families.

My office has moved upstairs right off the studio. The office is spacious and allows me so much flexibility. I can have a desk with my baby (27inch iMac) for displaying session slideshows, a comfy couch for parents to relax in, breastfeed baby,etc. during the session and another area for sitting and viewing all my albums and products during the photo ordering session. There is even a large closet to store my packaging materials and display items. Within the office is a full bathroom for clients to change and for the one year olds to wash up in after they've made a mess smashing their birthday cake. Best of all I have decorated the office in my logo colors browns and blues.

Raleigh Baby Photographer - baby's skin and photoshop

I'm not sure if people realize that newborn photos don't come out of the camera looking flawless. Very rarely do I get a newborn with perfect skin. Usually they have lots of milia those tiny white bumps and often peeling skin. Because their skin is so sensitive they are also prone to red blotches and scratches from clawing at their face with their sharp little nails. Here are two photos that demonstrate what the photos look like straight out of my camera and the improved photo after lots of photoshopping and tweaking. Digital photography is wonderful for many reasons but a curse as well. Photographers are now consumed with perfecting photos. We live in front of our big Macs and play and play (a.k.a) work.

Cary Newborn Photographer - FREE newborn photos

Just realized this is a leap year (yes where have I been? ) Know someone expecting a baby on Feb 29 or right around? Have them contact me at christa@mycreativeclicks.com, I am giving away a FREE newborn session & brag book to one lucky baby born on Feb 29th.

*Baby must be photographed by March 10th.

Newborn Photos Emery - Raleigh NC

Meet Emery - I had the opportunity to photograph little Ms. Emery and her big sis Ella a couple weeks ago. Emery was so adorable and much preferred to snuggle in someone's arms than be put down to be photographed. We let her roll with it though, of course I don't mind holding a newborn at all! Fortunately she did let me take some photos here and there between all the snuggles. Her sister was such a trouper and look at those eyes. Beautiful sweet girl.

Lawson Newborn Photos - Raleigh NC Photographer

Newborns like Lawson are the reason why I absolutely love what I do. She was the softest, smiliest, squishiest, most bendable, beautiful little baby. Mom said when entering the studio, "she doesn't cry", and she didn't, not a peep. I had so much fun posing and playing with her. I was really hoping Mom would take me up on my offer of keeping her for a couple weeks.

Raleigh Cary Maternity Photographer - Meghan & Jeff are expecting!

I had such a great time working with this couple and Meghan's parents who joined us for the session. We started in downtown Apex for the first half of their Maternity photos then moved to the studio for some more. Meghan is a planner and came with lots of wonderful ideas which made my job easier. Can't wait to meet their little boy very soon at the newborn session.

Raleigh Baby Photographer - Waverly and family

I met up with this family near downtown Apex, for their holiday photos. I must admit I was a bit nervous at first uncertain whether they were going to appreciate the location I chose. Thankfully they too loved it and were on board with my ideas. Unfortunately I did not anticipate the road noise and how distracted the 5 month old would be by the cars and noises of the outdoors. Because she was not yet sitting up we decided to head back to the studio after a few family shots to capture her in an adorable outfit her mom purchased from Etsy. If you haven't shopped on Etsy make sure to check it out but beware its pretty addicting.

Raleigh First Birthday Photographer - Evan vs. the Cake

Another fun cake smashing session with a sweet little guy, Evan. He was a bit shy at first not wanting to show off his smile too much, but once he got sight of the cake and a little sugar in him he perked right up. Oh and the crazy singing, dancing show his grandparents and I put on for him might have helped a little too. Love his big eyes and cheeks and his understanding of Portuguese conversation. Every child should be bi-lingual! His mother & grandparents are from Brazil. Unfortunately I was only able to pick up one Portuguese word throughout the whole session, "lindo" only because it's meaning is the same in Spanish.

such a beautiful pair! love this photo. 

Chocolate toes anyone? 

Raleigh-Newborn-Photographer-Baby Emery

Yesterday Baby Emery and her family came to the studio for her newborn session. She was 15 days young and just a few days too old in newborn photography standards. I don't know what it is but once the babies hit about day 10 they are wide eyed and ready to party. I used all my baby whispering tactics to settle her and was able to get some of her sleeping but boy she gave me a run for my money :) Of course anyone who knows me knows I don't mind these tricky newborns. I could hold a newborn and fuss with them all day! They are my favorite, favorite things. Mom and Dad on the other hand have things to do and in this case another daughter to attend to, who luckily was so extremely well behaved and patient, just playing in my playroom with her own baby dolls most of the session. Needless to say after 2 hours and 45 minutes we got some pretty sweet photos.

This one melts my heart two adorable little girls

She was not crazy about being unswaddled and put down but she did it just long enough

 to capture a few  

One beautiful, patient Mama