Thursday, January 24, 2013

Baby Photographers Favorite Gift Idea!!

Baby Photographers Favorite gift idea for Grandparents, Moms, Dads, and Family - you just can not get more meaningful than giving memories as gifts!!

I bet Grandma would love a book with their sweet grandchildren throughout!

















Valentine's Day is right around the corner, create a Blurb photo book filled with your favorite moments for that special someone.

 Instagram books and Facebook books are quick and easy to create and make the perfect little gift for the one you love.  For more ideas and inspiration go to Blurb.com.

 And remember that from now through 2/14 you can save 20% on your entire book order with code MYBOOKLOVE.

Happy Giving!!

Monday, January 21, 2013

Baby Photography Tips - Shutter Priority for Baby Portraits

Baby Photography Tips for the amateur going pro or the parent wanting improved baby photos at home



The topic today is Shutter Priority - becoming familiar with this camera mode.

I am going to get just a little technical.  I know some of you may not be ready for this BUT if you keep shooting then one day you will be ready.  If you have not tried these partially automatic modes such as Shutter Priority on your digital SLR camera I recommend doing so.  They can give you a great amount of additional creativity without all the concentration needed to operate in full on Manual mode. If you are a photographer going pro, I highly recommend getting over to these modes at least.

Shutter Priority Setting: "Tv" Mode on Canon, "S" on Nikon
If you are not sure where to find this on your camera look up Shutter Priority Setting in your camera's manual.

Here are a some details to help you become more familiar with using this mode:
  • You will need to set/adjust your own ISO unless you have an "Auto ISO" option in your camera menu.  If you are unfamiliar with ISO go here and read up on this function.
    • Your camera will automatically choose your Aperture based on the lighting conditions and lens used.
    • The aperture your camera chooses is based on the capabilities of your lens, for example some lenses have a 1.4 aperture some have 2.5 aperture.  If you need help with Aperture go here.
    • Higher shutter numbers, for example 250, will stop movement such as baby's hands and feet kicking around.
    • Lower shutter numbers, for example 120 and below, could allow for blur and movement in your portraits.  If you want to show the baby's feet kicking then lower the shutter or say your child is swinging and you want to show the motion lower the shutter.
    • After you are done experimenting and practicing remember to put your camera back on the mode you typically use so it's ready for those "kodak moments" when they arise =)
    If you would like more detailed information on DIY Baby Portraits at home check out our Portrait Session Guide Here OR attend a group photography workshop in Maryland.


    About the Artist:
    Bitsy Baby Photography, LLC offers professional baby photography, infant portraits, baby's first year packages, maternity photography, maternity and baby photography packages.  Founder Rita Lawrence is the lead newborn photographer at the studio serving Annapolis MD, Baltimore MD, Edgewater MD, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach VA, Suffolk Virginia, Portsmouth, Norfolk VA, Newport News Virginia, and near areas.  In person photography workshops and a variety of teaching tools are available to photographers and group parent's photography workshops are offered for the amateur photo enthusiast wishing to improve their day to day photos at home.

    Baby Photographers take on Baby Soothing Techniques

    Baby Photographers take on Baby Soothing Techniques
    When your baby looks like this:
    But you want him/her to look like this:


    Some recent conversations with a few clients have inspired me to post this information.  I'll list some things here that helped me sooth and comfort my 1st baby - she was SO fussy, very unhappy as an infant.  She had reflux but she was also a very bad self soother, even after the reflux was under control she had a hard time falling asleep and being comfortable.  I hope if you are experiencing any of the same that some of these tips might bring a little relief for your family.

    -pacifiers, mine never took one but from what I hear they can be a God-send!

    -white noise, this one by Conair is the very best I have tried and I now use this in the studio, volume should be pretty LOUD
    Supposedly babies ear drums are hard and not soft like ours are, the sounds they hear are muffled and white noise really only works if it's loud enough (I read this in a baby book some time ago, correct me if this is wrong)  So basically we would put the volume a little above what, to our ears, was too loud and that was when she slept gooood.

    -swaddling tight, arms in and at sides, we swaddled till 3 months and noticed a big difference when we did not swaddle - she always would startle herself awake.  At about 3 months we began only wrapping the legs and during this month weaned her off swaddling completely but I have heard of babies up to 5 months being swaddled.

    -a schedule...this is controversial but we read Babywise and did this routine roughly, not very very strict.  She slept so much better with at least a rough schedule and it helped us know when she was hungry or actually uncomfortable and unhappy!

    -exercise ball...in the evenings there is a "witching hour" and many babies around the world become uncomfortable.  Supposedly it has to do with their circadian rhythm or something or other and they just can't sleep.  I lived on the exercise ball, I'd wrap her up put her over my shoulder and bounce...and watch tv or movies etc - she'd stay happy as long as I bounced gently on the ball and I even got a little exercise doing it.  THIS was a huge lifesaver for us.

    -going outside after morning nap....once the sun was out i'd put her in the carrier on me and we'd go for a walk while she was awake, all the stuff she saw and noises etc helped stimulate her and when we got home she took a good nap for me.

    -BOUNCER..wowza I saved the best for last, we would put her in the bouncy seat and bounce the seat with our foot, this helped me fold laundry, cook, wash dishes, anything I could do while standing or sitting in one place - I could set her up in the bouncy and get things done...as I bounced of course.  AND you'll think this is hilarious and don't report us to the CPS but my hubby even connected our rigged up electric kitchenaid mixer to the bouncy so it bounced her automatically from time to time.  We used this while we ate dinner so we could both sit at the table together to eat warm food because she was always awake and fussy at dinnertime haha!

    Sleep deprivation is a serious issue, if your baby is not sleeping and you are not sleeping, ask for help!

    DISCLOSURE: None of this information should take the place of the advice of your Dr, I am not a Dr and this is only information based on my personal experience.  Please ask your Dr if you have any concerns with your baby and their sleep.

    Friday, January 18, 2013

    Baby Portrait Session Guide by Bitsy Baby Photography


    Baby Portrait Session Guide by Bitsy Baby Photography (the sitting baby)
    Education for photographers and the avid DIY photographer at home!




    Finally, it is here!  The Baby Photographers Posing and Session Guide, The Sitting Baby!
    This is the first in a series of Baby Guides to be released this year: newborn, smiling, and standing baby guides to come!


    Cost is $175
    ****January purchases also receive access to my baby session sample galleries for inspiration and guidance and my client session prep document sent to all clients prior to their sessions.


    This photographer's training guide could benefit you if:
    Your a DIY'r and would like to take your own baby's portraits at home
    You are a baby photographer but still new to baby portraits
    You are adding professional baby portraits into your established portrait business
    Your sessions are long and babies are crying
    You are uncomfortable with baby sessions and posing them
    You need help on communicating preparation guidelines to clients
    You need a smooth predictable session flow for baby sessions
    You need some go-to posing ideas that work for every sitting baby
    You photograph portrait sessions in your client's home
    You need to make the most of a small studio space or home studio
    You would like to see pull-back samples from a Bitsy Baby sitting baby session

    This photography posing guide is provided in digital format.  It can be conveniently viewed on a media device during a session or can be printed for hard-copy reference cards.  This is jpg cards of an actual session.  It includes setups showing where I am standing and where the subject is placed in the light as well as the final portraits for the session.  Basically, you are here at my studio with me virtually!!

    Please complete the "contact me" form on the website HERE to order yours today!
    All sales are final.
    Orders are sent within two business days of purchase.
    *Limited to photographers outside a 100 mile radius from 21037 and 23464.  Please include your address with your order*
    This guide will be available for all our parents who are also newsletter readers regardless of your location, even right here in Maryland on the basis that you do not have a photography business.

    If you would like to be the first to hear when our newest Guides and instructional materials are released follow our newsletter HERE!!



    About the Artist:
    Bitsy Baby Photography, LLC offers professional baby photography, infant portraits, baby's first year packages, maternity photography, maternity and baby photography packages.  Founder Rita Lawrence is the lead newborn photographer at the studio serving Annapolis MD, Baltimore MD, Edgewater MD, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach VA, Suffolk Virginia, Portsmouth, Norfolk VA, Newport News Virginia, and near areas.  In person photography workshops and a variety of teaching tools are available to photographers and group parent's photography workshops are offered for the amateur photo enthusiast wishing to improve their day to day photos at home.

    Thursday, January 17, 2013

    Baby Steps Photography Workshop in Maryland


    Baby Steps Photography Workshop
    The road to photography improvement, one baby step at a time!

    Date: Saturday, Feb 23, 2013
    Time: 10a-2p Baby Steps Class
    Registration: $199
    Location: Edgewater, MD 21037
    To Register: Complete the contact form on the website here: Bitsy Baby Photography

    This is the basics workshop covering the following:

    • 10 key elements for capturing impressive images
    • Elements of Exposure including ISO, shutter speed, and aperture
    • Depth of Field and how to get that amazing blurry background
    • Instruction on your basic camera modes - getting out of Auto!
    • Using natural light and light modifiers
    • Resources for printing and sharing
    • Intro to lenses and their capabilities 
    • Demonstration and tips on working with your own babies at home
    • pdf workbook is included so bring your ipad!
    • Open question and answer


    ***If you have already attended the basics workshop and are interested in learning manual mode, post-processing or advanced topics Contact Me and let's schedule a one-on-one!!  The cost is $349 and parents booking a one-on-one workshop often use their own baby/child as our workshop model.

    **This workshop is for non-professional photographer enthusiasts that want to learn more about capturing their family memories at home.  If you have a website for photography work, take photos for money, or will start your own photography business within the next year this is not open for your registration.  Please inquire about the professional photography workshops offered at the studio!**

    Maternity Photographers Posing and Session Guide

    Maternity Posing Session Guide by Bitsy Baby Photography
    Education for photographers and the DIY photographers at home



    Finally, it is here!  The Maternity Photographers Posing and Session Guide!

    ****January purchases also receive our client session prep document sent to all clients prior to their sessions.

    This photographer's training guide could benefit you if:
    Your a DIY'r and would like to take your wife or friend's maternity portraits at home
    You are a maternity photographer but still new to maternity portraits
    You are adding professional maternity portraits into your established portrait business
    Your sessions are long
    You are uncomfortable with maternity sessions and posing
    You need help on communicating poses to clients
    You need a smooth predictable session flow for maternity sessions
    You need flattering maternity posing ideas
    You would like to know areas of concern for many pregnant mothers and what to do
    You photograph portrait sessions in your client's home
    You need to make the most of a small studio space or home studio
    You would like to see pull-back samples from a Bitsy Baby session

    This photography posing guide is provided in digital format.  It can be conveniently viewed on a media device during a session or can be printed for hard-copy reference cards.  This is jpg cards of an actual session.  It includes setups showing where I am standing and where the mother is placed in the light as well as the final portraits for the session.  Basically, you are here at my studio with me virtually!!

    Please reach out to us for your Maternity Photographers Guide today!
    All sales are final.
    Orders are sent within two business days of purchase.
    *Limited to photographers and DIY'ers outside a 100 mile radius from 21037 and 23464.  Please include your address (and website if applicable) with your order*


    About the Artist:
    Bitsy Baby Photography, LLC offers professional baby photography, infant portraits, baby's first year packages, maternity photography, maternity and baby photography packages.  Founder Rita Lawrence is the lead newborn photographer at the studio serving Annapolis MD, Baltimore MD, Edgewater MD, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach VA, Suffolk Virginia, Portsmouth, Norfolk VA, Newport News Virginia, and near areas.  In person photography workshops and a variety of teaching tools are available to photographers and group parent's photography workshops are offered for the amateur photo enthusiast wishing to improve their day to day photos at home.

    Coffee Table Photo Books - Perfect Valentine's Day Gifts!

    Coffee Table Photo Books - The Perfect Valentine's Day Gift!

    You no doubt have folders and folders on the computer full of your meaningful portraits from 2012 right, well why not turn all those beautiful memories into a thoughtful Valentine's Day Gift?

    It's simple and easy: make a coffee table photo book for that special someone in your life!!
    You can save 25% off too -  one of the largest savings offered by my preferred consumer book vendor and I am sharing this first with my readers here!

    Here is where you log in Coffee Table Books and Albums
    Use the code "COZY" at checkout before January 28th for your 25% off!

    Go now, create and give!

    Here are my Christmas portraits of my daughters (and my pet dinosaur, lol), I will definitely be including them in my 2012 book.









    About the Artist:
    Bitsy Baby Photography, LLC offers professional baby photography, infant portraits, baby's first year packages, maternity photography, maternity and baby photography packages.  Founder Rita Lawrence is the lead newborn photographer at the studio serving Annapolis MD, Baltimore MD, Edgewater MD, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach VA, Suffolk Virginia, Portsmouth, Norfolk VA, Newport News Virginia, and near areas.  In person photography workshops and a variety of teaching tools are available to photographers and group parent's photography workshops are offered for the amateur photo enthusiast wishing to improve their day to day photos at home.

    Tuesday, January 15, 2013

    Baby Photography Portraits in Maryland - Limited Availability

    Baby Photography Portraits in Maryland - Baby's First Year Photographs in 2013



    Have you heard?  We are adding baby photography in Virginia Beach, Virginia this year.

    This means we will have only limited portrait sessions open at the studio in Maryland for 2013!

    ***Your portrait session or due date must be booked and deposit covered during the month of January to guarantee a session for 2013 in Maryland***

    These photo sessions will be offered at your home or in studio and/or outside opportunities on the wooded property.  They will include a collection of high resolution digital images in color and b/w with a variety of poses and clothing.  Gift Cards and referral bonus' can be applied towards these bookings so don't forget to send your friends over too.

    Here are the popular baby milestones to capture so you may estimate when you would like to come in!
    Sleeping-- 1-3 weeks
    Smiling--3/4 months
    Sitting--5/6 months
    Standing--8/9 months
    Birthday--12 months
    Family Groups -all ages, *limited to returning clients


    We look forward to seeing your babies (and you) this year.  =)

    About the Artist:
    Bitsy Baby Photography, LLC offers professional baby photography, infant portraits, baby's first year packages, maternity photography, maternity and baby photography packages.  Founder Rita Lawrence is the lead newborn photographer at the studio serving Annapolis MD, Baltimore MD, Edgewater MD, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach VA, Suffolk Virginia, Portsmouth, Norfolk VA, Newport News Virginia, and near areas.  In person photography workshops and a variety of teaching tools are available to photographers and group parent's photography workshops are offered for the amateur photo enthusiast wishing to improve their day to day photos at home.

    www.bitsybaby.com

    Photographer Position Available in Maryland - Bitsy Baby Photography DC Area


    Photographer Position Available at Bitsy Baby Photography!



    To find out more about this unique opportunity please send an email with "Photographer Position" as the subject.  Include a resume or a list of your photography background and experience.
    *thorough training is included
    *a non-compete agreement is required
    *interviewing asap

    ***PLEASE SHARE THIS IF YOU KNOW ANYONE THAT LOVES BABIES & PHOTOGRAPHY***




    About the Artist:
    Bitsy Baby Photography, LLC offers professional baby photography, infant portraits, baby's first year packages, maternity photography, maternity and baby photography packages.  Founder Rita Lawrence is the lead newborn photographer at the studio serving Annapolis MD, Baltimore MD, Edgewater MD, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach VA, Suffolk Virginia, Portsmouth, Norfolk VA, Newport News Virginia, and near areas.  In person photography workshops and a variety of teaching tools are available to photographers and group parent's photography workshops are offered for the amateur photo enthusiast wishing to improve their day to day photos at home.

    Thursday, January 10, 2013

    Newborn Photography Let's You Capture Baby's First Moments


    Newborn Photography Let's You Capture Baby’s First Moments Forever









    As a parent or a soon-to-be parent, you understand how important and precious those first few weeks of your baby's life are.  Sometimes it seems like you simply blink and your little one is already off to school.  Oh, how we'd love to be able to hold on to those first few weeks and keep them that little for a while longer.  Unfortunately, all babies grow up, and those days are gone.  That's why it's vital to capture those precious first moments in pictures with the help of a professional who is experienced in newborn photography.

    Baby's First Moments
    At Bitsy Baby, we want to offer you newborn photography services that will help you remember and preserve those important moments that otherwise would be lost with fading memories.  The "firsts" in your baby's life only come by once.  Many times parents have to settle for remembering those moments by a few notes scrawled in their child's baby book. With newborn photography, you have the option of capturing them in pictures, so you'll be able to look back with fondness for years to come.

    How wonderful would it be to have a professional picture of your baby's first, big toothless smile, or what about capturing those little giggles that will soon give way to laughter?  There are so many of those moments and they're gone too fast.  Newborn photography can help keep them alive and fresh in your mind.

    The Beauty of Pictures
    Perhaps you're going to be welcoming home a new baby in the near future.  It might be difficult for you to think about life without a baby bump, but before long, your pregnant belly will be a distant memory.  Some of our most beautiful pictures are shots of mama's tummies while they're carrying their precious bundles of joy.  These pictures make beautiful nursery decorations and wonderful keepsakes for you to always remember how little your child once was, all nestled and warm inside your womb.

    Newborn photography is a magical experience when your baby is first born, but how about those other "firsts" in your baby's life?  There's nothing as exciting for you or your child than when he or she takes those shaky first steps.  We'd love to preserve those memories for you.  How about your child's first birthday party?  You'll treasure the memory of that birthday cake-smudged little face long after the mess is cleaned up.  These "firsts" are priceless, and it seems only right to make sure as many of these important milestones are captured on film as possible.

    At Bitsy Baby, we're making moves of our own.  We are offering portrait commissions in Virginia Beach, Virginia in the near future.  If you're in that area, we'd love to become a part of helping you document your baby's precious "firsts."  Contact us today for more information about how your family can join ours!  

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    We specialize in maternity photographs, newborn and baby photography, family photography with babies. Bitsy Baby Photography offers professional photography services in Edgewater, Annapolis, Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia and all the surrounding areas. Please browse through the Blog Archive to the right for photography tips and samples of portrait work. Please also take a look at the website portfolio here:
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