Baby Brother is finally here.

A baby brother is the best! We have been working with this family here and there for years. We did an anniversary session years ago. Then when they found out they were going to start a family we photographed some maternity photos. They decided to follow up that session with a newborn session. Every session with him is an honor because we get to capture the moments as he grows. Most recently, we photographed another maternity session. Their family is getting bigger! Once baby brother arrived we quickly set up a newborn session. These sessions can include the entire family or just baby. Mom and dad decided that since they had a special moment with their first son they wanted the same with their second. They decided to just have the session include mom, dad and new baby brother. This allowed them the opportunity to spend a bit of time with just the new baby brother. He was just wonderful for his first session. He slept and let us wrap him up to take various poses with mom and dad. We made sure to include the cute outfit that they brought with them. We have lots of wraps and props to use but welcome anything personal to your baby. These items make each session unique. Also, the children can use them later when they are bigger to show how much they have grown. Mom and dad are seasoned pros, making the session a breeze for them. We do offer a prep guide for new parents, but this couple came prepared with everything they needed. We also made them feel very relaxed because we handled everything. It was fun to chat about how big brother has been adjusting to his new little baby brother. We know this family will come back over and over again so we can see everyone as they grow. We are happy they found our studio years ago and look forward to working with them for many years.   #ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #newbornsession #studiosession

Tips for a newborn session with siblings

We gladly welcome a new birthday club member. A house full of sweet girls for dad! We have enjoyed working with these sisters and can’t wait to watch them grow up together. We will see them often since they are all birthday club members. Each newborn session has been different for this family. Starting off with a quite in home session with the first one, a bit more chaotic studio session with baby two, and now a well planned and perfectly executed newborn session with baby three. Here are a few tips to consider for a newborn session when working with older siblings. Talk with the older siblings about ways they can help. They can listen to you and the photographer, or they can also help to get baby to sleep. We encourage them to be involved a bit because then that makes all kids more likely to sit for a photo and “help”. When siblings get the impression that they are helping they are relaxed. They feel like they are having a say in the photos which make them more natural and relaxed. Why would you want a grumpy face photo because we forced them to sit in a chair together? What if your older child likes to lay next to baby, that would be a more relaxed and natural photo. We are very flexible with our posing to get the biggest smiles. We can easily go between sibling photos and individual photos of the newborn. So fitting in some breaks for older kids is essential for the session to run smoothly. Snacks or a favorite toy is welcome so parents can focus on baby while the older kids have a break. Lastly, but probably the most important is to have your older children work with baby at home. We don’t want the first time they hold or sit next to them is during the session. Depending on their age they will interact with babies differently and it is a great idea to know that before the session. Do they like to snuggle a bit too much or do they push the baby away? The more interactions they have together the better for the session. We are excited to photograph your growing family. Contact us to start at the beginning with a newborn session. We are happy to give you all the tips and tricks to a smooth session with photos that last a lifetime. #ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #newbornsession #birthdayclub #studiosession #newbornwithsiblings

Welcome to the world Luke

Welcome to the world Luke! We love to have you as part of our birthday club. Your brother has been such a great member and now we get to have you be a part of the Ravetta family too. We were expecting a call from mom since at the last session she said she was expecting. However, when we got it we were surprised. It just seemed like time went by so fast! Going into this newborn session mom and dad were ready for whatever we were able to get since they knew we were working with a toddler and a baby. Big brother may have needed some treats in order to sit down but once he did he was all smiles. We got some perfect images of the brothers together. Mom was happy to the great start of Luke’s first birthday club session. Honestly, with a toddler in the studio having to sit still for photos with his baby brother it went perfectly. The rest of the session was dedicated to Luke. Mom brought a few things that are special to them to include in the photos. We really like when parents do that because then the photos are more unique to the child. Also, it opens up the idea to bring back that item when they are older. Then we can take a photo showing how much they have grown. All of Luke’s photos are just wonderful because he slept so well and also tolerated the swaddles and clothing changes. We did use some calming techniques between a few photos but that’s no problem to get the results that we got in our photos. Since Luke is now a member of our birthday club we look forward to seeing him in just a few short months. Again, time goes by so fast but we are excited to see what type of personality emerges from this sweet little boy.   #ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #newbornsession #studiosession #brothers #babyboy

Starting a family, with a baby girl

What would you think is the best way to celebrate your one year anniversary? Some couple celebrate by taking a vacation, others have a nice dinner out together, while a select group of people do something really special. Kim and Grant were in the select group of people that did something really special…they had a baby! They celebrated their first anniversary in the hospital with their little baby girl. Not many couples can say that. Kim reached out a few months before she was due to discuss the options for newborn photos. We went over what was included in the gift certificate they received from us, since we did their wedding photos. Then we also talked about the options of them coming to the studio or us traveling to their home. We are happy to do whatever it easiest and most comfortable for mom. Kim was happy to come to our studio and arrived ready to take some family photos. She even brought a few outfits for her daughter to wear. A mom that is really on top of everything! We started off with family photos so we could get an idea of how baby girl liked to be held, swaddled, etc. She was not excited for her photo debut. Kim realized that is was getting close to the time she usually eats so it was best to let her have something to eat. She was well aware that mom did not give her all the food she normally gets. She settled for a moment but then decided that she needed to eat the rest of it. No problem, best to have a full belly when posing for photos. That worked perfectly because the rest of the session she just let us pose her and get some wonderful images. Kim and Grant even said “yep, that’s the one that would look great hanging on the wall in her room.” They hadn’t even seen the photos, but knew they were going to love them. We look forward to working with them again as baby girl grows, hopefully they become members of our birthday club. Great job and good luck selecting your favorite photos!   #ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #newbornsession #studiosession #newborngirl #babygirl

Newborn baby girl is here and everyone is excited.

We receive referrals from past clients all the time. This one was a bit surprising because it came from a wedding client we worked with many years ago. She is now a photographer herself but mainly does weddings. When her good friend needed a newborn session she immediately mentioned us. Wow, even another photographer would refer us to friends. Sarah wanted to get on our schedule as soon as possible to get those snuggle newborn baby photos. Also, Sarah wanted to get some photos with the grandma’s while they were in town. We don’t often have a generational photo during a newborn session. It was very nice to see the family gathering in our office for Sophia’s newborn session. She is one very loved little girl. We wanted the family to relax while they were with us so we started off with all the photos that included adults. Sarah had a list of combinations, which was helpful so we didn’t forget anything that was important to her. Sophia slept the entire time we passed her from arms to arms during those photos. It was then time for her solo photos, she slept during those as well. She was just an angel the entire session. We were able to incorporate the bows mom brought with her. It’s great when parents come with stuff from home. Of course, we have lots I our studio to use but personal items give the photos a more unique look. Mom knows she would have a hard time selecting images so she picked our digital package right from the start. That includes all the images we take during a session. That was a great decision since it would be difficult to narrow them down. The best part of the session was when grandma came in the room and told Sophia she was going to be a star since she was doing everything perfectly. You’re a star for sure Sophia – the star of your family!   #ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #newbornsession #studiosession #babygirl

Welcome little man, nice to meet you

It is not uncommon to get a call from a mother that is expecting months before the due date. We talk to them about the options for maternity photos as well as newborn photos after the baby arrives. Janna called wanting to know all the options available to them.  She and Daniel were just a month away from scheduling a newborn session! We photographed their wedding so they received a free newborn session. We were so excited to work with them again! Janna only had a few things in mind for the session. This gave us the opportunity to create some new ideas for her. We have so many options at our studio that can be used during our sessions. Of course, we are able to try and recreate a photo you have seen but we also like to get creative with our props too. We were not sure what we were going to get with Owen because he was not a fan of being swaddled or laying on his belly. But he really did love being held by mom and dad. Janna and Daniel were not sure they wanted to be in photos but we convinced them that even just a few are great to have later. Plus Owen loved being held so these images turned out perfectly. Owen was awake for some of the session giving us the opportunity to get photos with his eyes open. However, those sleepy baby photos are just the best so we tried a few times to get him to sleep, in the meantime, he gave us a huge smile. We couldn’t have asked for anything better. We know that it is a bit of a drive for Janna and Daniel to come to our studio so we enjoyed visiting with them. Perhaps next time we can meet you out your way!   #ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #newbornsession #studiosession #firstborn

Boy, oh, Boy!

Boy (no pun intended) were we excited when we found out our recent wedding couple had given birth to not one, but TWO precious little boys! This session was one to remember, and for all the right reasons. Even before hearing their pregnancy story, it was evident that these two preemie babies were troopers! They are so strong already and there is no denying the unbreakable bond they will continue to grow upon. Tiny but mighty from the start! We love seeing past wedding clients return when they decide to start a family! During their wedding day we get to know not only the couple, but their entire family, on such an intimate level as we join in on one of the most important days of their lives. To be able to continue our relationship with them following their wedding, is definitely something we don’t take for granted! Hopefully this is the beginning of many more family sessions and memories to capture. It was so hard to choose our favorite photos to share of the two cutest little boys! They were wonderful babies throughout their entire session – the perfect duo. They took turns keeping eye on what was going on while the other one got some rest… silly boys. We were able to document so many photos in record time! I mean just look at them. Watching Jenna and Joe transition into parenthood demonstrates even more how perfect they are for each other! They are so supportive, goofy, and purely happy together. They make the perfect team and we are so glad we got to help them welcome their twin boys to the world! You would never guess that they are new to this whole parenting thing! You guys are naturals. Jenna and Joe, thank you for letting us meet your sweet lil’ babies! We can’t wait to see you all again!   #ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #newbornsession #newborntwins #twinboys

Baby Madison is here!

Little Miss Madison, where do we even start? Having photographed both older brothers as newborns and each of their sessions going so differently, we weren’t sure what to expect! Of course every baby is different and unique in their own ways, but she definitely set the bar high. She was completely content and perfect the entire time! Such a sweetheart already. Newborn sessions are beyond special. Even more so when the experience is extended to grandma! Not only does she lend a helping hand, but grandma is ALWAYS prepared with all the things. We love it because it makes each of their sessions unique to them! And no one spoils a child better than grandma, let alone the first born granddaughter. Madison already has a growing collection of bows (on bows on bows). Which for us, is perfect! She had one that matched every outfit – so adorable. Speaking of collections, both big brothers were eager to show us their assortment of toy spiders following the session! Eek! She is lucky to have such silly older brothers! Both the boys are literally always cheesing, it’s no wonder we captured a few smirks from baby girl during her first photoshoot! Middle brother was so helpful and excited to hold lil sister and big brother even came home early from school to join in a couple sibling shots. What a precious moment to capture and always look back on! With Easter right around the corner, how could you not take a baby basket shot with her Easter basket? Props to Grandma again for bringing it along; it was the perfect size for her to fit in! We can’t wait to see this family once again for their Spring Session with the ducks at our studio, just in time before Easter! Welcome to the family baby Madison!   #ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #newbornsession #inhomephotos #babygirl

My photos are the most important things we have.

Are you trying to decide if a newborn photo session is right for you? Listen to what one mom has to say about the newborn photos we did for her almost 4 year old. “The newborn photos of James is seriously one of the favorite things I own. Like I would run back into a fire for them!” Now of course we wouldn’t want that since we have them saved here at the office but it perfectly sums up how important the photos are to this family. A baby girl was recently welcomed into the family by big brother James. Getting a newborn appointment was top of the list. What about one of our birthday club packages. James is a part of the birthday club. Would that be the right fit for your family? Here’s what she has to say about that “We are for sure doing the package! It’s one of my favorite things ever!” We got a session set up right away to make sure to get all the snuggly, wrapped baby photos. The birthday club package includes an album with your selection of images from the first 4 sessions. We wouldn’t want to miss out on the sweet newborn baby photos! Mom brought a few things to include in the session that were important, a basket that grandma had as a baby-a floral wrap that she got from mom-the blanket from her nursery and various bows. It really gave us so much to work with during the session. We created similar photos to big brother but yet totally different for baby girl. James was a super big brother because he followed directions perfectly, held his sister and smiled for the camera. We are looking forward to his session coming up next month. Little baby Luella, what a relaxed baby. Mom and dad says she is generally chill but already has a bit of sass and an attitude from time to time. She only showed us the relaxed agreeable baby! We were able to move from set to set with ease. Dad was also helping each time because as he says “I just can’t sit, I like to be helping or doing something” We have known them for years with family photos, wedding photos and we even took photos of Alexa when she was little. It’s like photographing close friends since we easily chat the entire session. We are very excited that Luella is now a part of our birthday club and getting an album too because there are just so many great photos. And we will not hold it against her that she made a mess on our blanket, although dad took a photo so that might come out on her first date, haha!   #ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #birthdayclub #studiosession

Three boys and all smiles

We started with the wedding to firstborn, to second-born, and now the third baby in the family. We are overjoyed we get to work with this wonderful family over and over. During the last newborn session, mom and dad thought their family was complete, but baby Owen really wanted to be a part of this family. Now with three boys, this mom has her hands full since they are all under the age of three. The grandmas get together and purchase a birthday club membership for each child. Which of course, we think is the absolute best gift that can be given to anybody. The gift of photographs! We were recently at their home doing one-year photos and discussed how soon the new baby would be arriving. So when they came into the office it had felt like we just saw them a few weeks ago because we did!

Oldest brother Jonah did a really great job of listening and following directions. This gave us the opportunity to get some great photos of the whole family together. Then some of the brothers together, of course, one-year-old Miles was just on the go the whole time. We think that mom and dad are going to be very pleased with all of the options that they have from this newborn session. Despite having to continually put Miles back in the photo! Baby Owen was easy to work the whole time. We finished up the session using blankets and props that were meaningful to the family. A hat that has been used on both of the other boys was also incorporated into the photos. Then a few things from his room, which is farm-themed. We know there is a lot going on when you have three children but are also very honored that we will get to watch them all grow since they are part of our birthday club. See you in a few months for the four-month session!

#ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #newbornsession #studiosession #birthdayclub