{Coeur d'Alene Family Photographer} Alex and Aaron

We journeyed over the mountains to Missoula, MT this weekend for MADEfair.  We had a blast and I had a chance to sneak away and photograph two very sweet brothers and their family.  At 9:30 am the Montana sun was shining brightly and temperatures well into the 80's but we had fun playing around.  The boys especially had fun clowning around the playground.  What a sweet family!  I can't wait until our bean#2 arrives....its going to be trouble!!!

{Coeur d'Alene Newborn Photographer} Baby Claire

Today I had the chance to photograph sweet 6 week old baby Claire.  It was hot, bright, and I was going off 4 hours of sleep but baby Claire was an sweetie and gave us some good shots.  The family was really sweet and patient and enjoyed smiling for the camera.  What fun!

{Coeur d'Alene Children Photographer} Kannon Bear

I received a number of request to knit some bear hats for fellow photographers.  After making a few I decided it was time to make one for Kannon.  A few hours later, a new backdrop, matching Bum Genius 3.0 diaper, and hat Kannon and I had a little fun playing around.  He wasn't too fond of the hat until he discovered the long tails....and then it was love (and drool) at first site.

{Coeur d'Alene Photographer} What to Expect

I am so excited that my calendar is starting to fill up with upcoming sessions.  I am nervous and excited and am awakened with nightmares of forgetting my memory card or worse *breaking* my camera.  Of course, I am list maker and list checker and there is no way I could forget something so simple!  

However, several people have already asked about what to expect and what to wear to their sessions.  That being said, I thought I would pass along a list to help others relax in preparation for their session.  

::my goals::

1. Relax!!!

2. Have fun!!!

3. Capture those images your mama (or dad, uncle, you, or whomever) would want on their wall!!!

::what to expect::

Shoots typically last around 60-90 minutes which is plenty of time to play around and have fun.

Feel free to bring along any special props, like an old car, favorite book, or dog that you want to be captured with your session.  Just have fun and pretend I am not there!

I go through each and every image and select the best from the bunch. Typically there are 20-30 images. I will choose a select few to be edited and featured as a sneak peak on my blog within 24 hours.  The rest of the images will be individually edited and uploaded to my online proofing gallery within 2 weeks. 

::what to expect for newborns::

A newborn session will last roughly 2-3 hours depending on the baby. I try to follow babies cues and keep them warm, relaxed and happy.  Sometimes this isn't possible in which case we can schedule a reshoot or simply give it more time.  

I like to schedule sessions in your home because that is where babies are usually happiest.  That being said,  make sure the baby is fed, warm and relaxed about 20 minutes prior to my arrival.  Crank the heat, turn up the music.  I will bring backdrops and props and I like to set up somewhere where lighting is great, usually near northfacing windows. 

I prefer all newborn sessions to be done within the first 10 days of birth because they are less likely to wake with handling.. I will set your due date as your session date and wait to hear from you once your little bundle has arrived.

I go through each and every image and select the best from the bunch. Typically there are 20-30 images. I will choose a select few to be edited and featured as a sneak peak on my blog within 24 hours.  The rest of the images will be individually edited and uploaded to my online proofing gallery within 2 weeks.  

 ::what to wear::

family/senior/maternity sessions
1. Coordinate but don't match. Choose different shades of the same color paired with jeans. Or choose 3-4 complimentary colors and each person wear a different combination of them.

2. Texture!  Knit sweaters, jeans, courdoroy, tweed, scarves, etc. 

3. Avoid trends!  Stick to timeless classic outfits.  Seniors, this applies to you!!!  Do you laugh at the bellbottoms in your parents photos??? 

4.No logos!  Stick with simple solid colors.

5. No shoes!  Okay, some shoes are okay.  Avoid white tennis shoes or brightly colored shoes.  Barefoot, sandals, and neutral colored shoes are best.

6. Comfort!  If you are uncomfortable in it, don’t wear it.  If you can't move, play, or get dirty in it, don't wear it!

7.  Hair and make-up.  While I want you to look nice for your portraits, please don’t try anything new the day of your session. Keep your hair simple, make-up simple (some foundation, a little mascara and some lip gloss).  

8. Simple!  Accessories are nice but keep it simple. Leave the giant earrings and big black watches at home.

9. Props!  Have fun with this.  If you have a favorite toy, musical instrument, dog, love note, polaroid, bring it!  If you want it remembered on camera, bring it!

newborns
Newborns are always photographed best in their birthday suits or a simple diaper cover.  I will props to use  so that all you have to worry about is keeping baby happy.  If you are having family portraits done with a newborn, wear a black top and jeans.

babies and toddlers
A baby is best photographed in a simple diaper cover or birthday suit.  I will have props like hats, buckets, and toys available for use.

For toddlers, keep it simple.  Little girls always look cute in a simple & classic.  Jeans and barefeet are my favorite.  Be daring and let your toddler pick their outfit...sometimes silly layers, tutus, and cowboy hats are just plain adorable!

{Coeur d'Alene Photographer} Summer Special!!!

SUMMER SPECIALS!!!

The first 10 people to book sessions will receive a FREE session, 25% off prints, complimentary 8x10, and a CD including 5 images from their session. 

Book now!!! Contact Kat by phone or email

happymamaphotography@gmail.com

208.292.4119

{Coeur d'Alene Family Photographer} Father's Day Shoot

My husband, Dale, rarely lets me take his photo.  I got lucky this week when he gave me the OK to snap away.  The weather was crummy (so annoying!!!) but we got some good shots.  Hopefully, I can surprise him with some prints before Father's Day!

{Coeur d'Alene Senior Photographer} Hipster Sam

I will be the first to admit that my brother is devilishly handsome and today I got to capture some of his good looks on camera.  

We hit Tubbs Hill with the dog, my husband, and 7 month old and got a chance to enjoy some nice weather.

He was a good sport and smiled for the camera despite our dog trying to chase him and keeping my son from eating sand.  Sam is from California and was looking for photos with a more beachy feel....all in all, we got some good shots!

{Coeur d'Alene Photographer} Outdoors Revisited

Most of my passion rises from outdoor photography.  I love the thrill of pulling off the road, reaching for camera, to catch that misty fog or sleeping bear.  I love sitting in silence waiting for that eagle to finish his lunch.  I love the outdoors. However, since getting married and having a child, my outdoor time has been cut short.  While I love photographing my family, I will always long for those outdoor opportunities.  

::Emu in Oregon::

::I love old trucks::

::Alaska::