Birth Photography...What is it and how to find the perfect birth photographer | Clarksville Tn, Nashville Tn, Hopkinsville Ky newborn baby, birth photographers

Hello everyone! Today's blog post is a little different but I wanted to start something new on the blog. Today we have a guest post by Faith of Faith Doggett Photography! Faith is a great friend of mine and an amazing birth and homecoming photographer here in the  Clarksville/Ft Campbell area. We have actually teamed up to offer a combined package of birth and newborn photography to expecting families called Beautiful Beginnings. You can read all about that awesome package HERE and HERE. 

 I invited Faith to come and talk to us today about birth photography. Birth photography is a fairly new genre of photography that is quickly growing in popularity. Faith is here to tell us what birth photography is all about and what you should look for when finding a birth photographer. So without further ado...here is Faith!

Hello everyone, I'm so excited to share with you about a subject near and dear to my heart, birth photography!  Birth photography is a relatively new genre. Some of you are wondering what exactly it is all about. First of all, let me say, it’s not about that one shot. It’s actually about capturing the entire experience, the effort of labor, the connection between family members, and the inexplicable joy felt in meeting your child. It’s about the bonding that happens as Mom, Dad, and other family members welcome their newest addition. 

Birth photography is about telling that story. A story that, honestly, a woman may not remember all of the details of, without having it captured for her. Being focused on bringing forth that sweet baby, takes a lot out of you whether delivery is natural or medicated, or if it’s a planned or emergency c-section. Your memories are easily blurred by the tiredness that comes following delivery. There’s very little sleep to be had in the first months as a new mother. (Who am I kidding?! My kids are almost four and five, and I am still sleep deprived!) Having the photographs to look back on can make a world of difference in what you remember. What I wouldn’t give to have had a birth photographer there for my births! 



Some people may think that their husband or another family member can capture what needs to be captured. I humbly disagree. I think Dads, and other family members are meant to be support people, not photographers. They are a part of the story and should be fully available to experience it and support Mom with whatever she needs.

 A birth photographer frees them up to do the handholding,forehead wiping, ice chip feeding, back rubbing and cheerleading. 

 

 

Dads should be allowed 

to enjoy those first

 moments with 

Mom and baby without 

the worry of fumbling 

with a camera, or 

forgetting to take 

pictures altogether.

 

Now, with all that being said… What do you look for when searching for a birth photographer? 

First of all, I suggest meeting with everyone you are considering. This is someone you are allowing into a very important space.  You want to feel at ease with them, and be able to trust that they are there for you. You want someone who is there for you if you need them, but is for the most part, able to blend into the background.

  You want a professional, they are familiar with hospital policies and dealing with hospital staff. Pros have plans; they have babysitters and backup babysitters, and backup photographers in case of an illness. The last thing you want is someone bringing the crud to your delivery room! Births can happen in a variety of locations with many types of lighting. You need someone experienced in dealing with that, someone who knows her camera, and that camera should be able to handle low light situations.

Going along with the professional aspect, you definitely want someone who is licensed and insured. Yes, a professional is going to charge more, because they have business expenses to think of on top of everything else. 

It is absolutely worth the investment though, to know that you have someone that meets all of the above criteria, to know that your precious memories are in capable hands.

 Every birth is a once in a lifetime experience. Keep your memories fresh with the help of a professional birth photographer!

I've decided to add a little fun to go along with this guest blog! Who likes scavenger hunts? Anyone? Who would like half off of their birth photography package? (*For mamas expecting in January 2015 or later) I also have a half price Fresh 48 up for grabs as well as a $75 gift card!! Head on over to http://www.faithdoggett.com/blog/ 
 and look for a small version of this picture:
  
 hidden in one of my BIRTH blog posts! The first three to click the link and leave a comment win the respective prizes! So what'cha waiting for?! Hurry on over!

You can see more of Faith's amazing work at www.faithdoggett.com

Go visit her Facebook page also and show her some love

Check out the video below to see what a whole birth with Faith is like.

Faith Doggett is a member of 
The International Association 
of Professional Birth Photographers. 
She has been capturing births since 
early 2012. Faith also specializes in 
Military Homecomings and Family 
photography in Clarksville TN and 
surrounding areas. Portfolio and 
contact information can be found 
at www.faithdoggett.com

Seth is 6 Months Old! | Baby Photographer in Clarksville and Nashville TN, Hopkinsville KY

Baby Seth is getting so big! He is starting to look so much like his Daddy but I can see some of his momma in him too! I adore this family. I have been doing their portraits ever since momma's maternity portraits with his big sister. I love that I have been able to be a part of their lives through Sister Kahlan's first year and beyond and now Seth's first year as well. Seth and Kahlan have two very loving parents that would do anything for them. I also would like to say welcome home to Seth's Daddy who is now home from deployment. Thank you for giving of yourself and sacrificing for our freedom. I hope all these images I have captured will help you to feel more like you were here and to be able to be a part of Seth's first year even when you are half a world away.

To book your session CLICK HERE

or email Kristina at kristina@kristinawhite.com

What to Wear - October 2014 | Clarksville Tn Nashville Tn Family Portrait Photographer

I hope all of you enjoyed Septembers what to wear styles! This month has snazzy fashions as well!

For more what to wear ideas for your photo session check out our Pinterest board HERE

Grey is the NEW black! It goes with literally everything! You can wear different shades of grey to dress up or dress down your stylish look. Dad will look comfortable and trendy with a dark grey cargo button up; and your son will look 'cute as a button' in a slate grey vest. You can also wear grey in your accessories, so slip on some heather grey boots or ash grey flats!

 

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns with solids. Have your children dress in cute and subtle patterns while the parents dress in coordinating solid colors. In the photo shown above, yellow and blue are the main focus colors; it ties well with solid and pattern styles. Your family can totally pull this off in a photo session!

Who likes bright colors and fun?! We do, we do! Try dressing your children in fuchsia or orange, for a nice burst of color for fall.  They will really look fashionable against a nice neutral background.

To book your session CLICK HERE

or email Kristina at  kristina@kristinawhite.com

Brand New Sweetness Baby Cali | Clarksville, Tn Nashville, Tn Hopkinsville, Ky Newborn Baby Photographer

Sweet baby Cali was so gorgeous! I absolutely loved cuddling with her! Her momma is a fellow photographer and Cali came to see me and tried out some of my new props. I just wanted to share some images from her session as well as Some of momma. I was so lucky that I was able to talk momma into coming in for some maternity pictures! She is gorgeous as you can see...which is where Cali gets her gorgeousness from as well.

March of Dimes, Best of Clarksville is Coming Up! See You There! | Clarksville Tn Photographer

Things have been pretty busy around here so I haven't had a chance to share on here but we were nominated again for Best Photographer at the March of Dimes Best of Clarksville!

We have been so honored to have received this award for the past two years and we are excited to have a chance to receive it again!



"The event takes place in the fall each year and highlights the best of local businesses in the Clarksville area.  Area residents cast their nominations online at www.clarksvillenow.com prior to the event.  The nominations are tallied up, and the community is invited to attend the event to vote for the Best of Clarksville in each of the designated categories." - bestofclarksville.net

We have some really great competition this year. I am so excited to share my work with all of you alongside some very talented photographers. I love working with the March of Dimes in this awesome fundraiser. Every year thousands of dollars are raised to help premature babies through the Best of Clarksville event. Last year we helped to raise just over $70,000!!

So come on out Oct 2nd from 5-8 to see all the businesses in each category, sample some great food and get lots of freebies and watch the entertainment. Oh and don't forget to cast your vote too! 

Tickets are $10 pre-sale and $15 at the door.

Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at there retailers around town:

Sango Village Florist 

The Party Shop: Celebrate in Style
Action Air Conditioning Service, Inc.  
Signs Now Clarksville TN  
Keller Williams Realty of Clarksville, TN 
 (directly next door to the Wilma Rudolph location)  
Thrive Creative Group
 Keystone Realty and Management
 Plato's Closet - Clarksville, TN

We look forward to seeing you there!