The story of how I became a photographer is very similar to many other’s stories. And that’s ok, it really doesn’t matter how I got to this point, what’s matter is that i’m here now.

Like a lot of other women, I wanted a “big” camera when I was pregnant with my son. I wanted to be able to take nice crisp photos of him, because I was, and still am, terrible at iPhone photos. So I reached out to my wedding photographer and asked her what camera I should get. She recommended the Nikon D5300, which was the newest of the series at that time. I went to Costco and got the package deal and my husband gave it to me for Christmas. I had about three months before my son was born to practice and learn the camera.

Since I didn’t really have an inspiring subject, the camera sat. I didn’t even take it to the hospital when he was born. I bought the hospital pictures of him and I thought they were great (I know have a different opinion)!

When he was one week old I broke the camera out and took his newborn photos. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t hire a professional for this. I was not a professional at that point and I did not do those photos justice. When I took them, I was happy with them and did not feel like I needed to spend the money on a newborn photographer, but when I go back and look at the photos now, it makes me sad I didn’t invest in someone to document those first moments at home with him.

I continued to take a few photos of him here and there, but I knew I needed help. I had no intention of starting a business, I just wanted decent photos of my son! So, I invested in my craft, and I continue to do so to this day.

I found a mentor, I took a couple classes, I sent photos to photographer friends and asked for critiques, I took online workshops, in person workshops and one on ones. I got better. I learned my camera, by the time he was 9 months old I was considering taking clients. I started doing free sessions for neighbors to make sure I wanted to do it. I took an editing class. I took photos every day. I got better, I got a lot better. I kept practicing. Still to this day, I invest in education, I love learning new things, practicing them, and expanding my knowledge and skills.

I realized I had as much fun taking photos of other people as I did of my own kiddo so I went into business and started taking paid clients. All the while, still working full time for an energy marketing company. For the next year and a half this is what I continued to do. When I had my second son, I decided to go full time with photography. I worked hard at it for 7 months until we moved to Florida. I ddn’t think moving a business would be difficult, since I was from Florida, but it is. Florida is a different market, and i’m still trying to find my footing here. I’ve gone back to working full time and doing photography on the side but I love every single minute of it.

I wouldn’t change my story for the world. I had a muse, and he inspired me to be better. So I learned and practiced this craft, and I still do. I’m constantly investing in education to improve my skills. I thought it would be fun to share some of the first photos I ever took with my “big” camera. It really does show how I started out not knowing anything and how much I have grown in this art. Starting at the beginning with some more photos from recently.

Now that you know what a fresh 48 session is and you are ready to book, you may be wondering, what can I expect? This is an intimate time in your life. You just had a baby, you’re exhausted! I know, I get it. In fact, you have been exhausted for the past nine months and you just ran a marathon, you are really really tired. I’ve been there I have done it twice (soon to be three times). You may be thinking, what can I expect by inviting a photographer into my room when all I want to do is cuddle my newborn and sleep, well lets throw in drink a vent coffee and eat some sushi too.

(disclaimer…I don’t even like sushi that much, just this one roll from a sushi place in Seattle)

Ok so here it is. What can you expect?

What will I Capture?

Remember how I mentioned up there in the first paragraph that all you want to do is cuddle your newborn? Well, i’m going to capture that. I’m going to take photos of you loving on your baby. Smelling your baby’s hair, kissing baby’s head, just staring at that beautiful face you brought into the world. I’ll ask you to snuggle your baby, get in close, hold your baby’s hand so we can show off those tiny fingers, get their toes. All sorts of little details.

Do you have an older child? I would LOVE to capture your children meeting for the first time. I get teary eyed every single time because it’s just so sweet! It is my absolute favorite part of the job.

I will photograph your family with the baby, you with the baby, your husband with the baby, all of your family together, baby just by itself. Baby in the bassinet, baby swaddled, baby’s details, etc, etc, etc.

The thing is, your newborn will change within a matter of days. You will never get these days in the hospital back. I will capture those details for you so you will never forget them.

What if I can't get out of bed?

That is A OK with me. No one expects you to get out of bed. I can get every shot I need to get with you lying right there in that bed. In fact, I don’t think I got out of bed during my fresh 48 session.

What if my older child/children don’t like the baby?

Some kids run inside to meet the new baby with an excitement you have never seen, some take some time to warm up (especially the younger kids). Usually after they explore the room a little bit, get some attention for themselves, realize it’s ok to snuggle with momma, they are totally interested in meeting the baby! Cue the cute kisses on the head and big smiles from big sister and brother meeting their new baby! Don’t fear, we will get those heart melting moments on camera.

What will you do while your here?

Well I will photograph your baby and family, but i’ll also stay out of the way when needed. If you need me to leave the room while the doctor is in there, I am more then happy to step out for a moment. I will be there for however long you need me, if you are tired and ready to be done, then we can be done. It’s a very laid back session that goes at yours and the baby’s speed.

How long will it take to receive my photos?

I know how exciting this time is and you want to see your photos as soon as possible, I want to put all my attention into making sure your images are perfect. I do my best to have your photos back to you with in a week. I work hard to make sure you have them back in a timely manner so you can show off your new baby’s photos to friends and family.

Ready to book your session? Shoot me an email at Kristin@Kristingroverimages.com with your due date.