This time last year I was probably sitting on the couch, cuddled up with a little human that somehow (and I still couldn't wrap my mind around this)- I created. He was probably sleeping, his tiny body taking up barely any space on my chest. Or he might have been trying to breastfeed, something that we were both learning and struggling with. But one thing I know for sure I was doing at this time last year- staring at him in complete awe.
When I first found out I was pregnant I had big plans to do everything very naturally. I've held on to some of these idealistic dreams of what parenting would be like, while others went right out the window. But one thing that I've really stuck to is breastfeeding, and I'm so glad I have.
I think that breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful things that a mother can do for her child. It amazes me that every day for the past year of my life, for almost every meal, I have provided nourishment for my son using my own body. It's amazing what us women are capable of!
Here at Mikaela Joy Photography we are gearing up for more babywearing minis! Have you booked one yet? If not, please get in touch because we still have a few openings.
As I'm fielding the inquiries, I've been getting a lot of questions about how to prep for the sessions, so here are a few tips to get you ready.
Carrier Choice
I've been getting a lot of questions about what type of carrier to use for minis. Is my tula ok? Is my ring sling ok? My definitive answer is yes. While your babywearing mini is somewhat about the carrier (how could it not be with some of the beautiful textiles we use to hold our children), what it is really about is the bond between you and your child. I want you to wear something that both of you are comfortable in, something that makes you smile whenever you put it on. Whether that is a baby bjorn or an expensive handwoven wrap, we will use it to take some beautiful pictures of you and your child.
That said, there are a couple considerations for how to hold your child. Back carries work well for portraits, but often don't show a lot of interaction between mom and baby. Front carries are good for interaction and snuggly photos (if you have a snuggly baby). Hip carries can be the best of both worlds if it's a position your baby likes. Ultimately you know your baby best and know what will work for you two. We will have time to switch carries once during your session, but any more than that will be tight.
Clothes
When it comes to clothing for your mini session, simple is generally better. We want you, your baby, and your carrier to stand out. So choose your carrier and plan around that. A good idea is a plain tee and jeans or a simple dress/skirt. Keep in mind how chest belts and other carrier features will interact with your clothing choices. For example, loose clothing will often look better with a chest belt whereas a waist belt may cause the same clothing to sit strangely.
Don't forget to pay attention to detail! Chipped nail polish, a hairband around your wrist, or bra straps sticking out can really detract from an otherwise beautiful photo.
Makeup
Makeup is an important consideration for photos. I've asked Abbie, a fellow VBE with Savannah Slingers as well as a licensed esthetician and makeup artist, to create a video with makeup tips for your session. You can check out more of her stuff here
Posing
This is one thing you don't have to worry about. I've got you covered. You'll probably hear me asking you to bring your forehead forward, chin down, lean forward, etc and it will feel super awkward. I know it does. But just trust me that it will make your portrait look that much better. Sometimes I won't pose you at all. My favorite photos are the ones that show interaction between you and your baby. I want it to look natural.
Are you as excited for these next couple rounds of mini sessions as I am? So far they have been an absolute blast and we've come up with some great pictures. As I mentioned before, we still have a few slots left, so sign up while they are available!
And don't forget to like my facebook page to see all the updates about future mini sessions, casting calls, and other great deals. You don't want to miss out.
