Just like with their maternity photo session, I left their home thinking, “Wow, you’re not going to meet a nicer couple.” Truly. Patient, kind, full of joy, everything about them was so calming to me. And it transferred right over to their beautiful new baby girl. That’s probably my favorite part about this job…I LOVE getting to meet so many nice, good hearted people, and now, the world is +1.

it makes for super, happy, relaxed little newborn babies. Isn’t she adorable? And I couldn’t get over that perfect little pout!!!

Even though I’d spent hours going through the images and designing the album, my heart fluttered with both sadness and joy as I flipped through the pages when it arrived on my doorstep. The album features the maternity pictures, his beautiful birth day photos, and his perfect little newborn session (below). While it was incredibly rewarding to see it all tied together like that, it also meant that that particular “trilogy” was over.  I’ve mentioned before that this beautiful family is leaving Austin soon and I don’t know why, but it really hits me hard when I think about it. I’ve been working with them since before the birth of their first baby a few years ago. Feels like I’m going to be saying goodbye to good friends. *Fortunately,* I get one last fix this fall before they’re off to make a new life up north. And equally fortunate, we can stay in touch via Facebook.

Okay. I’m done moping now. Here are a few photos from his newborn session…

I’ve been anxiously awaiting the time when I could show these off and now, here we go! I’m so excited to offer these hand-finished beautiful wood frames to my clients in 16 styles, available in 50+ colors. You MUST see them in person…they are divine! I love the idea of mixing matching the various styles and colors to create wall collages, too, and I’d be thrilled to help you design something for a specific space using the images from your sessions with me.

Speaking of sessions, did you know I only have five openings left for holiday sessions right now? And, they are all in September. October and November are booked solid. If you have been in contact with me about securing a family holiday session but haven’t actually reserved the session yet, I strongly encourage you to do so now.

Can’t wait to see what kind of beautiful wall creations we come up with using these new Signature Frames!
 

This session had it all…

…three adorable children with a super wonderful, loving mama…

…family snuggles and special time just for dad + daughter…

…a piano prodigy, funny songs made up to Nirvana tunes by dad, headstands on a funky purple couch, lush green grass where mom and dad could rest for spell…

…bikes and wagons…

…sprinklers and watermelon…

…and even me! P.S. Remember the story about the bottom left photo? I still laugh about that.

It was the first time they had all been together in many years (we were even joined by her son’s girlfriend). Her children came from/live all over the globe. They are amazing and doing amazing things in their lives. I imagine she is very, very proud.

I’ve really been enjoying lifestyle newborn sessions like this. It’s not about the latest prop or the coolest blanket or headband. It’s about a family just being a family and pulling in elements of their current circumstances into the images so they can always remember these early, fleeting days.

What you’ll learn from Michele of Pinkle Toes Photography:

• Watch how Michele approaches and sets up a newborn session
  in a client’s home.
• See how Michele interacts with parents and baby to create
  relaxed, natural images.
• Choosing wardrobe, shot locations, and setting up the scene
  to tell a story.
• Finding and using available light.
• Finding and using elements from a client to personalize
  their session.
• Creating variety in newborn images.

What you’ll learn from Laura of Laura Brett Photography:

• Watch how Laura sets up for a studio lighting newborn
  session;choosing textures & accessories to make each individual session
  unique.
• See how Laura handles the baby from start to finish, learn
  how she transitions through each pose to help with the flow of a newborn
  session.
• Learn how to use studio lighting while making the light look
  soft and natural.
• Getting the image perfect SOOC through simple setups to cut
  down on the editing process.
• Learn how Laura started over from scratch; moving her photography business from
  one state to another, as well as establishing your baby plan and pricing.

What you’ll learn from BOTH photographers:

• Two models for running a successful newborn photography
  business.
• Post-processing techniques.
• Marketing and pricing tips and tricks.
• Understand how we converse with the parents beforehand so
  they are prepared for their session.
• Also receive Laura’s complete action set and a goodie bag
  full of coupons and surprises!

Detailed Schedule:

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012:

8-9am – Meet and greet at Michele’s studio
9-11am – Newborn session in studio by Laura
11:30am – 12:30 pm – Lunch (included) at the studio
12:30pm – leave for on-location newborn session
1:00-3:30pm – on location newborn session with Michele
4:00-7:00 p.m. – marketing and business and dinner
(included) at the studio

Thursday, January 26th, 2012:

8-8:30am – Setup
8:30am-12pm – Dual newborn session at the studio (Half
lifestyle + family with Michele; half studio just baby with Laura)
12-1pm – Lunch (included) at the studio
1-5pm – Michele & Laura’s Digital Workflow and Q&A

Travel Information:

• Michele’s studio is about 10 minutes from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
• You are responsible for transportation to/from the airport, hotel, and studio. We will coordinate transportation arrangements for you to/from the in-home newborn session.
• It is recommended that you stay in a hotel near the airport if possible:

Holiday Inn Express – Austin Airport
7601 E. Ben White Blvd.
Austin, TX  78741
(512) 386-7600   Toll Free:  (888) 465-4329
Average Room Rate:  $115/night

Courtyard by Marriott – Austin Airport
7809 Ben White Blvd.
Austin, TX  78741
(512) 386-7464
Average Room Rate: $150/night

Hilton – Austin Airport (Literally at the airport; surprisingly, no airplane noise and the nicest of the three)
9515 Hotel Drive
Austin, TX  78719
(512) 385-6767 Toll Free: 1.800.HILTONS
Average Room Rate:  $180 per night

FAQ’s:

• Can
  I use the images taken at the workshop for my portfolio? Yes, you will have opportunities to shoot throughout the workshop. 
• Will
  we go over your workflow? Yes! We will dive right in and show you step
  by step from start to finish how we achieve our looks.
• Do
  you have to shoot or own studio lighting to attend?  Not at all. We
  will demonstrate studio lighting basics and natural light principles, and you can return home and
  continue using natural light if you choose. You will just have the
  knowledge on what to purchase if that time comes. Artificial light should act just like your window except ours plugs in.
• What
  do I need to bring? Your camera and a fixed lens such as a 50mm or
  35mm. A wide angle zoom lens would also be helpful. Its assumed that attendees know how to shoot in manual mode and
  have a basic understanding of Photoshop. You do not need to know how to
  use studio lighting, we will teach you the basics to return home and put
  your new found knowledge to use.
• What should I do to prepare for the workshop? In the past, we have found that connecting with and getting to know your fellow attendees has allowed for a more enriching workshop experience. We will create a private Facebook group just for these attendees where you can chat and even coordinate travel and lodging arrangements with one another if you so choose.
• How is this workshop different from Michele’s Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers workshops? This workshop is completely focused on newborn photography and you do not have to be a member of Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers to attend. You will have the unique opportunity to view two very different approaches to newborn photography in a single workshop. (Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers are longer, more intensive, cover a broader range of topics, and are only hosted by Michele.)
  
• How is this workshop different from Laura Brett’s Baby Business Workshops and Mentoring? This workshop will actually be about the same
  as what Laura does with her 1;1, but this workshop is a dual effort
  where you see two different styles and approaches.