As we approach the last few weeks of summer break, it’s time to start thinking ahead to FALL which means cooler temps, pumpkin spice everywhere, and the release of our annual Fall & Holiday mini session events in and around Houston, TX! This year we have several favorite mini session events returning and TWO brand new mini session options that I am super excited about! I am also starting mini sessions earlier this year (late September)…if you are a planner and want to get your Christmas cards ordered early, be sure to book one of the earlier options like Beach or Greenhouse Minis.

Mark your calendars for the release date next week, Monday July 29th at 8pm. Each year, these mini sessions sell out within minutes.  They are very popular and spots are extremely limited, so I encourage you to set an alarm and be ready when they release next week!
 

2024 Fall Mini Session Dates

• Fall Beach Minis - Sunday, September 29th

• Greenhouse Family Minis - Friday, October 18th

• Natural Family Outdoor Minis - Sunday, October 27th

• Holiday Truck Minis - Friday, November 1st

• Modern Holiday Studio Minis - Sunday, November 17th

• Winter Wonderland Family Minis - Tuesday, November 26th (NEW!)

• Hot Cocoa & Christmas Jammie Minis - Saturday, December 7th (NEW!)

Keep reading for more details on dates, locations, and themes, or click the button below to visit the mini-session store.

*Each session will currently say "sold out" but they are just place holders. The actual sessions won't open until Monday 7/29 at 8pm.*

Fall Beach Minis - Sunday, September 29th
Seabrook, TX 

Capture your family on a gorgeous Texas beach at sunset! Think saltwater, toes in the sand, and a dreamy watercolor sunset.

• 15-minute sessions and 10 digital images

• $525 plus tax

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Greenhouse Family Minis - Friday, October 18th
Out Under the Trees Farm in Angleton, TX 
 

These minis are for families and will not include any holiday props...just a natural location, gorgeous evening light and your beautiful family.  Out Under the Trees is located in Angelton, TX about 40 minutes south of Pearland and offers a variety of scenery for family portraits (the greenhouse is a client the favorite!). 

• 15-minute sessions and 10 digital images 

• $550 plus tax

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Natural Outdoor Family Minis - Sunday, October 27th
Rosharon, TX 
 

These minis will take place at a private field in Rosharon, TX. These sessions will focus on capturing a variety of family images, with no holiday props. Think gorgeous sunlight and beautiful warm autumn tones. Photos will be edited and delivered within 2 weeks.

• 15-minute sessions and 10 digital images 

• $525 plus tax

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Red Truck Holiday Minis - Saturday, November 5th
Private Property in Pearland, TX
 

These minis are family-friendly and holiday-themed using our vintage 1951 red Ford truck, Ruby!  Add in a gorgeous sunset with just the right amount of holiday decor and you have the perfect classic Christmas family photo. These have historically been very popular with clients...set your alarms! 

• 15-minute sessions and 10 digital images 

• $525 plus tax

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Modern Studio Holiday Minis - Sunday, November 17th
Taryn Melgoza Photography Studio in Pearland, TX
 

These sessions will be in a natural light white room with very simple holiday touches and props. Think clean, modern, bright and airy, but make it festive!

• 15-minute sessions and 10 digital images 

• $525 plus tax

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Winter Woodland Family Minis - Tuesday, November 26th
Pearland, TX
 

These are brand NEW for 2024! I haven’t photographed these yet, so please use the artwork (by my daughter) to get an idea of the set up.

These sessions will focus on capturing a variety of family images in a wooded setting with lights hanging across trees and Christmas props. Think rustic and woodsy with holiday accents.

• 15-minute sessions and 10 digital images 

• $525 plus tax

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Christmas Cocoa & Jammie Minis - Saturday, December 7th
Taryn Melgoza Photography Studio in Pearland, TX
 

Bring your sweeties dressed in their favorite Christmas-themed jammies for some snuggle-filled fun in the studio! If your kiddos have a favorite Christmas-themed mug, please bring it to the session! I will have hot chocolate ready with marshmallows and cookies. These will take place in my Pearland studio with Christmas-themed props. These are geared toward children only and can accommodate up to 4 children, but can accommodate one family pose

• 10-minute sessions and 5 digital images 

• $325 plus tax

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If mini sessions aren’t a great fit for you or you have a specific type of session in mind, let’s chat about a full portrait session!

I am currently booking full Family Portrait Sessions this fall. These dates will be limited due to an already busy fall calendar so please reach out as soon as possible to schedule your preferred date.
 

What is the difference between a Mini Session and a full Family Portrait Session?

A mini session is a shorter or “mini” version of the portrait session. These usually last 10-15 minutes, are at a set location, include a specific theme, and are a budget-friendly option with a smaller selection of poses and digital images.

A full portrait session provides a more comprehensive and personalized experience. It includes a full hour of shooting time, a variety of location options, and wardrobe styling to ensure your family portraits are an experience you will cherish for years to come. It also includes a personalized appointment where we guide you through the design process of beautiful heirloom prints & albums to display in your home. 

Whether you’re seeking a quick glimpse or a deeper exploration, Taryn Melgoza Photography is here to guide you toward creating timeless memories that will warm your hearts for years to come.

Be sure you are subscribed to the newsletter, so you can stay up to date on future mini session events and release dates!

Thank you for trusting me year after year to photograph your families...it truly brings me joy seeing your families grow each year. I can't wait to see you again this Fall! 

Don't forget to set your alarm for Monday 7/29 at 8 p.m. for the Fall & Holiday Mini Session release!  

Save these tips for your next photo session!

From school yearbooks to friends’ weddings, we’ve all been in front of camera at some point or another and if you’ve recently looked at a photo with disdain then this post’s for you. If you know that you’re going to have a lens pointed in your direction in the near future, below are six simple ways to get better results.

1. Get to Know Your Face. This applies to professional photoshoots as well as every day photos. Take time getting to know your face, how to smile naturally and which side or angle of your face you like better.

2. Easy on the makeup. While an evening out is a different story when it comes to makeup, if you’re having headshots, family or maternity photos taken, go easy on the makeup. You want some basic coverage but don’t overdo it. You should also only stick to accentuating one part of your face so choose either your eyes or lips but not both.

3. Facing the camera. Your photographer will help you when it comes to posing for photos but in general you shouldn’t be facing the camera head on. Positioning your body at an angle always makes for better photos. 

4. Controlling your chin. Photos where your neck is elongated and your chin is pushed slightly forward will lift your face and give it a more angular look. You might want to practice this beforehand in order to get used to it.

 5. Pick your outfit carefully. Put some thought into what you’ll wear to your shoot. Pair bold designs and patterns with solid colors to avoid too much distraction. You should also pay attention to the fit and shape of your outfit. Make sure it compliments you and that you feel comfortable.

6. Use lighting to your advantage. This is something that your professional photographer will be an expert at but the right lighting can mean the difference between that wow factor and disappointment. Avoid standing directly under a light as this will create weird shadows on your face.  This is something we will help you out with because we are experts so take our advice when we suggest a specific time for photos.  If shooting outdoors, the best light will be 15-20 minutes before & after sunset.  Unless it’s an overcast day, we will always try to get you in full shade so that the lighting isn’t dappled or causing weird shadows on your face.

And the MOST important tip I can give to ensure a beautiful outcome…remember to have fun and relax as this will do wonders for your photos!

I am passionate about motherhood and preserving your most treasure moments. My style is bright, true to color, and timeless. I’d love to chat with you if you’re looking for a photographer to capture your newest babe or, your growing baby bump, or your graduating senior.

Taryn Melgoza is a Houston Newborn Photographer also specializing in maternity, baby and family photography. Taryn Melgoza Photography serves clients throughout Houston, Southwest Houston and the surrounding areas including, but not limited to: Sugar Land, Pearland, Bellaire, River Oaks, The Heights, Rice Village, Upper Kirby, League City, Friendswood, Sienna Plantation, and The Woodlands.

It's that time of year again...when the summer is threatening to melt us here in Houston, Texas, back-to-school commercials are airing, and vacation photos are flooding your social media feeds. Despite the intense heat, summertime is a cherished time in our household. We enjoy the slower days with more time to relax, cook + enjoy meals together, and play games. I hope your families have made tons of wonderful memories together this summer! 

With summer break winding down, it's time to release our collection of Fall Mini Sessions for 2023!  Mark your calendars for the release date next week, Tuesday July 25th at 11am. Each year, these mini sessions sell out within minutes.  They are very popular and spots are extremely limited, so I encourage you to set an alarm and be ready when they release next week!
 

2023 Fall Mini Session Dates

• Back-to-School Minis - Friday 8/4

• Formal Family Minis - Saturday 10/14

• Greenhouse Family Minis - Saturday 11/4

• Red Truck Holiday Minis - Sunday 11/12

• Christmas Jammie Minis - Sunday 11/26

Keep reading for more details on dates, locations, and themes, or click the button below to visit the mini-session store.

*Each session says "sold out" but they are just place holders. The actual sessions won't open until 7/25 at 11am.*

Back-to-School Minis - Friday, August 4th 
Pearland, TX 

These are geared toward elementary-aged children and perfect your Kinder aged kiddo!  I will have a small desk and some school-themed props.  The location is in Pearland, TX starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 4th. 

• 10-minute sessions and 5 digital images

• $250 plus tax

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Formal Family Minis - Saturday, October 14th
The Creative Chateau in Houston, TX 
 

These sessions will take place at the gorgeous Creative Chateau in Houston near the Galleria area. These are perfect for clients who prefer a more formal family portrait indoors in a beautiful & classic setting and want to avoid the outdoor elements (bugs, rain, heat). 

• 15-minute sessions and 10 digital images 

• $550 plus tax

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Greenhouse Family Minis - Saturday, November 4th
Out Under the Trees Farm in Angleton, TX 
 

These minis are for families and will not include any holiday props...just a natural location, gorgeous evening light and your beautiful family.  Out Under the Trees is located in Angelton, TX about 40 minutes south of Pearland and offers a variety of scenery for family portraits (the greenhouse is a client the favorite!). 

• 15-minute sessions and 10 digital images 

• $550 plus tax

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Red Truck Holiday Minis - Saturday, November 5th
Private Property in Pearland, TX
 

These minis are family-friendly and holiday-themed using our vintage 1951 red Ford truck, Ruby!  Add in a gorgeous sunset with just the right amount of holiday decor and you have the perfect classic Christmas family photo. These have historically been very popular with clients...set your alarms! 

• 15-minute sessions and 10 digital images 

• $525 plus tax

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Christmas Jammie Minis - Sunday, November 26th
Taryn Melgoza Photography Studio in Pearland
 

Bring your sweeties dressed in their favorite Christmas-themed jammies for some snuggle-filled fun in the studio! These will take place in my Pearland studio with Christmas-themed props. These are for children only and can accommodate up to 4 children. 

• 10-minute sessions and 5 digital images 

• $275 plus tax

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If mini sessions aren’t a great fit for you or you have a specific type of session in mind, let’s chat about a full portrait session!

I am currently booking full Family Portrait Sessions this fall. These dates will be limited due to an already busy fall calendar so please reach out as soon as possible to schedule your preferred date.
 

What is the difference between a Mini Session and a full Family Portrait Session?

A mini session is a shorter or “mini” version of the portrait session. These usually last 10-15 minutes, are at a set location, include a specific theme, and are a budget-friendly option with a smaller selection of poses and digital images.

A full portrait session provides a more comprehensive and personalized experience. It includes a full hour of shooting time, a variety of location options, and wardrobe styling to ensure your family portraits are an experience you will cherish for years to come. It also includes a personalized appointment where we guide you through the design process of beautiful heirloom prints & albums to display in your home. 

Whether you’re seeking a quick glimpse or a deeper exploration, Taryn Melgoza Photography is here to guide you toward creating timeless memories that will warm your hearts for years to come.

Thank you for trusting me year after year to photograph your families...it truly brings me joy seeing your families grow each year. I can't wait to see you again this Fall! 

Don't forget to set your alarm for Tuesday 7/25 at 11 a.m. for the Fall Mini Session release!  

The first year of a baby's life is a whirlwind of growth, milestones, and endless precious moments. As a parent, it's natural to want to capture and preserve each one of these fleeting memories. Offering a unique Baby Plan experience, our studio provides Houston's best baby and milestone photography plans, allowing families to document and cherish each stage of their little one's journey from maternity to toddlerhood.

What does a Baby Plan look like with our studio? We offer both a 3 and 4-portrait Baby Plan that can used to capture the memories of every major milestone during your baby’s first year of life, starting with maternity, to newborn, then to milestones and one-year sessions. At the conclusion of each Baby Plan, clients get to select how they will print and display these memories in their homes!

1. Maternity Portraits: Capturing the Beauty of Motherhood - The journey of motherhood begins even before the baby arrives. Taryn Melgoza Photography understands the importance of this special time and offers maternity sessions that beautifully capture the growing baby bump and the radiance of expectant mothers. These sessions create a lasting tribute to the miracle of life and the bond between mother and child.

2. Newborn Portraits: Welcoming the Brand New Babe - There's nothing quite as magical as those first few weeks with a newborn baby. Taryn Melgoza's newborn sessions are designed to freeze those precious moments in time. With expertise and patience, Taryn creates a calm and comfortable environment for both baby and parents, resulting in stunning portraits that showcase the delicate features and innocence of a brand-new life.

3. Sitting and One-Year Portraits: Celebrating Milestones - Babies grow and change at an astonishing rate, making it essential to capture their milestones along the way. Taryn Melgoza Photography offers a series of sessions throughout the first year, ensuring that no milestone goes undocumented. From capturing the first smiles and giggles to the baby's first steps, these sessions provide a cherished record of the baby's growth and development.

4. Choosing the Fine Art Prints & Cherishing the Year of Memories - At the completion of each Houston Baby Plan, clients have the opportunity to choose from a variety of tangible fine art print products. Taryn Melgoza offers a range of options, including albums, canvas galleries, and framed prints. These exquisite art pieces allow families to proudly display their most cherished memories in their homes, transforming them into heirlooms that can be passed down through generations.

Choosing Taryn Melgoza Photography as your Houston Newborn and Baby Photographer means more than just capturing beautiful photographs. I pride myself on becoming a trusted friend to each family throughout the journey of becoming a parent, capturing the essence of each moment, and building a genuine connection with the family. My passion for photography and love for working with babies shines through, creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both parents and little ones.

Booking a Baby Plan with Taryn Melgoza Photography is a wonderful way to capture and preserve the first year of your baby's life. From the breathtaking maternity session to the newborn and milestone sessions, our studio’s expertise and passion ensure that every precious moment is beautifully documented. As Houston's best baby photographer, I am so honored to be a part of my client’s lives, and it is my hope that my dedication to providing a personalized and meaningful experience shines through in every session.

I am passionate about motherhood and preserving your most treasured moments. My style is bright, true to color, and timeless. I’d love to chat with you if you’re looking for a photographer to capture your newest babe, your growing baby bump, or your graduating senior.

Taryn Melgoza is a Houston Newborn Photographer also specializing in maternity, baby, and family photography. Taryn Melgoza Photography serves clients throughout Houston, Southwest Houston, and the surrounding areas including, but not limited to Sugar Land, Pearland, Bellaire, River Oaks, The Heights, Rice Village, Upper Kirby, League City, Friendswood, Sienna Plantation, and The Woodlands.

I have had the blessing and honor of being a mother for 11 years. I can say confidently that this “job” has been the most amazing and rewarding experience of my life. It has come to define me as a person and is my primary motivator for all decisions that I make in life. It is in this role that I have learned to develop patience, to sacrifice my own personal desires, and to uncover the most incredible form of unconditional love.

To my first born, Jensen. You made me a mother over a decade ago. Your arrival truly rocked our world, in all the best ways possible. Learning to adapt to all the responsibilities of caring for an infant was overwhelming, but we figured it out and thrived during that first year! You are an incredible little dude and I’m so proud of the man you are growing into! Your love for your family and siblings makes my heart sore. I adore watching you succeed in all your endeavors, from baseball, to violin, and I will always be your biggest cheerleader! I pray you will continue to grow in your love and relationship with Christ and become the man God created you to be.

To my miracle baby girl, Penelope. I still remember crying in shock and excitement when we found out you were going to be a girl at our gender reveal! Your pregnancy didn’t go as planned and during that scary and uncertain time, I learned to rely on my faith in God. His plan for your life was bigger and better than I could have ever imagined! You are beautiful inside and out, and I’m thankful to have you as my best friend. You are friends with everyone, one of the most naturally talented artists I’ve ever seen, a skilled soccer player, and are quickly becoming an amazing pianist! I thank the Lord every day for your complete healing and the amazing lady you are becoming. I pray for your heart to become a servant of Christ and that you will know and love Him throughout your days.

To my last baby, Ledger. You will always be my baby, no matter what! We waited to find out your gender until the moment of your birth…to hear “it’s a boy” was truly the best surprise of my life! You have been my most particular baby (and child) refusing to take a bottle or a pacifier for your first year of life. Because of this, you never left my side and I’m thankful for the bond we have. You are insanely competitive (3rd child syndrome), intelligent beyond your years, a budding pianist, and very talented and obsessive baseball player! You made me laugh every day with your witty sense of humor. I pray daily for your heart to be a committed follower of Jesus and that you will trust and walk in His ways.

I cannot express in words how much I love all of you. You are the lights of my life and the greatest gift that God has given me. Every day, I thank God for blessing me with three amazing children who have brought the most fulfilling and immense joy to my life.

You are each unique and special in your own way, and I am so honored to have a front-row seat to the people you are growing up to be! No matter where life takes us, I will always be there for you, supporting you, cheering you on, and loving you with all my heart.

Thank you for making me a mother. You are my greatest achievement, my reason for being, and my forever love.

With all my love,

Taryn

I am passionate about Motherhood and capturing the journey of joy for my fellow Houston mothers. If you are interested in learning more about my Houston Family and Motherhood portrait services, please send us a note today so we can reach out and chat!

Thank you to Brandi Ali for our family photos that are shared in this blog post!

Let’s face it. Post-partum bodies leave us feeling like a stranger when we look in the mirror (if you choose to look in the mirror, that is). Some things are bigger, some smaller, weight shifted to weird places, and bits hanging lower than ever before. And where exactly did all of that extra skin come from?

If we’re being honest. We are not feeling our cutest in the first two weeks after giving birth to a child.

And fun for you – that is the exact time frame the newborn photographer needs to photograph your new baby. It is SO easy to dismiss the idea of getting photos of yourself with your newborn, but I’m here to tell you to GET IN THE PHOTOS.

Hear me out on this one. I know you are sleep deprived, stressed out, dealing with post partum issues, clothes not fitting, learning about your baby and finding yourself as a new mom (or mom to multiples)….but I can promise you, taking those photos is WORTH IT.  You will look back on those photos and LOVE that moments that were captured. 

Why You Should Get in The Photos

1. It’s hard to take a selfie with you and your baby in it. A cell phone photo can’t capture the emotion you feel when you look at that precious child in your arms.

2. Your baby will never be this size again. You’ll always want to remember how small they were in your arms. Mom brain makes you forget things like their flaky skin, tiny feet, and the way their tiny hands wrapped perfectly around your finger.

3. Genealogy and heritage. Decades from now, your descendants will enjoy seeing photos of you and your family all together.

4. Getting professional photos of yourself can make you look and feel amazing – there’s just something about getting your hair and makeup done that can really lift your spirits.

Yes, you will see things you don’t love about yourself, but there is no amount of money or time that will ever get you those priceless moments back. That’s why it's important to document it and preserve it. And if I’m the one photographing you and your family, my sole goal in the lifestyle portion of the session is to make you feel comfortable, beautiful, and show you in your best light.

Ready to get in some photos with your new precious little angel? Contact me to set up your appointment today!

I’ve heard it said before that if it doesn’t scare you, it isn’t worth it. And if I’m being honest, creating a course from scratch and launching it out into the world was absolutely terrifying.

But I’m so glad I did. I’ve felt this calling to help make the lives of moms everywhere easier and this is another step towards that.

In this course, moms are learning how to:

• Find great lighting in any situation

• Compose a good photo

• Get an authentic smiles from their kids

• Get their partners to take photos of them (that they actually like)

• Edit their photos easily (without using filters that wash them out)

• And they even get free presets to apply to their images to take them from *yawn* to *wow*!

So the course was created and sent out into the world. But what did people really think about it?

Well, the verdict is in! Moms everywhere are loving the iPhone photography course where I teach moms how to take better photos of their kids!

Don’t believe me? Check out what these moms are saying…

“This course was great! I feel like all moms of littles should have this knowledge in their back pocket. I love how Taryn broke down the course enough to understand but was in depth enough to transform my photos. I now have a different way of approaching photography with my kids and can’t wait to use these techniques in the future.” – Ashley

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“The course was easy to follow and I was able to watch at my own pace, between drop off and pick ups at 3 different schools! My favorite thing about the course was being able to go back and reference the techniques/talking points, as I’m a visual learner and seeing/hearing it more than once really sinks in for me.” - Andrea

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“Taryn’s cell phone course is really great! As a mom of 4 kids and a photographer myself, I know it can be hard to take good pics of your kids. It covers everything you need to be able to understand how to take a great image. Highly recommend if you want to take your cell phone images up a level!” – Aly

Now it’s YOUR turn!

Are you ready to take a leap and try something new?

Want to find out more info about what all the course entails? Go here:

Ready to get the course for yourself? Go here and let’s get this party started!

“Your kids are only little for so long.”

We hear that a lot as parents, don’t we? And sure enough, the days are long, but the years pass by so quickly. The only way we really have to remember those little moments with our kiddos is when Facebook brings up those memories from years past. It’s a heart-warming feeling, isn’t it? Seeing their little hands and feet, snotty noses, and cranky faces too. We moms want to remember it all – because yes, it does pass more quickly than we realize.

It's said that we are the most documented time in history, i.e., we have more photos of our kids, pets, and daily lives than any other time before us. Technology is at our fingertips and so readily available. But how many of those photos do you actually like? How many of those photos ever leave the camera roll on your phone?

Maybe it’s because you don’t think your photos are good enough. Maybe it’s because you can’t get your phone to take pictures like what you’re actually seeing with your eyes. Maybe you just have sucumbed to the idea that you’re no good at taking photos.

We hear you and we’re here to help.

If you’re struggling with taking good photos of your kids or pets, then get ready because I’m about to introduce you to something that’s going to rock your world.

I’ve been taking photos professionally for over a decade now and it all started because I was like you – I wanted to take better photos of my kids on a daily basis.

And now, with the help of this course, YOU CAN!

I’m so excited to announce that Taryn Melgoza Photography is now offering an online photography course for moms. This course is for anyone who wants to learn how to get amazing, high-quality photos out of that camera in your purse.

This cell phone photography course for parents includes:

• 45 minute detailed video with step by step instructions

• An explanation in all things lighting

• The art of composing a good photo

• Getting authentic smiles from your kids

• How to get your partner to take photos of you (that you actually like)

• An easy approach to editing (without using filters that wash you out)

• 7 Presets that will take your photos from *yawn* to *WOW*!

Are you ready to learn how to get great, authentic, fun photos of your children? Click the link below to get your hands on this course that’s made just for YOU!

FAQ

What if my kids won’t cooperate?

With this course, we keep ALL kids in mind! Whether your child is in the terrible twos, awkward pre-teen years, or somewhere inbetween – this course will show you how to get REAL photos of your kids that you’ll love.

I’m not a “techy” person. Will I understand it?

Absolutely! In this course, we take all of that technical mumbo jumbo professional photographers use and make it attainable and easy to understand. There’s step by step instructions and examples with every single point made, so you really can do this!

I want my husband to take more natural photos of me with he kids. What’s the secret to getting him to do that?

Oh girl, we’re going to break it down for you so that you’ll be able to tell him exactly what you want and make it as quick and painless as possible for him!

I don’t have a lot of time to devote to this. Can I take breaks?

Absolutely! This course is designed to be broken up into small, achievable segments that you can watch while you’re sitting in the car rider pick up line, doctor’s office, or after the kids have {finally} been put to bed.

Have we convinced you yet? If you’re ready to take better photos of your kiddos, click the link below to get your work at your own paced course today!

Christmas card season is here. Are you ready for your Christmas family photos? This guide will show you what to do (what NOT to do) when it comes to planning your Christmas outfits for your family.

What to Avoid

Before we get into what you should wear, let’s talk about what you shouldn’t wear to your family photo session. You’ll want to avoid everyone wearing the same colors (i.e. everyone wearing black). Matchy-matchy is more likely to make the photos look older in style than they actually are. Your outfits should coordinate in a way that adds to the overall look of the photos – not be generic.

Keep Your Photo Location in Mind

When thinking about what to wear, you’ll want to envision the setup of the props, colors of the trees (or lack thereof), and your family’s surroundings. For instance, if you’re heading to the Christmas tree farm, you’ll probably want to steer clear of wearing green and wear complementing colors instead, like red, navy blue, metallics, and tan. Christmas is a time of year to have fun with your wardrobe, so let’s have a little fun with it!

Pick Mom’s Outfit First

Let’s face it. Us moms are hardest on ourselves. So let’s make sure we look great before trying to plan the rest of the bunch. I always say to start with mom’s outfit and work from there because if you’re able to find a dress you love and feel great in first, chances are you can find coordinating outfits for the rest of your family members pretty easily.

I recommend a maxi dress for mom. They provide great movement for photos and they’re flattering on every body type. When in doubt, opt for a maxi dress.

Pick 2 or 3 Colors That Go Well Together

The colors you wear can help enhance or detract from the photos, no pressure or anything!

You’ll want to start by selecting two or three Christmas colors as your color palette. Think of the colors of the winter season and those classic Christmas colors. You don’t have to do the traditional red and green colors either! It’ll easily tie the family together without everyone looking too styled. When in doubt, tan is always a great neutralizing third color.

Instead of giving you vague ideas as to what works and what doesn’t, I thought I’d show you some inspiration (and even link the clothing items in my Amazon storefront directly so you can easily find them). After all, you’ve got more pressing things to do than to pick out outfits that will work together and I’m here to help! Here are a few ideas of colors that go together that are perfect for Christmas family photos.

Christmas Outfit Ideas

*Please note that as an Amazon affiliate, I earn commission from any qualifying purchases.

I hope this guide on what to wear for a Christmas family photo session helps you choose your family’s outfits and gives you some peace of mind so you can look forward to your session!

If you found this article helpful, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my newsletter.

So you’ve done it. You’ve booked your photographer for those yearly fall family photos. Then the panic sets in. What on earth do we wear for the family photos?

If this question invokes a sense of anxiety, panic, and dread – then this guide on what to wear for your family pictures is just for you!

For this round of family photo clothing ideas, we’re focusing on some ideas specifically for fall. Fall is a really popular season for photos. The weather is generally pretty mild, the colors of the leaves are changing (hopefully we get a little color here in Southeast Texas anyway), and those Christmas card photos aren’t going to take themselves. Here’s a few things to keep in mind when selecting what you’re going to wear for your family photos this fall season.

What to Avoid

Before we get into what you should wear, let’s talk about what you shouldn’t wear to your family photo session. You’ll want to avoid everyone wearing the same colors (i.e. everyone wearing black). Matchy-matchy is more likely to make the photos look older in style than they actually are. Your outfits should coordinate in a way that adds to the overall look of the photos – not be generic.

Keep Your Photo Location in Mind

When thinking about what to wear, you’ll want to envision the setup of the props, colors of the trees, and your family’s surroundings. For instance, if you’re heading to the pumpkin patch, you’ll probably want to steer clear of wearing orange and wear complementing colors instead, like tan, brown, maroon, navy, or mustard. Fall has such a great range of colors available to us, so there’s a wide array of color options we can draw from.

Pick Mom’s Outfit First

Let’s face it. Us moms are hardest on ourselves. So let’s make sure we look great before trying to plan the rest of the bunch. I always say to start with mom’s outfit and work from there because if you’re able to find a dress you love and feel great in first, chances are you can find coordinating outfits for the rest of your family members pretty easily.

I recommend a maxi dress for mom. They provide great movement for photos and they’re flattering on every body type. When in doubt, opt for a maxi dress.

Pick 2 or 3 Colors That Go Well Together

The colors you wear can help enhance or detract from the photos, no pressure or anything!

You’ll want to start by selecting two or three fall colors as your color palette. Think of the colors of fall, the colors of leaves when they change colors in the autumn season, and those warmer tones. Those fall colors are the ones you’ll want to gravitate towards. It’ll easily tie the family together without everyone looking too styled. When in doubt, tan is always a great neutralizing third color.

Instead of giving you vague ideas as to what works and what doesn’t, I thought I’d show you some inspiration (and even link the clothing items in my Amazon storefront directly so you can easily find them). After all, you’ve got more pressing things to do than to pick out outfits that will work together and I’m here to help! Here are a few ideas of colors that go together that are perfect for fall family photos.

Fall Family Outfit Ideas for Photos

Whether you’re into mustard, maroon, navy, or sage green, we’ve got all the ideas for you here on how to pick the perfect coordinating outfits for your family.

*Please note that as an Amazon affiliate, I earn commission from any qualifying purchases.

I hope this guide on what to wear for a fall family photo session helps you choose your family’s outfits and gives you some peace of mind so you can look forward to your session!

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Kollins Six Month & Family Session

Oh, my goodness, y’all – cuteness overload! I love this family so much, and I’m enjoying watching their two sweet kiddos grow. Baby Kollins came back to see me for her six-month milestone session, and Mom decided she wanted a family session outdoors this time. Kollins’ six-month birthday happened to land right around fall time in Texas, so we had some lovely cool weather with a gorgeous fall sunset the night of their session.

Although it comes in a very small window, fall is always one of my favorite times to do outdoor portraits in Texas! You can definitely see how much personality baby Kollins has in these images. She loves the outdoors, and she was full of smiles, which made it such a fun session! (I think it might have had something to do with her playful brother being by her side.)

She borrowed a few wardrobe options from my studio collection as well as the adorable floral crown. Baby girls and flowers are always a perfect combination in my opinion! She has the most gorgeous blue eyes I’ve ever seen, so the light blue, coral, green, and pink colors really made them stand out even more. What a beauty!

We made sure to capture both family images as well as several individual photos of Kollins during this session. I always encourage families to participate in their baby's milestone sessions as it helps baby adjust to the situation AND creates gorgeous family memories for them to cherish and look back upon. These sibling portraits are priceless! I know their parents adore them, but I guarantee they’ll be equally treasured by Kollins and her brother when they grow up. Their bond is something special, and what an honor it was to capture these moments for them.

Happy half birthday, baby Kollins! I can’t wait to see this crew back in a few months.

League City Baby Photographer

And here she is! Ellis is six months old – and so full of personality! If you missed it, check the previous post for her adorable 4thof July themed newborn and family session! This gorgeous girl has grown so much since I last saw her. She transformed from a sleepy little snuggle bug into a bright-eyed wiggle worm! The six-month milestone is one of my favorites because they’re so interactive and curious, wanting to explore anything they can get their hands on. The toothy grins are my absolute favorite!

For baby Ellis’ milestone sessions, Mom requested that I come to their gorgeous home in League City and photograph their family in their "natural environment.” Lifestyle sessions are some of my favorites because I can really capture the full personalities of each member and the sweet candid moments of everyday life together. We really did it up, and I had so much fun being a fly on the wall as they did their thing, which meant lots of smiles and tickles on Mom and Dad's bed, an extra bubbly bath with popsicles, strawberries for snack time, and some naked baby fun in Ellis' nursery! Not to mention that her outfits were cute as can be! Look at Ellis’ beautiful velvet headband and floral PJs along with her older brother’s cute striped jammies!

No matter what fun activity was next (or what mess was being cleaned up), there was SO MUCH LOVE in this house. I truly feel like this session was pure magic, and I hope other families will want to do in-home lifestyle baby sessions more often! The love and priceless moments together far outshine any imperfections you might see when you look at the house. (I get it, I’m a mom, too. But trust me on this!)

Happy six months baby Ellis! So much love to you all!

Hatfield Family Pregnancy Announcement Photos

The first couple months of pregnancy come with a certain unique type of excitement. The expecting couple knows their little secret, but the rest of the world is completely unaware. Sometimes it’s kind of fun having big news that no one knows about, but at the same time, the couple is just counting down the days until they can announce it to the everyone! (I once had a client who shared the news with unsuspecting strangers while running errands around town because he just could not contain his excitement about their pregnancy, and he wasn’t allowed to share with family and friends yet – adorable! ) Bringing a tiny human into the world is no small thing!

The Hatfields are new clients, and they booked me so they could announce their pregnancy to their family and friends in a fun way! We shot this in my favorite field just south of Houston. I love this area because it feels so peaceful and quiet. The hanging moss makes the trees appear so enchanting as it blows in the breeze – a perfect backdrop for this sweet couple to savor this experience together.

They brought along a cute letter board and balloons to the session, so we had some options to share their exciting news. I love that they incorporated the sunshine yellow into their session. It really popped against the darker natural colors of the field and trees for bright and lively photos.

This is their first baby so it was a very exciting & special time for them! They ended up booking a baby plan so I had the honor of photographing their maternity and newborn session a few months later. Their little man had the best lips I have ever photographed on a newborn, so I'll be sure to share those in a later blog post! Stay tuned for this sweet story.

Natural Light Houston Maternity and Family Photography | Konen Family

Outdoor sessions are my favorite, especially when the weather is perfect. The fresh air and natural scenery just have a way of helping people relax and be themselves. On this particular evening with the Konen Family, we couldn’t have asked for a prettier day. A light breeze blew through the tall green grass, and we had the space all to ourselves as we explored our little area of the park.

The Konen’s are expecting their second little one…and it's a boy! I had the pleasure of photographing their daughter’s newborn session a few years ago so I've got to watch their family grow! This is definitely one of my favorite parts of my job! How much fun it will be to watch this brother and sister grow. After photographing so many families, I’ve noticed that brothers and sisters have such a sweet, unique bond. It’s funny to watch them play with trucks and tutus interchangeably, and it’s fun for the parents to watch their kiddos' own unique personalities develop, too. I’m so excited for them to meet their little man!

We shot these in League City at a park that offered a boardwalk surrounded nature and gorgeous evening light. Their little girl was adorable and full of personality. I’m so glad they brought her along, too, to capture this sweet transition and growth in their lives as a whole family. She is a hoot and her cute expressions and antics made for some adorable family images – lots of laughs caught on camera! I love the photos of her kissing Mom’s tummy and the two of them dancing on the path. She’s still pretty young, but I think she’s warming up to the idea of having a baby brother. I can tell already that they are going to have so much fun together, and he will have a hard time keeping up with his energetic sister! Check out their adorable maternity and family photos below!

Galveston Beach Maternity Session | H Family

Oh, what a glorious evening for this dreamy sunset maternity shoot. Who says you can’t get some stunning beach shots in Texas?! This was as peaceful as it gets.

This glowing mama-to-be is one of the most outstanding baby planners I know. She provides supportive and knowledgeable maternity consulting for families who are expecting. I hope she has had just as much support from family and friends throughout her pregnancy as she gives to others.

This is their first baby, and I was honored to photograph their announcement photo a few months earlier. Both of them are so easy-going and fun to work with. This beautiful couple is so in love as they eagerly wait for their little one to arrive, and we thought a beach session would match their personality perfectly. Plus, it served as a relaxing getaway for the two of them to spend some quality alone time together. I am so in love with this peaceful maternity shoot!

This beach was GORGEOUS, especially on this particular evening, and made for some magical maternity images. The waves lapped gently on the shore as layers of pastel blue, pink, and purple painted a marvelous sunset behind them. She wore an elegant dusty blue lace dress that really made her dark hair and beautiful features pop. Then, as it got darker, she switched to a flowing white gown that accentuated her bump perfectly. I love the bright white against the setting sun – it really highlighted the two of them and her growing bump.

I could not be more excited for this lovely couple.They will be the most wonderful parents to their little one, and I can wait to meet their bundle of joy in just a few short months.

Ready for your own relaxing maternity shoot to capture this exciting time as your family grows? Let’s get in touch!

Houston Newborn Photographer | Sweet Savannah

This little beauty is the queen of sleepy smiles! Normally, it’s pretty hard to catch one of those rare moments, but baby Savannah gave us several. She absolutely lit up the room with joy and what a pleasure it was to have her family in the studio.

The Matheson Family is new to the Houston area, so I was honored they chose me to be their newborn photographer. This is their first baby, and with all the transitioning between moves and having a baby, she was a little bit "older" in terms of newborns when she came in for her session.

I typically recommend scheduling newborn sessions within the first two to three weeks when babies are still in their sleepy, easy-to-pose phase.  Savannah was closer to four weeks but she was still a dream to work with. She didn’t have any trouble snoozing her way through the swaddled egg and froggy poses – she was just adorable. This proves that even older newborns can be photographed. Some poses need to be adjusted as the baby grows, but beautiful images of your baby can be done at any age and I would never want a family to miss out because they missed “The Window”! After all, life happens and babies create their own schedules.

For this lovely session, Mom and Dad wanted to keep it simple and classic yet distinctly feminine. We used lots of dusty rose, mauve, pastel peach, and subtle floral prints so that her beautiful complexion and tiny features really stood out as the focus of the pictures. I loved the soft sets they chose. She looked so sweet and snuggly there as she slept with her little teddy bear. I’m not going to lie, the hardest part of being a newborn photographer is resisting the urge to snuggle those little cuties!

Welcome home, little one! What a joy is was to photograph this sweet princess.

This was our last session of 2018 and, coincidentally, scheduled it on the client's wedding anniversary. We all thought it was so neat! This is their first baby, so these sessions are held so dearly.

Have I mentioned how much I love doing boys’ sessions?  Most people think that little girls have more options (which may be some truth in that) but can we just stop and say that little boys steal so many hearts… usually for their whole lives?!  And being able to document that thud of a family’s heartbeat brings so much joy to me.  Jenna and I decided to stick with mostly neutrals for this session and decided to have fun with some prints for hat selections.  Mom and dad also loved this session, so I feel that we hit it out of the park with this one!  Giles slept so well and was such a chunk.  This combination makes for the most fun newborn sessions.

We stuck to neutrals when it came time to do the parent portraits.  These are timeless and classic- which generally never go outdated.  Since I specialize in displaying my artwork of your moments in your homes, I do like to get those timeless and classic shots. My goal is for you to be able to display them for years to come. Your portraits should grow with you as your family grows!

That said, I do love adding in those pops of colors to give your session a fun and artistic look to it, which is precisely what happened with that mustard and navy combination.  Great for a little boy and beautiful and fun to look at.

Side note: Giles’ name is special in that it came from relatives who had fought in the Texas revolution. How cool is that?  I love learning about my clients and their most precious, so do not be alarmed when I ask you these types of questions.  Happy Wednesday friends! <3

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As a Family Urban Session photographer, one of my greatest joys comes from returning clients who want new pictures as their family grows (either with new members or just with progression of time). I love having the pleasure of seeing how tiny newborns develop into preschoolers full of personality and how big brothers and sisters adapt to their vital roles over the years. As a mother myself, I see a glimpse of my future as I capture families with older children. It reminds me of how quickly time flies and to really soak it all in as it’s happening.

There's A First For Everything

The Simpson family booked me for a baby plan when baby girl #2, Elena, was born in 2017. For her One Year portraits earlier this year, we decided to make it a family + cake smash session. I adore family portraits at this age. I truly think every family should have updated family portraits done when their babies turn one. It's such a huge milestone and fun age—they grow exponentially in those first twelve months!

We did this session in one of my favorite urban locations in Houston, and the creative results are so different but perfect! I really enjoy it when parents have unique artistic styles they want to try out for some out-of-the-box portraits. The abstract urban landscape gives dynamic dimension to the images, but it is also beautifully symbolic of the city where the Simpson’s have established their roots. If they ever relocate, they can look back on these photos to remember the place they first called home.

Meet baby Hazel. Ruler of my studio who wrapped her parents and Jenna and I around those tiny little fingers. Her little sister and this doll baby are both so photogenic and just so easy.

Because this family is a family of girls (sorry dad) we wanted to style it with all the girlie things. How did I do? ;) We used florals, pinks, rhinestone embellishments, lovies, lace and all. the. snuggles. 

This sweet girl was so sleepy and so easy to photograph, she let me do so many poses. And we were able to document this fleeting time in their lives so beautifully with a variety of set ups and colors.  When clients follow my prep guide for newborn portraits, you can expect to have a session with this much variety! That said,though, it is also important to note that newborn babies also are human! So they do possess their own personality. So some may not like certain poses or positions.  Do not fear, since I am trained and experienced with newborn portraiture, I always have been able to fill up a gallery- even if your baby does not like a certain pose!

This session also highlights a great example of outfit ideas for mom, dad and siblings! We stuck with neutral tops, and a neutral background.This allowed us to bring in some color from big sis and mama on their skirts!  I also recommend doing your hair and makeup (makeup is priority, here) or getting it done.  You may not feel up to it, but you will look back on these images and be grateful you chose to.  These are the very first moments in your baby’s life, so we want to make sure we are jumping in the shots, and feeling our best(with little sleep ha!). 

This just promotes that fun and exciting experience that I am always trying to achieve for each one of my clients.

Questions?  I am here to help! I would love to talk with you!

Happy Wednesday, friends! I am so excited to be sharing this sweet Vintage One Year session with sweet Camila. We went to the Houston Warehouse Studios. This worked well for this sweet family (and me!) because we got to avoid any crazy Houston winter weather.

This is also a great option for any client that may be on a time crunch and cannot really fit reschedules into their scheduling. Rain? No problem! Cold winter days? No problem! And yep, HOT Houston days? No problemo!

This sweet family and I went with a beautiful vintage vibe. We managed to get a ton of Camila by herself along with some family shots- I always recommend doing this for one year sessions. Our children are probably the most important thing in our lives (aside from our sweet spouses), so naturally we want to catch those fleeting moments of them. However, your babies will want pictures of you one day, so please- jump in the frames!

One of my favorite additions to this session was the floral crown and tee-pee that I use. It looked absolutely stunning in front of that exposed brick wall. The natural lighting paired with those natural elements made these images look soft, inviting and aesthetically pleasing.

Be sure to scroll below to view the highlights from this session. And as always- I want to hear from YOU! So if you are looking for a photographer to document your most precious moments in life, be sure to reach out and get in touch!