It's no secret that one of my favorite parts of this job is watching your families grow.  But besides that I love to grow with your littles as well.  Jodi has brought both Sofia and Kohen for their milestones to HGP.  The milestone program typically includes the newborn, three, six, and nine month sessions ending with the one year smash  and splash.

Nine months though is one of my favorites.  Most babies are sitting up completely on their own, but have yet not mastered moving faster than me- that happens usually by the one year ;).  They are usually suuuuuper easy to make smile, and you've just about figured out their schedule so we can as happy babies as possible.  Kohen was SO smiley he was giggling.  I honestly had forgotten what a sweet sound a baby's giggle is.  We try to schedule their sessions right after their morning nap; at this age, that doesn't leave us a ton of time until the next nap, but we don't need much- as evident in his gallery below! 

Nine months.  Ten, if you ask me honestly. There is so much to do in that short amount of time from when you see those two lines to when your baby comes, whether on their own or evicted like Gemma.  There are hundreds of lists that will try to get you prepared for the birth of your child.  Books to be read, nurseries to be designed,  birth plans to be established, the list goes on and on.

I get it.  A photographer might not be at the top of the list.  I mean, being comfortable with your OB is pretty damn important.  Knowing the hospital, what kind of maternity leave you qualify for, and deciding between breastfeeding and nursing all take precedence to hiring a photographer.

However, getting your baby on the calendar once you hit your second trimester is always a good idea. 

Alright, I might take some heat from this one, but I hope you'll hear me out.   How did becoming a parent change your relationship with your pets?   This dog. She's actually an amazing dog. You wouldn't know it because all I do is b*tch about her. But when she's on a first name basis with the local PD because she jumps fences and we have yet to find a consistent method of corraling- well- she can frustrate a saint. I think. I don't know that for sure, and no one's ever accused Jen Lange of being a saint.   I digress.   My first dog was this amazing, sweet, little, obedient, protective- but- didn't- know- a- stranger stray. I realized that all those years ago I saved her from life on the street but she really saved me. We lost her the year before we had Gemma.   Enter Gigi when Gemma was four months old.

Introducing... Lindsey!   Well sort of introducing.   Introducing a leg... and an arm of Lindsey.   But there is a point.   Lindsey is behind the scenes at HGP (if you watch the live video on Facebook she's in the background playing with big sis) and she's my other half at my newborn sessions.   She's forever finding my camera for me, giving me choices for beans because I never know which size I truly want, moving lighting equipment, changing out backdrops, playing with older siblings, snuggling babes, keeping me hydrated, CLEANING UP AFTER SESSION (you have no idea how significant that help is) etc.   Her primary job however is keeping your baby safe. Above all else, she's always alert and ready in case those little buggers discover head control or try to froggy out of a pose.   That's exactly what she's doing below. She's within reach of your baby at all times when I'm shooting.  

I'm frequently called the baby whisperer.  Frankly, anyone who enjoys success in the field of newborn photography will be called this at some point in their career.  I have spent a great deal of time and money ensuring not only your baby's safety, but cooperation and sleepiness! ;)  Below are my favorites little tips and tricks for your sessions, many of which can be carried over to when you're home without the baby whisperer.

This happens in a variety of ways. First of all- we keep it super warm in the studio- you're baby will be naked for the most part after all.  Once they're swaddled, we turn the heat off.  With that said, your house should be kept around 68-70 degrees.  They say babes should be clothed in only one additional later to what you're wearing.

Secondly- white noise.  You can go a few different routes here, but usually something is needed.