Welcoming a new addition to your family is a momentous occasion, and capturing this special time with maternity pictures is a cherished tradition. When you have a toddler in the mix, planning a maternity photo session can be a bit challenging. Don’t worry, with some preparation and creativity, you can have beautiful maternity pictures with your little one. In this guide, I will share tips on how to plan maternity pictures with toddler, including 3 ways to prepare and the best time to schedule your session.

1. Choose the Right Location

Selecting the perfect location is essential when planning maternity pictures with toddler. Here are a few considerations:

• Familiarity: Opt for a location that your toddler is comfortable with if they are shy or uncomfortable in new settings. Familiar settings can help your child feel at ease and reduce any anxiety during the session. Using your home for a Lifestyle Session or a favorite park where you visit regularly with your family are 2 great choices.
• Studio: Come into the studio for a simple backdrop and more classic portrait. Your toddler will feel more at ease as our studio is quaint and comfortable. Most children adjust really quickly to the small inviting space.
• Avoid Distractions: If your child is easily distracted by dogs, other kids, a nearby park, etc., you may want to choose a location that is a little more hidden. I have a lot of great recommendations and am happy to share once you are booked.

2. Timing is Everything

Timing plays a crucial role in the success of your maternity session, especially when a toddler is involved. Here’s why scheduling your session between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy is ideal:

• Comfort: During this period, you’re likely to feel more comfortable and have a beautiful baby bump to showcase. You’ll be able to move around and pose with ease, even with an energetic toddler in tow. Also you will have a big enough baby bump to show your beautiful baby on the way.
• Early Bird: Scheduling your session before the 36th week is advisable as sometimes babies arrive early or doctor’s are misguided in their guess of baby’s due date. You won’t want to miss your chance at beautiful maternity portrait memories.
• Avoiding Exhaustion: As you approach the end of your pregnancy, you may experience fatigue more frequently. By planning your maternity session during the 32-36 week window, you’ll have more energy to create memorable maternity pictures with toddler.

3. Prepare Your Toddler

• Explain and Involve: Talk to your toddler about the upcoming photo session, using simple and positive language. Let them know that it’s a special day to celebrate the new baby. You can even involve them in some aspects of the preparation, such as choosing their outfit or a toy to bring along.
• Timing: Do your best to schedule your session at a time when your toddler is usually at their best. For many children, this is often in the morning after a good night’s sleep and breakfast. Avoid nap times or when they tend to get fussy. This may be challenging for outdoor sunset sessions.
• Bring Essentials: Toddlers get wiggly fast, so it’s a good idea to have some toddler essentials on hand. Bring their favorite snacks, toys, or books to keep them occupied during breaks or when they’re not in front of the camera.

4. Poses for Your Maternity Session with Toddler

Now that you’ve prepared for your maternity session, it’s time to consider some poses that will beautifully capture the expecting mom and toddler, or even the whole family.

• The Belly Kiss: Have your toddler stand or kneel beside you, and encourage them to kiss or gently touch your baby bump. This sweet moment not only highlights your pregnancy but also showcases the bond between your toddler and the new baby.
• The Storyteller: Find a cozy spot where you and your toddler can sit together. Bring along a favorite book, and capture the precious moments of reading together. This pose not only emphasizes the family bond but also adds a personal touch to your photos.
• Family Fun: Incorporate playfulness into your session by having mom and dad embrace each other and let your toddler be their energetic self. You and your partner can enjoy the moments of togetherness while your little one runs around you or runs up for some hugs. These candid shots often turn out to be some of the most cherished ones.

Planning a maternity session with a toddler may present its unique set of challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to capture the joy and anticipation of expanding your family. Remember to choose the right location, time your session wisely, and prepare your toddler to make the experience enjoyable for everyone involved. By following these tips and considering some of these heartwarming poses, you’ll have a collection of beautiful maternity pictures that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Go ahead and schedule that maternity session between weeks 32-36, and let your toddler’s energy and enthusiasm add a touch of magic to your family’s maternity pictures! Contact the studio for availability.

UPDATE: THE TIME FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3RD HAS CHANGED FROM 10-11AM IN THE MORNING INSTEAD OF 1-3PM IN THE AFTERNOON. THANK YOU!

Holiday mini sessions are designed to celebrate the wonder of childhood during this special time of year. From the tiniest 2-month-old bundles of joy to energetic 10-year-olds filled with holiday spirit, we welcome all children in this age range. They can join us for a memorable photo session. Siblings are also encouraged to participate, making it a true family affair! Please understand that this event is for immediate family only and if you would like to photograph cousins, you will need to book a private session. If you would like some updated child or baby holiday photos, this event is perfect for you!

A Festive Winter White Theme Backdrop

Our Winter White Theme backdrop sets the stage for holiday magic. It’s the perfect canvas for capturing those heartwarming smiles, twinkling eyes, and festive attire. Whether your child is dressed in a sparkling holiday dress or a dashing suit, the Winter White Theme provides a timeless and elegant backdrop for your baby holiday photos. It is recommended to dress up a little more for this year’s backdrop. The colors that would look the best are dark green, silver, gold, ivory, and light patterns.

Perfect for Some Quick Baby Holiday Photos

We understand that young children have shorter attention spans, which is why our mini sessions are designed to be quick and fun. In just 10 minutes, I will work my magic, ensuring that your child’s personality shines through. You’ll receive 5 or more proofs to choose from, ensuring you have a variety of beautiful photos to cherish. Digital files start at a low price of $25. Visit this fun festive holiday post to read 5 tips on utilizing your holiday photos.

Session Details:

• Duration: 10 minutes
• Proofs: 5 or more to choose from
• Digital Files: Starting at $25
• Backdrop: Winter White Theme
• Cost: Only $50 per session

Perfect for Holiday Gifts and Cards

These baby holiday photos make for fantastic holiday gifts for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends. Imagine the joy on their faces when they receive a heartfelt holiday card or printed ornament featuring your little one’s radiant smile. Our mini sessions are a meaningful way to spread holiday cheer and create treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to capture the magic of the season with our Holiday Mini Sessions for children. Book your session today and let us preserve these precious moments for you and your family. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, year after year.

Ready to book your Holiday Mini Session for November 25th or December 3rd?

Celebrate the holidays with us and create memories that will warm your heart for seasons to come. Click on the graphic below to reserve your spot and secure your baby holiday photos today!

Please note that NO DIGITAL FILES ARE INCLUDED IN THE SITTING FEE. In order to book your session, you must sign a portrait agreement and provide a $50 payment.   Clients are not officially booked until these 2 items have been received by Just Peachy Photography. If you have more than 2 children, be prepared to make the $15 payment for each additional child after you are signed up and make initial $50 payment at booking.

If you cannot make it to your session, you may get someone else to take your place. Deposits are nonrefundable due to the nature of the event and limited spaces. If you cannot make this event or would like more time, please feel free to book a milestone or family session in the studio. All private sessions are given the choice of ANY of our holiday backdrops. You can see selections upon request. Also you can view all upcoming mini session events including our Family Holiday Mini Sessions on our website.

The first year of a baby’s life is a whirlwind of fleeting moments, each one as precious as the next. At Just Peachy Photography in Palatine, IL, we are dedicated to capturing these short-lived yet profoundly significant moments. These baby milestone pictures not only freeze time but also encapsulate the magic of your child’s early development. It is important to cherish these fleeting moments and know the best times to get professional portraits taken baby’s first year.

First Movement at Around 4 Months Old

At around 4 months of age, something magical happens in a baby’s development. They start to lift up on their belly. This seemingly simple action is a significant milestone, marking the beginning of their journey towards mobility and independence. It’s during this stage that parents often notice their baby’s curiosity flourishing. It is a fun stage as they smile more at people talking and looking at them. Sometimes we even see one of my favorite poses at this stage. The baby is on their back and grabbing their toes. This is the first milestone recommended for our Baby Club Members and is always a favorite with parents. Our studio located in Palatine, IL has a large assortment of adorable outfits and accessories for babies at this milestone stage for our clients to use at their session.

Sitting Unassisted at Around 6 Months Old

Around 5-8 months old, babies begin to sit unassisted. This newfound ability opens up a world of possibilities for adorable photo opportunities. The studio is well-equipped to make the most of this milestone. We use creative props and backgrounds to add an extra layer of charm to each picture. These photos don’t just showcase your baby’s physical development but also their blooming personality. They express joy, curiosity, and sometimes, a hint of mischief. This is always a must have milestone moment with a variety of cute poses. Some include sitting up in props, sitting unassisted, laying down and looking up smiling, grabbing toes on back and lots of giggles. Usually babies are very social and smiley at this fun stage. Our client closet is stocked with many fun outfits and accessories for babies around this age.

Standing and Walking at 1 Year Old

As your baby reaches their first birthday, they may be taking their first steps or even confidently walking around. This is an incredibly significant milestone, marking the transition from babyhood to toddlerhood. I understand that this stage is not just about movement but also about capturing the boundless energy, infectious laughter, and pure excitement that accompany the first steps. Just Peachy Photography has many props, backdrops, and skills to get those beautiful baby milestone pictures at one year. One fun way to celebrate the one year old milestone is with a cake smash session. Baby gets to sit and eat a decorative cake usually for the first time. They get to explore, eat and make art with their cake. It is a lot of fun for the parents and many times baby too.

It is Time to Capture Your Own Baby Milestone Pictures

Just Peachy Photography portrait studio excels in capturing the essence of these milestone moments in your baby’s first year. We transform these moments into tangible memories that will warm your heart for generations to come. So, whether it’s the 4-month belly lift, the 6-month unassisted sitting, or the 1-year-old’s first steps, don’t miss the opportunity to capture these magical moments. Your baby’s first year is a once-in-a-lifetime journey, and baby milestone pictures are the perfect way to celebrate it.

If you know you want to capture all of the milestones in baby’s first year, the Just Peachy Photography Baby Club may be a perfect fit for your baby! There is even a VIP Baby Club Option with access to a portrait session every month baby’s first year to make sure you capture every moment. If parents want to be included in the portrait fun, they can book a family session and can get milestone baby pictures too!

The holiday season is a time for warmth, joy, and creating cherished memories with your loved ones. What better way to commemorate these special moments than with Family Holiday Photo Mini Sessions? If you’re in or near Palatine, IL, you’re in for a treat, as we’re offering family holiday mini sessions that will capture the magic of the season right here in our studio.

The Essence of Family Holiday Photo Sessions

The holiday season is a time when families come together to celebrate and share their love and happiness. These moments are treasured, and the essence of this season is encapsulated through the art of photography. Our Family Holiday Photo Sessions have been designed to capture this spirit, creating lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Location, Timing and Other Details

Our Palatine, IL studio has the perfect holiday backdrops for your family’s holiday photos. The backdrops this year are Farmhouse Jingle Lights or Peppermint Living Room. You can see a few sample images of these backdrops below. The event is happening from 1-3pm on Saturday, December 2nd by appointment only. From 1-2pm the backdrop will be Farmhouse Jingle Lights and from 2-3pm it will be Peppermint Living Room. Sessions are 15 minutes for up to 5 immediate family members and include 5 digital files for $200. Your gallery will have 10+ images to choose from and clients have the opportunity to purchase additional images from there gallery as well as custom products from our online store after their digital purchase has been completed.

Treasured Keepsakes

At the core of our Family Holiday Photo Sessions are the treasured keepsakes you can choose to purchase for your home. In addition to your digital photos, a range of products are offered to you to help you relive the magic of the day throughout the year.

1. Custom Ornaments: Transform your family photo into a beautiful custom ornament, which will adorn your tree for years to come. These ornaments make for wonderful gifts and keepsakes.
2. Holiday Cards: Share the holiday spirit with personalized holiday cards featuring your family’s joyful moment. Send them to friends and family, spreading the love and warmth of the season.
3. Framed Prints: Elevate your home decor with professionally framed prints of your favorite holiday photo. Every glance will bring back the happiness and love shared during your session.

Need more ideas on how to make the most of your Family Holiday Photos? Check out this blog post that shares even more ways that Just Peachy Photography in Palatine, IL can help you display your beautiful holiday portraits during the holiday season or through the whole year!

Booking Your Family Holiday Photo Session

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to capture the spirit of the holiday season with your loved ones. Your Family Holiday Photo Session can be booked with us today by clicking on the graphic below. Our sessions are by appointment only, so be sure to reserve your spot at a time that suits your family’s schedule. Open the link below and see the available times for this event. REMEMBER THAT THE FIRST 4 SESSIONS FROM 1-2PM ARE FOR THE FARMHOUSE JINGLE BACKDROP AND THE LAST 4 SESSIONS FROM 2-3PM ARE FOR THE PEPPERMINT LIVING ROOM BACKDROP. If you have any questions, contact me at the studio at Erika@justpeachyphotog.com or 224-801-1680.

If you would like to book a holiday session with more time, a different backdrop (we have 3 available for families) or another date, see our options for private family sessions. Have another idea? I love to accommodate family’s ideas for their own holiday magic! Some clients have me at their homes for more of a lifestyle photo session for the holidays too!

The bewitching season of Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by giving back to the community while capturing precious memories? This year, our Palatine studio is excited to announce another series of fun Halloween Mini Sessions for Charity in support of a noble cause – the Palatine Food Pantry. These spooktacular sessions are designed for kids aged 2 months and up, ensuring that even the tiniest ghouls and goblins can join in on the festivities. Read on to discover how you can be a part of this heartwarming event that combines the spirit of Halloween with the joy of charity.

Halloween Mini Sessions for Charity

At our Palatine studio, we believe in the magic of giving back. Every Halloween, we partner with the Palatine Food Pantry to bring you a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in need. The concept is simple yet impactful – all you need to do to participate in these mini sessions is bring along two items for donation per child participating. These items will go directly to the food pantry, helping to ensure that everyone in our community can enjoy a wholesome meal, even during these trying times.

Capturing Halloween Spirit in only 5 Minutes

We understand that kids have their own pace and comfort zones. That’s why our Halloween Mini Sessions are designed to be just 5 minutes long, ensuring that even the youngest participants stay engaged and happy throughout the session. Every year we have a new Halloween-themed backdrop that’s perfect to capture an amazing portrait of your tiny pumpkin, mischievous witch, or charming vampire! I know just how to capture those spontaneous giggles, wide-eyed wonder, and adorably creative costumes in a flash.

Preserving Memories with Halloween Photos

While the mini sessions themselves are free with the donation of two food items, we also offer an opportunity to preserve these cherished Halloween memories. For only $25 each, you can obtain digital files of the mini session, allowing you to relive those adorable moments for years to come. Whether you want to share these snapshots with family and friends or create a delightful Halloween-themed scrapbook, these digital files will be a treasure trove of joy.

Supporting the Palatine Food Pantry

By participating in our Halloween mini sessions, you’re not only creating heartwarming memories for your family but also making a significant contribution to the Palatine Food Pantry. Your generosity will help families in our community enjoy meals, feel supported, and experience the true spirit of unity during this festive season.

Are you ready to book your Halloween Photo Session?

This Halloween, let’s come together as a community to celebrate the joy of giving, the magic of childhood, and the spirit of Halloween. Just Peachy Photography’s Halloween Mini Sessions for Charity are a delightful way to capture the essence of this enchanting season while making a positive impact on the lives of others. With a 5-minute session, a Halloween-themed backdrop, and the option to preserve these memories through digital files, there’s no reason to miss out on this spooktacular opportunity. Join us in spreading smiles, laughter, and goodwill, one mini session at a time!

If you are looking for family photos for the fall season, make sure you check out our Fall Family Mini Sessions event in October or view our website for our family sessions offered regularly. Fall session dates are booking fast so don’t wait long!