Hey there, Mom.  Are you expecting a baby?  Is this perhaps your first baby? Or last baby?  Where do you go to find out about everything going on during pregnancy?  Are you researching the latest gadgets , the best strollers and car seats?  Are you planning on having maternity portraits taken?  

I know you're busy with your career and or your family and may be short of time.  Finding time to research for the right photographer in between the business of every day life can create a challenge at times when your days are long and energy is a little short.  

If you are looking for maternity portraits, would you like a little insight on booking your maternity session?  I'm going to get right to it and not waste your precious time.

First, Mom-to-be, I'd suggest looking for a style that you like.  Would you prefer natural outdoors or in studio pictures.  Do you prefer a budget friendly session, perhaps a few pics taken by a friend or local beginner?  Just some digitals that you can share on social and may or may not decide to print at your leisure?  Just put the word out through social media and watch, within minutes you're sure to have several offers from people.  I'd suggest looking through their work; look for consistency and style.  If their images are consistent, there's a good chance that your session's images will look like their portfolio.  I'd suggest finding someone with the style that you're looking for.  If you ask a photographer for a style they're not familiar with creating, ask them plenty of questions or better yet find a photographer that already offers the style you would like, which may help you to feel confident that you'll get what you're envisioning.  Many of us photographers will try to please our clients by trying something new, and that's always fun, however, I know for myself, if someone shows me a photo for 'inspiration' they like and I don't have the right lens, the correct lights or the correct editing style, the image delivered may not be what you're looking for.  Choosing a photographer with a portfolio that is on point with what you want is a good place to start.  

Another way to go, Moms:  Is a maternity photo session something you've been thinking about, perhaps dreaming about and you'd like to celebrate this special pregnancy milestone in your life by creating some images that you'll love to keep and show off (and brag about)?  Do you want a professional maternity photographer that offers some pampering for a pregnant mama?  Such as professional hair and makeup, a client wardrobe and professional design services to show you portrait display ideas for your home?  Our clients love that every detail is taken care of for them; we get clued in on what you like and we start the creation process.  We do all the work so you, Mom, can continue with your daily routine and have all the fun at your session.    Many of our client moms are busy with careers and kids and are confident that they'll feel great, look amazing and have portraits that look great hanging in their homes buy hiring us for their maternity session and portrait designs.  

When SHOULD You book your maternity portrait session?  
I'd also suggest not waiting too long to speak with a photographer.  Many of us boutique style photography studios book up several months in advance.  I like to have moms into the studio by 30 weeks, this way you're still able to move around, be posed an able to take advantage of the time we have together at the studio.  The later you get into your pregnancy, for many mamas, you may be feeling tired, maybe bloated and just not yourself and you never know what 'early wonderful surprises' may happen toward the final weeks of your pregnancy, so the sooner you book the better.  Booking by the end of your first trimester is ideal.  Many of us also offer newborn photos if you're interested, talk about that on your call as well.   

As you're looking through maternity and newborn photography websites, finding ideas you like and choosing what you want,  I strongly suggest calling or filling out the inquiry form on their website; however, at some point, I suggest speaking with them, hearing their voice or meeting in person..WHY?  because that's how you know if you're going to 'vibe', or 'click' with this person.  Many photographers are warm big hearted souls and you want to hear their voice, meet them eye to eye, ask them questions about their services, and make sure it's what you're looking for.  There's nothing like talking with someone that 'gets' you and the style that you want.  Make sure you find THAT photographer for yourself.  The one that 'gets' you.... 

Do you have a vision in mind?  You don't need to.  Some of us photographers offer guidance from beginning to end of your photo session.  Portraits that you love and want to cherish forever usually just don't happen without some planning.  Some of us photographers will ask questions about you and create a style that will fit your personality and vision.  I find this step is a huge help to our busy women clients, and a huge help to us, to get to know more about you and personalize your session to create beautiful images and artwork.  Moms can work on your daily life, while we create your session.    

Do you want to share the maternity session experience with someone?  We'll create looks for both of you.  Do you want a classic jeans and t-shirt calvin klein-ish look in your session or a more glamorous style with fitted dresses or big majestic gowns?  Some of us photographers offer wardrobe for you.  I offer wardrobe for moms because most of my clients are busy career women & busy moms that trust that I know what looks good on camera this way they don't need to take the time to shop; My studio has everything you need for your photo session, including professional hair and makeup.  

Our team makes sure you're comfortable even before you step in front of the camera.  You and I will create the style for your session, your wardrobe, your poses, hair and makeup and several other details before you walk in the door.  Yes, this may take a visit to the studio or a phone call or two to chat before your session, but we hope you will feel both a thousand percent prepared and confident that we're going to carry out your vision and make...you...look...gorgeous.  

Our photography services don't stop at seeing your final images.  How will these images match your style at home?  We're going to create artwork made to match your walls and your style to display around your home.   

We know you're immersed in pregnancy details such as doctor appointments and last minute incidentals getting ready for the baby and hopefully, fitting in some rest, too.  We work with you to create glorious printed artwork for the walls of your home, beautiful photo albums that hold all of the images that you chose to keep from your photo session and matted prints to display and frame for the rooms and halls of your home or to gift to grandparents.  We are happy to visit you, measure the walls we're creating artwork for, design some beautiful printed wall art for you to choose from and deliver these final products to you and I seriously live to see the look of joy on your face when you see yourself in a printed 20x30" wall art canvas, acrylic or framed print. 

Our goal is not to just create photos that we hope you cherish forever, but for you to also have fond memories of your special photo session that's been created just for you and peace of mind that all of the printed details will hang beautifully on the walls of your home for years to come.

We are Millie Dee Photography Studio, Located Northern New Jersey, Roxbury Township of Morris County, NJ.  Millie Dee Photography Studio specialized in maternity portraits, newborn portraits and headshots for businesses throughout Northern New Jersey.​  

Happy New Year!  It's my first blog of the year and starting it off with corporate headshots.  As I'm writing this, I'm also listening to a class on headshots.  I'll tell ya, the learning never ends and I am absorbing so much information!  I can't wait to get some headshot dates in the books for 2023.  I took a little extra time off from the photography studio to catch up on personal things and also to take some classes.  

I have a fresh start at the photography studio with some new wardrobe pieces, new backdrops and some new furniture is on the way, too.  Does anyone else feel that 2023 is "the year of ME"?  I can't take credit for that, I heard it at my weight watcher's meeting honestly, but I feel a new energy that I haven't had in a few years.  I think we're all ready for some inspiration, some travel, perhaps a new job, a promotion, a new relationship, or maybe even some new hobbies.  

What are your plans for 2023?  If it includes any of the above, have you considered getting an updated headshot?  Millie Dee Photography Studio in Landing, NJ serves Morris County and the surrounding throughout Northern New Jersey mostly.  

Headshot days are alot of fun; they're a little reminiscent of the elementary school day photos but a much more mature version and I do offer a bit more time than you had sitting in that school chair for pictures.  What do you want your headshots to say about you?  What are you preparing for this year in 2023?  Are you having a milestone birthday or anniversary?  Are you planning to do some traveling or just be a couch potato and catch up on some netflix?  Maybe get back into shape with some diet and exercise?  Maybe you're getting married or having a baby or have a child graduating or going off to college this year.
Whatever is in your plans for the year, enjoy!  Also, don't forget to take some time for yourself, some self care is always important and this could be in the form of a special photo session, or a headshot.  If you're interested in a headshot for your business and fellow employees, if you're a realtor and need an updated headshot, or if you work from home and need a headshot, Millie Dee Photography has several options for headshots.
As I mentioned, I will visit your business and photograph everyone on site.  I also offer in studio headshot mini session days several times throughout the year.  It is becoming more popular so I may add a few extra mini session dates this year.  Please visit the website for the most up to date information.  www.milliedeephotography.com.  You can also call the studio 973.805.FOTO.  We are open by appointment only, so no walk-in sessions are available, but honestly, a headshot is something you really want to prepare for and not just get done on a whim.  
If you have any questions about headshots, please feel free to reach out.  973.805.FOTO.  Our studio is located in the Landing section of Roxbury Township, Morris County, NJ.