I have had the extreme pleasure of working with Desiree Tunnero of DTMC, Desiree Tunnero Makeup Company for three years now.  She is such a wonderful person to be around and she creates looks for our clients that take our breath away.  

I started out using professional hair and makeup for maternity sessions for moms, as it is all part of the experience we offer, with wearing this gorgeous gowns and having your hair and makeup done, it turns into a very special day for expecting moms.

It quickly turned into having Desiree at the studio for our headshot clients (which is what I had originally reached out to her for).  Headshots are so basic and we take it seriously, being that you have one quick impression to make on people, you want to look and feel your best, and professional hair and makeup will help get in that mode. 

Desiree is the type of person that makes you feel instantly comfortable with her warmth and magnetic personality.  She has a gift to connect with people and enhance their natural beauty to make them look and feel extra special for their portrait sessions.

I'm so grateful I get to work with her.  Her website is:  ​https://desireetunneromakeup.com/
If you're interested in newborn, headshots or maternity portraits, please don't hesitate to reach out to us www.milliedeephotography.com.  We're located in Roxbury Township, which is in Morris County, NJ.   

At Millie Dee Photography Studio in Landing, NJ, our focus is on photographing newborn babies and pregnant women.  I also photograph headshots, milestone sessions for our newborn clients and seasonal family portraits, however, after many years on the fence, The 2023 season will be my last year for seasonal portraits.  Thankfully babies and pregnancies keep us plenty busy and there's just not enough room in the calendar for both.  

So, I'd say when I tell people what I do for a living, I basically say "I'm a newborn & maternity portrait photographer".  More than half of the time when I say this, the next question is, "Do you take kids pictures?"  No.  At our studio, I don't take kids photos.  If we've worked with a family before, then Yes, we will work with families for milestone sessions, birthdays, other special occasions, holidays, Santa photos, etc.  Our clients become family to us and so we are grateful to see them again and again to photograph these special times in their lives.  

Although I say our focus is on newborn and maternity portraits, I do focus also on offering a whole experience for clients who desire a higher level of customer service, pampering and creativity.  I like to meet clients ahead of their session.  It helps to find out more about you before you walk in the door.  We will design your session, talk about wardrobe, props, and what products you want,  how you want your walls to look, whether a canvas or framed print or a unique collage creation, we work like more of a concierge service for our clients.  This is what I offer, all photographers are different.   We all have experienced different levels of customer service, right?  What would your experience be purchasing a necklace at Tiffany & Co. vs. buying one at Target?  Very different, right?  Both stores have tons of clients and are loved by millions, but Tiffany & Co greets you at the door, escorts you over to the counter, a jewelry expert is there to help you with your needs, you have someone answering your questions, guiding you to what looks best, what will work best for you, where at Target, you're more independent, it's more of a solo experience where no one is right there to help you, infact, you can even play cashier and ring your own items up now, too.  Both are great, however, vastly different.  There is a difference in quality as well; I work with a trained assistant for photo sessions, some other photographers don't.  It's a personal preference and I find an extra set of hands is helpful not just with the baby, but helping parents get settled into the studio as well.     

This leads to one of the other frequently asked questions, "how much will it cost?".  Again, there are a lot of variables between photographers.  The amount of experience, education, what style and quality props do they have, is their photographic style something that appeals to you,  are they a legit business that pays taxes or is it a side gig.  Some run their business more of a hobby and charge less than minimum wage because their husbands buy their cameras and props.  Whereas my belief is I should be contributing to the family's budget, not depleting it for my own personal use.  No one is wrong or right,  however, there are alot of legitimate expenses that many don't consider, such as time for learning editing techniques, time to do laundry, with a baby session or a maternity session, there is alot of laundry afterward with all of the swaddles, bonnets, outfits, pillows, backdrops or maternity gowns and outfits, not to mention insurance, studio rent, utilities, etc...and administrative duties such as upkeep for the website, editing time, editing software, marketing, time speaking with clients, returning emails, phone calls and text messages, the list goes on, however I think you get the Gist of why there is such a variation in what photographers cost for a photo session and the images. 
If I'm being totally honest here, sometimes one half of the parents is totally on board with pictures and the other is totally not.  Ha.  If the parent that is not totally on board with photos is not opening to listening to their other half and understanding just how important these photos are to them, the session may not happen. 
We do it to eachother all the time, what I value, isn't necessarily what my husband values and vice versa, although, I do win out on the photo thing; he doesn't like having holes in the walls, but the canvases and prints we have cover them up, right?  ha.  
He values what I call "roots" ...things like making sure our cars are kept up and maintained well, the house is maintained so we won't get a flood or something...One time I was away with my kids, I came home and he had a company come in and replace all the windows in our home.  He values great things that will certainly help with longevity of our home, our vehicles, etc, and I value love, experiences and making our house feel like a home, which includes sharing fun experiences, cherishing our kids' milestones and taking pictures of our life and hanging them on our walls to create life throughout our home, every time we look at these photos, it brings back not only memories, but feelings of that time. 
We all have something we would splurge on, right?  whether it be tickets to your favorite team's game, a concert, finally getting that boat or sportscar, or that membership to that club?  Yes, for some, photos are that 'thing'.  
I know everyone is into 'digital' now, and it's great to be able to switch things quickly, however, close your eyes for a moment, and think about your favorite vacation?  Wouldn't it be nice to have that...  moment...that precious memory to see in front of you again instead of just in your mind?  A photo on a wall, is a moment in time that you get to freeze.  

A question that I think is important to answer is When is it best to schedule your baby's newborn photo session?  Small business photographers usually run their business differently than a mall portrait studio.  They take people all day long and churn out client after client.  These companies are able to take on last minute clients much better than a small business.  You'll always be able to find someone to do the job last minute, however, will they offer the style that you want?  Will they have the experience you're hoping for, the expertise you will trust and what will your final images look like?  The best time to book is at the start of your last trimester- 3 months before you're due.  I wouldn't wait, especially if your baby is due around a busy time of year, such as the holidays or end of school year time, some photographers book up fast during these times.  Try not to wait to long to start researching and inquiring.  

I hope this information is helpful and if you have any questions about newborn portraits, please don't hesitate to reach out to our studio.  www.milliedeephotography.com.  We're located in Roxbury Township, Morris County, NJ.  Thank you 

'Tis the season!  It is that time of year again, when the hustle starts to get everything in order for Santa's visit.  This year, we have Santa on Sunday October 15, 2023 at Millie Dee Photography Studio for our one day of Santa Experience Photo Sessions.
It's exciting to get to see all of the families we've had the pleasure of working with again and to see how the kids have grown.

Here is the link to book: https://www.milliedeephotography.com/santa-2023.html

This year we had a little Elf as our model and he didn't disappoint, look at him!  These first year with Santa sessions are EVERYTHING.  We offer 20 minutes for our families to meet with Santa.  In the past, we've had Santa sit and read a story, eat Christmas cookies, build a toy and open presents with the kids and I cannot wait to see what we come up with this year.  We're gearing up to make it more magical than ever.  

We hope to see you. Our studio is located at 172 Landing Road, Landing, NJ 07850
​

THE EPIC PICTURE!  The one that every Mom wants...that photo of their babies together.  Those first days and weeks with a new baby in the house can joyfully turn your routine and lives upside down for a while, including the older babies.
Everyone in the house is adjusting to a precious new baby in the house; the amount of attention dedicated to your new family member can be quite a bit and now mom and dad are dividing their time, not just between the two or more children, but their needs as well as they may have different needs, different schedules, different sports, different personalities, too.  

So, usually by the time families get to us for photos, everyone is a bit sleep deprived, everyone is getting used to a new routine, or lack thereof.  We get it.  It's alot, parents, we totally get it. 
We're here for you.  We have worked with all different ages, usually the older siblings we tend to see at our studio are under 3, which means, those quote "terrible two's" have usually hit and again, added on with a new routine, it can certainly be an overwhelming time.
Sometimes we need to 'hold space' for the older siblings, allowing them time to adjust, we have tips and tricks up our sleeve to help them to feel more comfortable, but it's always a gamble, we can never guarantee, but usually a mix of patience, bribery and distractions along with a little prayer and alot of praise seem to do the trick.    

Our studio is located in the landing section of Roxbury Township, Morris County, NJ.  We would love to work with you if you're expecting a baby.  www.milliedeephotography.com 

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU UPDATED YOUR HEADSHOT?  IF IT WAS BEFORE 2020, DON'T YOU THINK YOU MAY BE OVERDUE?

So much of our world has changed since 2020.  The majority of us were working from home, which brought on an entirely new set of issues, between zoom calls, scheduling, cancelling, rescheduling, technical difficulties, what should you wear?  Did you go with the business on the top and pj's on the bottom look?  And who knows what was in the background of those calls sometimes, right?  
Life is different; we're all a little different and many of our business lives have changed in some way.  Your headshots should reflect your current situation and if not, you may be due for an updated headshot.  
We work with alot of corporate clients that are using their headshots in a larger variety of ways now that more meetings are via conference call or zoom.  Why not put a face on that email signature with your updated headshot.  
Another factor that is new is AI software.  It's all the rage right now and I'm trying to figure out the best way to use it if at all with my clients.

So far, I've used AI in a client's headshots to enhance her looks.  We don't need to use it, this was a client I've worked with many times and she was up for something a little different.   Here they are below.  She look the same, but different maybe?  

We're offering this option complementary to anyone that signs up for our headshot day by this Thursday May 11th.  

Realtors are some of my biggest headshot clients as they seem to update their headshots quite a bit.  We have some mini session headshot sessions available on May 17th along with options for makeup along with your headshots as well.  We've been booking for a wonderful client, and still have a few sessions left open so I figured we'd try and get as many people in before the summertime for their headshots as possible.  

I usually offer Quarterly headshots at the studio...not that clients update their pictures four times a year, however, some do have different needs for social media and projects throughout the year that can benefit from a variety of looks from the client, so I do see some several times throughout the year and its always a fun time.  

Millie Dee Photography is located at 172 Landing Road in Landing NJ and we serve North Jersey, we're located in Roxbury Township, Morris County NJ.  

Come on in next week and update your headshot.  We'll offer you a prep guide to help get you prepared for your session, too.  
You can call the studio at 973.805.3686(FOTO) or visit our website www.milliedeephotography.com and send us an inquiry.
​Thank you so much, Denise 

I pushed my boundaries here; In my opinion, learning and serving are innate in human nature.  I'm grateful that in my job, I get to offer both.  Taking classes gives me the opportunities to create unique and special experiences for my clients.  March 7, 2020, I took a class on lighting and then the world shut down and I didn't have the chance to really work on what I'd learned...I've dabbled here and there with what I'd learned, and I was finally able to put some of what I had learned into practice by creating this special Sweet 16 photo session for this beautiful young girl.    

Sweet 16 photo sessions are not something I normally offer at my studio; we're mainly a newborn, maternity and headshot studio, however, for me, it's important to step out of my normal work to get creative; it helps me grow as both an artist and a business owner, as I get to practice new skills and practice serving clients within the boundaries I am pushing yet still feel comfortable within.  She loved her pictures and these are just some of the pictures; we took hundreds.  

So, even if you're not going to have a big party for these special times in your life; it's certainly important to celebrate in your own way.  I think a photo session is a perfect idea for any milestone as it captures that point and time in your life; the styles you were into, how you were feeling about yourself and about life and I've never heard of anyone regretting having a photo session.  So whether you're celebrating your 21st birthday, 40th birthday, 50th birthday or your Sweet 16, keep in mind a professional photo session with a professional hair and makeup artist may just be what can feed your soul to celebrate your life.    

AI, aka Artificial Intelligence has gotten alot of attention lately; especially for using in  headshots after a woman posted her AI headshots on TikTok.  Actually, that was pretty cool.  I guess you can use AI for alot of things in alot of ways, however, I use it more simply.  

Before your headshot session begins, I ask a bunch of questions to get to know you better and one is if you're self conscious about anything?  Hey, most of us are about something and I don't mind using photoshop; however, if I can work on what we discuss before you get in front of the camera and during our session, that's even better.

For headshots, I have always felt authenticity is a big part of trust and you have that one chance to make that first impression; what do you want it to say about you?  I don't use it for elaborate backgrounds (yet, although that looks fun), however, I did ask Amanda, The Roof Maven of Maven Roofing and Exteriors (www.mavennj.com) if she wouldn't mind me playing around with AI on her headshots.  

I've had the pleasure of knowing Amanda for several years, She used to own Momique in Morris Plains and helped me get involved in a small business group until the world shut down in 2020 and so much changed.  I digress, I've taken Amanda's headshots before and hoped that she'd trust me to do this...and boom!  The results above are done with a little AI.  Let me say, wow, this was fun but more time consuming than I'd expected, so from a business perspective, to go through this process on a regular basis, would drive the cost up; it takes time and skill to progess well with it.  But look at her!  Confident..poised...professional yet there's also that personal feeling to the image, too.  

So, everyone has a little bit of asymmetry in their facial features, and when I ran through the AI process, the system barely edited her facial features, but it evened everything out.  It was definitely a fun project and with every career, there's progress and if you don't keep up with the times, you're going to lose out on opportunities in the future; so this was me, leaning into the AI world.  I know there is a lot to work out in the area of copyright issues and overtime, I'm sure the AI will look more realistic; which is a bit scary to think about, however in the meantime, I'm happy to keep experimenting with this AI concept when I have the time.  
Millie Dee Photography Studio is located in the Landing section of Roxbury Township, NJ.  In between our normal maternity and newborn baby photo sessions, we also offer several different headshot session types so please feel free to check out our website for more information on headshots:  www.milliedeephotography.com. 
I know headshots are something people are usually looking to rush into and get in and out of the studio, however, having some prep time is always advantageous and something to keep in mind when you're booking.  Our studio usually books up several months in advance and we're by appointment only, so we don't offer last minute or walk in appointments; better yet, if you hire us for your business of over 12 employees, we will pack up our equipment and come to your business for headshots. 
​I wonder if this AI thing will be a phase or will stick around for a bit.  I guess time will tell.  Thanks, Denise ​

OH THE HEADSHOT PHOTOSESSION...SOME OF YOU DO IT BECAUSE YOUR BOSS HAS ASKED YOU TO, SOME AN AGENCY, OTHERS FOR YOUR PROFILE AND TO UPDATE YOUR IMAGE....WHAT IS YOUR REASON?  DO YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE JOB? MAYBE A SIDE HUSTLE?  MAYBE  YOU JUST WANT SOME BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF YOURSELF FOR YOU OR FOR SOMEONE ELSE?  

OUR CLIENTS LOVE THAT A SESSION IS CREATED JUST FOR THEM AND YOU KEEP WHAT YOU LOVE.  YOU'RE NOT LOCKED INTO A PACKAGE DEAL, YOU PURCHASE WHAT YOU WANT AND LOVE.

IS THIS SOMETHING YOU WOULD DO SOLO? OR IS THIS AN EXPERIENCE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH SOMEONE?  AGAIN, THE SESSION IS CREATED FOR YOU.  

CALL 973.805.FOTO OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.MILLIEDEEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM  FOR MORE INFORMATION.  COST VARIES DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU CHOOSE.

MILLIE DEE PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO IS LOCATED IN ROXBURY TOWNSHIP, MORRIS COUNTY, NJ.  DO YOU HAVE A GROUP OF EMPLOYEES?  WE WILL TRAVEL TO YOUR COMPANY FOR LARGE GROUPS OF HEADSHOTS.  

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.​