Being that Mother's Day is in May, Here at Millie Dee Photography, we're just going to call it Mother's Month.  Moms, in many cases, are the center of the universe for their family and certainly deserve to be celebrated EVERY DAY.  I know, it's not really feasible, but at least all this month, I can celebrate the moms.  I feel like so much of what I do is centered around women; from maternity photos, to newborn photos, headshots and boudoir; the majority of my clients are women and a large percentage of those women are Moms and moms-to-be.

I met this mom when her oldest and youngest were in Kindergarten.  That year, we were 2 of the 3 class moms and we became friendly and then I started hosting some Moms night outs and we always have a blast; whether it was a bowling night, a day on the lake or a Friday night pizza party with the kids, we are always having fun.

She mentioned that she wanted some formal family photos of her and the kids and that they hadn't had a great picture since the kids were very little; their pictures are so cute; the girls were wearing ruffle socks and mary jane shoes; so yes, they're at a different point in their lives; they're way passed the mary jane shoes now, it was definitely time for some updated portraits.  

My favorite of them is one of the 'bts' or behind the scenes with their facial expressions; it just shows all of their personalities; it's perfect.  I'll post it below.  

As a Mom, I'm always fascinated with the kids and their different personalities and I love that I get to freeze little moments in time; you know how kids are some days they're all getting along and being goofy and the next day, they don't want to hear anyone breathe.  As a mom, life is always moving, there's never a dull moment and there's always a long list of stuff that needs to get done.  So, to take a family out of their normal every day dynamic for a little while, get them to let their guard down a bit, and capture these moments that you don't see everyday is so satisfying.  It's not every day you'll get them to hug and smile, and fall all over each other and NOT be like, 'stop touching me!'.  I think it's easier for me to do this also because I'm NOT their mom, so sometimes they tend to listen to me for a few more minutes than they would their own mom.  (moms...am I right??)...
I just love that I captured these two young ladies as their heading from their tweens into their teen years soon; (I don't want to think about that!) they're on the verge of growing into their own self; on the verge of exiting what I call the "worship stage" where their Mom is everything in life and they're onto the next phase when peers take over their world...They will not ever get these moments back; a year from now, they'll be so different as these years are full of growth, not just physically, but mentally, their character, their sense of self and sense of the world around them mature.  
​This was the perfect age to catch them.  I'm so glad Mom decided on a photosession.  

Here's  little behind the scenes of the antics...

This past winter here in Jersey was one for the record books.  How many of us were battling not just snow storms but the big mountains of snow that seemed to last for weeks at a time?  I remember driving through Denville on Main Street and there was no way to make a left turn because the big trucks needed the space in between the road ways to put extra snow from the roads there.  That was a first for me.
I can't speak for everyone, however, I have a feeling we're all glad to see signs of spring right now.  Flowers are starting to bloom, the sun feels warmer (some days anyway) and we're starting to venture out a little bit more.  My daughter and I had a girl's day this past weekend and hit the Short Hills Mall, which we haven't been to in many years, and the mall was packed.  I couldn't believe the lines to get into some of the stores.  Everyone is ready to get out of the house for a little while.
​This also means more people are scheduling their maternity & newborn photos.  By the way, the photo of the gorgeous pregnant mother here is using her bridal gown during her maternity session; she always planned to get it altered into a dress she can use (what a great idea, right?) So before she has it made into a cocktail dress, we used a lace piece for her maternity session and then also used it in her little baby girl's newborn session.  I'll post some photos below. 
​ I've been getting a lot of calls lately for babies due soon.  This covid baby boom is definitely one of the few beautiful things to come out of this pandemic.  If you're expecting a baby, and starting to browse through photographers' work, I'd suggest finding the style of portraiture that you want and email that photographer to see what their schedule looks like; some may have openings right away and some book months in advance, so it never hurts to just reach out to them and start asking questions.
One question to always ask is what safety precautions they use?  Safety is always my number one concern; in fact for newborn sessions, I like to have an assistant working with me as it never hurts to have an extra set of hands when working with babies.    Infact, I've taken several classes and check in with nurses through out the year if I have any questions; every baby is different; I've had babies that have stayed in NICU, babies with casts or other issues; I always speak with professionals when needed and make sure I'm updated on proper safety techniques for my clients.  
As for maternity sessions, I like to schedule moms if I can toward the 26-30 week time frame.  Lately I've been booking later in their pregnancy simply because they've reached out later, however, most of the time they get a little nervous about the time frame and call to see if there are any earlier openings, so, please, if you're looking to book a maternity session, I'd suggest doing so during your first trimester or beginning of second trimester; so after the morning sickness phase.  
Again, if you're looking at a certain style of photography and find a photographer's work that you like, reach out to them and start asking questions.  Find out if they're a good fit for you.  My fit is studio photography; I used to photograph maternity outdoors as well, and hope to again someday, however, with the pandemic, I only book a certain amount of clients per month right now and if an outdoor shoot turns into a washout, I may not have enough time on the schedule to re-book; and that would not be fair to a client that has her heart set on her session, so for now, I'm only offering studio maternity, which is what I love to offer my clients.  I love working with lighting and shadows. 
The studio is arranged for them before they get there; hair and makeup starts when they arrive and I put them in some wardrobe pieces and we start the session.  It's certainly a wonderful experience if you ever have the opportunity to have a glam session, do it; it's like your own personal magazine shoot.     
I'm lucky enough to work with several super talented hair and makeup artists, the one pictured here is Desiree Tunnero.  

This mom was looking for a certain look for her images; she had a vision and I was able to make that happen for her.  I recently started showing my clients some of their images before they leave the studio; I'm hoping someday to offer a same day service, but I don't want to get ahead of myself here.    

We even used some jewelry for the baby's session. This is a Tiffany necklace from their graffiti line.   

I am loving my studio space; I know it's been several months since I moved in, but the newness of it has not worn off and I am not sure it ever will.  I love creating; and this space is allowing different opportunity for me to make a variety of creations for newborns and maternity portraits.  When I want to try something new out, I bring in a model.  So, I'm looking for a model.  If you're interested, you can CLICK HERE for the inquiry form.  
Of course I'm limited to what I can show here, but with studio photography, when you're behind closed doors, we get to show off the baby bump a little differently than when outside.  I love black and whites and silhouettes, and I'm working on taking the work to the next level for maternity portraits.  
If you're in the Morris County, NJ area, or would travel to Morris County, my studio is located in Landing, which is part of Roxbury Township and I'm right near Lake Hopatcong, NJ.    I host one model call every 12-18 months, so it's not often. 

We'll probably be hosting this sometime over the next couple of months; I don't have a solid date yet, however, You will receive a questionnaire and some pricing information; models receive a discounted session.  With covid, I've been taking some online courses as I usually attend several classes through out the year, however, since life is still not back to normal, the online courses and awesome instructors have been motivating me and I'm ready to put what I've learned into action. 
If you're interested to see more of my maternity or newborn work, please CLICK HERE to visit my website.
Model call ends March 31st, 2021     

Millie Dee Photography suggests that professional newborn photographs be taken within the first 2 weeks of a baby's life. This is in order to get those cute squishy baby poses.  Every photographer is different, and others may prefer to take their baby photos at another time, however, two weeks is 'my jam'.  I also suggest booking your newborn session 2-3 months in advance of your baby's arrival, to make sure there is room in the schedule; for example, it's the beginning of March and I'm booked through the end of April and have just a couple of spots left for newborns and maternity in May and booking into October currently.  

This little guy just wanted to know where the party was.  He slept on and off during his session, so we did get a bunch of cute sleepy ones, too, however, the facial expressions he was making were too cute to pass up!  You can get a glimpse of his personality, and I swear, this may show a glimpse into what he'll be like in college.  : D.

The top right photo, I caught him mid-sneeze to catch his little squishy sour face.  He was very content, just wiggling around and looking at us.  .

It was nice to offer the mom an extra bonus of these personality portraits for her gallery.  He did great.  Here are a few more from his session.  What a cutie with a ton of personality!

Millie Dee Photography Studio specializes in Newborn Baby & Maternity Photography and is located in Landing, NJ 07850.  Please visit the website to contact us:  www.milliedeephotography.com 

As a mom of two, and having been pregnant twice and gaining ALOT of weight during my pregnancy, I was not in any way feeling myself. Can any of you relate?  I was pregnant before these glamorous maternity photo sessions were popular and to be honest, I don't think I would have thought much about having the maternity portraits taken because I was a weeble. Yes, you know, those little toys that look like eggs.  That was me.   I'm short, so I felt 5ft tall by 5 ft wide.

I know a lot of moms must feel this way toward the end of their pregnancy, so may I give a little insight into some decent maternity photos when you're not feeling too much like your normal self?

First I would say do it.  If you're on the fence, jump to the glamour side of that damn fence and take a day to get all glammed up, feel great and go for the photo session experience!

I suggest maternity photos be taken during the end of the second trimester of your pregnancy.  Why?  Because you have that beautiful belly bump, your pregnancy belly is showing, yet you still have some energy and you're probably still getting a decent amount of sleep, too.  I can mention my personal experience of being bloated, cranky and hormonal toward the end of my pregnancy, so I suggest don't wait too long, however, every day is a good day for photos.  What I'm mentioning in this blog are merely suggestions and other maternity photographers may tell their clients something different, however this is how I learned and it has worked out for my clients.

Second, I'm sure you're thinking, "but nothing fits!".  Of course it doesn't!  Your body is going to be birthing a tiny little human soon, so yes, your body is making room for that baby and everything that baby needs from you, Mama.  This is where my client wardrobe comes into play. I have client closet full of wardrobe choices to fit different styles.  My choices for Moms include flowy gowns, fluffy gowns, short dresses, fitted garments and even jeans.  For the guys I have a few plain t-shirts and some button downs and for the kids/siblings, I have a few things on hand, too.  

Yes, here are two of the gowns offered to you, Moms, not just during your pregnancy, but they can be used for newborn sessions as well.  Most of the pieces in my closet are neutral colors, however, who doesn't love a pop of color once in a while?  This berry gown was a vision this client had; wearing this dress in the snow.  This was all her idea and this was taken just several feet outside my studio.  I'll also add her boots are photoshopped out of the photo but they weren't far from her feet.  I'm happy to oblige my clients and their visions for perfect portraits.  

Many of my maternity clients come to me for this look.  The black and whites with the clean lines.  This can be accomplished many ways.  Many clients want the look, but aren't sure about how much clothing or lack of clothing I should say that they're comfortable with.  I get it!  We can all understand this and I respect everyone's individual choices which is why I am happy to have a large variety of pieces for my clients.  Some pieces are body suits, some body suits are sheer, some gowns are sheer to cover the entire body and sometimes, moms choose the stretchy black thin turtle neck and a pair of leggings.  It...all...works!  When my clients are happy, I am so happy. 

On a side note, these long sleeve black turtlenecks that I have in the studio are so soft; the material is so nice against your skin.  Also a side note, sometimes, I will put on a maternity gown and wear it around the studio.  Oh Yes I Do!  Some days you just want to feel a little 'extra'.  Some days I'm experimenting with sizing, colors, different textures, etc, so I like to put myself in the situation that my clients will be in which is why many times I will wear my wardrobe pieces.      

Those moms who have a Victoria's Secret fantasy to wear those Angel Wings will be happy to know that I have a pair in my studio.  Some people are into unicorns or mermaids and they're wonderful and magical, too, however, my 'thing' is Angel Wings.  Sometimes I just take them out to see what a client's reaction will be and I always get a big smile and big eyes, too!  Wearing Angel Wings will change your life!  Ha....  They're definitely a mood booster and you will have these photos your entire life to share and look at.  This model here in them is wearing her own lingerie; that is the only thing I don't really provide.  You'd have to bring your own, however, we DO have a discussion about wardrobe pieces in our pre-session consultation.  For those moms who want the wings but not the lingerie, this sparkle dress that is in the black and white photo works well.  And yes, that's ME wearing it.  

I'd also like to mention that these gowns and wardrobe pieces do not have to fit you perfectly to wear them; infact my clients will tell you alot of wardrobe is rigged.  Sometimes I don't zip things all the way up because it looks better that way or you're more comfortable with it open and sometimes I will clamp things to tighten them.  If I'm tightening, Its mainly to show the outline of your belly more.  

Many of these wardrobe pieces are also used for newborn sessions, too.  The family portion of the newborn session includes the parents and again, Mom who just had a baby isn't expected to be wearing the clothing that she feels her best in, so we use these wardrobe pieces.  We work together to create these looks for you. Millie Dee Photography cares about you and your images.  It's not just about the end result of a photo, it's how you feel going into the session experience.  For all of Millie Dee's maternity sessions, professional hair and makeup are included in the session fee, so this starts you off feeling awesome and we just go with that feeling and get you on a high during the photo session itself.  Everything we offer at the studio is for you, Mom.  We offer services to make your life easier; there's enough for you to think about right now and worry about right now, a photo session with Millie Dee Photography is meant to be similar to the feeling you get from a spa experience or a date night.  

This is getting me thinking that perhaps one of the blogs should show the behind the scenes of getting ready for a session...oooh, yes...stay tuned!  In the meantime, if you have any questions about a session with Millie Dee Photography or any questions in general about maternity photography or newborn baby photography, I'm happy to answer your questions.  Please reach out to us through the website inquiry or just call the studio  www.milliedeephotography.com  or 973-805-3686(FOTO).
Thanks for reading! Be well.  xo

This beautiful mother-to-be had her maternity portraits at the studio in Landing, NJ and brought this special piece of lace with her.  This piece of lace is part of her wedding gown.  Mom wanted not only to use it in her maternity session, but also wants to use it during her newborn baby girl's photo session, too.

As she was telling me her ideas and her visions, I was creating my own visions as well.   How special and so thoughtful to have all of these details envisioned for her baby girl.  These photos are going to be around for not just all of Mom's life, but for her baby daughter's as well.  Who knows, maybe this lace, which is to be turned into a dress after we use it, will end up being used by her daughter someday for something special and then handed down to her daughter, too.  I couldn't help but let my mind go there while we were planning her session. 

It's such a pretty lace pattern, too, isn't it?  Mom loves flowers, so we will incorporate the lace along with flowers in her daughter's session.  I can't wait to post them after baby arrives.  These are the special touches that are worked on with Mom to personalize a maternity session.  This is such a unique time in a woman's life, becoming a mother to a daughter and being able to share things, thoughts and ideas that mom loves, with her daughter.  It's such a special bond; one like no other.  Mom can't wait to meet her little girl.  
I'm so grateful that I get to be the one to photograph this new arrival into their family's world.  

Millie Dee Photography is happy to announce another Exclusive Themed Session this year.  Motherhood Portrait Sessions, aka Mom and Me Portrait Sessions are coming to Millie Dee Photography Studio, Landing, NJ.   This is a timeless classic yet edgy, yet fun and simple portrait session for Moms and their beautiful children.  When I ask new clients what draws them to my work, 8 out of 10 times, they say things like, because your images seem timeless, because of the simplicity or 'clean lines'. 
Don't you feel there is just something elegant and beautiful about simplicity?  Simple blue and white, black and grey, black and whites...I love all of the simple and timeless combinations of the jeans and t'shirt combination that are reinvented every few years because it's such a beloved look. When you add this classic look with a studio lighting set up, you end up with something very cool.    
Sometimes I feel I should be a bit more trendy, I know the boho look is 'all the rage' right now, then I think, nah-let someone else do that one, I'll stick with the timeless pieces, the studio - lit portraits that you will still proudly display 20 years from now. 
It has been one...crazy...year and Moms!  I'm one of you!  It's been very hectic to say the least!  I'm sure many of you have read the same articles I have seen about moms having to leave the workforce, or moms having to take a big step back in their career to take care of the kids and their studies at home for virtual learning.
Moms - If you haven't realized this yet, the world would fall apart without you!  You already have 101 jobs and now, the kids being home and having to help them with their school work on top of everything else you're doing is consuming; it's a time zap, it's an energy zap sometimes, too, yet I know there's no place you'd rather be, right?  
Amongst these crazy times, how's your self care going, Moms?  Self Care is so important, however, you have to chisel in the time to get that done, right?  What is your favorite form of self care?  A luxurious bubble bath?  exercise? yoga? meditation?  dancing? driving around and blasting the music? Shopping at Short Hills? Mani/Pedi?  Buying some flowers?  There are many ideas on taking care of yourself.  I'm going to suggest, how about a day out of the house, out of your slippers and with the kids doing something fun like a photo session?  
You deserve this!  Just think - this is a perfectly good reason to have your makeup and hair done, pack up the kids and come to the studio for a photo session.  We will create an unforgettable portrait experience that you and your kids will talk about for many years.  Let's get you guys in the studio for a little while; forget about the news, about school work and come shake off all of the 'ugh' from this past year.  We will sing and dance around at the studio, capture some smiles and practice our serious faces, too.  Spring is almost here.  It's time to get out...of...those...pajamas and into your favorite pair of jeans.  
Whether your home is filled with bright colors or deep colors, We will work with you to create a unique look for your images so when your portraits are printed, they will match the decor in your home.  
We know Mother's Day coming up, so we're taking portraits at the end of March so there will be plenty of time for editing and ordering prints or other photo gifts for Mom and Grandparents.  I'm even going to be so bold as to say this would make a great Father's Day gift, too.  Wouldn't Dad love a beautiful framed portrait of his wife and kids?   But really, laughter, putting your makeup on and  wearing your favorite pair of jeans are all little bits of self care, you deserve it!   You will never regret having great portraits taken of your children. 
 There is limited availability for these sessions and I believe they won't last.  If you're interested, please fill out the inquiry form below, the "Motherhood Session Form"  or call the studio 973.805.FOTO (3686). 
Thanks, Dee       

Your pregnancy marks a momentous occasion in your family's life. You're bringing an entirely new human into the world.  The maternity session captures all of the anticipation, the joy and the love you're feeling during this time.  Your baby belly is something that not everyone gets to experience and it really only shows for a short time during your pregnancy, although, it may feel like forever.  This time, these brief few months of your life are a game changer.

There are few things in life that bring pure joy; babies are one.  Pregnancy is another.  Now that I am a mom, and am done with my pregnancy experiences, whenever I see a pregnant mother, it sparks a feeling of joy.  Becoming a mother is entering a new world; it's speaking a language that no one understands but mothers.  We can give each other a look or a gesture and know exactly what the other is saying in their mind; I guess it is almost like a sisterhood.  It is a 'hood; motherhood; parenthood. 

Your family is growing.  A baby changes your family exponentially as it doesn't just change you into a mother and dad into a father, you're also creating Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and creating promise of another generation.

The photo session is a great excuse to get dressed up, take a day off from work, have your hair and makeup done, bond with your partner and then when you're session is done, go out somewhere to eat!  You're all dressed up, hair and makeup is on point, Go!  Enjoy the rest of your day. 

At Millie Dee Photography, we will take good care of you; helping you to feel your best on the day of your photo session; Let's work together to create an experience that you will love and that feels unique to you and your story.  We'll take care of wardrobe, hair and makeup and guiding you through the session to create beautiful portraits that you'll be proud to show off and display throughout your home.     

With Covid still amidst our lives, and not being able to see too many people, this makes a great gift for moms to be as it is a way of celebrating this time.

Make a call to our studio:  973.805.FOTO (3686) or visit our website:  www.milliedeephotography.com and tell us your story, let's create a unique experience for you.

These are the beautiful people in my life.  These were the women when covid hit, and we were all starting to get on zoom, we would have a thursday night girls night out on zoom with of course a drink of our choice.  I'm not a big drinker, sometimes I'd choose a red wine, however, alot of times I'd just choose chamomile tea.  Anyhoo, enough about me, this post is a little about THEM.
We met at our girls' dance studio many years ago and as our girls are now all teens, we have a little more freedom, however, some of us have a little more teen angst with our girls as well and it's these women that I can talk to about everything going on.
These  gorgeous souls decided we should have a brunch at my new studio, so several weeks ago, that's just what we did on a cold Sunday morning, we met at the studio for brunch and after a little champagne (oh yes I did!), I dressed them up and took their pictures.  
I dressed them each in pieces from my client wardrobe and had them pose all which ways and they didn't truly understand the vision I had at the time, however, they just saw the end result, their editing images and they seem thrilled.  
If it's one thing about my photos, I've learned, once I'm done editing and send them off, it's like sending off a piece of your heart and soul.  You have a vision, you spend time creating not just at the studio with backgrounds, but getting the right emotion from your subject.  You can never just tell someone to smile.  They always smile with their mouth and not their soul.  It...has...to...come...from...the...soul!
Once you're at the studio and get in front of the camera, you start to understand the process.  It's at first a getting to know you phase and realizing what makes this person tick, what will make them laugh, confused, sad, emotional, etc.  It helps to have a vision, however, sometimes, the mind goes blank, too.
For many sessions, I write things down and plan it out ahead of time, It's all part of my process as a professional.  I never want to disappoint a client.  Clients pay me for my vision, for my creations, for their experience with me, not just to shoot and burn some digitals.  It's a "whole thing".  
What style is the client looking for and do you think as an artist that their style is the way to go?  Yes, they're paying you, Yes, it needs to match their style, but what if you level up a notch or two?  That's what I'm here for.  
So my dear friends, allowed me to get them dressed and in front of my camera and trusted the process.  I'm so grateful.  They've never seen me work before, it was like a take your friends to work day for me!

Honestly, how about these eyes? I have her dressed in a body suit and fabric wrapped around her for a skirt and this almond colored background seems to work on EVERYONE I put in front of it.  It's one of my new favorite backdrops.  She's a teacher, however, I'm not going to use any names here, I like to keep anonymity on behalf of  my clients whenever possible.    

Honestly, not sure which I love more from this one.  I just love her eyes in these....And the hair...I wish i had HALF of the amount of hair!  

And this one!  Doesn't she look like she has a lot to tell you?  The eyes are the way to really see a person, right?  
Maybe that's why I love these women so much; I just need to look at them, and I know or atleast i THINK i know what they're thinking.  There's such a wonderful connection here.
I'm so grateful for these gorgeous women in my life and that they allowed me to share what I do for a living with them.  
They inspired me to get a project going for Women - we all deserve a great experience getting beautiful photos taken of us.
I just had a headshot day and one woman was so excited just showing her the photos on the back of my camera she was so excited and said she had such a great experience.  
Agreed, pictures ARE a great experience!  Enjoy life!  Celebrate Life!  I hope this has inspired you if not to get a nice photo of yourself taken, atleast to reach out to some friends and tell them how grateful you are to have them in your life.  Kind of like the old Elton John Song, "I hope you don't mind that I put down in words how wonderful life is that you're in the world".  No truer words spoken.

I offer a client wardrobe.  What are the benefits of a client wardrobe?  Well, first off, it's something new for the client; I'm guessing it's something she does not have in her wardrobe.  It's usually something a little more glamorous or edgy for an every day wardrobe, plus toward the end of the second trimester, when the belly is showing beautifully, sometimes mom isn't feeling quite herself and although she probably is excited about her pregnancy, she at the same time, is also realizing she doesn't have much control over the way her body is growing and her clothing may not be fitting her the way she'd hoped, so my maternity wardrobe is made for this time in her life.   
Clients don't need to spend time and money on wardrobe pieces they may only wear once or twice; my maternity sessions include access to all of my wardrobe pieces.  I even have a few pieces of clothing for Dad and the kids incase we need it.
Glamorous and fitted gowns to show off that gorgeous baby bump are just one small piece of the Millie Dee Photo Session Experience.  Hair and Makeup are now automatically a part of your session as well.  These additions to the session experience along with a pre session design consultation are key elements to creating maternity portraits that you will love to show to your family and friends.  
We want to get all of the details perfect for you.  This is a special time in your life that not everyone gets to experience.  Perhaps its your first pregnancy, second or last; each pregnancy offers quite a different experience as a Mom and should be documented and celebrated not just for you, but to share with your family and your children as they grow up to remind them of the special place they've always held in your heart.