Not a Baby Person

Not a Baby Person
October 21, 2019

I’m not a “baby person.”  And I realize that’s probably not the best way to sell myself as a newborn photographer, but stay with me for a moment.

I don’t feel the desire to hold other people’s babies like so many people do. I feel awkward and uncomfortable. I can’t quite figure out how to position their little body in my arms so that the baby will be comfortable, or I’ll be comfortable for that matter. I find myself counting down the minutes I have to hold the baby before I can give them back without being rude. 

But when I had my own babies, that awkward feeling was never there. My babies and I fit together like puzzle pieces. We were one and the same. And when I held them I was never counting the minutes. My heart just filled with more love ever moment that we were together. 

That is why I love newborn photography. I love watching families become one with their baby.  Whether or not you start out a “baby person,” your baby will make you their person.  And you will find more love for that tiny being then you ever thought possible. That’s what I want to capture.    

Photographing newborns with their families is breathtaking. There is magic in capturing that developing relationship. As I have learned to  embrace that I am not a “baby person,” I have found a much more fulfilling role as a newborn photographer. The special memories you make with your newborn are moments to treasure, and I find it so beautiful to play a small part in welcoming your newborn home!

To book a newborn session with Julia Matthews Photography, please contact julia@juliamatthewsphotography.com. I can’t wait to capture the special connection between you and your baby!

Special thanks to my dear friend Maureen Cassidy for capturing some of my first moments with my youngest.

Top 10 Favorite Children's Books

Top 10 Favorite Children’s Books
October 10, 2019

I’m a children’s book junkie! I started out as a teacher and have always loved quality children’s literature. I already owned hundreds of children’s books before I had kids. My husband was always dragging me out of the children’s section at the bookstore to keep me from filling the whole house up with children’s books. As a photographer, I love seeing a family come together to share a tender moment and a great book. Thinking about updating your collection? Here are some of my family’s current favorites-

1. Dragon’s Love Tacos by Adam Rubin

2. Those Darn Squirrels by Adam Rubin

3. Those Darn Squirrels Fly South by Adam Rubin…basically anything by Adam Rubin

4. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

5. A Loud Winter’s Nap by Katy Hudson

Are you noticing a trend? We like funny!

6. The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach

7. King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood

8. Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann

9. Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey

And last but not least,

10. Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds
(This is a delightfully weird book my daughter asked me to buy at her school Book Fair. The very next day she convinced her grandmother to buy it as well. Apparently is worth having two copies).

Hopefully, these titles will bring laughter to your bedtime stories, as I know they certainly have to mine! Did I miss any of your favorite children’s books? I’d love to hear your thoughts--share away!

How I pose families…or don't

How I pose families…or don't
September 22, 2019

Chin up. Okay, great! Now, move slightly to the left, foot forward, and shoulders at an angle. Perfect! Oh, wait, hands out of the pockets… When you think of posing, your mind automatically goes to the traditional family portrait technique. Now when your client happens to be a 1-year-old, you have to get a little more creative!

My posing technique is pretty simple- I don’t really do it.  Sure, everyone wants a traditional photo with the whole family in it, so we make sure to get that one at the beginning of your session.  I put my families in a “starter pose,” and let it evolve.  We’ll talk and laugh until your family settles into your version of that pose.  Once your family finds a pose that fits you, everyone is happy and comfortable, and it will look fabulous.

After we get that, I follow the lead of the kids based on what they are interested in.  Sometimes that means we run, sometimes we dance, or climb trees.  Sometimes I capture quiet snuggly moments.  My repeat clients love coming back to play with me.  It’s more about playing than photos, but that’s where we capture the real personality of your family.

So you may ask, why I approach it this way?

Think back to family photos as a kid.

Your mom may have made you wear clothes that matched your sister, while you sat really still in a strange pose with your hand on your sibling’s shoulder. On top of it all, they told you to smile into the camera and look happy. The thing is, you were not happy wearing the itchy outfit or standing still next to your brother as he continued to poke you for his entertainment.

I want to capture the pure happiness of your child’s laughter and those special moments between you and your family.

Through a more relaxed and fun session, we can capture the more natural and playful moments. My goal is to not only take photos that look good but to capture a moment that feels good. A moment where everyone can look back on their experience and have a happy memory to smile about.

To book a session for your family, email me at julia@juliamatthewsphotography.com. I look forward to capturing your family’s happy moments.

Be Bold, Be Brave, Be You

Be Bold, Be Brave, Be You
April 11, 2019

There is a magical place in my home.  It’s a little hide-away just for my girls.  Created to fulfill a 6-year-old’s birthday wish.  The tight space draws people close.  The twinkle lights illuminate the scary darkness.  And the words on the wall are empowering.  In this little cocoon my girls are safe.  They have restful nights and sweet dreams.  And I hope that when the time comes for them to emerge from this safe haven, they will take on the world with confidence.  They will be strong women- bold, brave, and true to themselves!     

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Mom Guilt- Let It Go!

Mom Guilt- Let It Go!
March 20, 2019

My daughter loves gymnastics.  But this spring, I forgot to sign her up right when registration opened, and folks gobbled those slots up like drunk college kids eating 3am breakfast!  This meant I had to settle for a class that is really too late for our nightly routine.  Still, we are doing it! 

So today I took my oldest to gymnastics with little sister in tow.  Little sister made a new friend while we waited, who kindly shared her markers.  After an hour and half of watching, waiting, and the little one coloring every inch of her body, it was time to load two tired and hungry girls into the car.  I went through the Chick-fil-A drive through on the way home, and let the girls eat french fries in the car.  What happened when we got home was largely a blur.  I know there were suds in the bathtub and there was tooth paste on their tooth brushes.  Beyond that, it was so rushed I can’t really say how thoroughly clean anyone got. 

We didn’t make to bed on time, the remnants of Chick-fil-A are still on the table, and their dirty clothes are on the floor.  BUT there was a bed time story, songs, and some snuggles and I don’t feel bad about any of it.  Not even a little bit. My big girl got to go to gymnastics tonight, and my heart is full (and so is my wine glass)!