Welcome, Baby Eloise!

I love going to client's homes and being able to document bits of their lives after bringing home a new baby. One of my favorite and most adorable spots to shoot is in the nursery. Every nursery I have seen in Chicago has been so unique, yet fitting to that family. This lovely nursery was no exception; soft lilac colors and a chandelier, what more could you ask for! It was great to be able to utilize some personal family items including a lovely gold tea set that once belonged to little Eloise's great-grandmother. Welcome to the world, baby Eloise!

Hello, Little Elle! - Chicago Baby Photographer

I had SO much fun with this little lady. I had spent most of the winter photographing newborns, that I almost forgot how much fun older babies can be. She was full of so many adorable faces and little coos that I couldn't stop smiling. The weather has been beautiful this summer so we took the opportunity to head over to Grant Park and do a little mini family session as well. With every session, (even you book a baby session), I like to include at least a few family photos as well. This little 3-month old cutie is part of my Ultimate First Year Collection (more info here) so you will be seeing more of her as the year goes by!

Welcome, Baby Jackson!- Chicago Baby Photography

This little guy was SO good for his newborn session. I don't think I ever saw his eyes open in our 3 hours together, and he let me try all kinds of adorable poses. I was also fortunate to shoot his parent's maternity session the month before he was born and it was great to see them transition into the role of Mom and Dad :-) I hope to see this wonderful family again and watch this little guy grow over the years.

Welcome to the world, Jackson! 

Welcome Baby Annabel!- Chicago Baby Photography

I am a little behind on blogging (no surprise there), but I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this session. I knew it was going to be full of adorable shots when Annabel's mom emailed a picture from the hospital and I saw a full head of gorgeous blonde hair! I loved trying out this new pants/tieback set from Vanilla Lullaby and judging from Annabels' adorable smile, I think she liked it as well :-)

Baby and mom had a rough start, including both of them needing short stays in the hospital after Annabel's birth. This mom was so sweet and strong, and I know she is going to be a wonderful parent (she already is). Welcome to the world, Annabel!

Exciting News at Hannah Drews Photography!

Over the past few weeks you may have noticed some changes at Hannah Drews Photography as I slowly create my new website and blog. I have spent many hours working on a fresh website design (loving my new logo from Indie Grace Design Studio) and have also made some adjustments to my pricing structure.

New Website!

Each new collection includes digital images (hooray!), and with the most inclusive collection, you will receive beautiful heirloom products featured below; a gorgeous white leather 12x12 photo album, gallery-wrapped canvas, and custom USB loaded with your full portrait gallery.

Top: 12x12 layflat 30-page album

Bottom: 24x30 inch Gallery Wrapped Canvas

I am also very excited to now offer Lifestyle Portrait Sessions! This is a great option for those clients looking for a more laid-back, documentary type of photo shoot that takes place in their home (or other favorite spot).  This session, along with my Child, Family, & Engagement Sessions, are only $350 and include a USB of your full photo gallery.

Please take a look around my new site and let me know what you think! 

www.hannahdrewsphotography.com

Maternity Photo Sessions- Ideas & Tips for Beautiful Maternity Portraits

There are few things I love more than being able to photograph a couple before they become parents and again a few days after they welcome their baby into the world. Maternity sessions are full of excitement, anticipation, chats about baby names and nursery colors, and are always a lot of fun. It is a great way for me to meet my clients before the newborn session, get a sense of their personality and style, which enables me to create a truly unique and custom newborn session.

While I do get shots of mom-to-be on her own, the majority of the session is spent focusing on creating beautiful images of the parents together. Often times these are the last photos the couple has before their little one arrives and is a little reminder of their life before baby.

How to create flattering poses for the mom-to-be:

For pregnant women, I often have them turn their belly toward the light, angle their upper body back toward the camera, and pop their knee up (the one closest to the camera). This creates pleasing shadows on the face, and nice soft light on the belly.

For forward facing poses, it is best to have women bring one knee slightly across their other knee which immediately creates a curve along the hip (always more flattering than straight legs).

During sessions, it is often overwhelming as a photographer to remember all the tips and tricks for posing, so if you can remember one thing- Never put weight on both feet at one time (keeping one heel lifted creates a lighter looking pose).

Once I have mom posed, I add the partner, making sure there is some connection between all three subjects (mom, dad, baby bump). I also love to shoot the couple from far away, letting them interact and chat while I photograph candid moments.

Below are some of my favorite recent maternity portraits taken around Chicago, enjoy!

 

www.hannahdrewsphotography.com

Hello Baby Sophia!- Chicago Newborn Photographer

Sophia's mom and I had just met 3 days earlier for a mini maternity shoot when she surprised everyone and came much earlier than expected! After a short stay in the hospital, Sophia was ready to come home to her very excited big sister. I love working with newborns and their siblings and Evelyn was the perfect protective and sweet sister. She was so helpful and was more than willing to be my "spotter" when Sophia was snuggled up in the bucket. Here are a few favorite photos from our session (I just love how Evelyn was snuggled up with her baby sister)

Welcome to the world, Sophia!

www.hannahdrewsphotography.com