Brittney Harvey Brittney Harvey

Reasons to have maternity photos done at home | SPOKANE, WA

Cozy, comfortable wardrobe.

When you have maternity pictures taken within your home, there’s no need for over the top wardrobes or gowns. You can dress in a way that is comfortable and cozy, because this looks natural in a home environment. There’s absolutely ways to dress up your home photos without being over the top. You can choose a sweater with an off the shoulder neck line, choose a pair of cozy knitted socks, or add a pretty cardigan, it’s up to you. Most moms love the idea of ditching the maternity gown, they’re expensive and aren't so timeless.

Preserving the memory of the season.

The season of life that is pregnancy is relatively short in the grand scheme of things, though it may not feel like it when you’re in it. Having your maternity photoshoot done within your home helps to preserve the memory of the season of life. You may not always live in this home. I moved about 3 months after my baby arrived, because the house no longer suited out needs, and I am so glad I took my maternity pictures in my house, because I’ll always remember that time of life when I look back at the pictures. The whole reason to take maternity pictures is to preserve the memory and honor the change of your body and your life. I like to keep this at the top of mind when planning maternity photo sessions.

Intimate photos in a natural location, your home.

In-home maternity photos have an extra level of intimacy that I just love. It’s like inviting people into a little glimpse of your life. Most families feel more comfortable having their pictures taken in their home, because no one is watching. Our homes are where we kick our shoes off and relax, there is no where more comfortable. Comfort always leads to better pictures. The climate control of your home, also makes your maternity pictures more comfortable, no one wants to be over heated or cold for pictures. Plus, there’s many beautiful homes around Spokane, full of character. If you live in one of those homes, take advantage of the built in beauty and have your maternity pictures done at home.

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Brittney Harvey Brittney Harvey

Where to have Maternity Pictures taken in Spokane?

Husband kisses pregnant wife on forehead in field at sunset.

Where in Spokane to have your Maternity Pictures taken.

Spokane is such a gorgeous and fun place to raise a family. If you’re pregnant and planning your maternity session, here are some locations to consider for gorgeous photos.

River.

Spokane has gorgeous rivers filled with boulders and surrounded by forests. There’s tons of access points to these rivers that would be easy for a pregnant mama to walk into. If your family is feeling playful, there are plenty of slower flowing areas where you all could dip your feet in the cool water while taking some fun pictures.

Field.

There are plenty of wide open fields with pretty views as well. I love the way a field looks at golden hour when the sun hits all the tall grass just right. Fields are great if you have other children that like to run and play. There’s high visibility and they can run their hearts out while you get some extra picture attention for your bump.

Home.

Your home may be the most under utilized photo location. Maternity photos at home are intimate and cozy. If you have a home with character that is stylishly decorated, this can be a really great option. This also has the added perk of your photographer getting to know the light in your home prior to newborn pictures if you choose to go that route.

Urban.

Downtown Spokane has plenty of urban areas to take stylish photos in, you just have to know where to look. Parking garages, clean alley-ways, brick buildings. There is so much to be discovered for photo-ops.

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Brittney Harvey Brittney Harvey

What to wear for in-home Maternity Photos in Spokane?

Couple nuzzling on bed while holding pregnant belly

What to wear for in-home maternity photos in Spokane

Getting ready to have maternity pictures taken at home in Spokane? Here’s some of my favorite tips to get perfect, timeless maternity pictures in home, and all of it is tips that will help you choose what to wear.

Be comfortable.

Pregnancy is already uncomfortable, so choose to dress comfortably. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style. These photos can be as intimate or conservative as you want as far as how you dress. You could wear leggings with a cute tank top and cardigan, or you could wear undies with a cozy sweater. It’s totally up to you, these are your pictures. Consider wearing a cute bralette with whatever outfit you choose, these add some unique visual interest to the photos if we drape your sweater off the shoulder.

Earthy Tones.

Spokane is in the PNW and many of us who live here like to wear earthy tones. Think muted greens, dusty blues, warm browns. Many of us around the Spokane area live in older homes with gorgeous hardwood floors. Choose colors that will compliment your home on our natural Spokane vibes. Be sure to include plenty of neutral tones

Cozy Vibes.

Now, I know we have pretty hot, dry summers and pregnancy can be any time of year, but I want you to think cozy when choosing what to wear. Cozy is more of a frame of mind, than choosing warm clothing. Adding layers to your outfit will create a cozy vibe. Consider your feet too, if it’s winter, perhaps some cute wool socks. If it’s summer, barefoot can really hone in a summer look.

Textiles.

Now this isn’t what to wear exactly, but don’t forget to consider the elements in your home. Look at your bedding throw pillows, sofa color. Can you choose clothing that compliments those items? Is it worthwhile to invest in a new bedspread in a more neutral or muted tone. Your style is yours, so just be sure to consider how everything plays together for your pictures. We’re going for cool, Spokane, South Hill vibes to create some pretty art in your pictures.

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Brittney Harvey Brittney Harvey

Tips for Classy Breastfeeding Photos | Spokane Newborn Photographer

Mother nursing baby in bed while older child plays in room.

Breastfeeding photos. We all want them, but we don’t want our goods to be shared with the world, just our baby. I have a handful of tips that keep breastfeeding pictures classy so that you can share pictures of this intimate relationship without sharing your intimates.

Number 1 tip, hire a professional lifestyle newborn photographer to take the pictures for you. Preferably someone with a lot of experience in these types of pictures. We know what you want to share and what you don’t. We can take beautiful nursing pictures for you to cherish that you' won’t mind sharing, because your nips will be covered. We know how to take the angles and keep everything discreet.

Tip number 2, do not make the boob, the center of the focus. The baby should be the focus in these pictures. Focus on the back of the head, the hands, the forehead and eyes, the other family members being around and supporting mom. I like to be very careful to ensure the pictures don’t look like a baby nursing unless you look closely at them. This keeps other viewers from feeling like they’ve seen something they don’t want to see and also keeping the memory for the mom who wants to remember the time when she nursed her babies.

Tip Number 3, wear a nursing friendly top. Everything in photography comes back to wardrobe when you are the one being photographed. Choose a shirt with the right amount of coverage and stretch, with some pretty features. You’ll want your baby to have easy access, but without showing off more than you need to.

Mother nurses baby while family joyfully sits with her.
Mother breastfeeds newborn while conversing and holding hands with older daughter in living room.

Spokane Breastfeeding Pictures | Spokane Newborn Pictures | Spokane Lifestyle Newborn Photography

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Brittney Harvey Brittney Harvey

3 pictures to take of your new baby | Spokane Newborn Pictures

We all take tons of pictures of our new baby with our phones, but I think there are a lot of pictures that parents forget to take of details that they will want to remember later. Straight from a newborn photographer, here are some of my favorite poses or pictures to take of babies and none of them require uncomfortable or unsafe posing.

Mom and Dad together holding their new baby. This is one of my favorites and a good reason to hire a professional to take pictures of your family with your new baby. Mom and Dad together in a picture with their new baby is a priceless keepsake. So many pictures only have one parent in them and babies deserve to see pictures of themselves with both parents together .

Your new baby’s feet. I’ve photographed hundreds of babies and I can say with certainty, no two have feet that are alike. They curve differently, they wrinkle differently. Feet are a huge point of connection with your little one, babies love to have their feet touched. Moms and Dads can’t help but kiss their babies feet. Our feet ground us and connect us. Don’t forget to take pictures of your baby’s feet.

Baby in Dad’s hands. I love pictures of dads holding their babies. Pictures like this serve as a reminder of how tiny our baby once was. Babies just don’t keep and this is an excellent way to remember.

Spokane Newborn Pictures | Newborn Photography | Lifestyle Photographer

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