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Winter Mini Family Sessions, something a little different!

This year, I’m changing things up a little bit! Typically, I will book 20+ families throughout the day for winter mini sessions, and while I ADORE getting so see all of my favorite families in one day, I always end up feeling like I’ve rushed families through the door and not had the opportunity to connect with any of them This year, I will still host a day of mini sessions, but they’ll be a little longer, offer a few more photos, and be a little less stressful for everyone.

I’ll be doing 30 minute sessions this year, and will have a little more time in-between sessions so families don’t feel as rushed out of the studio once their session is over. Having longer mini sessions (midi sessions?) will mean that I won’t have as many spots available, so I recommend setting your calendar for the signup release date and time. I’ll send out a newsletter with a booking link to my email vip list (sign up here if you want to be the first to get links!) on October 27th at 9am.

Details for this year’s Winter MIDI sessions: DATE: Saturday, November 15th. Midi sessions will be 30 minutes, and you will get to choose 5 final images from your proofing gallery. These packages will be discounted from my normal family session pricing, and will be $500 (with the option to purchase additional images at $55/each, or the entire gallery for an additional $450). I’ll have the studio set up with two options for sets, including a gorgeous GREEN backdrop and props, and plain WHITE on the other side. Having a longer session time allows for including BOTH backdrops during your session time if you’d like.

Set your alarms! My newsletter subscribers will get an email with a booking link on October 27th at 9am. I recommend checking your email and booking quickly if you’d like to snag a spot this year.

I’m SO EXCITED to see everyone this year, and hope the longer session times and additional images will make the sessions feel a little less chaotic for my favorite families.

Monthly Monochromatic Milestone Minis of 2025!

Monochromatic Milestone Minis: A Colorful Journey Through 2025

monochromatic milestone mini sessions rainbow of colorrainbow portraits

Capture your child’s growth with a unique, color-themed session each month!

What Are Monthly Monochromatic Milestone Minis?

These are exclusive 20-minute photography sessions held on the second Wednesday of each month, each featuring a distinct color theme. From vibrant reds to serene blues, every month offers a new hue to create timeless portraits of your little one.

2025 Session Dates and Colors:

  • January 8: Black
  • February 12: Red
  • March 12: Mauve
  • April 9: Pink
  • May 14: Orange
  • June 11: Yellow
  • July 9: Evergreen
  • August 13: Sage
  • September 10: Deep Blue
  • October 8: Dusty Blue
  • November 12: Lavender
  • December 10: White

Why Participate?

  • Capture Growth: Document your child’s development with a monthly visual timeline.
  • Playful Themes: Each session is designed to be fun, bringing out your child’s unique personality.
  • Stunning Keepsakes: Collect a series of cohesive, color-themed portraits that make for beautiful displays or albums.

Session Details:

  • Duration: 20 minutes
  • Price: $150 per session (includes one edited image; additional images available for $55 each)
  • Location: June Bug Photography Studio, Mill Creek, WA
  • Participants: Ideal for individual children; sibling sessions are welcome.

Booking Information:

Sessions are limited and fill up quickly. You can choose to book individual sessions or reserve multiple to create a comprehensive collection.

Ready to Book? BOOK NOW!

Prepare for Your Session:

  • Outfits: While we provide a selection of matching outfits and props, bringing your own attire that complements the monthly color is recommended to ensure the perfect fit.
  • Props: Our studio is equipped with a variety of color-coordinated props to enhance the monochromatic theme.

Join Us for a Year Full of Color!

Whether you choose to participate in all twelve sessions or select your favorite colors, the Monochromatic Milestone Minis offer a unique and memorable way to celebrate your child’s growth throughout the year.

We look forward to capturing these special moments with you!

With vibrant regards,

Melissa Jenkins

June Bug Photography

How to Capture Baby’s First Year in Photos: A Guide to Baby’s First Year Photography

Collage of maternity, newborn, milestone, and cake smash sessions from a Baby’s First Year Plan by Junebug Photography.

How to Capture Baby’s First Year in Photos: A Guide to Baby’s First Year Photography

The first year of your baby’s life is packed with moments you’ll want to remember forever. That’s where Baby’s First Year Photography comes in! From maternity photos to that messy and adorable first birthday cake smash, this type of photography is all about preserving the milestones that make your baby’s first year so special.

As 2024 wraps up, it’s the perfect time to plan for 2025. My Baby’s First Year Plan is designed to make capturing these moments easy, stress-free, and oh-so-memorable. Let’s dive into what this plan includes and why it’s perfect for your family.

Step 1: Start with a Maternity Session

Maternity sessions are the starting point for your Baby’s First Year Photography journey. They’re a celebration of your pregnancy and the beginning of your family’s story. You’ll cherish these photos as much as the ones of your little one once they arrive.

Pro tip: Schedule your maternity session between 28-34 weeks so you can show off your bump while feeling comfortable and radiant.

Step 2: Newborn Photos (Because They’re Only This Tiny Once)

Newborn sessions are the heart of Baby’s First Year Photography. Taken within the first two weeks, these photos capture your baby’s smallest and sweetest details—those tiny fingers, sleepy yawns, and the way they curl up just perfectly.

Trust me, you’ll never regret having these photos. They’re the ones you’ll look back on years from now when it’s hard to believe they were ever this small.

Step 3: Milestone Session: Anytime Between Newborn and One Year

Your baby’s first year is full of incredible changes, and a milestone session is the perfect way to capture one of them. Whether it’s their first laugh at 4 months, sitting up at 6 months, or crawling at 9 months, this session celebrates your baby’s unique journey.

One of the best parts of my Baby’s First Year Photography plan is its flexibility. You get to choose when this session happens, based on what feels most special to you.

Step 4: Cake Smash: Because Turning One Deserves a Celebration

A cake smash session is the grand finale of the Baby’s First Year Photography journey. These sessions are messy, fun, and absolutely adorable. We’ll set up a creative theme, let your baby dive into a cake, and capture every giggle and frosting-covered grin.

Pro tip: These photos make amazing first birthday invitations or thank-you cards!

Why Choose Baby’s First Year Photography?

The first year goes by fast (seriously, in the blink of an eye). With Baby’s First Year Photography, you don’t have to worry about missing any of those magical milestones. My Baby’s First Year Plan is designed for busy parents who want a full, beautiful story of their baby’s first year—all without the hassle of booking separate sessions.

Here’s what’s included:

  • Maternity Session: Celebrate the start of your baby’s journey.
  • Newborn Session: Freeze those tiny, perfect moments forever.
  • Milestone Session: Highlight one of your baby’s big firsts.
  • Cake Smash Session: End the year with a messy, joyful bang!

Ready to Book Your 2025 Baby’s First Year Plan?

Let’s do this! Availability for 2025 is already filling up, so if you’re expecting or have a little one under a year, now’s the time to lock it in. Plus, if you book before the end of 2024, you can snag current pricing.

Send me a message, and let’s chat about how we can document your baby’s first year together. It’s going to be amazing, and I’d love to be part of your journey!

Share the Love and Save: June Bug Photography’s Referral Program

Baby's first birthday cake smash
Exciting News: Earn Rewards with June Bug Photography’s Referral Program!

Are you ready to share the magic of photography with your friends and family? June Bug Photography is thrilled to announce our all-new Referral Program! It’s our way of saying thank you for spreading the word and for being part of our photography family. Plus, you’ll enjoy discounts that make capturing your memories even sweeter.

How It Works
Participating in the referral program is simple and rewarding:

  1. Refer a Friend: Tell your friends about June Bug Photography! Whether they’re expecting a little one, celebrating a milestone, or planning their next family session, I’m here to help create lasting memories.
  2. Your Friend Gets $50 Off: When your referred friend books their first session and mentions your name on their inquiry form, they’ll receive $50 off their session.
  3. You Earn $50 Credit: For every referral that books a session, you’ll earn $50 credit toward your next session. Plus, you can stack these credits! For example, refer 4 friends, and you’ll enjoy $200 off your next booking!

Why Refer a Friend?

  • Share the Love: Help your friends find a photographer they can trust.
  • Save Big: There’s no limit to how many referral credits you can earn and stack!
  • Celebrate Every Moment: From maternity to newborn sessions, milestone photos, cake smashes, family sessions and more, there’s always a reason to capture life’s precious moments.

How to Get Started
It’s easy to begin sharing and saving:

  • Spread the Word: Tell your friends about June Bug Photography and the magic we create together.
  • Mention Your Name: Make sure your friends mention your name when they fill out my inquiry form.
  • Track Your Credits: I’ll take care of tracking your credits and will notify you when a referral books their session.
Celebrate Your Friends and Your Savings!
This program is my way of saying thank you for being a part of my photography family. I wouldn’t be where I am without you, and I can’t wait to capture more memories for you and your loved ones.

Ready to start sharing? Let’s make magic together!

[Contact Me]

Winter Mini Sessions with June Bug Photography

School hasn’t even started yet for my kiddos, but I’m already planning ahead for this year’s round of winter mini sessions. This year, our setup will have a GIANT wreath. I think the wreath is nearly 6 feet tall! The backdrop is a gorgeous neutral grey, and will coordinate with just about any outfit you have in mind! The wreath can be used to sit on, sit in front of, pile around, and more. I can’t wait for the beautiful chaos that a day of mini sessions brings!

More details about this year’s winter mini sessions:

-Date: November 9th
-10 minute sessions (if you think your little ones will need extra time to warm up to the session, I recommend booking two sessions back-to-back)
-$99, includes one image, to be selected from an online proofing gallery. Additional images can be purchased for $55/each.

The booking link to our GIANT WREATH WINTER MINI SESSIONS will be emailed out to my VIP email newsletter subscribers. To make sure you get all the latest June bug Photography news, be sure to subscribe to our email newsletter here

I dragged my family into the studio to get some quick images of this year’s setup, and I wrangled a friend and her adorable family to model for a few images for me as well! Obviously, I will rebuild the wreath so the greenery is fresh for our sessions in November.

Mini sessions are a great way to get updated family photos, photos for your Christmas cards, etc. I’d love to see you in November.

Happy Easter! From June Bug Photography and THE Easter Bunny!

Collage of photos of families with the Easter bunny on a yellow backdrop. 18 images total.On Sunday, March 24th 2024, June Bug Photography held a day of FREE Photos with the Easter Bunny! Obviously, offering FREE photos isn’t a sustainable business model…but I decided to do it anyway. I wanted to have a low stress, quick, fun way to meet families in my community, and offer some beautiful photos with the Easter Bunny. Idid a lot of planning and scheming in advance to work smarter and not harder, so this would be a positive and low stress event for both myself any all the families that joined me.

Teen boy and girl siblings sitting on a bench with the Easter Bunny. Their white dog sits next to them. All are in front of a yellow backdrop.

Some of the ways I streamlined the process before even picking up the camera on the day of the Easter Bunny Photos:

 

To start, I set up my calendar with an online booking link. This link would collect emails from clients, and start a workflow that would automatically send out a session reminder, a map/directions to the studio, etc. This way, I could post a quick announcement for the FREE Photos, and clients could book following the link posted. I had to do absolutely ZERO communication with the many clients once they booked, but they were automatically provided with EVERYTHING they needed to prepare for a successful photo session. I was shocked that the 10 sessions I had available booked within SECONDS of me announcing them. I had a sweet friend offer to take a shift as the Easter Bunny, so I opened up another 10 spots in the afternoon. (I learned that the Easter Bunny gets VERY warm in the studio, so my first Easter Bunny could only handle about 1.5 hours of shooting time). The backend setup did take some time, including setting the times I would be available, setting up the workflow with information for clients, etc. BUT! I only had to set it up once and then I could “set it and forget it”. I use 17hats.com as my client management program and it is amazing. It saves me so much time on admin work!

My next step, I am SUPER proud of and love this idea. Because I didn’t want to have to set up a separate gallery for each family that comes in during the day, I let clients know all images would be in ONE gallery and they could download the images of their family from there. This was a HUGE time saver, as setting up and separating images by family takes time, and with so many families participating in our Easter Bunny Photos, this would have added hours to my workflow. Having ONE gallery for the event was so easy, and I set up the gallery weeks in advance. Then, I created a free QR code for the gallery link and printed a super cute business card that included the QR code for the gallery. Each family that participated got a cute little business card (hello, marketing!) that had a QR code that would lead them to the final gallery and the card indicated the date images would be ready. This way, clients can access their photos/gallery without me having to import emails, or do any communication/email at all! Easy peasy. Their gallery allows them to download their images for FREE, and is all automated and is zero work for me once I set up the gallery.

Finally, I intentionally used the same lighting setup for the entire day. The light stayed put, my camera setting stayed the same, which made batch editing SO EASY. All images had the same white balance, the same exposure, and the same settings. I was VERY intentional to make sure my straight out of camera images were as close to “perfect” as possible, and edits were a breeze. I did quick tweaks in Adobe Camera raw all batched with the same settings. From there I did do final finishing in photoshop, because I’m a perfectionist…but this wasn’t really even necessary. Photoshop polishing was also batched, and I was able to edit the entire day of images (about 100 final images) in just a few hours. I definitely overdelivered, but I was so happy to do so. This was such a joyful day, and I loved how stress free and celebratory it was.

Once I finished editing, I uploaded all 100 images to the preset photo gallery (I use Shootproof.com as my gallery host) and the gallery was ready for clients to check and download their images at their convenience.

Finally, because my booking program (through 17hats) collects and saves the email from my bookings, all of my new families are now a part of my email news blast so they can keep up with all of my future events. They are now part of my June Bug Photography family, and I am so happy to have met them! Following the Easter Bunny Photo event, I sent out an email newsletter to ALL of my VIP newsletter list with some fun photos from the Easter Bunny event, and a little bit of information about my Monochromatic Milestone Sessions, which are held monthly.

Whew. That’s all!Collage of 25 images of families and kids with the easter bunny. All are in front of a yellow backdrop.Mom with newborn and three young girls sitting on a bench with the Easter Bunny. All are in front of a yellow backdrop.A toddler boy sits on a white chair in front of the Easter Bunny. He is holding a carrot and a large easter egg. They are on a yellow backdrop.

Welcoming Baby Home: Why a Postpartum Doula Should Be on Your Baby Registry

Hey there, soon-to-be moms! As you’re getting ready to welcome your precious bundle of joy, I want to share something that could truly make a difference in those early days of parenthood. Meet Amanda, an amazing postpartum doula who can be an absolute lifesaver during the transition of bringing your baby home.

The Gift of Postpartum Doula Support

Picture this: you’re navigating the whirlwind of new motherhood—sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with it. Now imagine having someone there to lend a helping hand, offer a listening ear, and provide expert guidance every step of the way. That’s exactly what a postpartum doula can offer. From Amanda’s website for laHAVRE, here are just some of the benefits you can receive from a postpartum doula:

  • Newborn Care

    • Diapering and baby care

    • Help understanding baby cues

    • Care for baby when parents want to shower, nap, or spend some special time with older child(ren)

    Postpartum Recovery

    • Caring for birthing person as they recover from birth

    • Processing the birth experience

    • Screening for postpartum mood disorders

    • Breastfeeding/Chestfeeing support

    Family Care

    • Light Meal Preparation

    • Light Housekeeping assistance

    • Help with Older Children

    • Running errands

    • Resources and referrals

    • Non-judgmental family support

    Education

    • Education on infant soothing techniques

    • Diapering

    • Infant Cues

    • Baby wearing

    • And SOOO Much more!

Think of Amanda as your personal guide through the maze of early parenthood. From helping you with tricks for soothing your baby to helping with household chores, she’s there to ease your transition into motherhood and ensure that you feel supported every step of the way. Plus, having her on your team means you can focus on bonding with your little one while she takes care of the rest.

After meeting Amanda, and learning about the service she offers, I found myself wishing I had known such a thing existed when I had kids of my own. While I did have the amazing support of both my mom and my mother-in-law, having an advocate trained as a doula, and knowledgable with all things babies would have been a lifesaver! I remember crying in frustration when my firstborn was just three days old, when we struggled with breastfeeding. My mom was staying with me, and was a great help, but as a mom that also struggled with nursing (and having been 27 years from the experience) we all cried, and felt helpless. Having an expert walking along with us during the most exhausting moments of my entire life would have been amazing.

I know that a postpartum doula might not be in the cards for all families, but I absolutely recommend exploring your options. When I think about the thousands of dollars spent on gifts, gadgets, and more in preparation for our new arrivals…and how much of it we didn’t actually need…I wish I had known about and invested in having postpartum support. One creative idea to help budget for the support of a postpartum doula is to add it to your baby registry!  Instead of the usual gifts, ask your family and friends to contribute toward this invaluable support system. Trust me, it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

 

About Amanda

Amanda’s journey into postpartum doula support is fueled by her passion for health and wellness. With her extensive background in nutrition, public health, and functional medicine, she’s uniquely equipped to support you through this transformative time. Amanda is kind, calm, and her passion for helping others is evident from your first meeting with her!

If you think a postpartum doula would be a good fit for your family, I encourage you to reach out to Amanda at leHAVRE postpartum support. 

You can book a (free!) consultation with her to discuss your needs.

As you prepare to welcome your little one into the world, consider the gift of postpartum doula support with Amanda. With her expertise and compassionate care, she’ll be your partner in parenthood, making those early days with your baby as smooth and joyful as possible.

Free Easter Bunny Micro-Mini Sessions in Mill Creek, WA – Reserve Your Spot Now!

Free Easter Bunny Micro-Mini Sessions in Mill Creek, WA

Hop into the Easter spirit with our Free Easter Bunny Micro-Mini Sessions on March 24th at June Bug Photography’s studio in Mill Creek, WA!

Limited Spots Available – Reserve Yours Now!

Join us for a quick and fun photo opportunity where families of all ages can meet the Easter Bunny and snap a few adorable shots. Don’t miss out – secure your spot today by using the booking link here.

What to Expect:

  • Meet the Easter Bunny: Get your little ones ready to meet the Easter Bunny and pose for some egg-cellent photos!
  • Micro-Mini Sessions: During your 5 minute session, our professional photographer will capture the moment while your little one meets THE Easter Bunny.
  • Bring Your Camera: Feel free to bring your own camera or smartphone for additional snapshots.
  • Image Delivery: Each family will receive one high-resolution digital image delivered through an online gallery by March 29th.
  • All Ages!: These sessions are for all ages, feel free to bring the family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Important Information:

  • By booking your FREE session, you agree that all images will be included in a shared online gallery with other sessions from the day. Images may be used for marketing purposes.
  • Sessions are free, but spots are limited and will fill up quickly. Reserve your spot here today!
  • These sessions are lightening fast, so be sure to show up photo ready! We won’t have time for outfit changes, diaper changes, face wiping, etc. I recommend a quick nose and face wipe before getting out of the car.

About June Bug Photography: June Bug Photography, located in Mill Creek, WA, specializes in capturing precious moments for families throughout the Pacific Northwest. Photographer Melissa Jenkins is dedicated to providing a relaxed and enjoyable photography experience for every client.

Don’t Miss Out – Book Your Free Easter Bunny Micro-Mini Session Today!

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait! Click here to reserve your spot for a quick and memorable Easter photo session with June Bug Photography.

Capture the Sweetness: Celebrate Your Baby’s First Birthday with a Cake Smash Photography Session in Mill Creek, WA

Welcome to June Bug Photography, where we specialize in capturing the magic of your baby’s first birthday with our delightful cake smash photography sessions! 🎂✨

Looking for cake smash photography Mill Creek WA? As your little one reaches this exciting milestone, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a cake smash session that will capture all the joy, laughter, and sweetness of the occasion. From the adorable mess of frosting to the priceless expressions of delight, our cake smash sessions are designed to create memories that will last a lifetime.

What to Expect: Our cake smash sessions are a fun and interactive experience for both parents and babies alike. Held in our cozy studio in Mill Creek, WA, our sessions provide the perfect backdrop for your baby’s big day. We’ll start by setting the stage with a beautifully styled setup, complete with outfits, props and matching decorations to complement your chosen theme or color scheme. You bring baby and the cake, and I’ll take care of the rest!

During the session, your little one will have the opportunity to dive into their delicious cake, getting messy and having a blast in the process! Our skilled photographer Melissa will be on hand to capture every precious moment, from the first tentative taste to the gleeful cake-covered smiles.

mill creek cake smash photographer

Tips for a Successful Cake Smash:

  • Choose a theme or color scheme that reflects your baby’s personality or interests.
  • Schedule your session during a time that baby is typically content and awake!
  • Bring along some favorite snacks and a drink in case baby isn’t interested in the actual cake.
  • Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes for both you and your baby, just in case things get extra messy!

Why Choose June Bug Photography: At June Bug Photography, we understand the importance of capturing these special moments in your baby’s life. Our experienced photographer specializes in working with babies and young children, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. With our attention to detail and commitment to quality, you can trust us to create beautiful images that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Ready to Book Your Session? If you’re ready to celebrate your baby’s first birthday in style, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to schedule your cake smash photography session and let’s create some magical memories together.

Don’t wait to capture the sweetness of this special milestone – book your session with June Bug Photography today!

 

Newborn Photography Bliss in Mill Creek, WA: Cherishing Precious Moments at June Bug Photography

Newborn Photography Bliss in Mill Creek, WA: Cherishing Precious Moments at June Bug Photography. Mill Creek WA Newborn Photography.

Welcome to June Bug Photography, where we specialize in capturing the magic of those precious early days with your newborn. Our newborn photography sessions are designed to freeze the fleeting moments of your baby’s first weeks, creating timeless memories for you to cherish. Located in beautiful Mill Creek, WA, our studio is the perfect backdrop for creating heartwarming and artful newborn portraits.

Why Choose Newborn Photography at June Bug: At June Bug Photography, we understand the importance of preserving the sweet innocence of your newborn. Our experienced and caring team creates a comfortable and welcoming environment for both parents and babies, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable session.

Our Studio: Nestled in the heart of Mill Creek, our studio provides a warm and inviting space designed with your newborn’s comfort in mind. We have a range of props, wraps, and backdrops to tailor each session to your unique style, ensuring that your newborn’s personality shines through in every photograph.

Capturing Timeless Moments: Our goal is to create images that tell the beautiful story of your newborn’s early days. From delicate details like tiny fingers and toes to peaceful sleeping poses, we capture the essence of your baby’s first moments with artistry and care.

Book Your Newborn Session: Ready to capture the timeless beauty of your newborn? Book your session with June Bug Photography and let us create stunning portraits that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

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