Category Archives: Uncategorized

Let it SNOW! Winter Mini sessions with June Bug Photography

I’m already planning ahead for this year’s WINTER MINI SESSIONS! This year, I will have a pure white setup, and there will be a flurry of white paper snowflakes swirling around the set. I just love the sweet simplicity of this setup, and I hope you love it too!!

 

As always, I will be sending out the link to book these Let it SNOW! mini sessions via my VIP email newsletter. Those of you that have already signed up to receive my newsletter are already good to go, but if you want to have first dibs at booking a mini session with me, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for my VIP newsletter here

This year’s VIP newsletter with the link to book LET IT SNOW! mini sessions will be sent out on September 12th, at 9:00am. Sign up and set your alarms.

I send out quarterly emails via my VIP newsletter, and *always* use the newsletter to send out booking information for my mini sessions. For that last 7+ years, my mini sessions have booked very quickly (within a few minutes) of sending out my newsletter…and I’ve never had time to list booking info publicly on my social media pages/website/etc. All this to say….historically, the ONLY way to snag a spot for my mini sessions has been for those that sign up for my newsletter AND set an alarm to book once the email is sent out. This year, I am opening up two days of mini sessions, and I am hopeful that everyone that wants to book will have the chance to do so!

The details:

Let it SNOW! Minis will be held on Friday, November 3rd and Saturday, November 4th

The set will be pure white, with my white curtain. White paper snowflakes will swirl around the setup.

Mini sessions will be 10 minutes. This is SUPER quick, so please plan to arrive on time, and photo ready! I will not have time to extend sessions, or accommodate late arrivals.

Session fee is $99 plus tax, and includes your choice of ONE final image. You will select and download your final image from an online proofing gallery. Additional images can be purchased directly from the proofing gallery for $55/each. Your session fee is NON REFUNDABLE, but if you are unable to make it to your session, you are welcome to gift or sell your spot to someone else.

 


mini session mill creek

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Simplicity in Maternity Photos

I have moved toward creating simplicity in maternity photos in the studio. I have found so much joy in creating super simple setups for my maternity sessions. While I still love getting fancy, elaborate backdrops, crowns, etc, I am definitely more drawn to clean lines, simple backdrops, and gorgeous simple profiles when photographing maternity sessions.

When I was pregnant, I HATED the way I looked in the mirror and didn’t have maternity photos. Years later (my youngest is nearly 12 years old), I regret not making maternity photos a priority. While I didn’t like the way I looked in the mirror at the time, I KNOW that I would treasure those images now. Maternity sessions are all about celebrating mom, documenting this sliver of life, and acknowledging the power and beauty in pregnancy. I know it’s not easy to plan ahead, and make a priority to get maternity photos done…but I promise… you won’t regret doing maternity photos. I have a studio full of beautiful gowns intended to be used for maternity photography, which means they will fit and photograph perfectly! No need to spend hours shopping for an outfit for your session, simply show up and I’ll take care of the rest!

Using simple backdrops, clean lines, and timeless and classic dresses, mom and baby/bump are front and center. The focus is on the beauty of creating new life, and that beautiful baby bump. I have started encouraging clients to use simple seamless backdrops in a neutral color (I have about 4 different grey backdrops, white, creams, etc.) and I have had so much fun getting creative with my lighting to focus on the mom and baby! I particularly love backlighting mom (setting up my lights so the lights come from BEHIND mom & baby). I love creating gorgeous silhouettes, posing mom to bring the focus on baby, and those beautiful curves during pregnancy.

 

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Balloon Garland Backdrop tutorial

I’ve had a lot of people asking for more details about my printed styrofoam balloon garland, so I figured I should put all the info in one easy to follow place! I’ll show you the steps I used to create a reusable balloon garland that will NEVER deflate. I’ll include the original file I used to print my own, as well as few other colors (I just changed the balloon colors in photoshop) if you want to use them to print your own! Below is a link if you’d like to download and print the balloon garland I created (scroll to the end)

A few tips/tricks that will help you make your ballon garland more realistic:

-Make sure the light direction on the backdrop is the same as what you use in your own studio. My images all have the light source coming from the right, if you have your light set up on the left, just flip the image horizontally BEFORE printing. You can do this in photoshop, or in the walgreen’s photo app.

-There is a TON of empty space on the files I’ve included. I suggest adding to the image with other things you want to print/create a styrofoam stand-up with!

-For the color changed balloon garlands, it looks a bit messy because I didn’t keep the back wall WHITE…but I did this on purpose. Leave the images ‘as-is’ and print them with the wall color changed as well. This part will be cut off anyway, and will avoid having a stark white edge to your balloons that might ruin the illusion.

-Take your time when cutting your balloons out. When trimming the section that overlaps, I prefer to include entire balloons to overlap vs having a straight seam across a balloon.

-When spraying your spray adhesive, spray the back of the banner not directly on the styrofoam. The 3M Super 77 spray adhesive is the best I’ve found so far and shouldn’t eat the styrofoam, but it will if you spray directly onto the foam.

-Walgreens ALWAYS has a sale going on, do a google search for promo codes before checking out!!

 

Step by step ordering instructions:

 

After you pick up your print, follow these steps to attach your garland to styrofoam! Here’s a quick video, but I also have step by step written directions below! 

-Cut out your design (in this case, the balloon garland)

-Remove the silver and white plastic from both sides of your styrofoam. I use R-TECH insulation foam from Lowes. I used the 1″ thickness, but the 1.5″ would work too! I have a minivan and the entire sheet fits perfectly in the back of my car. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-There is overlap between the two printed sections of garland. I like to include the entire balloon when overlapping vs cutting straight across. This hides the seams better.

 

-Spray the back of the cut out balloon garland print (start with the larger piece) with 3M super 77 adhesive spray. This spray won’t eat away at your styrofoam, some adhesive sprays will!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Flip the print right side up and press it on the styrofoam, smoothing out any wrinkles with your hands.

-Spray the adhesive on the back side of the smaller section.

-Flip the smaller section over and line it up on top of the larger section. Press firmly to adhere.

-Use a hot knife (I use this one) to cut around the edges of the design. I try to keep the heat tool at a 45 degree angle toward the center of the design. This will bevel the edges and help hide the white edges of the styrofoam when photographing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-DONE! You are a badass and now have a balloon garland that will never deflate!

 

If you would like to use the balloon garland image that I used for my banner, feel free! I have color changed the garland to a few different colors as well, feel free to play around and make them your own! The color changed versions look wacky because I didn’t deselect the back wall when color changing, which of course changed the color of the white wall as well. Don’t panic, I did this on purpose…this will help eliminate having a stark white line along the edges of your balloons, which can ruin the illusion! The wall portion gets cut off, but just in case there is a sliver of wall, it won’t show! Download balloon garland images HERE

 

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Mill Creek Newborn Photography A few of my favorite newborn props!

I’m a Mill Creek newborn photographer, and I have photographed hundreds of newborns. I have a few props that are near and dear to my heart, so I figured I’d share them with you all!

This sweet wicker chair is the PERFECT prop for showing off baby’s sweet face! When posing newborns with this prop, I wrap baby up nice and snug, and pop a coordinating pillow for them to rest their tiny head on. I just love how sweet, sleeping, and perfectly framed their face is in this pose/prop. I love tone on tone styling, and have layers, wraps, headbands, bonnets, and pillows in just about every color!

Newborn photos with june bug photography

Next up on my list of favorite props, is my hand crafted MOON prop. I just love the warm wood tones of this prop, and I think it pairs so adorably with a stars and moons theme. “I Love you to the moon, and back!” is such a sweet theme for a newborn setup! This moon prop is so versatile, and looks gorgeous with blues, blacks, creams, yellows, etc. I have fun pairing tiny star props with baby for some extra cuteness.

newborn photographynewborn photosnewborn photosnewborn photographernewborn photographernewborn photographernewborn photographernewborn photographernewborn photosnewborn photography mill creek

Another classic prop is my bucket! This isn’t any ordinary bucket, either! This bucket has been specially designed as a newborn prop, and includes soft risers, and a foam platform for baby to rest on. I’m a total sucker for anything that makes my job 1) more safe and 2) easier. This “everlasting bucket” from Hello Little Props is the coolest thing ever. My very favorite part? The bucket is magnetic, and Hello Little Props makes bucket covers in allllll different colors. I have a collection of 30+ magnetic bucket covers, which means I can customize this prop to my clients’ color preferences! So cool! This pose and prop is a great option when baby is nice and sleepy, as baby needs to be nice and relaxed and settled to be able to safely rock this pose (obviously, a spotter is just outside of frame or often photoshopped out of the frame. Safety first!)

newborn photosbucket posenewborn photosnewborn photosnewborn photosnewborn photosnewborn photosnewborn photographynewborn photographernewborn photographernewborn photographernewborn photographer

 

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Maternity Client Closet Update

If you’ve worked with me before, you know I have a HUGE collection of maternity gowns for my clients to use. I have over 100 different options, in all colors of the rainbow, with a huge range of sizes and styles. When you book a session with June Bug Photography, I work with you to plan the maternity photoshoot of your dreams! I have dresses, robes, bodysuits, sheer fabrics, backdrops, hats, crowns and more for you to choose from. To help plan for your session, I have put together images of the different gowns/outfits I have in studio. I try my hardest to keep this page updated with everything I have in studio. All of the gown options I have in studio fit a range of sizes, and I give an estimated fit range for each dress. Here they are in rainbow order! If this collection is too overwhelming for you, don’t worry! Just let me know if you have a specific style/color in mind and I can take care of the rest!

Reds:

Mill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity Photographer

Pinks:

Mill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity Photographer

Oranges:

Yellows:

 

Greens:

Mill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity Photographer

Blues:

Purples:

Tan/Browns:

Creams & Whites:Mill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity Photographer

Black & Grey:

Bodysuits/Robes/Draping Fabrics:

Mill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity PhotographerMill Creek Maternity Photographer

 

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June Bug Photography honored as “Best Family Photographer in Seattle” by Expertise!

I am so honored that June Bug Photography has been selected as one of the “Best Family Photographers in Seattle” by expertise.com. Expertise is such a slick way to find local, reputable small businesses to work with, and it was so cool to get the email that my little business has been ranked among so many amazing local photographers. If you haven’t used expertise.com yet, I highly recommend using the site when searching for local businesses that are highly rated, easy to work with, and do amazing work. Expertise was the first stop I made when looking for someone to re-do the floors in my home.

Check out the article here.

June Bug Photography specializes in maternity photography, newborn photography, baby photography, cake smash photography, and family photography!

mill creek photographerMom and baby in Mill Creek WA

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Planning for your Maternity Photo Session with June Bug Photography

Expecting mamas, this post is for you! I’m going to give you a run down of how your maternity photo session with June Bug Photography will flow, give you some tips and tricks to prepare for your session, and (my favorite part) show off a few of my new maternity gowns.

Scheduling:

I typically recommend scheduling your maternity photo session so you will be somewhere between 25-33 weeks pregnant for your session. Note: this is a pretty big window, mostly because it’s all about your comfort. I want my mamas to be comfortable during their session, and I want you to be able to change into your gowns with ease, etc. I know this gets more difficult as baby grows, and we definitely don’t want baby to be born early (and miss the maternity session all together!) Shooting maternity sessions is SUPER relaxed, but you will be standing (and walking if shooting outdoors), changing, which gets a little harder in those last few weeks.

Planning:

Planning ahead for your maternity photo session should be fun. There isn’t a ton you need to do, but here are a few things to think about.

  • Hair & Makeup: If you’re interested in having professional hair and makeup done for your session, let me know! I have a few great recommendations for hair and makeup artists. I don’t include this as part of my maternity packages, as many mamas prefer to do their own hair and makeup.
  • Check out the gowns I have available for clients to use HERE make note of ones you love. Sizes listed on the descriptions are estimates, but most gowns are pretty flexible with sizing.
  • Check out the different backdrop options I have HERE. Make note of backdrops you love!
  • Don’t forget to fill out your questionnaire (it’ll be emailed to you prior to your session). This is a great place to let me know any specific ideas you have, the dresses you’d like to wear, the backdrops you want to use, etc.
  • Make sure you have a bra that fits. Don’t worry if you don’t have a strapless bra, we can tuck and hide straps if needed.

The Session:

What to bring with you: I recommend brining along/wearing seamless underwear that is similar to your skin color. Bring along (or wear) a bra that fits, as well as any outfit(s) that you would like to be photographed in. When you arrive at the studio, we will have a quick chat, get to know each other, and make a plan for the session. I’ll have the gowns you want to try all steamed and ready to wear ahead of time.

During a typical maternity session, my clients have plenty of times for outfit changes if desired. We play dress up, have fun, and shoot a TON. You are welcome to include the rest of the family in your maternity photos, or it’s totally ok to have it just YOU.

 

After the Shoot:

Following your session with June Bug Photography, you will get to choose your images! YAY! Within 24 hours of your session, you will receive an email link to a “soft proofing gallery”, which is basically an online, watermarked gallery of the images captured during your session. These images will be UNEDITED (don’t worry, your final images will be edited to perfection). You will use the unedited images in the proofing gallery to select the photos you want included in your purchased package. Once you choose your favorite images, I will edit those, order your prints, and ship your USB of high resolution files & prints to your mailbox! Once you receive your digital files, you can post, share, print them to your heart’s content!

Just for fun, here are my newest gowns. Feel free to laugh at my ridiculous fake belly, and awkward posing (trying to pose yourself with a fake belly, using a camera timer is just as silly as it sounds). maternity mill creek Seattle Everett

And here is a shot of the different backdrop options we have in studio

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Rainbows and Unicorns, Cake Smash

I had so much fun celebrating this little one’s first birthday in studio!

Rainbow and unicorn cake smash at June Bug Photography StudioRainbow and unicorn cake smash at June Bug Photography StudioMom and baby in Mill Creek WA

Those of you who follow this page know that cake smashes are one of my all time favorites to photograph. Yeah, they’re messy, crazy, and unpredictable…but they’re also filled with so much laughter and JOY. I just love celebrating this HUGE milestone with the family, and seeing baby’s reaction to cake, mess, bubble bath, and more.

I was lucky enough to get to see this sweetheart every few months, as she is part of my Baby’s First Year Package. I met mama when she was pregnant, then photographed baby as a newborn, then again for milestone sessions, and finally we got to celebrate her birthday! I’ve added some of my favorites from throughout the year to show how much she’s grown. I just adore looking back and seeing how much each of these little one change in such a short time.

For cake smash session, I have parents bring along the cake. I started having parents bring the cake after a lot of consideration, and realizing that it just didn’t make sense to add another middle man to the mix (me, in this case) when it came to ordering first foods for baby. I worry a bit about food allergies, and finally decided that it was safest to have parents communicate with their baker directly to avoid any mistakes or miscommunications. I have a list of fantastic local bakers to recommend for my mamas, including Cakes and Poppery. Beyond the cake, all parents need to bring is baby! I have fun props, outfits, backdrops, cake plates, and the cutest little bathtubs for a splash and cleanup after the smash. The best part of having your cake smash in studio with June Bug Photography is that I clean up all the mess! I am prepared with tons of towels, wipes, etc and you can get away without getting frosting on you (unless you want it on you, I won’t judge!)

I always recommend having baby try a bite or two of a cake or cupcake before your session with me. This gives baby a chance to experience the shockingly sweet frosting, the sticky texture, etc. Some little ones LOVE cake, some hate it. But no matter their reaction to the cake, it is always fun! I have yet to have a little one that doesn’t love the bathtime after.

6 month baby in white at June Bug Photography studio in Mill CreekNewborn baby on pink fur

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Mommy and Me, Mother’s Day Minis

seattle photographerMommy and Me Mini Sessions are coming soon! Mother’s Day is coming up, and there is no better way to celebrate MAMA than getting photos of her with her babies!

As a mama, I know that I struggle to get myself in front of the camera. I’m typically the one taking the photos, and rarely have a chance to be in them. I have to continually remind myself that if I don’t make an effort to be IN THE PHOTO, I will absolutely regret it down the road! These mini sessions are all about mom’s CONNECTION with her sweet babies. We will have hugs, snuggles, tickles, and all things sweet. The setup will be super simple, so mama and kiddos will be the star of the show, and instead of heavily posed photos, I will prompt you guys to have fun, and connect with each other.

 

DADS! This is the PERFECT Mother’s Day gift. You’re welcome! Set those alarms for 9am and check your inbox for the booking link on March 17th!

The Details:

10 minute sessions (come photo ready!)

$89, plus tax. Includes ONE high resolution digital file.

Option to purchase additional images directly from the online gallery.

Images will be delivered in time for Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day Minis will be held on Saturday, April 18th.

Mom & Kiddos only this time! (looking to include the whole family, shoot me an email and we can book you a family session!)

Booking link will be emailed to my VIP email list at 9am on March 17th, make sure you’re on it! Add your email HERE.

COVID19 Update: At June Bug Photography we are taking the current situation with Coronavirus seriously! We have been sanitizing the studio before and after each session, as well as supplying hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, etc during sessions. As always, if anyone in your family is unwell (fever, cough, etc) within 72 hours of your session date PLEASE let me know and we will reschedule your session for when you are recovered.

I have hired an assistant for Mother’s Day Mini Sessions who will be responsible for sanitizing all “touch points” in studio between each mini session. This will include door knobs, our couch and tables, sink handles, and the bench that will be used for mini sessions. Rest assured we are making careful and serious effort to keep you and your family healthy! That being said, if I end up with any symptoms of illness before scheduled Mother’s Day Mini sessions, I will reach out to families to reschedule.

In recognition of the need to be flexible with how quickly things can change with our current COVID19 situation, I will not be collecting payment for Mommy & Me Minis until AFTER they occur. I don’t want any clients coming in sick, and this will help ease the feeling that you’ll take a financial hit if you aren’t able to make it to your session. If you end up feeling unwell, or need to cancel your appointment for any reason, just shoot me an email!

mill creek photographerEverett photographerSeattle photographerBothell Family PhotographerMill Creek baby photosMill Creek photography

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Winter Minis: Hygge Style.

 

This year’s winter minis are all about cozy, snuggly simplicity!

Hygge (/ˈhjuːɡə/ HYOO-gə or /ˈhɡə/ HOO-gə) is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.

So, basically my favorite things! Cozy, comfortable, and LOVE! Our set will be super simple, with a neutral couch, lots of textured neutral blankets, and some greenery. Come dressed in your cozy winter wear, and be ready to snuggle! We will be all about hugs, snuggles, cozy socks and LOVE.

The Details:

Winter minis will be held on November 8th and November 9th.

I will be sending out a link to book winter mini sessions at 8am on October 7th. Mini sessions tend to book VERY quickly, so I recommend setting an alarm to check your inbox! Booking details will be emailed to my VIP Newsletter subscribers first! Click HERE to add your email to my VIP Newsletter!

Minis will be 10 minutes, and will be booked back to back (so definitely show up on time, dressed and ready to shoot!) The entire family is welcome, including furbabies…just know that adding pets can introduce extra chaos, so be ready for the madness!

Price will be $89, and will include ONE digital file from your proofing gallery. You will have the option to purchase additional digital files at $55/each after viewing your online gallery, OR you can purchase the entire gallery (typically around 10-15 images) for $250. Clients who pre-purchase the entire gallery upon booking will save $89!

What to wear: I recommend having the family wear neutral colors, cozy socks, and clothing with lots of texture (think cable knit, chunky scarves, etc).

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June Bug Photography specializes in Newborn, Baby, and family photography. Melissa Jenkins (the one behind the camera) is passionate about capturing the fleeting moments of childhood, and is drawn to simple, pure, imagery. 

June Bug Photography is located in the heart of Mill Creek, Washington. Our studio is simply stunning, and we have props, wraps, outfits, headbands, and more for a custom styled session. Melissa is obsessed with soft textures, neutral tones, and simple imagery...and we have everything in studio to help create an unforgettable photo experience.

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