Category Archives: Uncategorized

Krampus Mini Sessions! with June Bug Photography

 

Please welcome Krampus to June Bug Photography Studio mini sessions this year! Those of you who know me are already aware that I have a quirky sense of humor. I also get strange ideas, and then cannot rest until I bring them to existence. So. There it is. I’m a bit of a weirdo.

 

Krampus is like Santa’s dark partner. He roams the streets, collecting naughty children, and generally instilling fear in all. Krampus will be on set for our Krampus minis, complete with shackles, claws, and a wicker backpack to toss naughty ones into. No joke. Not for the faint of heart. Get ready to have some fun (and maybe a few nightmares!) I’m hoping a I have a few gorgeous mamas that will participate too. I’ve been inspired by this Krampusnacht greeting card:

greetings

 

Don’t panic, if you’re kids aren’t on the naughty list this year…we have a special mini session for them too! We will have a nice list mini session, without Krampus for those who have been well behaved this year! Mini session booking information will be released tomorrow (September 8th, 2018) morning for all of you on my VIP Email list. Make sure you are the first to receive booking information, sign up for my mailing list here

Mini sessions tend to book VERY quickly (no joke, like within a few minutes!) so be sure to sign up for the newsletter!

Please follow and like us:
Share

Maternity Lighting and Posing Guide

In-studio maternity sessions used to scare me. I’m not sure why, but I was intimidated by them. I LOVED outdoor maternity, but I didn’t love the unpredictability of our NorthWest weather (aka…rain. all. the time.)

So, I decided to challenge myself, and shoot more in studio. Guess what? I LOVE them now! I had to get over feeling like I was repeating poses, and to come up with a solid flow for my poses. I am now obsessed with in studio maternity sessions, and I just love the control I have over my lighting, the fact that mama stays warm and dry, and that I can quickly change up the lighting / backdrop etc, and mama doesn’t have to do a thing!

I’ve created a little posing guide that may help some of you feeling flustered while shooting a maternity session. These poses aren’t anything novel or new, but they are super simple, and allow you to get a TON of different looks in a very short amount of time! I love this because I have a ton of gorgeous gowns in studio, and it allows me to do several different outfit changes during the session – which means my mamas get a HUGE gallery, tons of many different looks.

I also drew up some lighting diagrams of some of my favorite light set ups to use during maternity sessions. I am pretty smitten with backlighting (dream lighting) my maternity clients, I think that’s my current favorite. I’ve included both one light and two light set ups, and all allow for you to add your own creative twist! I can change up my lighting in a matter of a few minutes, which has been so exciting and fun (vs working with available light outdoors…not that I couldn’t drag a strobe outside with me..but that’s for another post…) Click here for my posing and lighting guide: maternity lighting and posing guide

Most important when shooting maternity clients is to ensure that mama is comfortable! Throughout the session, I will check in and make sure mama doesn’t need a break, doesn’t need water etc. I always check to make sure mom is comfortable getting on the ground for sitting poses, and if not, we skip those! Next, is making sure mama feels BEAUTIFUL! I love to give encouragement, and heap on the (honest) praise during our session. It can be super awkward and uncomfortable to be in front of the camera, and even more so while pregnant. Encouragement and praise goes such a long way in making mama feel comfortable and confident!

It would take me forever to write out all the tiny details I think of while shooting a maternity session, so here’s a video that helps explain the method to my madness while posing. I’d love to know if you find this helpful, or if you have any of your own tips/tricks you use! These poses and tricks apply to both in studio and outdoor maternity sessions, so don’t feel left out if you don’t shoot in studio! Bear with me, I’m not the best at making videos..hope you don’t find my voice as annoying as I do!


maternity lighting and posing guide

 

Please follow and like us:
Share

Mandrake Baby, Harry Potter themed Newborn photos. Mill Creek Newborn photographer.

It’s a little embarrassing to admit that I already owned every single item in this set-up of a tiny Mandrake Baby. Any other hard-core Harry Potter fans out there? (Scroll down for a tutorial to make your own Mandrake HAT!!)

 

Every few months, I’ll get a fun idea in my head..and the only way to get it OUT OF MY HEAD is to actually make it happen. I had an adorable knit hat from Ulaby, and I just loved the way the cable knit looked like braided branches of a tree. I decided to modify my newborn hat and add some stems and leaves. I realize that I am totally not the first person to turn a baby into a Mandrake, nor will I be the last..but I tried to create something different, fun, and beautiful. I tried to imagine what the Hogwarts Greenhouse would look like, between Herbology classes with Professor Sprout.

Here are some sweet sleeping Mandrake Photos

Some Baby Mandrake with his Mama (don’t forget ear protection!)

 

And some behind the scene images of my Hogwarts Greenhouse set.

 

To modify my bonnet, I used the following materials:

Needle Felting Needle

Brown Wool Roving (I used about an Oz)

Knit Hat (Mine was handmade from Ulaby, but you can use any brown bonnet/hat that fits baby!)

Needle Felting Foam (THIS kit looks like a great way to get needle, foam, and roving if you don’t already have them!)

Fake Leaves

 

Please follow and like us:
Share

Winter Mini Sessions, Mill Creek Family mini session with June Bug photography

I only hold mini sessions a few times each year, primarily because the are CRAZY (in a good way, but crazy nonetheless). This year’s Christmas mini session day Sunday, November 19th (last weekend) and they were a total blast!

Typically, I primarily photograph newborns, babies up to one year, and maternity mamas….but I love being able to see my amazing families a few times each year during mini sessions. Mini sessions are such a fun way to capture some adorable family photos quickly (and at a lower price point from a normal full session). Mini sessions are high energy, fast, and so much fun!

This year, we had a simple white bed set up to capture photos of the whole family. The bed was perfect for family snuggles, jumping on the bed, and reading “The Night Before Christmas”. My families brought their A game, when it comes to outfits..we had so many adorable coordinated families!!

My absolute FAVORITE set up of all time though? I got a bit crazy this year, and mounted a swing on our 20 foot ceilings. No joke. I have three different sizes and colors of swings, and my swing set up holds up to 800 lbs. I am so excited to use this swing all the time in studio. It was a HUGE hit, and so much fun.

Mini sessions tend to book VERY fast, and typically sell out to my mailing list subscribers before I can even go public with booking information. Sign up to receive first notice of mini sessions here:

winter mini session mill creekwinter mini session mill creekwinter mini session mill creekwinter mini session mill creekwinter mini session mill creekwinter mini session mill creekwinter mini session mill creekwinter mini session mill creekwinter mini session mill creekwinter mini session mill creekwinter mini session mill creeksnohomish county family photographymill creek, snohomish bothell photographysnohomish county photographybothell family photographermill creek mini sessionfamily photography mill creekjune bug photography family photographymini sessions winter mini christmas minimill creek christmas minisnohomish county mini sessionmini sessions, june bug photography

Please follow and like us:
Share

Fall Mini Sessions are LIVE! Booking NOW!

I sent out my VIP newsletter this morning, with fall mini session details (want to be on the list? Sign up to receive my monthly newsletter HERE ) and didn’t realize that I had set my scheduling program to automatically add a 45 minute buffer between each booked session…which means that sessions booked solid within about 5 minutes of sending out my newsletter. The good news is that I fixed the problem, and there are actually still spots left! YAY!

fall mini sessions

Now Booking Fall Mini Sessions

I sat down to look at my calendar and realized that my weekends are nearly completely booked already! Time to schedule mini sessions before its too late. I currently still have weekday availability for full family sessions, but am booked for weekend family sessions through November.

Details:
Sunday, September 24th
15 minute sessions
Includes 3 digital files (with the option to purchase additional images for $20/high resolution file)
North Creek Park

Spaces are limited, and mini sessions tend to fill VERY quickly! Payment due upon booking to reserve your spot. BOOK HERE

I absolutely adore seeing my favorite families each year during my fall mini sessions! During the rest of the year, I primarily photograph newborns, babies, and maternity clients…but I LOVE the fact that so many of my clients return each year for their family photos. Watching these families grow is pretty awesome, and I just love getting to work with them when fall minis come around.
Please follow and like us:
Share

Naughty Elf On the Shelf: Stranger Things by June Bug Photography Mill Creek family photographer

It’s that time of year again. Time to break out the elf for my annual naughty elf on the shelf photoshoot..and then hide him away so my kids never know we have one. Yup. That’s right. Worst mom ever.

Stranger things is pretty much the best show ever, so I decided to pay a tribute to the show with this year’s Elf on The Shelf photoshoot. Check out Joyce’s green jacket. GAH! AND THE ASHTRAY?!

june bug photography mill creek photography

Also, RUN!

 

Melissa Jenkins of June Bug Photography specializes in newborn photography, baby photography, maternity photography, family photography..and elf on the shelf photography. We have a gorgeous studio in Mill Creek, and serve the greater Seattle Area including Mill Creek, Seattle, Everett, Monroe, Bothell, Edmonds, Snohomish, Snohomish County, King County.

Please follow and like us:
Share

An interview with Jennifer Traylor Photography. Central Virginia Family Photographer

junebugphotography.orgMy photog crush of the day is…

Name:Jennifer Traylor!

Business Name: Jennifer Traylor Photography

Specializes in: Newborns and Baby’s First Year

I met Jennifer last year (or was it two years ago?) at a photography workshop with the amazing newborn photographer Kelly Brown at Creative Live. She is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, and we’ve kept in touch since meeting. Jennifer is an amazing Central virginia photographer, specializing in baby pics, newborn pics, maternity pics.

We got together for a group interview, here are Jennifer’s responses

-How long have you been in the photography business? I have been in business since I started super part-time in 2010. My first studio was in 2014 and moved in to my current studio space in 2015. We built a very private studio on our property, so it keeps me close to the family while actually allowing more time for clients.

-What the most fun part of being a (newborn) photographer? I love interacting with the new parents, especially Mom, giving her encouragement and support.

Tell me something that would surprise most clients about the newborn photography industry: I think most people think it’s a super easy job and that baby just lays there, happy and sleeping. It takes a lot of patience, knowledge of how baby responds to certain things, time, and training. Did I mention PATIENCE?

-Coffee vs Tea…vs Vodka? Slightly sweetened ice tea

Break down a typical day in the life of YOU. What does a typical day look like for you? My studio day usually starts about 8:30, setup session for the day and answer emails until the session starts at 10am. If its a newborn, session will last anywhere from 12 on. Then its get in a quick lunch, clean up, load images to computer, backup, and get to editing. I have to get my kids off the bus around 3:45, so I’ve got to be finishing it before then. I also might have an ordering session after lunch or early evening.

What “gear” do you use? I shoot with a Canon 5d mark iii and my favorite studio lens is the Sigma Art 50mm. Outdoors I prefer the 85 or 100. Do you shoot with natural light or studio lights? I shoot with studio light and love it for the consistency.

If you could travel back in time, and give yourself ONE piece of advice about your business, what would it be? Believe in yourself, even when the chips are down. Head down, eye on the ball, drown out the crowd, dream for the fence, swing like your life depends on it. (I played softball ages ago) Also I would get business coaching sooner. Its so hard as an artist to focus on the ins and outs of a business but if you get all of that wrong, you can’t make images without clients, period.

What is one dream you have for your business? I would absolutely love to have a business partner or assistant one day. I love having company and I think it would make work even more fun.

 

Here are some of my favorite images:

Central Virginia Family Photographer specializing in Artistic Newborn and Baby Portraits. www.jennifertraylorphotography.comCentral Virginia Family Photographer specializing in Artistic Newborn and Baby Portraits. www.jennifertraylorphotography.comCentral Virginia Family Photographer specializing in Artistic Newborn and Baby Portraits. www.jennifertraylorphotography.comCentral Virginia Family Photographer specializing in Artistic Newborn and Baby Portraits. www.jennifertraylorphotography.com

 

Find more gorgeous photos, inspiration, and more at the following social media links:

www.facebook.com/jennifertraylorphotography

www.instagram.com/jennifertraylorphotography

www.plus.google.com/jennifertraylorphotography

www.youtube.com/jennifertraylorphotography

www.pinterest.com/jennifertraylorphotography

www.jennifertraylorphotography.com

www.jennifertraylorphotography.com/blog

Please follow and like us:
Share

Adorable bathtime session! Bubbles, babies, and bare buns!

My new favorite prop has arrived, and I am so in love with it! This adorable white claw foot tub is perfectly sized for little ones, and everyone loves a bubblebath! We bring out the bubbles, and have a blast! This little man just turned one, and is just the cutest.

I love the white bath on my white barnwood, with a white backdrop. It speaks to my neutral loving heart, for sure!! Our giant windows in studio make this set up simply perfection. I’m thinking I should blow up a giant canvas from this session for the studio bathroom. How adorable would that be? Want to schedule a bathtime session? Do it! It is seriously so much fun!!

Melissa Jenkins of June Bug Photography is a photographer in Snohomish County, specializing in newborn photos, family photography, baby photography, cake smash photography, and maternity photography. We have a gorgeous natural light studio in the heart of Mill Creek stocked full of everything needed for an amazingly fun session (except your family of course!)
2016-08-31_0006.jpg

Please follow and like us:
Share

Family photo session Bothell Landing June Bug Photography

As I am wrapping up the year, I just have to share a few more images from this family session. I am so happy they found me, and I had a total blast getting to know them all. They were so full of love for eachother, and fun to work with. The kiddos were AMAZING, and I am thrilled that these images capture the love and connection that was so strong with this family.

We did the session at Bothell Landing, which is often teaming with photographers…but luckily, the dreary morning must have scared everyone off. We were practically the only people at the park, and despite it being a bit cold, the weather was just perfection.

newborn photos bothell
family photos bothell landing

Please follow and like us:
Share

Back to school pictures – with style! June Bug Photography Snohomish county photographer.

Back to school pictures can be boring…but not around here! This little one is homeschooled, and mom decided to book a fun back to school session to celebrate the start of her school year. She came into the studio in the most adorable outfit, complete with matching necklace, bracelet…and brand spankin’ new shoes. She was so sweet, and just a perfect little model. The only challenge? Getting her to look at the camera! We got creative, and just might have broken out the “fart gun” to draw her gaze (*hint*, we totally did!). It was such a fun session, and she just looks perfect! Just look at her curls?! Am I right?!

Back to school mini session Back to school pictures Back to school photo sessoin Back to school photos Back to school photo session

June Bug photographer Melissa Jenkins specializes in family photography, including newborns, babies, and kids of all ages. Studio sessions are held in my in-home studio in Snohomish (while technically “Snohomish”, we are located much closer to Mill Creek). Having an in home studio means that we can all relax a bit at make ourselves at home. I have TONS of gorgeous and creative props, wraps, outfits, hats, headbands, anything you can imagine.

Please follow and like us:
Share
« Older posts Newer posts »

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.

Menu