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Fall Themed 6 month Mini Session! Family Photography, Mill Creek

The cutest little mini session. I am thrilled that so many of my clients end up choosing my “Baby’s First Year” Package, which includes sessions throughout baby’s first year (and culminates with a cake smash!)

I just love getting to know my families, watching their littles grow, and seeing their little personalities develop. This little man was SO GOOD for his newborn session that I ended up having him come back for a model call to model for my little mandrake baby (I’ll post that one again here!)

For his 6 month session, mama brought along her BFFs, who are clearly smitten with this little man! I *thought* the adorable tan hooded outfit was for 6-12 month babies…so we squeezed him in there…turns out it was a newborn size…but he looked so stinking’ cute it didn’t even stop us. He wasn’t a fan of the pumpkin, but he humored us and tolerated it.

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June Bug Photography as a studio in the heart of Mill Creek. Melissa Jenkins, of June Bug Photography, specializes in studio maternity, newborn photography, baby photography, cake smash photography, and family photography. I love working with families to create images that let their personalties shine through. I have TONS of fun outfits, props, backdrops, and more in studio.
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Newborn Session, Mill Creek Newborn Photographer June Bug Photography

Photos by Mill Creek Newborn Photographer June Bug Photography

This little man was pure joy to work with! He had just the sweetest little curl of hair on his forehead, and was so calm, sleepy, and ADORABLE! I have been playing around a bit with creating my own digital backdrops, and decided to use one of his images on a digital backdrop I created a few weeks ago. I love being able to get creative in studio, but not take away from sleepy baby time during the actual session. Such a fun way to surprise parents with an image they have no idea to expect!

I’ve been shooting a lot more on my darker backdrops, and using rich color too! I think that means fall is on the way!
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I simply adore working with newborns, and every session is completely different. Babies come in all different shapes, sizes, temperaments, and families have different tastes in color, props, etc. I try to design every session around mom and dad’s preferences for colors, props, themes, etc, and I follow baby’s lead when it comes to posing. Some babies love being snuggled up and wrapped, some..not so much. Some babies fall into a deep sleep and let me pose them to perfection…some keep a watchful eye while I’m working. I just love getting to know these tiny babies and creating beautiful images that already show their little personalities!

June Bug Photography is based in Mill Creek, WA. Photographer Melissa Jenkins has a gorgeous studio stocked with outfits, props, backdrops, wraps, hats, and MORE. Seriously, you can show up with baby (and food for baby!) and I’ll take care of the rest! I recommend getting your newborn session on the books a few months prior to baby’s due date. I only take on a limited number of babies for each month, to ensure I am able to fit everyone in when baby arrives. I pencil in baby’s due date, and then have clients message me as soon as baby arrives to schedule the actual session date/time.

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!

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

 

Cake Smash Photography, Mill Creek.

Cake smash photography is not for everyone. With that being said. IT IS FOR ME! Ha!! I just LOVE the energetic, unpredictable, fun nature of cake smash sessions. I literally spend most of the session laughing, right along with the parents.

 

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Cake smash sessions typically start with “traditional” portraits with the birthday boy/girl, as well as family photos. I always encourage the family to take part in at least a few photos during the session! From there, we move to the cake! I have a collection of banners, backdrops, props, as well as an industrial sized helium tank and balloons in every color. I create a simple set-up based on client color and theme preferences (mom and dad are OBVIOUSLY able to bring along their own decor as well!) The smash portion of the session sometimes lasts only a few minutes (sometimes baby doesn’t love the cake) and sometimes we literally have to pull the baby away from the cake before they eat the ENTIRE thing and end up feeling sick!cake smashseattle cake smash

 

After the cake, I always end with a bubble bath. Because: BABIES LOVE BATHS. Seriously. Even the little ones that don’t love the cake LOVE THE BATH! I have a collection of tiny bathtubs, wash basins, and bins to use for the bubble bath portion, and it is always a client favorite.

 

This little guy was a gem. He was so much fun, and I was thrilled to get to see him in studio again (I’ve photographed his family several times over the last few years!) Mama made the perfect cupcake cake, and we opted for a super simple set up. I just LOVE how their images turned out! The best part is that mama gets a matching canvas (we recreated an image from big brother’s cake smash two years ago). Love being able to watch my client families grow.

 

 

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June bug photography studio is located in Mill Creek, WA and we serve the greater Snohomish County area. June Bug Photography specializes in cake smash photography, first birthday photography, newborn photography, baby photography, and maternity photography. We are your local family photographer, and would love to help plan a session for you! Our studio is full of beautiful props, outfits, backdrops, and more.

Newborn photography Session, baby boy. Mill Creek.

Newborn photography is my jam. This has been the summer of babies over at June Bug Photography! We have had over 20 newborns in studio in the last two months, and I’m LOVING it!

I had so much fun getting to know this adorable family, and baby brother was sooo good to me! I’ve been challenging myself to incorporate a bit more color into my styling, while still rocking the neutrals..and I have to say, I’m loving the color! I am still a neutral lover at heart, but I also love the beautiful blues, and greens we used! I’ve started incorporating digital backdrops into my workflow, which allows me to create stunning works of art from images of your baby! I pose baby, and shoot with the intent on adding a digital backdrop to the image. I stick to images that are still natural, realistic, and beautiful. Can you guess which image has a digital backdrop?

Big brother was a little nervous to be in front of the camera, but you wouldn’t know it from his images! I always enjoy meeting and playing with these “big” brothers and sisters, as their world has been completely changed in just a few days time. It warms my heart to see the love they have for their new baby, and this big brother clearly loves his little bro!

I customize each newborn session to my clients tastes, preferences, etc. and design different setups that fit them perfectly! My studio is full of beautiful props, blankets, textures, wraps, outfits, bonnets, and more! Most of the items I have in studio are handmade, and simply stunning. June Bug Photography studio is located in Mill Creek, WA. June bug Photography specializes in newborn photography, family photography, cake smash photography, milestone and baby photography, and maternity photography.mill creek newborn photographermill creek photographymill creek baby photographermill creek family photographermill creek photographer

Milestone mini session, 7 month old baby R

This little man is such a charmer! His mama is a former student of mine, from FOREVER ago when I was a science teacher. I am loving that so many of my students are all grown up and starting families of their own!

Baby R is 7 months old, and just as cute as can be. We were able to fly through so many different set ups, outfits and more during his mini session…he was such a champ! Milestone sessions are such a fun way to capture those fleeting milestones during baby’s first year. I recommend at least coming in once baby is sitting unassisted if you are trying to decide on ONE major milestone for photos. Between newborn, sitting, and a one year cake smash, mamas are always shocked by how much their little one has grown and changed. The job is definitely a bittersweet reminder of how quickly time marches by, but I just love watching my littles grow!!

I have a studio stocked with props, outfits, backdrops, snacks, and more! You literally just need to bring baby, and I can take care of the rest. Obviously, you are welcome to bring along any items, outfits, etc that you would like included in your session..but if you’d rather have me take over the styling, I’ll be thrilled to do so!

Babies are my jam, and I have so much fun getting to know each little one’s distinct personality. Milestone sessions are quick, easy, and super fun! Shoot me an email if you are looking to book a milestone mini session for your little one! Mini sessions are held during the week, and I typically have one day a month that I run all of my minis. Milestone minis are for babies between 3-13 months old, are 20 minutes in studio.

June bug photography specializes in newborn photography, maternity photography, baby photography, and cake smash photography. June Bug photography is located in Mill Creek, and serves clients from the greater Snohomish County area, including Everett, Bothell, Edmonds, Bellevue, Seattle, Mill Creek, Monroe, and more.
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Mill Creek Newborn Photography, baby boy

Mill Creek Newborn Photography, June Bug Photography.

I met this little man’s mama and dad during their maternity session, and knew immediately that he was going to be welcomed into this world by MANY adoring fans. He was such an amazing little sleeper, and totally rocked his newborn session. Baby’s nursery is navy and gold, and he looks absolutely adorable in navy!

I’m pretty smitten with his full head of hair!
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I just love planning out a custom newborn session, using colors, textures, and themes my clients suggest. Each newborn session is so different, and it is such a creative process to plan, pose, photograph and edit these session. I can’t wait to see this little man again for his milestone session.

Mill Creek Newborn Photography, baby girl!

I have had a string of newborn baby boys in studio the last few months, so I got a bit carried away with this little muffin! She has the most beautiful hair, and looks PERFECT with the mint backdrop!

Mom and dad weren’t feeling up to being in photos (they looked amazing, but I get it. These first few weeks are INSANITY, and most mamas and dads aren’t feeling their best)…but they did want to have their hands in some of the images. I just love how cozy their sweet little girl looks all snuggled up in their hands. These images are so perfect because it really shows how tiny and small newborns are in the first few weeks!

She slept like a champ, so we were able to cruise through allllll the different setups I had planned. I have some parents wonder WHY newborn photographers want a nice, sleepy baby. The answer is pretty simple. They are so much easier to photograph when they aren’t squirming. Although, a squirmy newborn is ADORABLE in real life…capturing that movement as a photo can often look awkward. Having a nice sleepy baby allows me to get the perfect angle, and to focus on showing baby’s tiny features, sweet lashes, etc. It is so much faster and easier to transition from pose to pose when baby is zonked.

June Bug Photography specializes in newborn photography in Mill Creek and the greater snohomish area. I have a beautiful studio in the heart of mill creek, and it is stocked with beautiful, natural props and textures. I literally have everything needed to create a custom session for your family (except, of course, baby!) I also love maternity photography, baby photography, and first birthday / cake smash photography.

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Maternity Photography in studio and outdoors, with June Bug Photography

I typically have clients shoot their entire session either in-studio or outdoors, but we moved quickly and were able to squeeze in both (it was just mama, so it was actually easy to fit both in!)

I love the simplicity of in studio maternity photo sessions, I love the ease of changing, changing my light…its always nice and warm, and DRY.

buuuut, I also love the gorgeous golden light, pops of nature, and contrast that comes with outdoor sessions. This mama got the best of both worlds! I shoot nearly all my outdoor sessions at Northcreek Park. I’m a creature of habit, and I simply LOVE the boardwalk. Why mess with a good thing, right?! I typically start the session about an hour before sunset, as I just love the soft light as the sun sinks toward the horizon. The beginning of the session usually starts in the shadows, hanging out by the tree line waiting for the sun to dip down low enough. Then, we head to the boardwalk through the wetlands. Because there isn’t much to filter the light on the boardwalk, I like to shoot there just as the sun is reaching the horizon. This keeps the sun soft, golden, and doesn’t mess with my lens’ focus. It also eliminates those nasty dark under eye shadows caused by harsh overhead light.

Mama looks STUNNING in each of the gowns that she wore, and I am so glad that we decided to do a split session. Here are a few of my favorite images from her session
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June Bug Photography specializes in maternity photography, baby photography, newborn photography, cake smash photography and family photography. My studio is located in Mill Creek, WA a quick hop from Everett, Bothell, Snohomish, Monroe, Seattle, and the greater Snohomish County area.

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