Mill Creek Photographer, specializing in newborn photography, baby photography, and maternity photography.

Cake Smash DONE RIGHT! June Bug Photography, Mill Creek Family photographer

April 27, 2018

So, my favorite part about cake smash sessions is that you NEVER know how it will go. I love the unknown, I love getting to know these little babies, and I just love seeing their reaction to their first taste of cake. Some babies gently poke the frosting, some babies don’t like getting their hands dirty, some babies are a little nervous about the whole thing…but THIS BABY!? This sweet little peanut DEMOLISHED her cake. Like, literally crushed it into crumbles, hoarded the crumbs into a pile and sorted through her pile o’ cake for bits of frosting.

It was so much fun to watch this little one explore, eat, SIT ON, and utterly destroy her smash cake. Bobbie from Cakes and Poppery makes the most delicious cakes (as how I know…), and the buttercream frosting she makes is to die for. Not too sweet, real butter, and so so so yummy!

Mama sent me an image of the outfit the birthday girl would wear for her session (coral and mint, “Wild One” onesie, SO CUTE!) so we designed the set up and cake to match her outfit. I just love the coral and mint color combo, and the little woodland critters and feathers in the banner look so sweet! I don’t think I have ever seen a baby so very in love with cake, as I mentioned not all babies love the cake part of their cake smash. I love how their little personalities shine through during these sessions, and I will tell you that I have YET to have a baby that didn’t love the bubble bath after their cake!

Also, that wink at the end. Nailed it!!

Looking to schedule a cake smash for your little one’s first birthday? Reach out at info@junebugphotography.org and we can plan a custom set up for you! I have the most adorable props, outfits, and more to create a set up that is just perfect for your little one. I have an industrial helium tank, balloons in every color, banners, and more. June Bug Photography specialized in newborn photography, cake smash photography, milestone baby sessions, maternity photography and family photography. The studio is in the heart of Mill Creek, WA and easy access from Seattle, Bothell, Monroe, Snohomish, Everett, and the greater Snohomish County area.

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

April 18, 2018

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

In Studio Maternity Photography with June Bug Photography, Mill Creek WA

April 17, 2018

A year ago, if you would have told me that I would PREFER studio maternity photography over outdoor maternity sessions…I would have laughed. No way. Whelp, here I am. Confessing my love for studio maternity!

It miiiiiiiight have something to do with the ridiculous amount of rain, gloom, and generally miserable weather this winter/spring (which is is now? I can’t even tell…) but I am obsessed with shooting maternity sessions in my Mill Creek Studio! Don’t get me wrong, outdoor maternity sessions are gorgeous. But. Guys. Studio maternity sessions are so much fun!

I am loving getting creative with my lighting setups. In a matter of minutes, I can switch from backlighting mamas beautiful bump to a dark and moody lighting set up. I can change backdrops in SECONDS. Mama can get through 3+ outfit changes because gowns are hung, and ready right in the studio (also…let’s face it, it is so much faster to change in a big, heated…lit bathroom than changing in my tiny pop up tent).

Instead of spreading all of these gorgeous mamas out over a bunch of blog posts, I wanted to show you these four mama’s sessions all together, so you can get a feel for how much we get done during each maternity session!

Mamas are welcome to bring along their own outfit(s) or just show up and use mine. I have SO MANY beautiful gowns, that fit all different sizes, shapes, and styles. (Check them out here MATERNITY GOWN GALLERY ) Some moms prefer to stick to just one or two, and others want to try 5 or 6. Girl, whatever your preference, I GOT YOU!

The gorgeous evergreen gown below is from Chicaboo Boutique

Sage Maternity gown from Mii Estilo – Handmade Dresses

Sage Gown from Mii Estilo

Pink Gown below from Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories Sage Gown from Mii Estilo

Beautiful blush gown below by Silk Fairies

Creative Newborn photography, Digital backdrops

April 14, 2018

I have recently begun building in composite images into my newborn photography workflow. I have created a few digital backdrops of my own, as well as purchased some amazing digital backdrops from the talented Luisa Dunn from Luisa Dunn Photography.

Creating newborn images using a digital backdrop is a fun way to add variety to my client galleries, and to create some stunning pieces of art. I have been surprising this week’s newborn clients with digitally composited images and I have been hearing wonderful feedback from my clients. Creating art using a digital backdrop requires a bit of preplanning, and I shoot the image with the backdrop in mind. Then, using some photoshop magic, and a bit of creativity, I can make a completely new image to offer my clients. I love that I can get two completely different “feels” from one shot!

Here are a few of my recent composites using Luisa Dunn’s digital backdrops! I am excited to continue offering these to clients!

June Bug Photography specializes in Newborn photography, milestone and baby photography, maternity photography, and family photography. We have a gorgeous studio in the heart of Mill Creek, WA, which is stocked with beautiful props, wraps, outfits, maternity gowns, and more, all available for client use. I’d love to work with you to create a custom photography session for your family!

Milestone Mini Session, 6 month photo shoot Mill Creek, WA

February 22, 2018

This little many is so sweet! I met him at his newborn session, and I was PREEEEETY sure he was a ginger. His hair was super short, but there was a hint of red there. He showed up for his 6 month photo session with a full head of red hair, and I am smitten. He is seriously so adorable!

Milestone sessions are such a fast, fun way to capture the fleeting moments and HUGE milestones of baby’s first year. Some of my favorite milestones to photograph are baby sitting up unassisted, baby standing, first smiles, first teeth, crawling, walking, obviously baby’s first taste of cake for their first birthday!

I have an entire studio filled with gorgeous layers, props, outfits, hats (I have a weakness for babies in animal hats. Current collection of animal hats includes 5 bear hats, two fox hats, three deer hats, three bunny hats, a koala hat, a sheep hat, two kitten hats…clearly, I have a problem).

Milestone mini sessions are available to all of my previous NEWBORN clients, and are a discounted session. Not to worry if you missed the opportunity to book a newborn session with me, I absolutely offer full sessions for all ages!
Looking to book a photography session for your baby? Shoot me an email, and we will schedule a session. June Bug Photography is located in the heart of Mill Creek, WA. We serve families in the pacific northwest including Everett, Bothell, Mill Creek, Snohomish, Seattle, Bellevue, Monroe, Snohomish County, and beyond!

Maternity Gowns, June Bug Photography Closet Tour

February 17, 2018

Check out an updated list of the maternity gowns I have in studio, available for client use! Let me start by admitting I have a problem.

I collect and horde maternity gowns…but the good news is that they are GORGEOUS, and available for my clients! Many of these gowns are perfect for both maternity and non-maternity mamas. I have a HUGE range of sizes, styles, colors, and more.

I wanted to do a quick post to update my current collection. I am continually bringing more gowns in, which means that I have to part with the ones that aren’t being used. Although all of these gowns are currently available, feel free to shoot me an email if you are interested in a particular gown (and I can double check to make sure it is still part of my collection).

I have had a big influx of new, beautiful gowns, and I wanted to update you all with my current collection…so I popped on a fake belly, set up my tripod, and took some selfies. Don’t judge. Ha. It was actually super fun. Gowns are from various vendors, such as Sew Trendy Gowns, Chicaboo, Mii Estillo, Mr Pretty, and Silk Fairies.

Looking for a maternity photographer in the Seattle area? June Bug Photography specializes in Maternity photography, newborn photography, baby photography and cake smash photos. We’re here to capture all of your huge life milestones. We have a collection of gorgeous gowns, bodysuits, robes, and more for our maternity clients, and would love to have you come in and see what we have to offer. We are located in Mill Creek, WA, and serve the greater Seattle area, Everett, Bothell, Mill Creek, Edmonds, Monroe, and more!

Cake smash with Barley the Bunny! Mill Creek family photographer

January 21, 2018

I did something fun today, and I am so glad I did! My daughter Riley has an adventurous spirit like her mom, and she asked if we could do a cake smash for our bunny’s first birthday. I LOVED the idea, and we had so much fun planning the cake, decorations, etc.

First, we made the cake. I use the term cake a bit loosely here. It was actually a bunch of celery sticks tied together with ribbon. We also sliced an apple (Barley’s favorite!) to put on the bottom of the celery cake.

I should probably note that Barley is a male rabbit. But, Riley assured me that he wouldn’t mind the pink flowery decorations, because she’s “pretty sure rabbits are colorblind”. I added that I was pretty sure rabbits had no concept of cake smashes, and he’d just be thrilled to get a treat. Just like cake smashes with tiny humans, “cake” (treats, or in our case, celery and apples) are to be given sparingly…Barley does not live off a diet of celery and apples, but he does get a treat every once and a while.

I brought along a blanket from home, and my daughter donated one of her headbands to her sweet bunny. I didn’t want to use anything from the studio on the bunny, just to avoid potential allergy issue with clients. My hubby is VERY allergic to bunnies (sorry bub, you’re stuck with him) so Barley the bunny lives in our fenced backyard.

Barley (and my kids and I) had so much fun during his cake smash! He was hamming it up for the camera, doing his little happy jumps and munching on his apple slices. He kept knocking down the celery to get to the tasty apple underneath (I’d do the same, buddy. Especially without ranch!) Pet photography is a total blast, but has its own set of challenges…for example, I realized while shooting that it is VERY difficult to get a picture of a bunny looking at the camera. First of all, they don’t respond to my silly noises…and then when they finally are facing the camera..I can’t see their eyes because they are on the SIDE OF HIS HEAD!

Want to book a cake smash for your little one? Human, animal, or otherwise? Reach out to me! We can come up with a fun idea and make it happen!

Hope you get a chuckle out of these, we had so much fun with it!

June Bug photography specialized in maternity photography, newborn photography, baby photography, cake smash photography, and family photography. We have a beautiful studio in the heart of Mill Creek, WA full of the most beautiful props, wraps, gowns, and more!

9 Month Milestone Session, Mill Creek baby photographer June Bug Photography

January 10, 2018

Mill Creek baby photographer, June Bug Photography.

This little beauty and I had so much fun in studio before the holidays! I just adore photographing little ones, and capturing these huge milestones like sitting up, standing, starting to crawl and scoot, SMILES. Oh, the smiles! For my newborn clients, I recommend having them schedule at least one milestone session before coming back for their one year / cake smash session. There are such changes that happen between the newborn session, where baby is sleepy, snuggly, and so very tiny. At 6 months, many babies are sitting unassisted, curious, and fully of smiles and fun faces. I love getting babies in once they are sitting on their own but BEFORE they are crawling (or right as they are learning). This way, they stay where we put them for photos! Ha! This gives a great contrast in baby’s growth, and then we capture the craziness of one year during their cake smash session. Many babies are crawling at 12 months, and some are even running. Cake smash and birthday sessions are insane, full of energy, and SO MUCH FUN. This little lady is not yet a year old, and is just starting to stand on her own. I just love how much pride you can see in her eyes as she starts to master these huge milestones.

Mom is a ballerina, and looks absolutely stunning snuggling with her tiny dancer. I just love how sweet, soft, and loving these images are.

During sessions, we capture both posed images as well as those tender “in between” candid moments. This is one of my very favorite images from their session. Baby was starting to feel tired, and went to her safe place. Snuggled up to mom, with a handful of mamas hair in her hand. It brings me back to many years ago when my daughter would do the same. Moments like these are so easily forgotten, but hold such a tender spot in our hearts. Having such a beautiful image of such a sweet moment lasts a lifetime.

Baby E, Mill Creek Newborn Photography Session

January 4, 2018

Baby E, Mill Creek Newborn Photography Session

Meet baby E. He is just perfection! I may have squealed when I saw his handsome head of hair. He is simply adorable, and he was WIDE awake during his session. He was super chill, and had the most gorgeous eyes, and just watched me the entire session. I met mom and dad during their maternity session, so I already knew he would be super cute…mom and dad are both stunners (a few of my favorites from their maternity session here)

For newborn sessions, I like to get an idea of what colors, textures, and poses mom and dad love. I send out a questionnaire in advance, and pull a variety of different set ups, props, blankets, wraps, etc before the family arrives. This allows me to plan out poses ahead of time, and get all the props stuffed and ready for baby. Doing this ahead of time saves me SO MUCH TIME during the session, and allows me to maximize on my “happy baby” time. Often newborns take some time to soothe and settle, and I like to move from setup to setup with the least amount of movement/disruption to baby. Mom and dad requested neutrals and some blues, which of course made my heart flutter. I love me some neutrals. This little man flew through every setup I had planned, and was such a little champ!

My studio is in Mill Creek, WA, and I literally have everything needed for your newborn photography session (well, except baby…of course). I have a huge collection of gorgeous, soft wraps, fluffy blankets, beautiful hand crafted props, dresses and outfits for baby, mama and siblings..and more! My studio is my happy place, and I hope my clients feel comfortable and relaxed while they are in my care! If you are looking to book a newborn session with June Bug Photography, drop me a line here I typically schedule newborn sessions so families come in before baby is 2 weeks old, as this is the idea timeframe for a relaxed, sleepy baby that will be cozy in the typical newborn poses. This is not to say that we won’t get gorgeous images of older babies! I have had babies in at one month that slept like a dream, and loved the squishy newborn poses as well.

Winter ONE-derland First Birthday Cake Smash

January 2, 2018

Cake Smash sessions are good for my soul.

Not all babies love their cake. Some don’t want anything to do with it. But ALLLL babies love the bubble bath after cake time! This little guy was loving it all. His birthday theme was “Winter ONEderland”, so we went with blues, whites, and snowflakes. The beautiful wintry cake was made by Cakes and Poppery, who is simply amazing!

I met this birthday boy’s family before he was born, during mama’s maternity session. I got to watch him grow throughout the year between his newborn session, milestone mini sessions, and finally his cake smash! I just love getting to know my families, and watch them grow as a family. Cake Smash and first birthday sessions are just a joyous celebration of making it through baby’s first year (let’s be honest, between teething, sleepless nights, crawling, WALKING…surviving the first year is cause for celebration!)

Cake smash sessions typically start with family portraits, and photos of just the birthday boy / girl. I can customize your session to fit your birthday theme and color preferences, as we have a stockpile of different banners, balloon colors, and even have an industrial sized helium tank in studio.
After family photos, we bring out the cake and let baby smash! Some babies LOVE this part. Some don’t love the feeling of the frosting on their hands. Some love the taste of cake. Some are overwhelmed by their first taste of such sweetness. However your little one reacts to their first cake is PERFECTION, and priceless. The smash portion of the session lasts anywhere between 5 minutes to 20 minutes, depending on how much baby loves their cake!

Once baby has smashed to their hearts content, we do a quick clean up of baby, roll up the cake smeared backdrop…and move to the other half of the studio. I set up a nice warm bubble bath, and baby gets to splash, wiggle and enjoy bath time. This is often baby’s favorite part of the entire session, and I just love the little clawfoot baby sized bathtub (I also have several antique wash basins, if you prefer a different look).

Cake smash photo sessions are filled with giggles, smiles, squeals of delight and are simply so much fun. Interested in booking a first birthday photo session? Shoot me an email here

« Older posts Newer posts »