Jacqueline Horning Photography

Baby Room Update

personaljacqueline horningComment

The month of January was pretty much the month of baby prep for P and I.  We took a class and now have a certificate saying we are ready to have a baby (ha - don't think too hard about that one, just chuckle with me), were showered by wonderful friends and family (hence the photo on the bottom left)...and made some headway on the baby's room!  

We had a bit more work to do than the average parents-to-be since we bought a house that needed some work (understatement!) and have a few projects left.  In addition to moving P's home office to the basement and clearing out the room, we refinished the old hardwood upstairs and painted trim and walls.  Painting trim is always time consuming detail work, but I failed to account for the extra breaks I'd need!  I huff and puff juuust a little more than I used to.

I was pretty excited to finally finish this room and move in furniture.  The crib went up, we moved in a bureau that is going to be our changing table, we picked up the rocking chair we're borrowing from my parents, and the rug arrived.  Voila!  Instant gratification for me as this room came together.  

Some things I'm excited about: a beautiful quilt that my sister made us (top right); a crochet alphabet that my mother-in-law made when she was expecting P (bottom right).  It hung in his baby room and I love that it will now hang in his baby's room.   

There are lots of fabulous looking neutral nurseries out there - you can see the inspiration photos I collected on my Pinterest board here.  We decided to keep the walls grey and are hoping to add a big square of chalkboard paint to one wall.      

I'll post more photos as we add more decorative details.  For now, I need some serious organizational pieces to store all of these baby supplies.  If anyone has ideas for maximizing closet storage for a little one, let me know!   

How to Prepare for a Newborn Session

newborn, Real Lifejacqueline horningComment

Happy Winter, folks!  

I'm happy to say that even though it's cold, wet, and pretty messy outside here in Philadelphia, I'm preparing for a few newborn sessions and anticipate them being as cozy as ever.  There are lots of ways to approach a newborn session.  I love images that have a casual, relaxed, every-day-ness kind of quality to them.  I thought I'd share some of the information I typically tell clients before their baby arrives.    

I shoot newborn sessions in client homes.  This keeps things comfortable for new parents and allows for client personalities to come through subtly since we use their house as a backdrop.  No preparation is required; you just brought a new baby into the world, so I'm happy to shuffle things around if need be.  If you have time before the baby comes and want to prep a bit:

  • Straighten or clear off nightstands.  I like to use the master bedroom and clutter detracts from images.  
  • Crank the heat.  If you're willing and able, a house set to 75 degrees or so gives us the most flexibility.  We're asking your newborn to hang out un-swaddled wearing a diaper (maybe!) so they'll feel a chill quickly.  If the whole house is warm, we can move around without waiting for a space heater to kick in.  I bring a space heaters with me as well and can use as needed.  
  • Put light, solid color linens/blanket on your bed.  I love how clean and soft it looks and really highlights the subject.  Or, if there is a special quilt you'd like to use, that is great too.  Baby Cole looks adorable on Mike and Wendy's quilt, don't you think? 
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Preparing your baby:

  • Some photographers recommend feeding your baby just before I arrive or at the start of the session to keep him or her full and sleepy.  I have no problem stopping in the middle of a session, so do what works for you!  
  • Dress baby in (only) a plain white diaper.  This brand fits the bill too, since plain white disposables are hard to find.  If you have special bloomers or diaper covers you want to use, that's great too.  Please leave clothes off but do wrap that babe and keep him warm!  
  • Have any baby blankets you'd like to use out and available.  I'm happy to weigh in if you're looking for help!
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What to wear:

  • Solid, light colored solids are a good choice.  Shirts free of buttons and logos are best. 
  • Yoga pants or wedges?  Messy bun or makeup?  Totally up to you.  Dressing up (from dark jeans and a statement necklace to dressier outfits) lends to a more formal look while cotton dresses, tanks, or shirts tend to keep things Saturday-morning-casual.  Dress for the kind of images you'll want later on.      
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It's also helpful to think about how you'll want to use these images.  Will you want an album for your coffee table?  Framed images in the living room, nursery, bathroom, hallway, or laundry room?  Something for your office desk?  

This time, I'm thinking about this along with you!  I'm planning on getting an album for this baby, our first, and adding "editions" for future children we may have.  I'm thinking the grandmothers may want a little accordion book to keep in their purses.  A single print is never enough for proud grandmas!  :)  I'll have to remember to let you know what we end up doing.

Expecting a new addition?  Head over to the contact page to start a conversation and book your session!

News: BHLDN Sample Sale this Saturday!

Real Life, Weddingsjacqueline horningComment

To the recently engaged out there: mark your calendars for January 25th!  BHLDN (Anthro's sister brand dedicated to all things wedding) is holding a sample sale at the Philadelphia Navy Yard this Saturday, January 25th.  This is my favorite kind of sale: a brand I like, great deals, and the ability to see (and try on) dresses in-person.  Win.  

There are some helpful details (like there aren't dressing rooms, so bring your own curtain) listed here on Philly Mag.  Hope you get there and find the dress of your dreams!  Then tell me about it.  

More: I first heard of BHLDN from their pinterest board dedicated to grooms.  Always simple and stylish.  

inspiration from BHLDN.  

inspiration from BHLDN.  

Happy Shopping!

http://www.phillymag.com/philadelphia-wedding/2014/01/15/bhldn-holding-first-ever-sample-sale-philadelphia/

The Lugo Family

Portraitsjacqueline horningComment

Philadelphia, PA

What a photogenic family!  I met up with these three on a beautiful day for some family portraits.  We stayed busy with giant leaves and overhead planes - and took a few photos too:)  

Great to meet you, Lugos!  I look forward to more!