Maternity Leave

Hi friends!

I’m writing to let you know that I’m on maternity leave. My little one is due on August 4th, and I plan to take about 6 weeks off from photo sessions. If you would like to inquire about a fall or winter session, fill out a contact form, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Note that my response may be delayed.

Warmly,

Kelsey

Photography During a Global Pandemic

2020 has been quite a wild ride. And I write all of this as I am just 12 days out from my due date. So…it’s about to get even more wild! But I know a lot of you are probably wondering - what does a photo session look like right now? So I’m here to answer that question.

I first want to point out that your safety is very important to me. When there was a stay-at-home order, my sessions were canceled, and I stayed at home. Once things opened back up, I started having sessions again, but things certainly look different now than they used to.

1. Masks - I fully agree that facemasks are hugely important in stopping the spread of the virus. I wear one to all of my sessions.

2. Social Distance - I fully agree that distance can help stop the spread of the virus. This affects my choice of camera lenses (so I can stay further back and still get great shots). This means that I guide posing more with my words, so it’s unnecessary for me to ever touch your arm or get too close.

3. Outdoor Newborn Sessions - I now offer outdoor newborn sessions for those who don’t feel comfortable having me in their home.

4. Cancelation Policy - In addition to committing to reschedule sessions if I feel unwell or have had contact with someone with COVID-19, I’ve also made my cancelation policy even more flexible. The reality is that we don’t know what the world will look like in 1 week, 4 months, or a year. I understand this, and I’m right there with you. If you would like to cancel your session at any point (due to the pandemic), there is no penalty. I always want you and your family to feel safe.

Have a question? Just ask! I’m just an email away (kelseycunninghamphoto@gmail.com).

And now, unrelated, here’s a maternity photo of my husband and I!

Is Lifestyle, In-Home Newborn Photography the Right Choice for You?

When it comes to newborn photography, you have options! Photography is personal and subjective, and my photography may or may not be the right fit for you. My goal is not to convince every new mom that in-home, lifestyle photography is what they want. It may not be, and that’s completely okay! But here are a few reasons you might like it : )

1) It’s easier for you! Being a new mom is exhausting. Who wants to pack up a big bag of all the things you might need only to find that you forgot that one thing you really needed?! Who wants to waste an hour driving, especially if it’s cold and gross out? And what if your toddler has a meltdown once you get to the photographer’s studio? Is the whole day ruined? Do you just give up and go home?

In-home photography means that I come to you at a time that’s convenient for you. You don’t have to bundle your crew in jackets and venture into the Pittsburgh weather. You don’t have to worry about packing a bag or forgetting anything. If your toddler has a meltdown, he or she can just take a break and play for a bit. If your baby needs to feed, you can just take some time and do that. You get to stay in the comfort of your own home.

2) In-home photography is more reflective of your life. My goal is to capture real moments in your family. I provide some light posing and prompts, but the galleries all end up so different because each family is unique! Instead of having a plain white backdrop behind you in photos, we can use that adorable nursery wallpaper you so carefully picked out! And let’s not forget your pets - they’re a part of the family too!

3) Your newborn session won’t look exactly like anyone else’s. You can use your own crib, your own swaddles, and your own bedding. Your house décor is also specific to you! (I do bring some bedding and swaddles, but they’re completely optional to use.) Have a special antique that was passed down in your family, a blanket that was quilted by a loving grandma, or a piece of artwork your brother painted? Let’s include it in a photo!

4) I don’t charge you a studio fee. It’s simple: I don’t have the overhead of studio rental. My prices reflect that.

But if you want that studio lighting and backdrop, that’s great too! I’m not your photographer. And if you want your baby posed and shaped, naked on a beanbag, that’s totally fine! I’m not your photographer. There are so many photographers that offer this type of photography, and I hope you find one that you love! My hope for you is simply that you have photos you love!