Dana Point Motherhood Photographer || 7 things to say to a new mom
Let’s say your best friend just had a baby. She’s the first one in your friend group to have a baby and it’s so new to everyone. That was me. I was 24 when I had Nixon and none of my friends were even close to having kids. I heard a lot comments that made me cringe. I heard a lot of nice things too but unless you’ve had a baby you just don’t get it. As a Dana Point Motherhood Photographer I am lucky enough to be surrounded by a beautiful tribe of new mamas and that transition is one of my favorite things about them. Today I wanted to make a short list of thing you should say to a new mom…
Give me the baby. Most new moms need a freakin break. Holding a tiny baby for 24 hours a day, while being completely in love and joyous, is also exhausting. They also won’t ask you to take baby and you don’t know if you should ask. YOU SHOULD! Actually don’t ask, just tell your mama friend to hand over the baby.
Nap. Shower. Eat. Repeat. New moms are in survival mode and as their friend you need to help them. After you’ve taken baby out of their arms, tell them to sleep, take a shower, eat a sandwich, or even just pee in peace. A few moments away from baby is such a breathe of fresh air.
You look great! Even if she doesn’t, even if she has frazzled hair and dark circles. For God’s sake, do not tell her that. No matter how close you are or how real you keep it. Mama knows she looks a wreck, she needs you as her friend to lift her up. Sometimes its okay to lie, she’ll love you for it later.
Let’s go for a walk. Being outside is one of the number one suggestions for new moms to combat postpartum depression. Just make sure she’s physically healed enough to walk but if so. Make her walk. Even if she doesn’t want to. Push the subject. Be the annoying one and blame it on yourself.
Where am I putting these clothes? Okay that’s random but it means get up and do stuff. Don’t be that friend that just comes over to sit on the couch, look at the baby and then leave. Get your ass off the couch and fold her laundry, do dishes, clean the bathroom. That friend is the one she won’t forget believe me.
How are YOU feeling? Physically and mentally. Don’t be scared to ask. Postpartum depression is only a big deal if we don’t talk about it. It’s not something bad, it’s totally normal but she just need someone to ask her how she is feeling. Often mama doesn’t even know she’s struggling so just be mindful of her behavior and tone. Ask leading questions like “Aren’t you so in love?” “Is it so different now?” If her answer is timid or unsure. Keep pushing.
You are a natural. You’re so good at this mothering thing. This baby is so lucky to have you. Because it’s actually true, sometimes we just need to hear it.
Dana Point Motherhood Photographer
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!
If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.
I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!
XO- Laurel
Dana Point Photographer || Watermelon Minis 🍉
Sum sum summa time. Summer time is here peeps!!
Although it’s gloomy, actually raining and cold outside so you’d never know by just looking but its here. I know because my house is a disaster, my kids sleep in and then beg me for snacks all day and I’m getting hardly any work done. Ha!
But I think this week is supposed to be sunny so let’s celebrate! I’m offering a couple of these super easy and adorable child only watermelon sessions at a super discounted rate, mostly because I just think they’re cute and timeless!
WATERMELON Party
$150/ per family
10 minute session
5 digital images
**Must have at least three families sign up for a session the same day and time as yours to receive the discounted rate. So grab your besties and let’s have sone fun! Email me for booking Laurel@poppyleaphotography.com
Let’s also talk about the hilarious sequence of events below.
She was eating the rind so I took the piece away to turn it around and give her the good part. Cue the tears. Then she threw it at me. Oh dear I’m in trouble!
Dana Point Photographer
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!
If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.
I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!
XO- Laurel
Dana Point Infant Photographer || Addies Cake Smash Glimpse
Sweet Addie girl turned one! To celebrate she dug into some cake and looked adorable doing it. Here is a glimpse from her sweet session.
Dana Point Infant Photographer
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!
If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.
I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!
XO- Laurel
Dana Point Family Photographer || How to avoid fake smiles
Around 3 or 4 years old, little kids figure out the fake smile. You know the one, too many teeth, crazy eyes and a strained neck. Yep that one. It’s a right of passage but as a mom we also know that there is a sweet smile hiding in there too. But how do we get it out when the fake smile is taking over every shot? Well as a Dana Point Family Photographer I have some tips.
First of all, don’t yell “SMILEEEE!! Hey Johnny, smile, just smile, look here and smile”. I know thats a hard thing to avoid but honestly it makes a huge difference. Would you smile at someone who is yelling at you? I sure wouldn’t.
I say it again and again but I try so hard to make my sessions stress free. Less stress = more smiles. The number way to stress a kid out is a loud voice. Instead keep your voice soft, crouch down at their level and talk about their favorite things. Promised them ice cream afterward, talk about what flavors they’ll get. Know they’re favorite song, sing it to them or recite their favorite story ( because I know you know it by heart!).
My next tip is be playful! Tickle them, swing them around, chase them. These playful moments will bring on genuine smiles and that is what we want. Plus these are also the moments you’ll want to look back on and remember. Those genuine smiles will be coming from you as well!
Lastly, remember the fake smiles are just a stage and honestly a pretty cute one. I promise you I’ll get a couple good genuine smiles but you may get a couple fake ones too and that’s okay because thats who they are at this time. Isn’t that what we want to capture anyways?
Dana Point Maternity Photographer || Product Feature: Accordion Minis
One of my favorite things about being a Dana Point Maternity Photographer is having clients give their beautiful images as gifts. There’s not too many things a grandparents wants more than sweet photos of their kids and grandkids. Grandparents Day is on September 8th and I have a few perfect gifts to give them to make them smile.
My absolute favorite gift for grandparents are these sweet 3”x3” mini accordion books. These books are hard cover with a magnetic closure and filled with 12 of your favorite images. They’re the perfect brag book!
Easy to carry around in their purse or car and sure to make them smile. Plus these are super affordable. Priced at $150 for 3 matching books, you’ll get a book for a few sets of grandparents. They’re beautifully packaged and ready to give as a gift!
Dana Point Maternity Photographer
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me to be your Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!
If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.
I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!
XO- Laurel
What to Wear Motherhood || Dana Point Motherhood Photographer
Motherhood sessions are what my dreams are made of and as a client you’ll see how much I love them. If you’re planning a motherhood session here are some quick outfits and link to purchase them.These will go great together!
Mama's dress
Floral Dress
Lace Trim Dress
Overalls
Dana Point Motherhood Photographer
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
Hi, and thank you so much for reading this blog post. I love featuring my clients images here, and this will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me to be your Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!
If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2019, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.
I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!
XO- Laurel
Learning to love the imperfect - Tears, meltdowns and all! || Dana Point Photographer
One of the hardest lessons Ive learned as a mom and as a Dana Point Photographer is letting go. Letting go of my vision for perfection, letting go of my clean house dreams and picture perfect life for the one that is real and right in front of me. Instagram is a hard place to be and an even harder place to try to promote your business. Every square is better than the last and every grid is curated to a tee.
Guess what? That is not real life. Real life is not picture perfect every moment, it’s messy and lived in and full of emotion. Real life is the one you love and would give anything for. The imperfect moments should be just as celebrated as those curated or more so. Meltdowns are real life. Tears, both good and bad, are real life. Instead we hide these things because they aren’t as pleasant to see but without those moments, what do we have?
Would you want your toddler to never cry? Sure sounds nice for a second but in reality that teaching their little body and minds very important lessons. What happens if those lessons are never taught? Would you ever want to teach your little kids that they can only smile and be happy all the time? That is what we’re doing. I want to teach them to be strong and be yourself. I want them to know that even if they’re having a bad day, don’t hide behind closed doors. Bad days are normal. Bad days happen to everyone and you just have to get back out there. It’s called resilience. I, for damn sure, what resident kids in a world like this one.
This translates to photography as well. Tantrums and tears are not what most parents are hoping for when it comes to a photoshoot but guess what? They happen and they’re normal. Honestly those photos, those real, raw emotion photos are the one you’ll LOVE because it all remind you of the little personality behind the face. So next time you’re at a photoshoot, let your little person show emotion. Let their little heart sore in exactly the direction it wants to. Learn to embrace the imperfect!
Dana Point Photographer
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
Hi, and thank you so much for reading this blog post. I love featuring my clients images here, and this will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me to be your Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!
If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2019, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.
I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!
XO- Laurel
O Family || San Juan Capistrano Family Photographer
This sweet family has been coming to be for 3.5 years! That is so wild! They have trusted me with all of Matthew’s milestone sessions, birthdays and family photos for most of his life. It’s such an incredible thing to be intertwined in a families life like that. As a San Juan Capistrano Family Photographer, this location is one of my favorites. The landscape is always changing with seasons which means its a perfect place to capture your family memories year after year. The rolling hills, the tall grasses, the light is always gooooooood and its a ton of space.
Here are a few of my favorites from Matthews 3rd birthday session and their family session…
San Juan Capistrano Family Photographer
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
Hi, and thank you so much for reading this blog post. I love featuring my clients images here, and this will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me to be your Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!
If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2019, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.
I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!
XO- Laurel