1. Use Portrait Mode (and Adjust It!)

Portrait mode is your best friend. It creates that soft, blurry background (aka “bokeh”) that makes your subject pop. Once you take a shot in portrait mode, tap “Edit” and adjust the f-stop (aperture)—a lower f-stop (like f/2.0) gives more background blur, while a higher one (like f/5.6) keeps more of the scene in focus. Need help learning how to adjust the depth effect on your iPhone? Apple’s official guide to Portrait Mode walks you through it step by step.

2. Get Down to Their Level

This might be the most important tip I can give: photograph your kids at their eye level. When you shoot from above, your child looks small and the image can feel distant. But crouch down, squat, or even lie on the ground if you have to—and suddenly, you’re capturing the world from their perspective. Want to see examples? Take a peek at my portfolio—you’ll notice how often I’m right at eye level with my subjects. It makes a world of difference.

3. “Say Cheese!”—But Then Say Something Silly

That first “cheese!” smile? It’s the classic teeth-showing grin—but the real magic often happens right after. That’s when the guard drops and the genuine smiles emerge. Keep your phone steady on your child and say something offbeat like, “Did you just toot, or was that the dog?” The goal is a real laugh, not a rehearsed expression. Even better? Try telling a tiny, silly story. “Once upon a time, there was a chicken named Sparkle Pancake who wore glitter boots…” Watch their eyes light up.

4. Find the Light—Then Use It Creatively

The best light inside your home often comes from a window. One of the easiest ways to use it is to position your child facing the window, with you standing between the window and your child (your back to the light source). This allows beautiful, natural light to gently fall across your child’s face and eyes. Avoid overhead lighting, which can create harsh shadows. Instead, use the soft, even window light to illuminate your child without distracting contrast. Make sure you’re low enough to shoot at eye level without blocking the light. Need a deeper dive into using natural light indoors? This article from Click Magazine on window light is full of helpful examples and easy explanations.

5. Make Simple Edits

After you take your photos, do a quick pass through your iPhone’s editing tools. Here’s a simple edit recipe that works almost every time: Increase brightness slightly, add a touch of contrast, warm up the photo by adjusting temperature (only if it feels too cool), and sharpen just a little. Skip the heavy filters—your child is already perfect.

Want More Inspiration?

If you’re looking for ideas on how to pose your kids, how to make them feel comfortable in front of the camera, or how to capture a candid moment that feels like them—check out my portfolio. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for lighting, posing, and eye-level perspectives that can help shape your own at-home photos.

Whether you’re documenting bath time curls, superhero costumes, or the quiet moments before bed, remember: the best photos aren’t perfect—they’re personal. So get on their level, find your light, and get a little silly. You’ve got this.

The post How to Take Gorgeous iPhone Photos of Your Kids first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

Welcoming a newborn into your life is a joyous and transformative experience. Capturing these early moments with a lifestyle newborn photoshoot is a wonderful way to preserve memories you’ll cherish forever. However, the timing of this photoshoot isn’t just about your baby’s age; it’s also about when you, as a new mom, feel physically and emotionally ready. Here’s why focusing on your readiness can lead to the most beautiful and meaningful photos.

Understanding the Importance of Mom’s Readiness

The early weeks and months after giving birth are filled with a whirlwind of emotions, physical recovery, and adjusting to a new routine. It’s essential to give yourself the time you need to heal and feel comfortable before scheduling a photoshoot. Your emotional well-being and comfort will significantly influence the atmosphere of the photos and the ease of the session.

Physical Recovery

Postpartum Healing:

Every woman’s postpartum recovery journey is unique. It’s crucial to listen to your body and allow yourself ample time to heal. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your comfort should be a priority. Waiting until you feel physically ready ensures that you can move around comfortably during the photoshoot and enjoy the experience.

Rest and Energy:

Newborns demand a lot of attention, which can be exhausting. Make sure you’re getting enough rest and feel energetic enough to participate fully in the photoshoot. A well-rested mom can engage more naturally, resulting in more genuine and relaxed photos.

Emotional Readiness

Adjusting to Motherhood:

Becoming a mother is a significant life change. Give yourself time to adjust to your new role and bond with your baby. When you feel emotionally ready, it will reflect in your photos through your genuine expressions and interactions with your newborn.

Feeling Confident:

Your confidence and comfort are key to a successful photoshoot. Take the time you need to feel good about yourself. Whether that means getting back into a routine, wearing clothes that make you feel beautiful, or simply feeling more like yourself again, your emotional readiness will shine through in the photos.

Ideal Timing

No Strict Timeline:

Unlike posed newborn photoshoots that are often scheduled within the first two weeks of a baby’s life, lifestyle newborn photoshoots offer more flexibility. There’s no strict timeline to adhere to, so you can plan the session when you feel ready, whether that’s a few weeks or a few months postpartum.

Capturing Real Moments:

Lifestyle photoshoots are about capturing the genuine moments and interactions between you and your baby. Waiting until you feel ready allows you to be fully present, resulting in photos that truly reflect the love and connection you share with your newborn.

Tips for Preparing When You’re Ready

Communicate with Your Photographer:

Share your feelings and preferences with your photographer. A good photographer will understand the importance of your readiness and work with you to schedule the session at the best time for you.

Choose Comfortable Outfits:

Select outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. Soft, neutral colors work well for a cohesive and timeless look. Avoid anything too tight or uncomfortable. Tip: check stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack and Gap for looks for under $100. Here is a great option from Macy’s.

Create a Relaxing Environment:

Ensure that the photoshoot environment is calm and relaxing. Choose a location in your home where you feel at ease. A relaxed environment will help you feel more comfortable and result in more natural photos.

Include Meaningful Elements:

Incorporate elements that are meaningful to you and your family. This could be a favorite blanket, a special piece of jewelry, or a cozy corner in your home. These personal touches add depth and authenticity to your photos.

Conclusion

The best time to have your lifestyle newborn photoshoot is when you, as a mom, feel physically and emotionally ready. Prioritizing your comfort and well-being ensures that you can fully enjoy the experience and capture the genuine, heartfelt moments that make this time so special. Remember, there’s no rush. Take the time you need, and when you feel ready, your photos will reflect the beautiful journey of motherhood you’ve embarked upon. If you are in the Washington DC Metro area and are ready to schedule your newborn lifestyle photoshoot then contact me today!

The post The Best Time to Have Your Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot: When Mom Feels Ready first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

Choose the Right Rooms

Identify the Best Locations:
Start by selecting rooms with the best natural light. The nursery, master bedroom, and living room are usually great choices. Large windows and plenty of natural light will help create bright, airy photos.

Declutter and Clean:
A clean and clutter-free space is essential. Remove unnecessary items that might distract from the main subjects – your family and the newborn. Pay special attention to surfaces like nightstands, coffee tables, and dressers.

Consider the Lighting

Open all the curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Avoid using overhead lights, as they can cast harsh shadows and affect the mood of the photos.

Use Soft, Even Lighting:
If the natural light is insufficient, consider using soft, diffused artificial lighting. Lamps with warm bulbs can add a cozy feel, but make sure they don’t create harsh shadows.

Set Up the Nursery

Highlight Personal Touches:
In the nursery, focus on elements that reflect your baby’s personality and your family’s style. Items like personalized blankets, stuffed animals, and nursery decorations add a personal touch.

Keep It Simple:
While it’s tempting to showcase all the adorable baby gear, simplicity is key. A minimalist approach ensures the focus remains on your baby and the emotions of the moment.

Prepare the Primary Bedroom

Make the bed with neutral, soft linens. Throw pillows and a cozy blanket can add texture and warmth. This space often becomes the backdrop for intimate family moments, so ensure it feels inviting.

Personal Items:
Include personal items like a favorite book, a cup of coffee, or a vase of fresh flowers. These details can make the photos feel more authentic and lived-in.

Organize the Living Room

Arrange Furniture Thoughtfully:
Arrange furniture to create cozy, intimate spaces. A comfortable couch, a rocking chair, or a soft rug can be perfect spots for family interactions.

Add Personal Touches:
Display family photos, your baby’s favorite toys, or a lovely bouquet. These small details make the space feel warm and personalized.

Plan Your Outfits

Coordinate, Don’t Match:
Choose outfits that coordinate in color and style without being too matchy-matchy. Soft, neutral tones work well and keep the focus on the baby.

Comfort is Key:
Ensure everyone’s outfits are comfortable and appropriate for the setting. Avoid busy patterns or logos that might distract from the natural feel of the photos.

Prepare the Baby

Keep the Baby Comfortable:
Ensure your baby is well-fed, changed, and comfortable before the shoot. A calm and content baby will be easier to photograph and result in more natural expressions.

Outfit Changes:
Have a few outfit options for the baby. Soft, simple onesies or swaddles in neutral colors work best. Avoid anything too fussy or complicated.

Relax and Enjoy the Moment

Stay Relaxed:
The more relaxed you are, the more natural your photos will be. Enjoy the time with your family and trust your photographer to capture these precious moments.

Have Fun:
Remember, this is a special time for your family. Have fun with the process, and let your love for your newborn shine through in every photo.

Conclusion

A newborn lifestyle photoshoot is a beautiful way to capture the early days of your baby’s life. By preparing your home thoughtfully, you can create a comfortable and photogenic environment that highlights your family’s unique story. Follow these tips to ensure your home is ready, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning, heartfelt images that you’ll treasure forever. To schedule your session click here.

The post Preparing Your Home for a Newborn Lifestyle Photoshoot: A Comprehensive Guide first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

Preparing For Your At-Home Newborn Shoot

A 6 Step Guide On What To Expect

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1. Preparing Your Home

You’ve just had a baby, life is hectic! You already have an A+ in my book just for scheduling this shoot. So let’s not add too much to your already full plate. I will gravitate towards the rooms with the best light. Typically that is the main bedroom and living room. Cleaning off nightstands and hiding any clutter beside your couch is about all you really need to do. Don’t worry about the rest, I will move anything else that is in the way or that I think is distracting to the shot.

2. Safety

I take the health of my clients very seriously. My own children have an auto-immune disease that is triggered by illness so I make sure to take extra care when it comes to stopping the spread of germs. I will continue to wear a mask to all newborn sessions. I will also notify you of any illness in my home and ask you do the same. Rescheduling is no biggie and trust me when I say you will NOT love the photos of your toddler while they are fighting a cold. You can photoshop out a lot of snot but not a bad attitude.

3. Getting Started

After washing my hands I will get started photographing the baby. Typically we will begin in the main bedroom. That will give me enough space to move around the baby freely so I can get nice close-ups and detail shots. If you have an older child, especially if that child is a toddler and not super excited about the photoshoot then we will play the scenario by ear. I will encourage the toddler to hop in and out of the scene as they like. I try to make the session as stress-free and fun as possible. We will let them lead so we can encourage their cooperation throughout our session.

4. Taking Breaks

Sometimes the baby needs some extra breaks during the shoot and that is 100% encouraged. The ROI on taking a 20 minute break for baby to eat, snuggle and get a fresh diaper is through the roof when it comes to having a cooperative baby for the remainder of the session. I also include free nursing/feeding images if you like.

5. Including the Family

Once I’ve finished up with the newborn portraits we will bring in the other family members. Expect photos of mom & baby/children, dad & baby/children, siblings & baby and then the entire family. We will even try to include the family pets! Feel free to mention any additional shots or combos that you think I might have missed.

6. After Your Shoot

I’ll get started editing right away. You can expect the online delivery of your gallery about 2-3 weeks after our shoot. I will email that link to you. You can share, download and order prints from that gallery. You also receive a print release so you are free to print at your preferred lab. However, I highly suggest ordering directly from your gallery. I use a professional lab and the quality is much better than the commercial labs that are open to everyone. Your gallery will remain online indefinitely. Even so, please download your gallery when you have some free time, just in case. You can refer to my original gallery email for the link. Then all you have left is to enjoy your images and email me again when you are ready for another newborn or family shoot!

The post A 6 Step Guide On Preparing For Your Newborn Photoshoot first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

Elegant Neutrals

Everyone in the family can dress in different shades of neutral colors like beige, taupe, and cream.
Choose elevated fabrics like cashmere or wool for sweaters and coats to add texture and sophistication.
Mom and daughter can accessorize with delicate gold jewelry, and dad and son can add a touch of leather in belts or shoes for a polished look.

Boho Vibes

Flowy boho dresses in autumn colors for mom and daughters, paired with ankle boots or sandals.
Dad and sons can wear linen shirts or chambray button-ups with khaki or olive pants and casual loafers or boat shoes.

Rustic Chic

The Rustic Chic Look:
Mom: A flowy midi dress in a deep rust color, paired with ankle boots and a wide-brimmed hat.
Dad: Dark-wash jeans, a crisp white shirt, a brown suede jacket, and leather boots.
Kids: A mix of denim and corduroy, with plaid or striped shirts layered under cozy knit sweaters. Finish with cute booties or sneakers.

Comfy & Cozy

The Rustic Chic Look:
Mom: A flowy midi dress in a deep rust color, paired with ankle boots and a wide-brimmed hat.
Dad: Dark-wash jeans, a crisp white shirt, a brown suede jacket, and leather boots.
Kids: A mix of denim and corduroy, with plaid or striped shirts layered under cozy knit sweaters. Finish with cute booties or sneakers.

Leather & Layers

Mom: A leather moto jacket paired with a floral maxi dress and ankle boots.
Dad: Dark jeans, a plaid shirt, layered with a warm cardigan and topped with a tailored trench coat.
Kids: Leather or faux leather jackets over graphic tees, paired with jeans and sneakers or high-top boots.

Monochromatic Magic

Choose one dominant color for the entire family, such as rich burgundy or deep forest green.
Each family member can wear different shades of the chosen color to add depth and visual interest.
Mix and match textures to keep the monochromatic look exciting.

Looks from:

Anthropologie

J. Crew

Banana Republic

The post Main Character Energy: Choosing The Perfect Look For Your Family Photoshoot first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

Start With Mom’s Outfit

Let’s be honest, we are often more picky about how we look, and moms are typically pulling the outfits together anyways. Wear an outfit you feel great in! Please do not feel like you have to dress to the nines for the photo shoot. Relaxed and casual clothing like jeans and a t-shirt or light shirt/blouse or a floaty dress work particularly well for an at-home session. Clothing that is too formal may make it harder for you feel relaxed and in the moment. If you’d like to get a more formal shot then have that outfit on standby. You’ll be at-home so it’s no big deal to have a quick wardrobe change.

Coordinate Don’t Match

Today’s family pictures are more about coordinating than matching. Each person in your family can dress in a way that fits their own personality and you can still look pulled together in your family pictures. Start by picking a color palette and then add in accessories to pull the whole look together. For big family shots this can be particularly helpful advice. Telling everyone to wear what you want as long is it’s cream, navy or yellow for example, can help make picture day planning so much easier on everyone. Click HERE for color and outfit inspiration for the whole family.

Watch That Watch

Do you really want to wear your watch in your family photos? Yes, if it’s a piece of jewelry. No, if it’s constantly lighting up with incoming text notifications. It’s a great idea to skip the watch for the shoot. This applies to hair ties too!

Empty Your Pockets

Pocket bulges from phones and car keys don’t ruin a photo, but they sure do make your pants look silly!

Newborn Outfits

I think less is more when it comes to dressing your newborn. A plain or neutral onesie or snug fitting jammies is perfect attire for your babe. I’m sure you’ve received a ton of swaddle/receiving blankets over these past several months, chose a few of your favorites to have on hand for your photographer. Don’t worry about swaddling, your newborn photographer is likely a pro in this department. And, if you want some shots in that cute little outfit that is completely impractical but you had to buy it anyway, just have it ready to go. A quick outfit change isn’t a big deal if baby is still calm and happy at the end of the shoot.

Get Some Pro Help

Consider hiring a professional hair and makeup artist to come to your home before the shoot. This might seem like an unnecessary expense at first but I can promise you that having this help on picture day will be a good investment!

What-about Those Toes?

Like with the outfit, casual is best. Bare-feet, socks or even slippers are all great options!

Where to Shop:

Amazon

Nordstrom

H&M

Express

The post 7 Tips on Dressing For A Stress Free At-Home Photoshoot first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

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The post Photoshoot Outfit & Color Inspiration For Your Whole Family first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

Tips For Online Printing

• Tip 1  When printing on your own, please always select a “matte” or “lustre” finish.  Do not, I repeat, do not order “glossy”. Glossy prints will not show off the quality of your images and have a tendency to stick to the glass in a frame causing inconsistencies on the print.  They also have a tendency to collect finger prints.
• Tip 2  Make sure you TURN OFF any color correction or auto correct functions.  Many labs not only have this as an option but will also automatically apply it.
• Tip 3  Double check your crops.  Your images may not be sized perfectly for all print sizes sometimes resulting in a very unfortunate decapitation.  Make sure to double check any crop placement before hitting the ORDER button.
• Tip 4  Don’t print screenshots.  Take the extra step to download your images.  This often requires a computer as images sizes are likely too big to be stored on your phone.  If you’ve hired a professional photographer and then print screenshots, you’ve just wasted your money.

Jes’ Favorite Print Shops:

• Nations Photo Lab delivers good-looking, well packaged prints to avoid any shipping damage.  It is also one of the few services that offer an attractive gift-packaging option: A sleek box tied with a silk ribbon makes for an attractive gift shipped directly to family or friends. Nations also offers free shipping for orders of $50 or more and often you can find a promo code with a quick Google search.
• Mpix who is part of the Miller’s family, offers great prints with very little color and exposure change from the original image.  The prints are well packaged and like Nations you can also often find coupon codes online.
• Printique who comes from Adorama, delivers photo prints on a good choice of papers and in very sturdy shipping material.  They don’t offer as many photo gifts as some of the other labs but you can be assured that what they do have will be beautiful and arrive to you safely.
• Artifact Uprising offers a wide range of printed photo products and all of them are of superb quality.  From creation to order to shipment, Artifact’s photo printing services are on point.
• Framebridge is best for full-service online framing. They offer a simple ordering platform, and the quality is top-notch. Each frame is handcrafted, and the cost depends on the size of the finished product, but shipping is always free!
• Walmart Photo  Walmart makes this list because it’s a great option if you need your photos ASAP. Want your prints the day you order them? No other service here can boast that feature. The print quality can vary from store to store so don’t expect forever quality prints but they’ll do in a pinch.

The post Tips & Recommendations For Online Printing first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

It can be difficult to get kids to cooperate in the best of circumstances! Many times they may feel uncomfortable with a photographer they don’t know well especially if we are in an unfamiliar place. Here are some tips for preparing toddlers for a photoshoot.

1. Prepare

Let your child know in the days ahead that “our friend Ms Jes will be coming to take our pictures!” Tell them that I love to play and I have stickers for good listeners! Let them take pics on your phone and let them know that I will show them how to take a picture on my camera too!

2. Eat

Make sure your toddler is well fed and rested before our session. Try to avoid snacks during the shoot unless your goal is to have a yogurt pouch in every shot.

3. Get Cozy

Make sure the outfit you pick for your toddler is comfortable. That is easy for indoor sessions but if our session is outside on a hot fall day, don’t try to get your toddler to wear a wool sweater. Maybe bring the sweater along and we can get a few shots with it and then change back to more weather appropriate clothing. Same is true for those freezing fall shoots. Consider buying a cute coat instead of a new outfit for your toddler. A cold toddler is the quickest way to ruin your photoshoot!

4. Stay Positive

Sometimes toddlers are overwhelmed during the photoshoot. That’s normal! If that is the case with your little one then instead of trying to get them to sit down and smile at the camera, try starting a tickle fight, play chase, swing them around or toss them up. If that is too much energy for your child then give some snuggles and kisses. Don’t worry about looking at the camera. Focus on looking happy instead!

5. Bribe

Just bribe them. All parents do it.

6. Don’t Say “Cheese!”

Let me work on getting a natural smile. I have a bunch of tricks up my sleeve to get those candid shots. Just sit back and relax and let me make a fool out of myself to get the smiles.

7. No Sick Kids!

I cannot stress this enough. Your child will not be happy to be there if they are sick and I will not be happy if I get sick after our session. Please reschedule if someone isn’t feeling well!

8. Bonus tip for parents, SMILE!

NEVER.STOP.SMILING. It only takes one second to get that great shot. It’s horrible when we finally get the kids to smile only to see later that the parents look miserable!

The post 7 Simple Tips to Prepare Your Toddler for Photo Day! first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

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