The Impact of Photos on Child Development and Family by Edwardsville Photographer Conner James Photography

Have you ever been to a household that didn’t have any family photos displayed? It’s certainly a possibility but probably not very likely. A young couple may have their wedding photos hung in a gallery for everyone to see. Some may have photos of themselves and their dogs from a hiking trip. Proud grandparents could have graduation pictures displayed of their 18 grandchildren. The list and the possibilities are endless because photographs always seem to represent love, happiness, success and most of all, family.

If you’re looking for a professional and skilled family photographer, check out Edwardsville, Illinois photographer Conner James Photography. Owner and photographer Christine Loomas understands just how important family photos can be and she demonstrates that knowledge in her photographs. “I’ve had clients come back to me for family photos every year,” says Christine. “Many of them say being together and having their photos taken each year is a fun bonding experience.” It can be fun to go through the process because during the length of the photo session, a lot of things happen - things that make each other laugh, things that spark new genuine smiles, or even blooper moments that create pure one-of-a-kind memories. 

You may not realize, too, that children love to see photos of themselves as babies. When they look at photographs of themselves right as they entered the world, and photos of them growing up it contributes to their sense of identity. Children learn to recognize that they are “David Thomas” (for example) and they are the little brother of Jessica Thomas. They identify as being an active member of their family that consists of mommy, daddy, Jessica, David, and their dog Cooper. Being aware, recognizing, and knowing that they belong is so important to them. Glen Carbon family photographer Christine of Conner James Photography works magic behind her camera. Whether your family photo session is outside or in her home-studio, she has an incredible knack for capturing the most joyous smiles behind each family member.

One more thought about the importance of family photos: think about family expansion. Maryville, Illinois photographer Christine of Conner James Photography talks about how a repeat client of hers has a gallery wall of family pictures. It starts with engagement and wedding pictures, then runs to maternity and newborn and on to full family photographs. “It’s such a cool idea because it literally shows the evolution of a family,” says Christine. “Children can see their parents when they were young and how it was just the two of them. Then on to their mommy being pregnant with them and eventually having them. And of course, full family pictures from year to year of that family expanding and growing in love together.” 

Family photos are truly beautiful. From showing the very beginning of a family all the way through the ages - they are treasures to be cherished. You don’t need to waste time searching for a professional photographer who can capture the love of your family. Simply contact Conner James Photography in Glen Carbon, Illinois. You’ll fall in love with the magical moments your family shares as she snaps away effortlessly behind her camera lens.

Glen Carbon Newborn Photographer: What to Expect During Your Baby's First Photoshoot with Conner James Photography

Now that your precious newborn has finally entered the world, you’re ready to capture every single sweet moment. If you’ve scheduled your newborn photo session with Edwardsville photographer Conner James Photography, you’re in great hands! Owner and photographer Christine is more than just a pro in newborn photography. Get comfortable while she tells you what to expect during your baby’s first photography session.

What is the process during a typical newborn photoshoot?

Once the family arrives at my home studio, I undress and swaddle the newborn in a colored wrap of the parent’s choosing. My studio is heated and kept that way during the entire photoshoot. I do this by design to keep newborns very warm and very comfortable. The warmer the baby is, the better they will fall asleep (if awake) and stay asleep if already catching a snooze. A sleeping newborn makes for a better session and better photos.

Photo sessions are two hours long. In that time I will change the newborn’s wrap up to three times. Nearly 100% of the time, the newborn stays asleep during all wardrobe changes. I attribute this to:

1). The baby having a full belly, and

2). Keeping the studio extremely warm

I will try to get each newborn photographed in 5-6 different studio props while they are wrapped. The end of each session is when I take nude photos (per the parents request). Newborns burn calories to keep themselves warm so I have an assistant making sure there is adequate heat directed at the baby during all nude sessions. After being a professional newborn photographer for nearly 13 years, I’ve learned how to move quickly while still achieving the parent’s dream of flawless, beautiful newborn photos.

What suggestions do you have for keeping the baby calm and comfortable?

I stand by three of the same answers for this question. If parents want their newborn to be calm, comfortable and sleepy throughout the photo session, the baby MUST be:

Freshly fed

Successfully burped

Kept very warm

I understand newborn’s can be finicky with feedings. They can cluster feed, eat several ounces then spit it all up and want more right after, etc. New mom’s can’t help this, and that’s okay! But if mom’s can get their newborn to eat even a little bit right before the photo session, it’s a big help. Sometimes, all the baby needs is a little bit to top them off.

I also need to stress how important it is that the newborn gets burped and actually burps. Many times my newborns may need a quick meal but don’t get a good burp or two out. This typically turns into a very gassy, uncomfortable, fussy newborn that won’t and can’t fall back asleep. No matter how well they are wrapped or how warm they are, a gassy baby will never be a settled baby. If my newborn is fed and burped, parents can leave the “keep the newborn warm” part to me! Because once they hit my super warm studio, it’s all sweet dreams from photo start to finish!

What types of props and settings do you use to create such beautiful images?

In my many years as a newborn photographer, I have gathered some of the cutest, most unique props and backgrounds. Everything from adorable wooden beds and hammocks to crescent moons, dreamcatchers and baskets. I love to showcase just how tiny each newborn is and that can be easily done by placing them inside of a bucket or a bowl. When I start my sessions with a newborn, I don’t go in with a plan. I just let my creativity fly and spark new ideas for capturing the most beautiful milestone of that new life. Chances are, if the parents want it or dream it - I can achieve it!

So, there it is! Just a few things to expect during your newborn’s first photoshoot. If you haven’t already, book your spot with the expert - Glen Carbon photographer Conner James Photography.

Outgoing Links:

1. [Collinsville, IL Chambers of Commerce](https://www.collinsvilleil.org/business/chamber-of-commerce)

2. [Once Upon A Child Edwardsville](https://www.onceuponachild.com/locations/edwardsville-IL)

3. [Expertise](https://www.expertise.com/)

4.[Professional Photographers of America](https://www.ppa.com/)

5.[Village of Glen Carbon IL Website](https://www.glencarbonil.gov/)

6.[The Wooden Nickle Pub and Grill](https://www.woodennickelglencarbon.com/)

Sibling Photos: Expectations vs. Reality

Sibling photos are worth everything to parents. Seeing all your babies together is an amazing feeling. Watching all your children interact with each other and giving hugs and kisses, what could be better than that? The day is here. You’ve been anticipating this for months. Is this going to work out? Are you expecting too much? Too little? Will today be an epic failure? Maybe an absolute success? Read on to learn more.

A newborn photo session can be stressful for new parents. They can even be stressful for second or third time parents, especially if siblings are involved. But baby photographer Conner James Photography in Glen Carbon, Illinois can make these photos fun, quick, and simple.

For the most part, the siblings participating are toddler age - around two to five years old. When you think of a family, with a newborn, plus a toddler or two, in a photography studio, it can certainly seem overwhelming. It’s important to go into the photo session prepared for any and everything. Let all of your expectations fly out the window and embrace the reality of how things will likely really go. Let’s dive into this further.

Expectation: My toddler will smile and pose and love the camera; this will be easy.

Reality: If your toddler is a tad on the tired side or even a little bit hungry, this can make things really difficult as they will likely become ornery and uncooperative. This happens all the time so try to schedule your photo session for a time when your toddler is well rested and fed. Edwardsville, Illinois newborn photographer Conner James Photography has a knack for keeping toddlers interested, engaged and having fun - even when they are tired and hungry. So if you’re looking for a baby photographer with this kind of know-how; look no further!

Expectation: My toddler loves our newborn; he/she won’t be jealous.

Reality: During a newborn photo session, your toddler could experience some jealousy when all eyes are on the new baby. Talk to your toddler before the photos and let them know they are just as interesting and important as their baby brother/sister. And don’t be surprised if your toddler needs some time to play a bit or rest during the photos. This is normal and to be expected. Christine with Conner James Photography in Glen Carbon, Illinois, is a success in anticipating toddler behavior while their photos are being taken. She’s just as good at coaching littles through their photos as she is with coaching overwhelmed, sleep-deprived parents. 

Expectation: My toddler is a good listener and will do exactly what we say.

Reality: Sure, this can happen in any newborn/sibling photo session. But, don’t be surprised if things go awry when it’s your turn. Think about it: your child is dressed up, in a photography studio, they’re being told how to sit, stand, lay down, smile, hold their baby brother/sister, etc. It’s a lot for them to take in, not to mention they too are adjusting to life with a newborn. With over a decade of experience, Christine with Conner James Photography is a newborn photographer unlike any other. She is pure magic. She gets small children to absolutely love having their photos taken, while also behaving, listening and following directions. So, do yourself a favor and book St. Louis Photographer Conner James Photography for your newborn session.

Outgoing Links:

1.[Book Now Webpage](https://www.connerjamesphotography.com/booknow)

2.[Collinsville, IL Chambers of Commerce](https://www.collinsvilleil.org/business/chamber-of-commerce)

3.[Conner James Photography Inc Tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@connerjamesphotography)

4.[T&C Ultrasound](https://www.tncultrasound.com)

5.[Village of Glen Carbon IL Website](https://www.glencarbonil.gov/)

Behind The Scenes of a Newborn Photo Session with Edwardsville IL Photographer Conner James Photography

Your newborn has arrived! While you’re in the midst of this precious bliss, you’ve scheduled your newborn and family photos with Edwardsville IL photographer Conner James Photography. Hooray for super mom! Not only did you make it a point to capture this beautiful milestone, but you chose one of, if not the best baby photographer for miles around. And what you’ve seen thus far, is simply the calendar for your session - the front page, so to speak - of your appointment. But once you and your family get into the studio, a whole new world will open up before your eyes. Keep reading to see what we mean by this.

This newborn and/or family photo session you’ve invested in might sound pretty simple. It’s just a person snapping some shots on a fancy camera, right? Well, sort of - but not really. What about the rest? What about all the other “stuff” that makes these family milestone photos possible? The “behind-the-scenes” efforts? With Glen Carbon photographer Conner James Photography, you’re in for a real treat in terms of great, professional newborn photography.

Each newborn session is staffed with an assistant to Christine of Conner James Photography. They too are mothers so it’s nice to have another mom around during your time behind the camera. Their main purpose? To serve as another hand in the studio and make sure each newborn is safe at all times. If you didn’t already know, Christine is triple certified in newborn posing and safety. She takes this part of her job very seriously and so do her assistants. During your session you’ll likely hear Christine tell her assistant to “spot” or to “keep eyes on the baby” etc. So rest assured, when you come to Conner James in Glen Carbon, Illinois, your family will receive the best and safest photo experience possible.

You’ll notice upon arrival that Christine’s studio is prepped and ready for your individualized session. She thoroughly studies each questionnaire the family submits prior to their photos to ensure studio time is spent wisely. From past customer feedback, it seems like a two-hour newborn and family photo session is done in the blink of an eye. Christine manages to capture the beauty of a new and growing family, with siblings and of course, the newborn as the star - without any major hiccups. While preparation does go into each photo session, Christine will often fly on a whim and change things up as she goes. From this backdrop, to that setup and every prop in between, she uses a combination of what each family hopes to receive and what she knows will reflect precious beauty.

So when you’re looking for a baby photographer that’s a true, safe, certified professional, look no further than Conner James Photography in Edwardsville, Illinois. Christine is published, she’s award-winning and she can guarantee the best of the best in setups, props, studio environment and above all, newborn safety. And one of the best parts is that you’ll watch it all unfold behind the scenes. From entering the studio, to watching Christine and her assistant smoothly transition from setup to setup, to the awe-inspiring finished product. You’ll never want to choose another photographer after you spend two-hours in the Conner James studio. To book a session please reach out or visit her website. (https://www.connerjamesphotography.com/booknow)

Outgoing Links:

1.[Collinsville, IL Chambers of Commerce](https://www.collinsvilleil.org/business/chamber-of-commerce)

2.[Book Now Webpage](https://www.connerjamesphotography.com/booknow)

3.[T&C Ultrasound](https://www.tncultrasound.com)

4.[Ana Brandt Education](https://www.anabrandteducation.com/)

5.[Edwardsville Neighbors](https://edwardsvilleneighbors.org/)

6.[Once Upon A Child Edwardsville](https://www.onceuponachild.com/locations/edwardsville-IL)

7.[Edwardsville Children’s Museum](http://edwardsvillechildrensmuseum.org/)

Newborn Sessions - Why to hire a professional photographer?

Are you about to have a baby? Or maybe you have a little newborn and need some beautiful photographs taken? Let’s be real. Having a baby will change you. From being pregnant to giving birth your whole life is forever changed. You see your baby for the first time, you hold them and look into their sweet face and you melt. You know they have your heart and soul. They have you wrapped around their tiny finger. You want to protect them and keep them safe. As a parent of four kids, this does not change even as they get older.

Newborn in multiple poses.

Newborn photography over the years has been an expanding field. There are lots of new photographers trying to learn newborn photography to start a business or established photographers are trying to expand their business. But photographing a newborn is not for the faint of heart. It is a hard job. It takes a lot patience. It takes training and even editing know how. Some poses require composite editing. A composite is an images made up of multiple images. This is done in Photoshop. By using compositing the newborn is never left unsupported and is safe at all times.

Newborn composites using Photoshop.

Newborn posing is more than just laying a baby down in a basket. It is knowing that the baby is safely posed and is in a good position to not block airways, move incorrectly, or over heat. Believe it or not there are actual newborn poses that are safe for the baby when the baby is posed correctly. This is why newborn training is so important. What if the baby has gas? What if the baby was not settled enough and the photographer just laid the baby down? What if the baby has special medical restrictions? What if the baby is older than 2 weeks old? Most photographer do not like to photograph a newborn older than two weeks. What if the baby does not sleep? What if ? What if? This is why it is so important to hire a photographer who specializes in newborn photography.

Newborn at 8 weeks old.

You want to have a safe and happy experience when creating memories for you to remember your precious newborn baby. You want to remember how little he or she was. All the details and little smirks. Whether you want Conner James Photography Incorporated to be your photographer or not, I do have some recommendations. I recommend that you hire a photographer that has training in the field of photography you are looking for. Wedding photographer for a wedding, Newborn photographer for newborn photography.

Newborn little details.

I recommend hiring a professional legal business photographer. By hiring a legal business it will ensure that the business has insurance. Also your rights, and your investment will be legally covered as well. Its important to have a photographer who has insurance to make sure that in case anyone would get injured or some equipment would break, you and/or your family will be covered. Its always better to be safe than sorry. By hiring a professional you will also get high quality work while receiving professional services.

Family poses, sibling poses, and newborn poses.

Newborn Sessions can be long. It takes time and a lot of patience to pose the newborn in the poses correctly. Each pose takes time. Sometimes the baby will move out of the pose and you have to start over with the posing. By hiring a professional we know how to maximize our poses and workflow to get you a variety of poses, in a shorter amount of time.

I truly love working with newborns and families. I love creating memories to last a lifetime for generations to come. I have been photographing newborns for 9 years. it will be 10 years in December. I have photographed over 1000 newborns and counting. I also mentor/teach other photographer in the field of newborn photography. I would love to be your photographer!

Now booking for 2021 !

I am now booking for 2021! I so excited for the new year. I have updated the studio and am ready for all the babies! I offer Newborns, Milestones, 1st Birthday’s, Maternity, Family Sessions, and Mini Sessions.

You can now view my availability on my website and book your session on my website as well! I am following Covid 19 guidelines. You can view the guidelines on my website. If you have any questions regarding bookings or guidelines please don’t hesitate to contact me.

I recommend booking your session, as soon as you can. I tend to book up fast especially for newborn sessions. I only book a limited number of newborn sessions each month to ensure my time and focus for each session. Babies have their own time frame. Some babies arrive earlier or later than planned. We can certainly adjust the session date if needed.

Milestone sessions are so much fun. They are a perfect way to watch your little one grow. I offer 3 months, 6 months, and 9 month sessions. Each milestone sessions are separately purchased. You can book all 3 milestone sessions or just one of them if you wish. I recommend 6 month sessions as they can sit up on their own and are usually very happy at that age.

1st Birthday sessions are amazing! They come with portraits and a cake smash. I recommend booking these sessions at least 2 weeks before the child’s birthday to ensure you will get the edited gallery back before hand. Some little ones will love their cake and some want nothing to do with it. But either way, they are still super cute!

Maternity sessions are booking too. I will usually have you book for 32 weeks. We can do in studio portraits or outside in natural light. These sessions can be for just mom or the family. If you have any questions please contact me.

Family sessions are one of my favorite types of sessions. I love being able to meet new families and seeing the unique love each family has for one another. I offer outdoor family sessions. I have different locations to choose from. If you need a family session, I am your girl!

Mini sessions are my jam! I offer different types throughout the year. Child mini sessions, Fall Mini sessions, and Christmas Mini sessions just to name a few. Christmas Mini Sessions are my most popular. Mini sessions are typically priced lowered than a regular session. They are a great value.

I am so excited to meet you and your family. Thank you for taking the time to not only read this blog post but also for visiting my website. I truly love my job and appreciate all of my Conner James Photography clients and supporters.

Conner James Photography is OPEN!

Conner James Photography is open for business! We have some new safety practices in place. Our clients are the number one priority. We have very limited booking spots available due to the safety measures in place.

While I miss my husband being home, I am so happy to be back to work. I have been cleaning and sanitizing the studio. I have hand sanitizer in the studio for use. I have a germicidal sanitation light to clean the studio. hospitals use this type of light to sanitize the hospital rooms. I will be wearing gloves and a face mask as well. No shoes will be allowed in the studio. The bathroom will be cleaned and sanitized before every session. If you have any questions please let me know. I would be happy to answer them.

I have outdoor sessions available as well. Natural Light Family Sessions and Child Mini Sessions are now booking. I am so excited about seeing everyone! I have missed seeing my amazing clients. During the stay at home order, I tried to keep busy with my kids and cleaning my house. We did a bunch of yard work too. I could not be a landscaper, the work is too hard for me. We did fix my garden. I now have 6 rose bushes. They are so pretty.

Thank goodness the homeschooling is over and now it is summer. I can not wait to swim. My kids have been telling me all about what they want to do when they are out of school. Lately we have been showing our kids the old classic movies and how to play some card games. It has been so nice to have so much family time.

Thank you so much for supporting me and my small business!

Why I became a Photographer!

Do you ever feel like there are never enough hours in the day to get things done? These last couple of weeks have been busy for me. I’ve been working my other job and still photographing on the weekends. Homework is also taking over my life too. Ha ha! 

No matter how busy I am, I still love my job photographing newborns and being behind the camera. I am greatly honored to be able to help families create memories that will last forever. My photography is my passion. I do my photography not just for the money, but for my son, Conner James. He is my reason I started my photography. 

Conner James passed away very suddenly at almost 3 months old while I was on vacation. His passing was very sudden. He was my second child. At the time, I had two children. Jordynne was 1 year old and Conner who was almost 3 months. I was a new mom of two, trying to buy a house. 

When Conner was born, we were still searching for a new house. We had brought him home to our old house and a month later we moved to a apartment. We couldn’t really afford newborn pictures. We had two kids in diapers, buying formula, and trying to save money for the new move. It was also hard to afford the hospital photos. 

When Jordynne was born we bought the hospital photos. We paid over $400.00 for the photos. The photos took a month to arrive at our door. When we received them, we notice that we didn’t order enough as we have a big family. We had to order more spending another $150.00 and waiting another month and half to receive them. The photos themselves we good quality but the posing of Jordynne we weren’t really happy with. But we were new parents and didn’t know any better.  

When we had Conner and with the anticipation of the move we decided to go a different route for newborn photos. We choose Walmart Picture Me Studios. They had a special going on for a package so we decided we would just go with them. A mistake I have regretted for years. After Conner passed, those photos are all I have left from when he was a newborn. 

I have some other photos I took of him while we were at home, and some at the hospital but not much else. I know we were busy with the move and taking care of two kids but now I wish and long for more photos of my little boy. He was a very sweet boy who loved to cuddle and be held. If you are a client, most likely I have told you what happened to him. I wouldn’t wish this for any mother. It will be 10 years this year since Conner has passed and my regret for the newborn photos still remains the same. 

I started my photography for my son, and for other families like mine who couldn’t possibly afford the price of $200 - $1000’s, that it could cost. For the new families just starting and for the families going through financial hardships, that they may have newborn photos done by someone who specializes in the field, creating special memories that they will cherish, and by someone who cares about their family. 

Watch out world, Baby Nolan has arrived!

On Sunday afternoon I photographed the sweetest family. I was so excited to meet their new precious baby boy, Nolan. From the moment the Andrews walked through my door, I could see the love radiating from them. Nolan’s big brother, Kenneth, was beyond excited to be photographed with Nolan. He was beaming with pride while smiling and holding baby Nolan. 

Baby Nolan already has a adoring personality. He only made a few noises during our session together. He did want to stop and have a milk snack but after that Nolan was ready for his debut. His session was a Full Newborn Session which included just Nolan being photographed along with family and sibling poses. 

I love posing families with their new baby.  There is nothing like seeing a family embracing their new little one and watching them create a memory that will last forever. For the Andrews, this was an amazing moment to be seen. I could see baby Nolan’s parents radiant with happiness and love that they have for their boys. Kenneth absolutely loved the sibling poses and I could really see he is going to be the best big brother ever! 

I want to thank the Andrews for giving me the opportunity to meet them and the honor of photographing them. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!