The Importance of Professional Editing in Maternity and Newborn Photography by Conner James Photography

You’ve been shopping around for maternity and newborn photographers and have finally made up your mind; Edwardsville, Illinois newborn photographer Conner James Photography. Owner and photographer Christine has a portfolio that turns more than just a few heads. Her work impresses and sets examples for competitor newborn photographers throughout the Midwest. You could be wondering what it is about Christine’s work that sets her apart from other baby photographers. Maybe it's her instance ability to create the most amazing composite images. Or her one-of-a-kind vision for creating the most unique set-ups. Perhaps it’s her genius editing techniques. Keep reading to learn what makes this Glen Carbon photographer the best of the best.

Editing. Christine knows editing. It’s a whole other language and one she speaks fluently. But how does editing make this photographer in Edwardsville stand out among the rest? Well, editing is the critical final step in all photo sessions. It’s not just “enhancing” the final images as many think. For Glen Carbon, Illinois newborn photographer Conner James Photography, it’s giving each image the final finish that is consistent with the Conner James brand and style. This is something Christine has perfected over a dozen years and something that truly sets her apart from other baby photographers. 

With Christine being triple certified in newborn safety and posing, she or one of her three assistants is always supporting the newborn during photo sessions. That being said, there is a set of hands in every single photograph she takes - until she gets to editing! Once this gifted St. Louis photographer works her magic, you would never know there were hands, arms, sometimes even half of a person in her photographs. She can “erase” everything that normally wouldn’t belong in an original photo.

Glen Carbon baby photographer Christine captures as much natural perfection as she can through her lens. She only relies on editing to enhance the beauty of her newborns. Though her home-studio boasts top-of-the-line lighting, editing still helps by correcting any issues and by enhancing colors. Christine goes above and beyond with her editing talent. She knows just how far to elevate the natural beauty of her subject while also preserving the authenticity and integrity of each photo.

Think about that awful pimple you have on the day of your maternity photos. Maybe some skin discoloration you normally wouldn’t have but your hormones are in charge. And what about your newborn? These precious babies almost always have blotchy skin and marks that most parents would like removed. Sound complicated? Not for this Edwardsville photographer! It’s almost like watching Cinderella’s fairy godmother with her magic wand. All of mama’s and/or baby’s best features are highlighted with just a few quick clicks to ensure the final product is flawless.

So, rest assured. Because when you use St. Louis newborn photographer Conner James Photography, your photos will be bold. They will be unique. They will be beautiful. And most of all, they will be professional masterpieces you can look back at year after year.

Outgoing Links:

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

2.[Troy, Maryville, St. Jacob, Marine Chamber of Commerce](https://www.troymaryvillecoc.com/)

3.[City of Edwardsville IL](https://www.cityofedwardsville.com)

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

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

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

7.[Happily Ever Photo](https://www.happilyeverphoto.com/)

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

Choosing the Perfect Time for Maternity Photos: Edwardsville IL Photographer Conner James Photography

It’s one of the happiest times in your life. You’re pregnant. You’re glowing and over-the-moon in love with the baby your body is creating. During the hustle and bustle of preparing for your newborn, you’ve made a point to book Glen Carbon, Illinois newborn photographer Conner James Photography. Owner and photographer Christine specializes in maternity and newborn photography, she even has her own home-studio in Edwardsville, Illinois. Not only is she a pro at what she does, but she also helps guide you through this exciting time. Because when it comes to newborn photography, you have questions - lots of questions. So take a few minutes for an easy read while this Glen Carbon photographer walks you through a few things she is most commonly asked.

Christine is often asked: “What are the best stages of pregnancy for maternity photos?” The St. Louis newborn photographer recommends having your photos done between 30 and 36 weeks. That’s if you’re having one baby and you are not a high-risk pregnancy. So, around month seven and eight your baby bump is typically round and pronounced. It’s pretty clear that you’re expecting but you’re not heavy to the point that you’re uncomfortable. Some maternity sessions can involve quite a bit of movement so you want to avoid doing anything that could induce early labor. But not to worry, Edwardsville, Illinois newborn photographer Conner James Photography is an expert at posing and staging all mama’s-to-be.


Another question Christine hears is: “When should I book my session if I’m having twins?” If you’re pregnant with multiples, things change a bit. Your baby bump will be much more prominent at a much earlier stage in the pregnancy. St. Louis photographer Christine recommends having your maternity photos taken between 24 and 30 weeks. Some mama’s expecting multiples start to show a pronounced bump as early as 18 to 20 weeks. While Glen Carbon photographer Christine can make magic with maternity photos at any time, she still suggests you pay attention to your body. The longer you wait with multiples, your body will have to work harder to fight fatigue, swelling, uncomfortability, etc. Multiples almost always deliver early so try to plan this milestone photo opportunity accordingly. 

“Should I do things differently if I’m considered a high-risk pregnancy?” is one other common question Glen Carbon newborn photographer Christine hears. She notes that it’s definitely something to factor into your photo scheduling. You’ll want to go over your condition with your doctor so you can plan an ideal and safe time to have your maternity photos taken. Being high-risk can (but doesn’t always) put some limitations on your photo session. The good news is Edwardsville baby photographer Christine has great flexibility with her home-studio in Edwardsville, Illinois. So, if your doctor gives you location, weight or movement limitations - don’t worry. Christine will still be able to work absolute magic so you (and your bump) look simply gorgeous.

Last but certainly not least, Edwardsville, Illinois newborn photographer Christine gets asked: 

“Can I take my maternity photos if I’m past 36 weeks pregnant?” Of course you can, however, Christine makes sure of a few things this late in the game. In her Glen Carbon, Illinois home-studio, she goes above and beyond to ensure that mama is comfortable, cool, and hydrated during the entire photo session. A number of breaks are taken so mama can rest and snack as she needs to. But to sum it up, as long as mama-to-be is mobile and feeling up to a maternity photo session, it can and will be done - professionally, simply, and beautifully by St. Louis newborn photographer Conner James Photography.

Outgoing Links:

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

2.[Maternity Webpage](https://www.connerjamesphotography.com/maternity)

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

4.[Edwardsville IL & Glen Carbon IL Chamber of Commerence](https://www.edglenchamber.com)

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

6.[Glen Carbon Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/store/256-glen-carbon-il)

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

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

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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!