Click on the title of the blog post to view the entire entry.
That’s this sweet baby’s official title now ;) Actually, when we schedule session times in the evening, more often than not, the babies stay wide awake, and she fell right in that category. But with a face like this one, we needed to capture her awake!
I love photographing newborns and babies skin-on-skin with their parents. It’s so natural, and so beautiful. There was so much love felt between them.
This is more studio lighting of course…
Sweet girls and family….
Family photography
This is a little note to the photogs: Myth Busting here — I always say that the best thing any photographer can do is to know how to shoot in any situation. It is so valuable to know studio lighting and natural lighting as well as off camera flash. When I teach photographers, they always want to say that natural lighting is so much prettier, and they can’t shoot “wide open” (i.e. wide apertures) with studio lighting, so they don’t get the shallow DOF (depth of field) especially with newborns.
Well, as in my book, Studio Lighting Naturally, I teach how to shoot like this… studio lighting can be beautiful and natural-looking as well. I always say that here in Maryland, we have days like today - super cloudy, overcast, and many houses and buildings here are not full of gorgeous beautiful windows, but many are historic, small windows, etc. so while child sessions can be delayed, newborn sessions cannot always be rescheduled as newborns change so quickly. It’s so nice to not have to worry about weather with newborn sessions, just pull out my light (my portable window) and shoot away…. love it!
I apologize for my little advertisement of my book here, but I just feel so happy to have that flexibility on a very dark day like today!
This newborn was just too precious for words… We did some studio lighting….
and we did some natural lighting outdoors….
All three of these siblings, the boys and the new baby girl have the prettiest bright blue eyes! This was such a sweet group to photograph…
Okay, okay, I know, I have been getting the messages… I know, I’ve been seriously slacking on the blog! It seems like I say this every third post… lol! Well, being that it is June, I always think of June as the busiest “life” month. Everyone is so busy with end of year school activities and the big change of schedule for the summer, so I slacked here… so sorry! Because of that, I will post every day for a week.
The studio will be closing up on July 7th and officially opening back up on July 22nd. As we will be going away for our yearly family vacation in Cape Hatteras, and of course, the Hatteras pictures are always a big favorite, so I will share those when I return. Remember last year’s seasick post? (see it here — http://jodieotte.com/?p=446) We’re tempting fate again and going back out on the Godspeed (Hope Captain Dave can put up with me ;))… but this time, we’re armed with scopolamine patches… If you have experience with them, please comment and let me know what you thought! I know seasickness was the worst feeling I ever had - topped any flu, morning sickness, or heck, even pain I have ever endured…. so if these patches work, it will truly be a miracle drug for me 
At any rate, on to some client images… twin boys (I think they were 4 or 5 weeks here…) and their big sister.
Of course, we have more newborns…here’s a beautiful baby boy! He was so content, and so sweet. I’m always envious of the parents who have firstborns without colic ;) My firstborn was a really tough baby. He’s a pretty good 14-year-old now
Gorgeous. Yes, as absolutely stunning this baby is, she will have you all fooled in these pictures. She is up there as one of the top two most difficult newborn sessions I have ever had! This was the session that I didn’t get out of my studio until midnight…. yes, sure was! Could you guess this was the case? She just looks so precious, doesn’t she?…
Three questions that keep popping up in my email box, that I must answer real quick before I spend the next four days straight shooting and teaching.
1. Are you really going to be going to the Savvy Sisterhood Workshop at the end of this month? Absolutely - cannot wait, very excited to get away with my husband, Dean, and spend some time having fun with, what is it, 70 other photographers? something like that? Yes, VERY excited to get away for this. When I was asked, how could I turn it down? That beautiful inn from the Wedding Crashers movie, in my home state so no major traveling, teaching lighting and stuff (which to me is just chattin’ about something I love…)…. a group of super nice photographers…. of course!!!! 
2. Are you holding more private workshops at your new studio? Yes, yes, yes…. we are looking at May 1st or 8th as a possible date. Yep, a Saturday for your convenience :) and guess what - the snow will be GONE! Keep an eye here on the blog, I’ll be announcing final details here shortly.
3. (This question mainly from the parents of the baby models from November’s Similac shoot). Will more Similac ads be coming out? Yes, we shot several different sets, just keep looking in magazines and don’t forget to let me know when you spot them
Okay, we have been busy busy busy busy!!! My email boxes are so full right now, it’s unbelievable, and I promise, all will be answered and taken care of today. I have a shoot first thing this morning, and I will spend the rest of the day answering emails and phone calls. We finished up our first childrens/baby/maternity photography workshop of the year on Friday (we only have a few seats left for workshops this year - http://www.jodieotte.com/mentoring.htm - Our furthest attendee is coming from the UK - how fun is that! :))
At any rate, the big big news? What is the big big news? Well, I was getting ready to sign another lease for my current studio, and right before we started shooting for the next Similac ad in November, I happened upon another studio situation. It all seemed too good to be true, but there it was, staring me in the face, and I had to make a decision.
Yes, we are moving into the new studio in February. It is about a minute or two down the street from the current studio. We will be using this entire building, and it sits on 8 beautiful private acres. The gentleman who has renovated this building, has done a tremendous job. Here’s a picture.
Here are two little “storyboards” of the decor going in the shooting area and the coffee-shop-style kitchen…
Needless to say, we’ve been placing orders on furniture, we have 34 gorgeous canvases that will be hung all over the building (I finally have great wall space), I have all new photography sets coming - everything from a shabby chic look to barnwood to stonework, and spring… wow, spring is going to be amazing shooting outdoors. We even have a stream going through the property!
So get ready, while I am still booking sessions right now, most are taking place starting the second week of February and we even have some booking up to August, so please contact us to get on this schedule! We also will be having an open house once everything is in place and settled, so stay tuned for the news.
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Also, we’re on Facebook —- http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/J-Otte-Photography-Black-Horse-Studio-Jodie-Otte/121000892458?ref=ts
Come join us for updates on the progress!
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Porcelain - that is the word to describe this baby’s beautiful face! She was so sweet and pleasant.
You may have received the following info by email, but we are posting it here as well…
LOCATION: 1900 Monkton Road, Monkton, MD 21111
ARRIVAL: Please arrive any time between the following: 9:30 and noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
PARKING: Please park anywhere that you are able. You may park anywhere for the NCR trail as well as in areas that may say Tenant Parking or Permit Parking (including grassy areas). You may also park roadside of the building - there are about five parking places there where the mailboxes are that are often missed. Due to limited parking areas, please exit quickly after your baby has been photographed to make room for another.
WHERE: Originally, we were going to do the casting in the studio (on the 4th floor) but due to the stairs, we have decided to move the casting to the main level “streetside”. What that means if if you are looking directly at the front of the building (there is a vegan market and coffee shop on main level), follow the porch area to the right side of the building - you will see a sign at the entrance to the room we will be using.
We are trying to get you in and out of the casting quickly for your convenience as well as to keep the flow of people in/out. If there are any concerns, we will have two assistants to help.
Clothing is not a concern - all babies will need to be photographed in a diaper as that is the way the ad will be photographed at the final shoot.
Notice: As you know, this is a casting call. There is no fee. We should have the final decision from The Client as to which babies are chosen for this ad. If your baby is chosen, you will be sent a timeframe on November 10th or 11th to bring your baby back for the actual Similac photo shoot as well as more details.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you!
I want to address a concern that has started buzzing throughout the photography industry - Newborn Photography and Safety. As newborn photography has become widely popular, it seems that there is a lot of one-upping on new and amazing poses, positions, and props. For the past 5 years, I have been primarily a newborn photographer, and as I have grown and gained more and more experience on the subject, it has started to worry me about the perceptions of new photographers coming into the field. I feel that I must throw a disclaimer out there as I am unsure if those I am inspiring know what really takes place “behind the scenes”.
When I began to photograph newborns years ago, I thought I knew what I was doing. I mean, after all, I had two children, I’ve been there done that, right? No. That’s not how it works when you are photographing newborns. It is important while learning the best lighting techniques to use, to also re-learn babies altogether, but in a different way. First of all, every baby is different. While I may have an idea that I just must try during my next newborn session, it is of utmost importance to read a baby’s signals and not force it. Every baby will not do every pose/position, and you absolutely must not push them beyond their comfort and ESPECIALLY, their safety. A simple outstretched arm, a small on-the-belly frog-hop, or a tiny lean of the head, can send everything off balance. Safety is so very important, I cannot stress that enough.
I encourage all new photographers to put aside the complex setups and competition for the latest and greatest newborn craze, and instead, stick with simple SAFE setups, and take your time to truly learn what photographing newborns and connecting with them is all about. When anyone states newborn photography is easy, I can’t help but to cringe a little, as newborn photography can be very difficult.
Please also understand that what you see is not always what you get. While I will not show pullbacks and straight-out-of-camera shots of my setups (as to be completely honest, some things will be kept “trade secrets”), using the example of the “saddle shot”, mom was just out of frame to the left, and my assistant was on the right. I photoshopped my assistant’s hands out of the shot.
So this was weighing heavy on my heart, and I thought I would share my thoughts with you.
Before I show a few images from a recent newborn session, I also want to ask, if anyone reading this sees any of my images in strange ads (excluding the Similac Infant Formula ads - those should be there! ;)) that you have a feeling should not be there, please contact me at jodieotte@verizon.net One of my very well-known images was recently stolen and used illegally in an ad. I am currently dealing with this issue right now. I want to thank my clients and fellow photographers for giving me that head’s up! You guys are great!
Nine newborns prior to the studio closing down for family time. I thought I would catch up the blog a bit today…
Typing this minus a thumb, if it didn’t hurt to move a few of my fingers, it wouldn’t be so bad… and of course, this is the long post…. I had a minor injury yesterday. I laugh because all of us have our “thing” once we get around 30-40 years old. My husband’s was semi pro football, now kayaking (a little safer LOL!)… my thing is my horses. I originally was just going to ride for fun, but I jumped a few times and even though I’m not really good at it, it is
So during my lesson last night, my horse did a “pop” over about a 2 foot jump (I know, I’m a whimp, that’s not very big of a jump…) and if you know anything about popping over a jump vs. jumping over it with a horse, I was in the air and came down on my horse’s neck, for some reason, landing mostly on my thumb. *sigh* Only me… I tell ya… so it’s either broke or jammed… probably jammed, but I’m not sure when I will have time to get it x-rayed… I have a full day of sessions today - thankfully, it’s my left hand… I was very proud though, to give up my thumb instead of falling. I’m not a very graceful person, (if you have seen me work, you know I trip over my own equipment in my studio) so this is quite the activity for a non-graceful person to get into… LOL
At any rate, on to my post…. It’s that time of year again We are closing the studio for some family time as well as regroup as when the studio opens back up, the Christmas rush will begin! The studio will be closed from July 16th until August 2nd. We will reopen August 3rd.
We are currently booking sessions from August 2009 through January of 2010. Our Christmas cutoff will be during the first week of November. If you are wanting portraits done in time for Christmas or fall color portraits, PLEASE contact us now to be placed on the schedule. We book up very quickly this time of year.
IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR HAVE A BABY NOW OR WHILE THE STUDIO IS CLOSED, please call 443-299-2752 and leave a message with me. While I am away, I will still be able to receive voicemails, and will bring my calendar so we can fit you as first priority into the schedule. Newborns are always #1 priority.
I am so excited to be able to spend a few weeks with my family… speaking of family, here’s a series of a beautiful family that I could envision as a grouping on a wall in their home…
Mom and dad are so very blessed with this teeny tiny bundle!
Go get your June 1, 2009 copy of People Magazine. Thank you Tracey, for bringing this over to me, I had no idea it was out! Again, more images that I shot during the Similac shoot - another ad, love it!
And because I’ve received a lot of questions regarding which one - it’s the June 1, 2009 edition…
I had already placed these on my regular website, but thought I would share here as well. I have another twin shoot coming up shortly
If you don’t know, I did a shoot for Similac Infant Formula’s new ad campaign which has finally appeared for the first time in newspapers across the US - go check it out!
Thanks again to our four models - this is Daniel, the first to appear in the ad campaign — will let you know when I see more pop up. Thanks to Daniel’s mom for calling me and letting me know she spotted the first one! ;)
Thank you all for the turnout of models. We had over 100 local baby models apply. The final four were notified. I am going to try to send a personal message to each and every one of you, but I hope you all read my blog and at least see this — Everyone has such absolutely beautiful babies, and I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to respond to the casting call.
Please keep an eye on this blog in the future for more of these exciting opportunities!
We are also in the process of making some changes to our website - check it out every once in a while as changes are made –> Baltimore baby and child photographer, Jodie Otte, Black Horse Studio
It’s official, we are in need of FOUR newborn babies for a photo shoot for a major baby product.
Dates of Photoshoots: March 25th, 26th, and 27th (we will need you one or two of these days).
Requirements: Baby must be 3 weeks or under by March 25th. We are looking for babies of all ethnicities, but the younger, the better.
What to Do: Please send (to jodieotte@verizon.net) a photo of your baby (without a hat), a photo of you, and if possible a picture of dad as well (if he can attend). The focus of the shoot will be on your baby. Please include your baby’s birth date and birth weight.
If your baby is chosen for this shoot, you are required to sign a model release. Your family will be compensated.
We will reply to your email with the information for this specific baby product company.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with this gorgeous loving couple. It is such an honor to be a part of my clients’ lives as they become a family. These sessions were so fun, and I hope to be watching their little one grow over the years… We covered just about everything - pregnancy, newborn photography, even pet photography!
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You think I am kidding? Babies and more babies! This photography “prop” was a find that I really did happen upon. I was on vacation this summer, and happened to be looking in a store and had a bright idea. Thankfully, the owner of the store sent us on a little trek to his father’s house. I think I am going back again this year! I’m going to try to contact him ahead of time and see if he has found anything else for me….
ATTENTION! We have ONE seat remaining for the March 27th workshop - please see www.jodieotte.com/mentoring.htm for details!
Another sweet baby girl…. Lots of babies being born right now. I will never get tired of photographing newborns
Just a quick share as I am heading out the door for a travel session today.
Finally, indeed, this is the image I have been waiting to capture for a year now. I know some may not “get it” but my studio is located in the heart of a very Equestrian area - From Shawan Downs to Fox Hunting it’s all here! So a year ago, I had the idea of photographing a baby on an English saddle, and we finally made it happen.
I had an assistant that day, the lovely and talented Virginia Payne She was here for a mini workshop/mentoring. It was so nice having an extra set of hands, and she was wonderful with the baby. Thank you again, Virginia, for helping! Which reminds me, if you wish to attend one of my mini workshop based on my Studio Lighting Naturally book, please go to http://www.jodieotte.com/mentoring.htm or CLICK HERE for child photography, baby photography workshop to sign up. The seats are filling fast! We also go over business, marketing, and more.
Sweet baby boy - I bought these hats months ago, and finally had a chance to use them in several sessions including this one - more to come - I have a bit of a backlog on proofing ;) So so many babies have been born lately! And no, this is not the “waited a year” image - that one is coming, I promise!
