UPDATE: Safety Precautions for Newborn, First Birthday, and Family Photography Sessions during COVID-19

COVID-19 Safety Portrait Session Precautions

Hello everyone! As we move into the “yellow" zone on 5/15, I would like to discuss the precautions I am taking during portrait sessions to ensure I am keeping your family and my family safe and healthy.

• Until further notice, my home studio will be closed. I will still be offering:

  • In-home STUDIO first birthday sessions

    • I bring my studio to you! Including studio lighting, props, and a backdrop for family and individual portraits. Click here for an example of a studio in-home first birthday session.

  • In-home STUDIO newborn sessions

    • Want studio quality newborn portraits in the comfort of your own home? Click here for an example of an in-home newborn session.

  • Outdoor family, first birthday, baby milestone, and maternity sessions

    • These sessions typically take place at North Park or Hartwood Acres

• I will only be scheduling one newborn session per day to give me time to sanitize props between sessions

• Only immediate family at newborn and in-home first birthday sessions

• For in-home studio sessions I will be wearing a mask and frequently washing my hands

• All props will be sanitized between sessions

• For outdoor sessions, I will be wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.

• For outdoor family and first birthday sessions, please bring your own blanket to sit on

• If you or anyone in your family is feeling unwell, even if you feel it is only mild, please re-schedule your session

• If during the session anyone appears to be feeling unwell (cough, fever, etc.) we will postpone the session

• Please let me know if anyone becomes unwell after the session

Thank you for helping me keep our family’s safe and healthy! I look forward to continue capturing memories for your family during this challenging time! Please contact me if you have any additional questions or concerns. Also, here is a link to my updated portrait packages and pricing.

Baby Elwood's In-home Newborn Photo Session {north hills newborn photographer}

Baby Elwood- Posed/Lifestyle In-home Newborn Photo Session- Pittsburgh, PA

Here are a few of my favorites from baby Elwood’s in-home newborn session! My last session before the shut-down. I sure am missing these sweet little babies!

While we are all social distancing, Make sure to check out my “Photographing your Newborn at Home” photography tutorial.

Jessi Ruscher Photography specializes in newborn, baby, child,  lifestyle,  senior, engagement, and family photography in Pittsburgh PA and surrounding areas, including, North Hills, Hampton township, Cranberry Township, Mars, Gibsonia, Allison Park, Sewickley, Wexford, Warrendale, Shadyside, Moon Township, Canonsburg, Bethel Park, South Park, Fox Chapel, Aspinwall, Squirrel Hill, Monroeville, Brighton Heights, and beyond.

Photographing Your Newborn at Home- Photography Tutorial

At-Home Newborn Photography Tutorial with Jessi Ruscher Photography

---

Hi there! I hope you all are staying healthy and enjoying your time snuggling with your new baby! With the social distancing measures in place, I know a lot of new parent’s are very disappointed about missing out on their professional newborn photography sessions. I am hoping this video tutorial will provide you with a few tips to help you take better photos of your baby in the safety of your own home!

Getting started: Make sure baby has been fed and changed before starting the photo session. During the photo session, keep baby warm and swaddled. A small space heater can help keep the space a comfortable temperature. A sound machine may also be soothing to your little one.

Camera: Use what you have! I am hoping these tips will help you get beautiful shots with a camera or phone.

Wrap: I primarily use “stretch wraps” they are made from jersey fabric. I have purchased many stretch wraps from Etsy. My favorite vendor currently is Itsy Bitsy Blooms. However, if purchasing a wrap online is not an option, any kind of swaddle blanket can work. If you using a swaddle I would recommend and solid color rather than busy pattern. In the video I will you show you a basic wrapping technique, using a stretch wrap.

Props: For this tutorial, you will just need a Boppy or feeding pillow and a blanket of your choice. If you do not have a feeding pillow you could roll up a blanket and use that under the blanket to position the baby.

Setting up the shot: Knit blankets, fur throws, and popcorn blankets are good options for layering. Personally, I love when clients bring handmade knit blankets to incorporate into their baby’s session. They photograph beautifully and always come with sentimental value. However, any soft blanket will work!

Lighting: I would recommend window light if possible. Indoor lighting typically isn’t best for portraits but use what your have! Reference the video for more in depth lighting instruction.

Angle: Stand above baby. Getting a higher angle will give you a more flattering shot. Always focus your camera/phone on the baby’s eyes.

Keeping your baby safe and comfortable should always be the number one priority. If your baby isn’t cooperating, take a break, and try again later. Photographing your baby should be a fun experience, not a stressful one!

Please reach out to me if you have additional questions. I would love to help coach YOU through capturing memories of your own baby in the safety and comfort of your own home!

Stay home, stay safe! We are all in this together!

This photo was taken with my iphone 8 in portrait mode using natural light.

Baby Gabriel's In-home Newborn Photo Session {coraopolis 15108 newborn photographer}

Baby Gabriel- Posed/Lifestyle In-home Newborn Photo Session- Pittsburgh, PA

Here are a few of my favorites from baby Gabriel’s in-home newborn session! One of my last sessions before the shut-down. I sure am missing these sweet little babies!

Make sure to keep an eye out for my “Photographing your Newborn at Home” photography tutorial. I am hoping to get that out in the next couple of days.

Until then, enjoy this beautiful little one. Such an expressive alert baby boy! :-)

Jessi Ruscher Photography specializes in newborn, baby, child,  lifestyle,  senior, engagement, and family photography in Pittsburgh PA and surrounding areas, including, North Hills, Hampton township, Cranberry Township, Mars, Gibsonia, Allison Park, Sewickley, Wexford, Warrendale, Shadyside, Moon Township, Canonsburg, Bethel Park, South Park, Fox Chapel, Aspinwall, Squirrel Hill, Monroeville, Brighton Heights, and beyond.