Denver Baby Photography | Natascha Lee Studios

photograph newborn babies is 4-14 days old.) I feel honored to get to photograph these sweet sweet babies just a few days after they are born! Here’s one of my favs of a sweet newborn sleeping on Mommy: Denver Newborn Baby Photography - in Black and White - Natascha Lee Studios

Denver Newborn Baby Photography

Looking for video samples of custom portrait sessions? Check them out on my video page.

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Denver Baby Photography | Natascha Lee Studios

Denver Baby Photographer, sometimes I think I have the best job ever! Like getting to take newborn infant portraits for the parents of this sweet baby girl. I photographed her at just 3 days old! And I just saw her yesterday and she is now 3 months old (yes, that is how far I am behind on blogging images). She just gets cuter every day. This one was a special shoot, because we have known this mamma for several years, and my husband was my assistant that day. He loved holding this sweet little baby girl, and I had to remind him that her parents brought her for photos, not for him to hold! 😉 I kept saying, “Ok, give her to me please, I’m ready to take photos.” And he would walk away and pretend he didn’t hear me. 😉 (He loves babies, too!) The little purple knit hat is so cute; it’s custom made from Etsy. I think someday I should post a photo of all my newborn baby photography props that I use during baby photo sessions. I would need a very wide lens to get them all in the photo. But it is so much fun, when parents come, to give them some options and choices. If you look @ a full newborn session with me, you’ll see that I do a few of the posed/prop photos, but I also like to do “lifestyle” photos, which are much more about just the baby, and some with the parents, too. Because the photos of your baby will be cherished by three generations: you as parents,  your own parents (the grandparents) and your kids. BUT, those that also include you, the parents will be cherished by five generations: yours, your parents, your kids (the baby in the photo), your kids’s kids, and even their kids (your great grandkids). If you have been lucky enough to have a photo of your grandparents holding your Mom or Dad as kids, or even a photo of your great grandparents holding your grandparents as kids, you know how magical that is! So, that’s why I always ask parents to get in the picture!

Denver Baby Photography by Natascha Lee Studios

Denver Newborn Baby Photography

Looking for video samples of custom portrait sessions? Check them out on my video page.

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Denver Community Spotlight Series for Small Business Owners: Interview with Macy Migchelbrink of Hungry Yoga

1.18 IMG_0027-eal-sfw   Happy New Year from your Denver Yoga Photographer! I can still say that even tho’ it’s already Jan 25th, right? January has started with plenty of Denver Yoga Photography and here is one of my favs: I’m thrilled to introduce you to Macy of Hungry Yoga, a local Denver Yoga Teacher and Small Business Owner. Macy was so so cute. A little backstory – I usually have people give me two or three levels of smiles when I do then portraits- small smile, medium smile and big smile. That’s because it’s hard to keep a big (real) smile on your face for an entire photo session. And also because it’s interesting to have a variety of expressions. Miss Macy is so darn happy that she told me “I just can’t smile small.” I love it! Big heart, big smile. Here is a bit more about her, her Denver business, and what it was like to have a Yoga portrait session with Natascha Lee Studios: 1. Macy, tell us about yourself and your business: Hey There ; ) My name is Macy Migchelbrink and I love teaching yoga, eating psychology, and lifestyle design. My personal business is Hungry YOGA, where I coach specifically women who emotionally eat or binge eat, develop a positive relationship with food and body through mindful movement, healthy thought patterns, and lifestyle changes. I also teach private therapeutic yoga at Ascent Therapy Clinic, employee wellness yoga at the City of Lakewood, chair yoga at Concordia Assisted Living, and Teen Yoga at Maha Soul Yoga Studio. I believe that every BODY can do yoga, a person just has to find the right teacher and class that works best for them, at that stage in life. 2. What do you love the most about your job? I love helping people feel better in the present moment. Seeing instant relief without giving a person anything outside of themselves; just their breath and body, is super powerful. I’m grateful that I get to work in so many different places around the beautiful city of Denver. I have students as young as 14 and as old as 93. Working in a physical therapy clinic allows me to take a more therapeutic and medical approach, and teaching teen yoga allows me to be more fun and playful. My biggest passion is helping women develop a positive body image and learn how to love food again! 3. What is your favorite style of yoga and why? Are there certain yoga teachers that you love and/or influence you? My training at Yoga Garden SF empowered me to teach my own style of yoga. Their alignment-based hatha yoga teacher training originates from the teachings of Krishnamacharya, the teacher of B.K.S. Iyengar (Iyengar yoga), Pattabhi Jois (Ashtanga yoga) and T.V.K. Desikachar (viniyoga). This gave me a solid foundation of technical excellence combined with philosophical depth, enabling me to teach from my heart center. I have to give credit to my first teachers Sonya Genel, Jonathan Issac, and Jean Mazzei for giving my the strong teaching foundation that I have. Kathryn Budig has always been a powerhouse inspiration to me “aiming true” to my highest self, and I’ve attended many of her classes and workshops the last couple years at Yoga Journal LIVE in Estes Park, CO and whenever she’s in the Denver area I’m sure to support her. Lastly, one of Denver’s finest teachers Lindsey Gonzales and her business Breathe on Board is someone who I have started to follow, like, and take her classes. She’s a teacher and trainer at Kindness Yoga, my home studio. 4. During the session, what was your experience like? Natascha was awesome! She made me feel super comfortable in front of the camera, and told me exactly how to prepare properly for the shoot. She is very down to earth, and amazing at what she does. I loved the fact that she wanted to take some selfies with me too! I will recommend her to anyone that need professional photography done for their business or family.
5. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would teleport back to the 70s. Yep. Because it was an era full of love, groovy music, and straight hair : )

Reach Macy at:
Phone : 785-626-0048
Yoga Photography of Denver Yoga Teacher Macy Hungry yoga
 
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Broomfield Family Photography – Fall Family Portraits Video

Broomfield family portrait session. One of my favorite sessions of 2015. Now, usually I don’t share full-family photos between October 1 and Dec 25th. That’s because the families having me take their portraits in the fall are typically looking for photos that they can put on their walls AND use in their Christmas/Holiday cards. many of my clients know each other and/or are just one degree away from each other . Plus, as you know, I’m closed during the month of December.    Since many of my clients are friends with each other (word-of-mouth is how most people find me!), and/or they are only separated by 1 degree –  I don’t want to “steal anyone’s thunder” or ruin the surprise. So I wait till after Xmas to share those family portraits. I feel like this is a great place to go off on a tangent, and mention that people still LOVE getting real, physical cards in the mail – esp when they include a recent family photo, (ideally a professionally taken one but really any family photo is great) THAT INCLUDES THE PARENTS! Please, parents, do NOT send cards with only photos of your children. If you are sending cards to YOUR friends then they also want to see YOU! I promise you this. We want to see photos of OUR friends just as much as the photos of our friends’ kids! So, back to the original topic – this lovely mamma has given me permission to put this video up now, before Xmas. I’m not putting it on FB or IG – just on my blog. We took her family portraits in late October, and the colors were splendid! Two weeks later we did her viewing session (loads of fun with wine, chocolate snacks and so many laughs!)  – and then, the day after their viewing session, she sent me one of the kindest texts ever! It made me so very happy. Have you ever done that, just sent a random gratitude text? What a great way to make someone’s day and to increase the positive energy in the world! I love this gal!

Here is Jade’s Family Portrait video:

Natascha Lee Studios Denver Family Photographer – Jade 1080 from N Lee on Vimeo.

Broomfield Family Photographer

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Denver Kid's Photography – Which is better for you: Indoor Studio Portrait Sessions vs Outdoor Portrait Sessions

Denver Kid's Photography - Indoor Studio Portrait Sessions vs Outdoor Portrait Sessions Studio Image and Portrait on the Left, Outdoor Image and Portrait on the Right[/caption]

Denver Children’s Portraits: Indoor Studio vs Outdoors

It’s beautiful Fall in Denver! Clients often ask me where we should take their family photos:  Indoors @ my Studio, or outdoors? (Click here for a tour of my amazing studio.) To help you out, here is a side-by-side comparison for studio vs outdoor photography for *family* photos for the top 6 Factors to consider: (BTW, for business headshots, I almost always recommend indoor, either @ my Studio or @ your place of business if the lighting there is great). Factor #1: Weather Indoor, of course, is stable and predictable. And if you are doing newborn infant portraits, it’s about the only way to  go (unless it’s super warm outside). You can wear whatever you want, since you don’t have to consider the temperatures. And you probably won’t have to reschedule due to weather (snow storms excepted, of course.) Outdoors, you may have to reschedule if it’s really cold. But I have done portraits in the rain, in the snow, etc. It can add some great variety to your family portraits to have snow softly falling. The wind can make your hair look great – like a fashion model with your hair blowing around you! Winner: Tie, since indoor is weather-neutral, but outdoor can offer great variety and even some hair-flattering wind! (Yes, I am a predominantly outdoor portrait photographer – that’s why I love the variety) Factor #2: Light Indoors is a bit more stable, but if it ‘s cloudy, then outside get the win. It’s lovely to photograph in cloudy weather; we call it God’s Softbox. If your kids have blue eyes, they will be more sensitive to the sun, and indoors will be easier on their eyes – so we have less squinting. Winner: Since I am mostly a natural light photographer, and I have an amazing studio with  great light, the win for this goes to indoors. Factor #3: Backgrounds

My studio has tons of different backgrounds inside and out (just check out this recent small business owner headshot session for an example of that), but there is nothing as beautiful as Colorado nature backgrounds. Or your own home, for that matter -whatever space is special to you and your family! I have photographed at Wash Park for a stylish urban family, in the Boulder Mountains for an outdoorsy, community-leaders family, at Red Rocks for a family that LOVES Red Rocks, at a private barn for a close-knit family and at a beautiful local pond space for a sweet active family that wanted to include their crazy dog! If a space is special to you, then we can craft your family portraits there.

Winner: Outdoors. Factor #4: Young Kid-Friendly Kids love being able to move, and run around.  If you have just one kid, Studio Sessions can work well, especially if you like the Urban feel. (I even do photos on the roof @ my studio – very hip and Downtown-Denver Urban vibe.) But, if you have more than one child or a very rambunctious one, and def. if you plan to include the family dog, then outdoors is the way to go so they have plenty of space to run and move. Winner: Outdoors Factor #5: Teenager-Friendly If you have a teen, you already know the answer; teenagers prefer my Studio – the huge loft-like feel, the urban outdoor spaces, etc. But since *Mom* (or Dad) is organizing and paying for the portraits, please go with what YOU want to put on your living room wall. The kiddos will be gone to college in a few years (which, BTW, is a great reason to schedule family portraits NOW), and you will be the one who gets to look at that portrait for years to come. Winner: Indoors/Studio Factor #6: Number of people If you are doing more than three people, I recommend outdoors. The vast space will accommodate more people and move configurations of you and your family members. Winner: Outdoor There you have it, 6 key factors to consider if you aren’t sure whether to go with indoor or outdoor photos. And since “outdoors” won slightly over “indoors”, be sure to also check out this post on the best outdoor locations for family photography,]]>

Denver Community Spotlight Series: Interview with Juliana Vergaray

Denver Therapist Headshots with Personality for Small Business Owners - Juliana Vergaray As a photographer, I have the honor to create amazing images for my clients – families, models, executives, business owners, etc. And I love getting to know them. Recently I did one of my Headshots with Personality(sm) Sessions for a wonderful, kind woman,  Juliana Vergaray. Here is a bit more about her, her business, and what it was like to have her session done by Natascha Lee Studios:

  1. Juliana, tell us about yourself and your business:
I have been practicing social work for 10 years with an emphasis on the children and teen population. My specialty is in trauma (an event that has impacted you on a level where you felt your life was threatened in any shape or form). I decided to focus on that because of the need: There are long waits at clinics and it’s important to provide treatment quickly after trauma. (The earlier you provide treatment, the more coping skills you can give them.) This can increase their resiliency.
  1. What do you love the most about your job?
I love being able to support people. To be a witness for them when they are at their lowest point in life, and then to work with them, seeing them when they are done with treatment and in a healthier place – This is all an honor for me.
  1. What made you decide to get professional photos done now? How will you use the photos?
I’ve reached a point in my career where I wanted photos that accurately represented me and what I offer. Since I am more advanced in my career, I needed professional photos taken by a talented photographer.
  1. What made you select Natascha Lee Studios for your photos?
I started on Google and looked at many different photographers’ websites. There was a realness to Natascha Lee Studio’s photos. I could tell that she brought out the uniqueness in each person, and captured their essence. They were not heavily photoshopped. And while I wasn’t looking for kid portraits, her children’s photography is part of what convinced me – her photos of children capture their angelic essence. I thought, “Well, if she can do that with kids, I’m sure she can get authentic photos of me.” As second aspect was her professionalism – from all the photographers who I contacted, she was one of only two who responded within 24 hours.
  1. Before the session, did you have any concerns?
Not many, but I was wondering what to wear. Natascha helped me with that via our phone conversations. It wasn’t time consuming to follow her lead and prep tips, but it sure was helpful. She gave me enough info that I felt confident coming in that morning. She also helped me think through my vision. Initially I wanted to use some clients as models, and Natascha’s experience and advice helped me avoid certain legal and logistical issues. I was able to make a more informed decision how to use a model. (I ended up using a good friend as a model instead of an actual client.)
  1. During the session, what was your experience like? How did it compare to what you expected?
It was amazing. I just expected to get my photos taken but it was so much more than that. Natascha made me feel felt special and appreciated. In my line of business, I am always the support for others. But this shoot felt like a treat to myself, like I was the one being taken care of and supported. Natascha is full of positive energy, but still very professional in her approach.  It was a self esteem boost in a healthy way. I was surprised as how quick the session lasted (just one hour), but we got a lot done – lots of poses and locations and even three different outfits. Natascha gave directions, but not in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. It felt like she was trying to get my most authentic reactions and smiles.
  1. What did you think when you saw the photos?  If you have already used or shared the photos, what sort of feedback have you received?
I thought “Wow!”  I love them, because they are exactly what I was looking for, something unique and very professional. They are warm and convey my brand well.  I was thrilled; I still am.
  1. What advice would you give to someone else contemplating getting professional headshots done?
I would say look at different websites to find someone whose style matches yours, who has photos that somehow resonate with you. And don’t make your decisions based solely on what you see online. Talk to the photographer to make sure you would be comfortable working with them – look for a connection with them.
Juliana’s private practice, Help Hope and Healing / Ayuda Esperanza Curacion, LLC, is located in Capital Hill within a holistic healing center, she sees client’s as young as 3 to adulthood. You can connect with her via:
phone: 720-443-5701
Twitter: @jvergaraylcsw
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