by Natascha | Aug 15, 2017 | Broomfield Children's Photography, Broomfield colorado Baby Photography, Community, Denver Colorado baby photography, Denver Colorado Family Portraits, Denver Photographer, Display Ideas, Featured Post, Highland Family Photography, Photography, Portraits, Resources for Mothers, Top 5 Tips
professionally, by a friend who likes photography, or even just snapshots you take yourself to mark this point in time. To reflect and celebrate your child as they are today. And, to capture some of that first day of school excitement!
One photo of your kid is great – it’s the cornerstone. But if you are looking to capture and portray a more complete picture of this special time in your children’s life, or if you are looking for some creative ideas, use this free printable as guideline.
Please use this as just an idea-generator. You’ll note that I call it “ideas” not a “checklist”. That’s b/c almost nobody (including me) is going to do all of them. So, don’t look at the list and think that you need to take them all, or take them all on the first day. Pick your 10 favorites and just do those, and spread them out over the first week. Or, do them all at once if that’s more your style. Whatever is helpful and fun for you.
Looking for some great ideas for back to school photos? Here is a free printable:
Looking to for a black and white version that won’t use much of your printer ink? Here’s another version:
BTW, a while back I wrote an article for Colorado Parent Magazine on “Tops Tips for Unique First-Day Back to School Photos of your Kids” You can see that article and my photos here, and check out page 11 to read: “8 Pro Tips for Unique First Day Back to School Photos”.
(Note: This is a repost from 1 year ago. I had a request to share it again, so here it is.)
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by Natascha | Aug 15, 2016 | Broomfield Children's Photography, Broomfield colorado Baby Photography, Community, Denver Colorado baby photography, Denver Colorado Family Portraits, Denver Photographer, Display Ideas, Featured Post, Highland Family Photography, Photography, Portraits, Resources for Mothers, Top 5 Tips
professionally, by a friend who likes photography, or even just snapshots you take yourself to mark this point in time. To reflect and celebrate your child as they are today. And, to capture some of that first day of school excitement!
One photo of your kid is great – it’s the cornerstone. But if you are looking to capture and portray a more complete picture of this special time in your children’s life, or if you are looking for some creative ideas, use this free printable as guideline.
Please use this as just an idea-generator. You’ll note that I call it “ideas” not a “checklist”. That’s b/c almost nobody (including me) is going to do all of them. So, don’t look at the list and think that you need to take them all, or take them all on the first day. Pick your 10 favorites and just do those, and spread them out over the first week. Or, do them all at once if that’s more your style. Whatever is helpful and fun for you.
Looking for some great ideas for back to school photos? Here is a free printable:
Looking to for a black and white version that won’t use much of your printer ink? Here’s another version:
BTW, Last year I wrote an article for Colorado Parent Magazine on “Tops Tips for Unique First-Day Back to School Photos of your Kids” You can see that article and my photos here, and check out page 11 to read: “8 Pro Tips for Unique First Day Back to School Photos”. Yes, last year it was just 8 ideas…this year I share 40 of them!
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by Natascha | Jul 29, 2015 | Broomfield Children's Photography, Broomfield colorado Baby Photography, Community, Denver Colorado baby photography, Denver Colorado Family Portraits, Denver Photographer, Display Ideas, Featured Post, Highland Family Photography, Photography, Portraits, Resources for Mothers, Top 5 Tips
Colorado Parent Magazine asked me to write an article for local Colorado parents on “Tops Tips for Unique First-Day Back to School Photos of your Kids”
You can see that article and my photos in their Aug issue that came out like 5 minutes ago. 😉 (That’s the magazine world – they seem to publish about week before the actual month. I think that’s to give the postal service time to distribute the publication.)
Click here, and check out page 11 to read: “8 Pro Tips for Unique First Day Back to School Photos”.
One of the tips I recommend everyone check out is #6 – “Have your child hold a prized possession.” Something that is meaningful to them at this current age and stage. I know from the children’s portraits I create, that children love to customize a photo with their own personality and possessions. For a parent, there is nothing more unique than our child themselves so we often don’t think of including a piece of sports equipment, a stuffed animal, or a special book. But kids love to include their cherished object(s) in their photos. I take photos both with and without that object, so that you have some variety. Oh, and even if the object is so worn that it looks like the Velveteen Rabbit, be sure to include it in a few images.
True story – I just did family portraits this weekend where the 2 year’s old’s favorite thing was a baby doll that had initially been the dog’s chew toy! Sure, it looked worn, but we were going to include it in a few photos anyway….until he changed his mind and wanted the bright yellow truck instead! 😉 So, even if the special object isn’t quite photogenic, it is still a good idea to include it (in at least a few photos.)
Colorado Parent Magazine: Top Tips for Unique Back-To-School Photos of your Kids
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by Natascha | May 20, 2014 | Broomfield Children's Photography, Broomfield colorado Baby Photography, Broomfield Community Spotlight, Broomfield Companies for Mothers, Broomfield Newborn Photography, Colorado Baby Photography, Colorado Family Photography, Community, Community Spotlight, Resources for Mothers
Hello! Brittany here. I’m excited about our 8th Community Spotlight installment.
Here at Natascha Lee Studios, we love small, locally-owned stores that serve mothers. Especially because we focus (pun intended!) on maternity, newborn baby and children/family portraits!
This week we feature Bosom Buddies! A great small business and resource for expecting and new moms as well as women in general! While mainly focused on assisting and providing services for breast-feeding moms, Bosom Buddies has something for every woman. To learn a little more we spoke with co-owner, Sue Petracek.
Sue and her husband bought bosom Buddies in June of 1994 – At that time it was solely for pump rentals. Now, when you walk into one of Bosom Buddies locations you will be amazed at the variety of products: from lotions to bras, and of course (sticking to their roots), breast pumps and every accessory to go with them that a mother could want!
How did you decide to buy Bosom Buddies and become a lactation consultant?
Having my eldest daughter in the early 70’s my husband and I were drawn to breastfeeding. – at this time breastfeeding initiation rates were at an all time low and it was seen as a very counter-cultural ‘hippy’ thing to do, although we were not. Throughout the years we had owned other businesses and have done other things but this opportunity arose in 1994 and I saw it as a perfect venture to combine something that I had been very passionate about and the business experience I had accumulated over the years.
Bosom Buddies has two certified lactation consultants, Sue and her daughter Robyn who provide lactation consulting for mothers and babies who have questions or who are having problems. In addition Bosom Buddies also offers classes in basic breastfeeding, breastfeeding multiples, returning to work while breastfeeding and a recently added breast pumping class.
You do offer more than breast-feeding pumps and accessories? Can you tell me about those?
One product that we offer is sports bras for mothers who are nursing. Typical bras that have a S/M/L squish approach do not provide the support that is needed for breast with milk. Bosom buddies found that the sports bras that work best are those with band size and cup support. This is what we now carry and our sports bras now range in sizes and can be found up to a 48J.
Bosom Buddies services do not end when you stop breastfeeding they provide non-nursing bras in a wide variety of sizes. Bosom buddies associates are certified to measure you to help you purchase a quality bra that fits your body.
What is your mission at Bosom Buddies?
Providing good quality, helpful products to allow women to feel better about themselves while also being able to feel empowered in their abilities as women.
Feeling nervous about buying a nursing bra? Be assured that most the bras at Bosom Buddies are tested by a focus group of mothers before they hit the shelves to assure that they fit and are comfortable and practical.
What does Bosom Buddies do in the community?
Bosom Buddies is a strong supporter and referrer of the Mothers Milk Bank in Colorado. This wonderful organization collects, processes and dispenses human milk for babies who cannot receive milk from their mothers for various reasons. Often this can mean the difference between life and death for premature babies.
What a wonderful store. Thank you, Sue, for chatting with us.
Interested in learning more about Bosom Buddies?
Bosom Buddies has two locations – stop in!
Bosom Buddies – South Store
8331-C Willow Street – Lone Tree, CO 80124
Bosom Buddies – North Store
5684 W 88th Avenue – Westminster, CO 80031
Reach them online – You can also order off their website or on Facebook !!
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by Natascha | May 2, 2014 | Broomfield Community Spotlight, Broomfield Companies for Mothers, Community, Community Spotlight, Outdoors, Photography, Resources for Mothers, Uncategorized
Community Spotlight!This week we are featuring, Off the Wall Fitness owned by Kyle McGranahan located in Broomfield, Colorado.
Has the warmth come to stay? I hope so! At Natascha Lee Studios we have soaking it all up, and taking advantage to do some amazing outdoor sessions. Seriously check out this baby from a family session we did late April – so sweet!
Off the Wall Fitness is more than your average gym – offering exciting new ways to shake-up your current routine, or a great start for those who may not have been as diligent about their workouts and are ready to get back!
To learn a little more about OTW Fitness and what sets it apart we spoke with owner and trainer Kyle.
[caption id="attachment_3264" align="aligncenter" width="230"]
Image provided by Off The Wall Fitness Owner Kyle[/caption]
Can you Tell me a little about yourself?
I’m originally from Arizona, and have always been active. I joined the Marine Corps right out of high school. The Marines instilled a number of great skills like leadership, communication, discipline, and a passion for fitness. I finished my 5 year enlistment and decided that I wanted to get into the fitness industry. I became a Certified Personal Trainer while in San Diego just before moving to Colorado. As soon as I got to Colorado I became a Personal Trainer and never stopped learning. I worked for a gym for a little over 5 years. Then I finally decided I wanted to get more involved and be able to see my clients more often. This meant coming up with a group fitness concept that allowed me to charge less, but see them consistently more times a week. This is where Off the Wall Fitness came into the picture. I decided to specialize in group fitness, but I wanted to use different training techniques to make it more enjoyable and safer than the competitors. I’ve been doing it a little over a year and I am extremely dedicated to what I do, and love seeing the results my clients get in return when they work hard at it.
What do you kind of classes and services do you offer at OTW Fitness?
Off the Wall Fitness is not your everyday run of the mill gym. We think outside the box and use off the wall techniques to combine all aspects of fitness to ensure a workout that is fun, safe, and extremely effective. If people are bored at their current gym or their workouts are getting stagnant they need to check us out to get beyond any plateau!
I offer Group Fitness classes that can be modified to many different fitness levels. I also offer 1-on-1 Personal Training for those that might be uncomfortable in a group setting or have very specific goals that cannot be addressed in the group fitness classes. Nutrition Consultations are also offered by Master Nutrition Therapist Desiree Schneider to include; nutrition consultations, meal planning, body wraps, and Detoxification programs.
What is your favorite “client success story”?
One of our members initially came in just to loose weight. You could tell she didn’t like to exercise, but committed to consistently coming to the group fitness classes. Over the course of year, her entire mentality changed about how she perceived exercise. Now she doesn’t like to miss a class, is one of the hardest and most dedicated people in my gym, and for that she has seen tremendous results. She has lost well over 30 pounds, dropped several clothes sizes, she looks and feels so much better. She has a completely positive attitude, and her diet is very healthy!
[caption id="attachment_3265" align="aligncenter" width="432"]
Photo provided by Off the Wall Fitness[/caption]
How does OTW Fitness unique?
I really focus on limiting my class sizes, creating camaraderie among the members, and going above and beyond what other gyms do like bringing healthy post workout snacks to select Saturday classes and teach all the classes myself.
In 2014, what do you see for OTW Fitness?
In 2014 I want to branch out and get my brand name out to enthusiastic people that enjoy working out and like to try new ways of doing that. I also want to tap into new markets that are not over flooded with gyms. I am always looking for new and fun ways to exercise and share that with my clients to constantly stimulate my mind and help them reach their fitness goals and beyond.
Great business. huh? To learn more you can visit them online or on Facebook
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by Natascha | Mar 20, 2014 | Ballet, Broomfield Children's Photography, Broomfield Colorado Family Photography, Broomfield Community Spotlight, Broomfield Companies for Mothers, Children, Community, Community Spotlight, Resources for Children, Resources for Mothers
th installment of Community Spotlight is here and this week we are featuring Danse Etoile Ballet located in Broomfield, Colorado
As previous ballet dancers ourselves, we at Natasha Lee Studios are beyond excited to feature a great local company, Danse Etoile Ballet, that puts on amazing performances that cater to both the art lover and families.
To get to know more about Danse Etoile Ballet we talked with founder and owner, Marie-Jose Payannet.
[caption id="attachment_3120" align="aligncenter" width="245"]
Photo Credit: Photo provided by Marie Jose[/caption]
Can you tell us about Danse Etoile Ballet?
Danse Etoile Ballet is a non-profit dance organization founded by Marie-Jose Payannet. Dedicated to offering artists of all ages a place to refine their talent and an opportunity to perform. Since its first performance in January of 2005, Danse Etoile has produced original story ballets ranging from the classical to the contemporary and folk styles.
How did DanseEtoile Ballet get its start?
Incorporated in 2004 in service in 2005 for our first performances at the Dance is for everybody and the dairy center . We didn’t have a studio and rehearsed everywhere sometimes 9pm at night, Sundays, without heat…. Our first class was on an indoor soccer field.
When you were practicing on soccer fields and without heat did you think that you would ever be where you are today?
I had no idea. I was just focused on teaching and rehearsing the best I could for our first performance. One day at the time with a vision.
[caption id="attachment_3121" align="aligncenter" width="480"]
Photo Credit: Macht[/caption]
How would you describe the mission of Danse Etoile Ballet?
Danse Etoile Ballet is dedicated to producing quality artistic performances, programs, and instruction, which will foster access to, and appreciation of dance and theater for new audiences.
What type of classes does Danse Etoile Ballet offer for different ages and skill sets?
By maintaining small class sizes, dancers of all ages are given individual attention and guidance tailored to their specific needs. The family atmosphere at Danse Etoile provides a healthy environment where dancers feel comfortable to push themselves out of their comfort zones and reach new levels of success.
The performance opportunities given to our dancers are un-paralleled to any other company. Dancers are not only expected to be technical in their art, but also be professional in their performance
Why is ballet an important skill to learn?
It is not ballet by itself. It is the all aspect of professional training in a safe, family like environment where students can strive to be their best, learn a hard physical discipline, learn a team effort as well as to be mentally strong when challenged, learn to perform in front of difference audiences and at different venues, volunteer, understand the importance of Arts in the community. Ballet is also a great way to stay in shape and not being bored as it gets challenging very quickly.
Interested in becoming a performer, or getting your children involved? Checkout their summer sessions that are now enrolling!
How does Danse Etoile Ballet positively affect the community?
Danse Etoile Ballet strives to produce three full-length performances every season. These performances are funded through local and national grants as well as local businesses.
Each performance consist of three to four shows, held over a period of two days. Each show attracts an audience ranging from 150 to 400 people from Boulder, Broomfield and Denver counties.
We feel that it is important for our community to be involved in the arts. Every performance we provide discounted and free tickets to organizations like the Girl Scouts, retirement communities, and other local non-profits. By sponsoring a performance, you enable us to continue allowing dance as well as the arts, to be accessible to our community.
As well as producing full-length performances, we participate in community events such as the Boulder Creek Festival, Dance is for Everybody and the Broomfield Days. The company also performs in several schools as part of our outreach program. By sponsoring a season you are aiding us in our effort to educate the community on the importance of the arts.
[caption id="attachment_3123" align="aligncenter" width="408"]
Photo Credit: Provided by Dance Etoile[/caption]
Can you tell us a little more about your kid-friendly/family performances? What should a family expect at a show?
All the performances we produced are fun to watch for everyone at different levels. They are colorful, unique, great music and choreography, often with a touch of humor, very lively. The theater is small and you can see well from everywhere, the kids can come and meet with the dancers and be inspired to dance. It is somewhat intimate and you get really caught up in the performance. And the ticket price is cheap so even low income families can enjoy it.
At Natascha Lee Studios we love that Danse Etoile Ballet has performances that are catered to families and young audiences – it is amazing to get to expose kids to the arts, especially in this capacity of talent and entertainment value!
To learn more about Danse Etoile Ballet, click here to visit them online
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