I have two little boys who are growing up WAY too fast and who I don't have nearly enough photographs of....I should be more specific.  I don't have nearly enough photographs with ME in the photos with THEM.  Moms are the family's natural visual storytellers.  We take all of the photos, organize the photo albums or books, remember to get prints made of our favorite photographs of the kids and their most recent adventures to put up on the wall or fridge, but so often we are left out of those photographs.  Well, I say, with hands on hips, head held high, and with a ton of conviction, "NO MORE!" :)  It is time for moms to get in those photographs with our little ones.  Don't wait to find the perfect dress, to lose those pounds, to find a more convenient time. Your kids won't/don't care about any of that!  When their our age, all they'll want to have is a photograph of them with their gorgeous mama, cuddling and loving on them.  Pinky promise. 

One of the things I love most to photograph are mamas and their littles together, smiling, cuddling, making memories that they'll all miss in 10, 20 years time.  So it's not surprise that, as Mother's Day approaches, I get so excited about doing my annual Mommy and Me sessions.  Every year, I feel like my style changes and grows, and I love using what I've learned over the past year to make these sessions better and better, and this year is no exception.  This past weekend, I was able to get my gorgeously sweet and amazing friend, Sam, and her two littles to come out and model for me, so I could show you all this year's (indoor) set up, and I am so thrilled with the memories and mood we were able to capture.  

This year's Mommy and Me sessions will happen both inside and outside, so moms (or dads/significant others who want to purchase a really awesome gift for said mom for Mother's Day!) have choices.  The outdoor sessions will still include this gorgeous chair and will be some place close by, but I have to wait until spring arrives before I can pick the perfect spot.  The session is boho themed with lots of neutrals and greenery and it makes for such a lovely and cozy vibe.  I love it, and I hope you do to!  Contact me at [email protected] or you can contact me on facebook at www.facebook.com/tstaggphotography to book your session today! (Only 10 spots are available so book asap!)  See Sam's session below!

Hello, lovely mama

I wanted to make sure to get you this checklist to help you prepare for your upcoming mini session with me.  Whether you're coming to me for some simple, cozy fall session or a my festive holiday minis, this checklist is sure to apply to you and your family and help you loads in the planning process.  If you have any questions at all after reading it, don't hesitate to email me ([email protected]) or pick up the phone and give me a holler.  I love talking to ya'all and am happy to help. :)  

Plan Your Outfits

I have an awesome new outfit styling guide that I'm offering all of my mamas' and their families!  It's super easy to use and has been a lifesaver in keeping mamas' sane (or so I've heard :) )  (Contact me for info once you've booked a session!)  If you don't want to bother with the website, my suggestions are always to stay with either neutral colors (beige or gray (no white or black) or those nice rich darker colors (e.g. mustard yellows, maroons, evergreen, navy blues,etc.  Stay away from anything to bright or jarring.) .  Here's a pinterest board I've put together to help: https://www.pinterest.com/wunderw373/family-photo-shoot-outfit-ideas/ . If you need some help or a second set of eyes--just message me your outfit ideas, and I'll give you my honest (but gentle and kind :) ) opinion. :) 

Get Plenty of Rest

Make sure that you all get enough rest--go to bed the night before and make sure the kiddos take naps (if applicable).  Restful parents and kiddos makes happy parents and kiddos! 

Make Sure to Eat

Have a meal or snack before your session, if you can, especially the kiddos and Dads! :)  We don't want any one getting "hangry" on us during the session.  And if you're one to bribe your kiddo to cooperate (I always carry a treat for just such an occasion for my own boys), just make sure that it's not chocolate or something that will make them sticky or stain their face or hands. Great ideas are fruit snacks, licorice, or animal crackers. :) 

Arrive Early

Arrive 10 minutes early to help anticipate any last minute bumps that might arise.  Mini sessions are scheduled back to back, and any time that you're late will impact that time that you have for your session.

Get Ready to Have Fun!

All of my sessions are focused on you, your family and you all having a great time together.  Expect to cuddle, laugh, and love on each other.  Give your kiddos (if they're old enough) and your partners a heads up about my style (no looking at the camera!) and what to expect when they arrive (lots of fun and cuddles).  Prepping them on what to expect, I think, alleviates some of the butterflies families have when they are meeting a new come from the unknown, so lets kick it in the butt before they get there! :)   Most importantly, don't stress---if you stress, your loved ones will feel it and, trust me, mama stress is contagious. You are going to have an amazing time while I capture some amazing photographs of you and your family, and give you an awesome experience!  

Warmest Regards,

Kathy

Owner/Lead Photographer

T-Stagg Photographer

217.722.7121

www.tstaggphotography.com

Every year I do some wonderful Mommy and Me mini sessions right before Mother's Day, and they are always one of the highlights of my year.  Taking photographs of mamas (who, let's be serious, don't get in front of the camera with their littles nearly enough) cuddling their children and kiddos loving them right back is an amazing thing to capture.  But this year, I wanted it to mean even more--for me and for the families taking part in the mini sessions, so I am offering a double-whammy.  When a person purchases a Mommy and Me mini session for themselves or someone they love, they are also gifting a FREE Mommy and Me session to a mom and children residing at Courage Connections. 

Courage Connections is an amazing organization that  provides housing and supportive services to individuals and families who are victims of domestic violence (You can visit them at www.courageconnection.org.) 

The set up is simple...just a cozy bed, all white linens, simple, clean.  That's the first 10 minutes.  The second half of your session will be cuddling up on a cozy couch with your kiddos and letting me capture some giggles and sweet kisses.  It's the perfect ode to mommyhood, and if YOU don't want this kind of session, consider gifting it to a mommy that needs it!  It'd be a wonderful gift to say thank you (ahem, gentlemen), or to celebrate a mom you know.

Below is a Mommy and Me session I did with my gorgeous and super talented photographer friend, Sam.  I love everything about this shoot and it was so much fun to capture the love between these three. If you like what you see, consider booking a Mommy and Me session with me today! (www.tstaggphotography.com/contact) And don't forget that for every session your purchase your gifting one to a mom and her children at Courage Connection. <3