Love is in the air | Valentine Photography | Mentor, Ohio

“Love is in the air” How cute are all of these little kiddos! Valentine minis are always so much fun and hit with many. These are fun and quick little sessions that take place in my home studio. Each mini session package includes 12 digital images as well. Please be on the lookout or subscribe to my email list for the more upcoming mini shoots.

Snowy Maternity Photo Shoot | Cleveland, Ohio | Squires Castle

There is something so beautiful about a maternity shoot taking place at a castle filled with snow. It was a snowy and chilly January but that didn’t stop this sweet couple from venturing out. I love when couples are all about capturing photos outdoors, even if its during the dead of winter. Outdoor shoots in the snow can be very beautify! For more information on my maternity sessions please contact me. I offer both on location and indoor shoots.

Mentor Newborn Photography | Introducing Sutton

I am asked many times when is the best time for Newborn Portraits? There really is a magic timeframe for those adorable photos. Why? Because the baby really does need to be somewhat sleepy and still have that squishy newborn look. Its hard to believe, once they are close to 1 month old the “newborn” look is starting to fade. They are also much more awake and moving around.

I recommend photos to be done anytime from day 5 to day 15 of life. That gives a nice 2 week window for the photos to happen. It also give mom some time to recover from the hospital stay.

If you are expecting, please don’t hesitate to reach out and book your newborn portraits. I recommend booking them at least 3 months in advance, in order to secure your spot.

Please contact Danelle Joy Photography for more information.

When to take Maternity Photos | Maternity Photoshoot | Cleveland, Ohio | Newborn Photographer

I am asked many times when is the best time for Maternity photos? A maternity photo session is the perfect way to document the beautiful change your body is undergoing. I recommend photos to be taken anytime from week 32 to week 36 depending on how your feeling. You want a beautiful baby bump for the photos, but also not too large you feel uncomfortable. That’s why I recommend that time frame as the sweet spot for photos.

What takes place during a maternity session?

I offer both a full 1 hour and mini 30 minute maternity session. These photos can be taken outdoors or inside depending on the vibe you want in the photos. Many people choose outdoors all year long. I especially love squires castle for photos.

If you’re deciding on booking both a maternity and newborn shoot you’ll receive 10% off the total cost. If you want all 3 sessions, maternity, newborn and first birthday. I offer a bump to baby package which includes all 3 sessions at a reduced cost.

Please reach out and schedule your session today.

~xoxo Danelle

Maternity Photography

1st Birthday Portraits - Smash Cake - Cleveland Ohio Photographer | 2024 Birthday Photos

When you look back can you believe how fast that year went?! It is crazy to believe you now have a baby that’s entering toddlerhood and starting walk, climb and talk!

So let’s capture all of this joy and excitement. Smash cake first birthday photos are such a fun experience for the child and parents.

What’s included with a smash cake session? When booking the full session, you’ll have consult either over the phone or email. I will ask what theme or colors you would prefer for the shoot. I also can give suggestions of set ups I currently have for both boys and girls.

The session begins with portraits with the setup, the cake smash and can end with adorable bath tub photos. I currently offer smash and splash photos as an add on for the the fun experience.

I recommend all shoots to be pre-booked at least 1 month in advance. Please reach out for more information.

xoxo~Danelle

Naturally Beautiful Newborn Photography | Cleveland Newborn Photographer | Cleveland, Ohio

Newborns are best photographed just as they are, naturally beautiful. I have always been drawn to the more natural unposed setups for newborns. I believe they should be captured in their natural state with the flaky skin, belly button and all the wrinkles.

Now booking Newborn Photography 2024 | Timeless and Classic Portraits

Wow, 2023 was a wonderful and busy photography year for me with close to 150 shoots. That’s a lot of editing, lol! I’m so excited to get started with 2024 and now booking due dates for the new year. I offer both a full 2 hour and mini 1 hour newborn package. I also offer in home newborn shoots where I visit and take photos in the comfort of your own home. Many people prefer a mixture of both lifestyle and styled poses. I do bring a few props to capture those styled poses. The rest of the shoot takes place throughout your home.

My calendar does fill up quickly, please reach out if you’d like to book.

Thanks,

Danelle xoxo

Christmas Minis | Sugar Pines Tree Farm | Cleveland, Ohio | Family Photographer

This really is the best time of year! Christmas minis have always been so fun and special for me! It really helps kick off the Christmas season. The Christmas minis are perfect for families of all types. They are short, quick and themed at the tree farm. Because I get it and understand, not everyone wants a stuffy hour long photo shoot with screaming kids in tow.

At my session, I try and make them fun, interactive while capturing some great laughs and smiles. My mini sessions usually sell out each year through email alone the end of October. I am booked for the rest of 2023.

If you are interested in booking for next year, please reach out and I’ll add you to my email distribution.

Merry Christmas

~Danelle xoxo

Sometimes miracles come in two | Cleveland, Ohio | Newborn Photographer

The weather was crisp and cool but it made for the perfect backdrop for maternity photos in October. Squires Castle nestled in Cleveland, Ohio remains one of my top choices for maternity shoots. Especially during the fall and winter. There is just something so mystically, dreamy and beautiful about a castle secluded in the woods.

I also understand how it can be tough to sometimes to photograph little ones, when they are filled with energy. Thats why my style of photography isn’t staged and stiff. If the kids want to run, I run with them! And capture those genuine fun smiles. After all the candid picks, usually end up being my favorite anyway!

If you are excepting and want to learn more about all of my maternity, bump to baby and newborn photography. Please reach out! I have many packages that can be what you are looking for.

xoxo~ Danelle

Lifestyle Newborn Session | Cleveland, Ohio | Best Baby Photographer

I absolutely love getting the chance to visit and shoot at family’s homes. There is just something so special about photographing those beautiful new moments in the comforts of your own home. Plus, wouldn’t it be great for me to visit you! After all no one feels like leaving the house right after coming home from the hospital.

What happens when I visit? I bring everything to you! The unique thing about my style of photography is I offer a little bit of both posed newborn photos with lifestyle photos. I have heard many times people still like both setups! I do bring everything needed for the newborn shoot. All I ask in advance is a small 4x4 window lit area for those shots. Usually a back slider or window works perfectly. The lifestyle photos are usually taken throughout the home such as the living room, master and nursery.

I’m now booking into 2024. Please reach out for more information.

xoxo~

Danelle

Welcome Baby Marcus | Cleveland Photographer | Best Newborn Photographer

Oh, how I love how everything came together perfectly for this studio newborn shoot! This family nailed their neutral clothings by mixing it up with some browns, blacks and creams. Your photos need to be elegant, classy and timeless especially when looking at them 15 years from now. When choosing what to wear, I don’t recommend any thing too trendy, stripes or patterns. Neutrals are always best! When booking a session with me, I’m happy to help consult clothing ideas and suggestions. Please reach out!

xoxo,

Danelle

Lifestyle Newborn Shoot | On Location | Mentor Ohio | Cleveland Ohio

There is nothing sweeter than visiting a family’s home and telling their story. I understand and get it, you just came home from the hospital and your world has been turned upside down. To say the least. The last thing you feel like doing is leaving the house with the baby and half the nursery to get photos taken. So let me visit you! Thats the beauty of lifestyle newborn shoots. I bring everything to you and take the photos in the comforts of your own home. The session is usually about 2-2.5 hours long and includes photos of just the newborn and creative shots with mom and dad. Please reach out and schedule your newborn shoot today:)

Studio Newborn Photography | Best time for Portraits | Cleveland Photographer

I’m sure you have heard many times, they grow so fast! “Don’t blink, they’ll be driving soon”. Well, unfortunately that is very true. If you do blink you might miss something. I’m not saying this to scare or pressure you into anything. But time seems to move so very quickly from the moment you found out you’re expecting to the time they are graduating.

Newborn portraits shouldn’t be any different. I always stress to many of my families that these are time sensitive photos. Its so hard to believe they change a lot in that first month. But they really do! You only realize it when you look back on those first couple weeks of photos.

I recommend newborn photos to be done anytime from day 5 to day 15 of life. I am more than happy to photograph anytime after that. However, the photos may be a little different. Babies are more awake and its not as easy to wrap and squish inside bowls, lol.

My summer newborn calendar is filling fast. If you are thinking about portraits, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I would love to have a phone consult with you and discuss the process of my newborn photography:)

xoxo…Danelle

Studio Maternity Session | Cleveland, Ohio | Maternity Session Guide

It seems that maternity photography can often times be overlooked but this is such a beautiful time to capture. I recommend maternity photos to be taken anytime from week 28 to week 35. Your belly needs to be large enough to show off :) But not too far a long that your uncomfortable.

I offer both in studio and on location maternity shoots. Some of my favorite locations within the Cleveland area are Squires castle and chagrin river park. I also can offer indoor maternity shoots at my beautiful studio located in downtown Painesville.

I also offer a discounted package called bump to baby. With this package you’ll receive a maternity, newborn and 1st year photos.

If you’re currently expecting and interested, please reach out! Its best to pre book the sessions.

~Danelle

Why You Should Add On A Maternity Session | Cleveland, Ohio | Danelle Joy Photography

As you are preparing for your new little one to arrive I’m sure the to do list is never ending. I understand that this time can be the most stressful and exciting time of your life. Also, not to mention you might not be feeling your best. But this doesn’t mean that this special chapter of your life isn’t meant to be celebrated and documented.

A maternity photo session allows you to focus on the new life your body is working so hard to create, instead of the way you look, and can remind you of the excitement and joy that comes with bringing your child into the world.

Your body is changing in so many beautiful ways and this may only happen a couple times in your lifetime. It’s even sweeter when your kids are older and you show all the photos of when they were your in your tummy.

But as time goes on, you’re going to miss that bump!  It won’t be at first, but as the months pass and your baby starts to crawl, you’ll look at old photos and think, wow I do miss being pregnant.

The truth is, while pregnancy is hard, there is something very magical with it. You’re growing a new life, and you’re the only one your child is depending on. You feel their every hiccup, every kick, and every headbutt to your ribs. You’re completely connected.

So when is the best time to get maternity photos done? I recommend anytime from week 30 to week 35. I want your bump to be large enough but I also don’t want you to feel to big and uncomfortable. This seems to be the most ideal time. I offer maternity photos in both studio and outside on location. Once the weather breaks there is nothing more beautiful than taking photos on location.

For more information about booking your maternity session, please reach out.

Styled Maternity Session | Cleveland Ohio Photographer | Northeast Ohio Photographer

I was so excited to offer a styled maternity session for a couple beautiful moms to be. The shoot took place in the beautiful sixth city studio located downtown. I’m now offering maternity dresses to all of those who book a full maternity session. I have heard so many times over the years, that the maternity dress is just worn once. So why not have the option to choose a dress From my client closet, wear and return it!

This new service is complimentary when booking a full maternity shoot. My spring and summer schedule is filling. If you are expecting and considering professional photos, now is the time to book. I recommend the maternity photos be done from week 32 -week 36 depending on how you’re feeling. I then recommend the newborn photos anytime from day 5 to day 15 of life.

I offer different packages to help meet everyones needs. Please reach out for more information.

xoxo~ Danelle

Newborn Photographer | Best Baby Photographer | Cleveland, Ohio | Northeast Ohio Photographer

The pops of gold and navy blue really made this sweet newborn session come to life. When preparing for your newborn session I usually recommend choosing a complimentary color palette as opposed to matching. The days of wearing all white and jeans are gone with the 90s. lol..

Today, choosing a coordinating color palette that is neutral in color but adds a little hint of color is best. I usually recommend neutral colors and no prints or stripes. This can be very busy to the eyes and we don’t want to take the focus off the baby.

For scheduling and more information for spring and summer 2023, please reach out. I only take so many clients each month and my schedule is filling.

~xoxo Danelle

Sweetest Guitar Shoot | Family Photographer | Cleveland, Ohio

When your dad is guitar player and is his daughters number 1 fan! I mean how cute was this? The sweetest little guitar shoot. At the end of your cake smash session, if there is something special that you would like added, please let me know. I’m happy to add it in.

For more information on my milestone child sessions please contact me.

Spring Family Portraits | Rockefeller Greenhouse | Cleveland Ohio

It might be March and snowing but that doesn’t mean we can’t capture some beautiful spring photos! Inside… that is.

Throughout the Cleveland Ohio area, there are many gems to hold a family session indoors. One of my favorites is the Rockefellar Greenhouse located in Cleveland. It is so beautiful with the brick building, tropical plants and flowers. Its perfect for a family, child or maternity photo session.

Another favorite of mine is the botanical garden. You can never go wrong with this beautiful backdrop. If you have a large family, if you call ahead you can reserve the garden for yourself.

If you interested in spring portraits please reach out.

~xoxo Danelle

A typical day in my Newborn Studio | Northeast Ohio | Best Newborn Photographer

The typical newborn shoot at my studio is very relaxed laid back and usually led by the baby. I know many people laugh when I say that, but its very true! I never want to push a newborn into a certain pose because that is not going to end well. I’ve been doing this long enough that I can tell by the how the baby is acting whether or not I’m going to get the shot.

How to prepare for the shoot:

There are a few things you can do to prepare for the shoot that will help make it go smoothly. I recommend feeding the baby close to leaving your home. Please bring a blanket, pacifier and bottle if needed. If your breastfeeding, there is room in my studio for you to do so and we can take breaks.

Once you arrive:

Once you arrive I will ask how the baby is currently doing and how do they settle. I can get a feel of the baby’s personality if I know they settle easily or if it takes them some time. If the baby is full and has a clean diaper I will usually start with wrapped poses in my props. This will keep them calm and warm while I get to know the baby a little bit more. If the baby seems very fussy after being fed and changed and unable to settle, I move to plan b.

This is the time I will move to mom and baby wrapped photos and family photos. I have learned if the baby is fussy they will usually settle in mom’s (or dad’s) arms. After we are all done with wrapped family and sibling photos it might be time for another feeding.

After they are fed, I will try the wrapped poses once again. If the baby continues to be content or settles easily with a pacifier I like to move to my table and bean bag poses. They baby is less wrapped in the poses but can also be woken easier.

Once all of those shots are done and I’m happy with the outcome I like to take a few more fun photos. These usually include candid lifestyle photos with mom or dad. Macro photos of the baby’s hands and feet.

The session itself usually lasts about 2 hours. I have found 3 hours is a very long time for the not only the baby but also the family. I will go over 2 hours if I don’t think I took all the shots I needed too. But usually everything can be accomplished within the 2-2.5 hour time frame.

If you are currently expecting and thinking of professional newborn portraits. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. My schedule does fill up quickly throughout the year.

For more information, please reach out.

xoxo~ Danelle