Melissa Batzer 7/23/20 Melissa Batzer 7/23/20

Planning Your Photos with the Uncertainty of COVID-19 (UPDATED DEC. 2020)

Outdoor photography is currently permitted as long as we maintain social distancing measures.

I use a relatively long portrait lens, so I’ll still be able to keep a safe distance while capturing portraits, and I will be wearing a mask to sessions in the near term.

All sessions are subject to postponement if the laws change.

Please check my availability for outdoor Sessions here.

Newborn Sessions

Let me just say I miss your squishy newborn faces and treating my clients to a dinner.

Newborn sessions are typically very hands on, so these sessions will have to be adapted to be extra cautious for the health of babies. Newborn lifestyle sessions will still be in-home for the time being. I will be even more directive and ask permission to approach your family prior to capturing an image. During the session, I will focus on photos of you holding your little one and I will be wearing a mask. Thank you for inviting me into your home. I truly miss it!

Please check my availability for indoor Sessions here.

Weddings

If you are in this position, I am so so sorry! I know many couples who have been affected in 2020.

You can read the official New Jersey Guidelines here. Photographers face potential fines for photographing events that break these rules.

Based on these guidelines, most couples are now opting to change their weddings to small ceremony only events with postponed receptions or to postpone completely. I do not recommend hosting a large event involving alcohol – there seems to be a direct correlation between alcohol and difficulties maintaining social distancing.

Outdoor events are now allowed for groups of 100 or less, but please know that government guidelines limit close group photos of people who do not live together, since these groups need to maintain a distance of six feet to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Read the CDCs guidelines for events and gatherings.

While we don’t know what 2021 holds here are my 2021 dates that are no longer available:

May 15, 2021

May 28, 2021

May 29, 2021

September 4, 2021

September 5, 2021

I miss my clients dearly and cannot wait to start capturing your life for you again! Sending lots of love! Stay healthy friends.

Melissa Batzer 4/19/17 Melissa Batzer 4/19/17

WHAT'S COMING! MOMMY & ME SPRING SESSION

Hi there beautiful mama! This is such an exciting time for you! You must be wondering what you need to plan for your MBP motherhood experience. You are planning a day you can look back on with joy forever, over and over again. Photography is more than just images, it is a real part of life, frozen forever. Not only do you deserve beautiful images, you also deserve an amazing photography experience. That's why I have written a few tips for you to use as a guide as you plan and prepare for remembering this moment forever with your littles.

The Details

The mommy and me mini sessions are an opportunity for you to celebrate being a mother!

Sessions are 20 minutes and will take place May 1st, May 6th and May 13th and are $100.

Your session fee includes your downloadable online gallery of digital images & one 5x7" print of your choice.

I love shooting at gorgeous locations... but I have the perfect spot for my mommy and me clients!

I can do sunrise if necessary.

Style Guide

I think its important to know what colors photograph best for different photographers. Because I have a brighter style and love light and airy images, I have the following suggestions for my clients! I prefer soft palettes because I think they are more flattering for all skin tones. Blondes, brunettes, dark skin, light skin, you just can't go wrong with soft colors! These are your "what to wear" items that photograph best with my style...

Loose and flow items for girls (especially mommy!!)

Long dresses for mommy

Tunic style shirts and white pants or capris

Pastels (always a fave!)

Creams

Neutrals

White

NO MATCHING, try to coordinate

No teeny patterns-they just look really funny from afar and do not photograph well at all

Wedges instead of heels, flats are even better!

Overalls for little boys or suspenders are always a GREAT idea

Floppy sun hat for mom

Khakis for boys

Sandals for kiddos

Session Tips

I do think its important to get "the shot" and I do get giddy when I get it, I don't focus on posing and making sure everyone is looking at the camera most of the time. I will get the standard images of everyone looking at the camera for you but my style is more focused on emotion and genuine interaction between my clients during their session. The most meaningful and emotional portraits I capture are the ones where you aren't posing... you can just be yourself and have fun! Pressure is off! Theses mommy and me sessions are about you celebrating being a mother and loving the fact that you get to be the one to raise your littles running around you! Here are a few tips to help you prepare for you mommy and me session...

-Arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled time

-Bring snacks or candy as bribes!

-Bring water for after (you'll be exhausted snuggling your kiddos and looking fabulous!)

-Bring a wingman! Family member or babysitter that your kids respond well to.

-RELAX!

-Be comfortable... if you don't feel confident in your outfit it will show

-Don't worry about me while I'm shooting... You just play and snuggle and enjoy!

-If you don't like doing your hair and makeup get it done at a salon!

While I anxiously await the day I become a mother it my hearts desire to celebrate you! Documenting your love of motherhood is not something to be taken lightly. It is part of who you are now.