<![CDATA[SW MICHIGAN NEWBORN / CHILDREN PHOTOGRAPHY

<![CDATA[SW MICHIGAN NEWBORN / CHILDREN PHOTOGRAPHY - blog:]]>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:37:08 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Something to think about when expecting.]]>Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:03:57 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/something-to-think-about-when-expectingWhy You Should Book Your Newborn Session Early

If you're expecting, you’re probably busy prepping the nursery, picking names, and attending appointments—but don’t forget to plan for one of the most meaningful keepsakes: your newborn photos.

So… why book early?
Newborn photography is best done within the first two weeks after birth—ideally between 3–10 days, 14 at the latest. During this time, babies are extra sleepy, curl up naturally, and are easiest to gently pose. These days go by so fast, and once they’re gone, you can’t get them back.

Because of this short window, most photographers (myself included!) book a limited number of newborns each month to ensure flexibility in scheduling once your baby arrives.

Booking ahead means:

✅ Guaranteed spot on the calendar
✅ Less stress after baby arrives
✅ Peace of mind knowing your memories are in trusted hands

I recommend booking your session sometime during your second or early third trimester. Once your baby is born, we’ll lock in your exact session date based on how everyone is doing.

I completely understand how busy and overwhelming things can be as you prepare to welcome your little one—there’s so much to think about and plan for! It’s such an exciting (and hectic!) time..
That said, we do recommend booking your newborn session in advance if possible. While we’ll always do our best to accommodate last-minute requests, waiting until after baby arrives means we can’t guarantee availability.
The first couple of weeks are ideal for those classic, curled-up newborn portraits—during this brief window, babies are sleepier, more flexible, and more likely to be comfortable in those sweet, posed positions. After this period, babies tend to become more alert, stretch out more, and may not tolerate posing in quite the same way.
That doesn’t mean we won’t get beautiful images—we absolutely will! They’ll just look a little different: more natural, relaxed, and baby-led. Still incredibly special, just not the traditional "posed newborn" style.
So if that classic newborn look is what you're hoping for, we encourage you to get in touch to secure a spot before your baby arrives. I’d love to help you capture these precious first moments!

]]><![CDATA[When Choosing your Photographer]]>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:55:31 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/when-choosing-your-photographerAre you looking for a Newborn Photographer?

Are you looking for a photographer who is experienced in handling your newborn safely?

Are you looking for a photographer who has a studio?

Are you looking for a studio set up to handle all your needs for your newborn and all you have to do is how up?

why is it important to be specific

Booking a photographer who specializes in a specific type of shoot is essential, as they bring specialized expertise and experience tailored to your unique needs. Unlike generalists, specialists are highly knowledgeable in their field, ensuring the highest quality results that truly capture the essence of your event or subject. Whether it’s a wedding, newborn, senior portrait, family session, branding, or product photography, a specialized photographer can deliver superior images that align with your vision.

As a Newborn Photographer with nearly 15 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to mastering these particular areas of photography. My studio is specifically designed to accommodate newborns through age 5, offering a wide range of props, accessories, and clothing for infants up to 18 months as well as equipment needed specifically for this age.

I have invested significant time and resources in learning the nuances of these specialized sessions. Photographing newborns requires a unique set of skills, distinct from those used in high school senior portraits, family sessions, or weddings. Newborn photography involves specialized training, with an emphasis on safety and the delicate handling of infants. My experience ensures that every session is both safe and thoughtfully executed to capture the beauty of this fleeting stage of life.
When selecting a photographer for your session, I highly recommend choosing one who specializes in the specific genre you require. This ensures a higher level of expertise and tailored results for your needs.

]]><![CDATA[Its been a while~ Finding my balance over the last year.]]>Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:09:09 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/its-been-a-while-finding-my-balance-over-the-last-yearHello Everyone,

It's been a while since I last checked in. Over the past year, I've been on a journey of self-discovery, listening to my inner voice, and following my heart. This journey has brought me to where I am today, with a renewed focus on capturing the essence of motherhood- from maternity to toddlers and everything in between.

I am passionate about capturing the connections, personalities, and milestones of your baby's first years. With over 15 years of experience, I have crafted a studio environment that is welcoming to all, from first-time moms to those with more experience. My goal is to build a genuine relationship with each client, ensuring that your experience is more than just a session for a few good images. Its about creating lasting memories and a meaningful experience.

Please take a moment to explore my website, and feel free to email or call me. I would love to chat about what you are looking for and share more about what I can offer.

Warm regards,
Amy

]]><![CDATA[Are newborn photography sessions worth the investment?]]>Sat, 04 Mar 2023 19:55:38 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/are-newborn-photography-sessions-worth-the-investmentAfter being in the business for 10+ years, I have never heard a parent say they felt a newborn photography experience wasn’t worth it. The 1-3 hours you’ll spend having your newborn session will give you a lifetime of memories from when your baby was still so teeny tiny. Newborns grow and change so very quickly and in just a few weeks from birth you baby will lose that newborn look. Its important not to wait too long, the window closes everyday.

Are you an expecting mommy to-be searching for a Newborn Photographer in SW Michigan NW Indiana?

There are lots and lots of variables when it comes to choosing a photographer, just as there are in any other service.

I am sure you’ll without a doubt want to do your research before you make an investment in something so important. when it’s time to find a newborn photographer, you’ll want to be able to check off some very important boxes with confidence. Remember, in most investment cases, you get what you pay for, and newborn photography should be no different.

So, what should you look for from a newborn photographer? I’ve put together a few of the most important things you will want to consider when choosing a professional to capture images of your newborn.

Safety
The most important thing to consider when choosing a photographer for your newborn session is whether they are experienced to pose your baby safely. Knowing how to pose a newborn requires an understanding of which poses are safe and which are not, as well as how to avoid restricting the baby’s airway.

Props & Accessories
A boutique newborn photographer will have a professional studio fully stocked with a variety of props and accessories to use during your session. While it’s always a great idea to bring your own props, especially sentimental items, your photographer will have everything from baskets to blankets to wraps and more to create images that you will love!

Service
When you hire a professional photographer, you are paying for their knowledge and expertise. They should walk you through what to expect from working with them, including how to prepare for your session, and be able to answer any questions you may have. Your photographer should take the time to ensure you’re happy with your experience and products.

Professional Equipment
Anyone can purchase a camera and start taking photos, but a professional should have the high-quality equipment that ensures they get the images you want. This includes not just cameras and lenses, but lighting equipment, editing software and everything else they need to take and process your newborn photos.

Do they offer Products
While digital images are wonderful to have. Its nice to have options such as wall art and albums, these will last for years and can even become family heirlooms.

Trustworthiness
Just as important as every item on this list is how you feel about your photographer. Do you like and trust them? Do they have the training, and time dedicated to develop the skills to work safely with your newborn? Do love their work & style that they produce?

]]><![CDATA[whats been going on ~~]]>Sat, 16 Jul 2022 17:55:48 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/whats-been-going-on2880891

]]><![CDATA[Motherhood]]>Thu, 21 Apr 2022 15:17:13 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/motherhoodLet’s give a beautiful gift to those special ladies in our lives- daughters, grand daughters, daughter-in-laws, and nieces!
A photography session is a wonderful:
*Shower gift
*A new baby is arriving in our family
*We have reached yet another milestone
*Because Grandma needs updated images :)
Photography is something they won’t ever out grow, it never gets broken, they never grow bored with it. Its something for you now and them for the future.

Gift Certificates are always available.

]]><![CDATA[Little Boy's]]>Sat, 02 Apr 2022 15:12:30 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/little-boys

A little advice to all the boy mom’s out there, make sure you record/ video those little boy voices..

There will come a day when they become adult men's voices and when that change happens you can never go back.

Trust me you will forget the way they sounded like a little boy, and one day you will watch the video or hear the recording and you will have a complete emotional breakdown.

It's something to treasure FOREVER!
The recording is not the breakdown (ugly cry the whole thing, it wasn’t pretty lol), but the video is priceless and it's of nothing but everyday life.

Now imagine this… a year goes by, and all you have for photos of our newborn are the blurry, dark ones on you iPhone. Or five years go by and any milestones that have been captured have been on that iPhone and crashed and you have lost it all.

Please take my advice, take the time out to have professional images captured!

And PLEASE take the moment to have them printed or better yet purchase a package that comes with a photo album of all the images or let your photographer help with all your printing needs from those sessions.

Snapshots are great and can tell an amazing story all on their own. BUT a professional photo!

I can not express it enough when it's gone it's gone….. Time!

]]><![CDATA[A little on Maternity sessions]]>Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:53:54 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/a-little-on-maternity-sessionsMaternity FAQ
When should I schedule maternity photos?
As a general rule of thumb, I like to schedule your maternity session shortly after you've told friends and family the exciting news! This will give us plenty of time to find a great day that works well for both of us. Maternity photos are typically taken when you're showing -- generally around 34 to 36 weeks into your pregnancy.

What should I consider when planning maternity outfits?
My biggest piece of advice is to wear something you feel both comfortable and beautiful in. My second piece of advice is for you to choose something form-fitting enough to showcase your baby bump. Lastly, wear a supportive, well-fitting bra. Between us ladies, I know that breasts change a lot during pregnancy, so pick up a new bra that fits immaculately before our session to avoid discomfort and any lumps or bumps!

OR

Visit my Gown Closet:
Save some worry and come see what I have inside. I understand it can be hard to shop for yourself right now. You want something to make you feel comfortable and beautiful. With a new body to become accustomed to, it might feel nerve-racking. The outfits I have are flattering to every shape, every little (or big!) bump.

The closet features over 25 maternity gowns ranging in sizes so that every mom has an option to pick from. This is entirely complimentary to you! Trust me. I get it., adding one more thing to you list of to do’s is just too much. Before your session, we will consult and schedule a time for you to come in and try on and select the gown of your liking. This way, it saves you from the hassle of losing any session time. Typically, we do this a couple weeks before your photo shoot so I can steam, press, and have your outfit set to go!

Where do we take the photographs?
Where we take photographs depends on the type of session we're shooting. For maternity sessions, I like to do on-location, outdoor photographs that let us maximize our access to natural light. This can be in a beautiful preservers with open fields, at the beach, a quaint park, in the woods or even in urban settings.

Can my partner or child be in the photographs, too?
Of course! I love incorporating mom, dad and your other children into our session photos. While in most cases you will be the stars of the day, I believe it's so important to have several photographs with the entire family.

sessions

]]><![CDATA[What is your Newborn Style?]]>Tue, 22 Mar 2022 13:13:34 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/what-is-your-newborn-stylePlanning The Perfect Shoot For You.
I offer two session styles. A candid “day-in-the-life” themed Lifestyle Session shot in your home, and a posed Studio Session where it’s all about baby! Both result in beautiful images you will love for a lifetime.

Lifestyle Session. You And Your Baby At Home.
Capturing the emotional connection between you and your baby in your own home is what a Lifestyle Session is all about. Candid, casual, and intimate — a Lifestyle Session is an unscripted glimpse of you, your family, and your baby together — each of you sharing those first precious moments. It’s a memorable way to document this important milestone in your life.

Studio Session. Dream Baby.
Your happy, sleepy baby is the star of this session. While your baby dreams, I create perfectly composed, cuddly works of art. The creative options are nearly endless with a wide range of props — sumptuous blankets, knitted throws, adorable little caps and crowns, and one cuddly, slumbering baby. Mom, Dad, siblings, and even pets can also be accommodated.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK?
It’s best to schedule your session within 2-3 months of your due date. Once your new baby arrives, we’ll firm up your session date. Newborn sessions MUST take place within the first 14 days of arrival.

]]><![CDATA[2022 top baby names!!]]>Mon, 28 Feb 2022 15:28:19 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/2022-top-baby-names

Its always fun to check out the newest top baby names here is what is coming down the line for 2022!

Future 2022:
Zion       Maeve
Kai       Luna
Luca       Aurelia
Quinn       Ottilie

Fun fact:
By the way in 1969 my year of birth top names where: Notice Amy did not make the list~
Michael   Lisa
David       Michelle
James       Jennifer
John       Kimberly

]]><![CDATA[What makes us valuable? The Perks Of A Milestone Collection!]]>Thu, 24 Feb 2022 13:04:02 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/what-makes-us-valuable-the-perks-of-a-milestone-collectionPhotography with Photography by: A.J. Crumley is valuable because it's a preservation of your family's most special moments.

Photography is so much more than capturing beautiful images, it's finding beauty in the details. Every detail has been carefully thought out with you and your family in mind. Its always been my goal to give the one-on-one attention you deserve, from the first consultation to the moment you receive your final product.

Custom photography is a gift that will last a lifetime. The moments captured of your little one will help you to remember all their precious little details and all the wonderful memories and emotions that you felt for your baby at each stage.

I understand how overwhelming adding another event to your already busy schedule can be. I also understand as a mom myself how very quickly the time goes by and the regret of not having these special milestones captured.

Types of collections:
We offer a couple of collections to help capture your baby's first year.
Complete Collection ( maternity, newborn, tummy, sitter, cake smash/ bubble bath 1yr, walking/ running @ 18months)
Birth - 1yr Collection ( newborn, tummy, sitter, cake smash/ bubble bath 1yr)
Grow with me Collection ( tummy, sitter, cake smash/ bubble bath 1yr)

A little bit about our collections:
Each of these collections comes with a complete line of outfits & props from Maternity gowns to Newborn- 18 months old. You never have to go out and purchase anything just to be photographed in once and never to use again. However, special items from home will always be welcome.
Each session is timed so there is no stress or hurried feeling, these sessions revolve around you and your family for a laid back relaxed environment nothing is ever forced.
When purchasing one of my collections you will receive your choice of digital files as well as professional printed and mounted print products.
After you complete your collection, to remember this time you are gifted with a beautiful Album of all your images.
There is something very special about holding a photo album in your hands. As you turn each page, you're immediately reconnected to the feelings of a special time — feelings that an image on a screen can't replace. Your baby album is an important, tangible link to those first precious days of your baby's life.

Value:
*Experienced working with newborns/ babies & toddlers
*Creative eye
*I am a mom too, I understand
*Everything is provided
*Collaborating with you to create a one of a kind session
*Relaxed environment
*I truly LOVE what I do
*Quality products available
*Stress FREE
*Did I mention sooooo much FUN!!!!

This is just some of the value you will receive when booking a milestone collection with me. To learn more about each collection and additional incentives please email me at: amy@photographybyajcrumley.com

Would you like to hear what some of our clients have said:

what are others saying

]]><![CDATA[What are your baby’s next milestones?]]>Wed, 23 Feb 2022 13:58:02 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/what-are-your-babys-next-milestonesOur Collections capture each of these adorable little stages of your developing baby.

So many photographers still photograph milestones by age on a calendar rather than the personal milestones they are accomplishing.
I love photographing your baby's first year by actual growth development since we all know that everyone grows and developed at different times. So creating a plan that is designed for your baby's growth truly enables me to tell your real milestone story.

Some of these milestones are:
When your smiling baby trying to hold its head up while laying on their belly!
Them sitting unassisted and all of the giggles that come along with it.
Learning to crawl, watch out world here they go!
We can capture that moment when they learned how to stand and pull themselves up.
Then at last, celebrate their first birthday with a cake smash/ bubble bath session!

Babies are so silly when they start moving around more or learn to walk! Don’t miss out on these special, warm moments. You will love looking back on these images and comparing your baby’s growth between the photos!

I currently offer different payment plans for the milestone packages. Please contact me via email at {sessions offered} to set something up!

]]><![CDATA[What comes after a Newborn session?]]>Tue, 22 Feb 2022 13:01:28 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/what-comes-after-a-newborn-sessionDon’t just stop at newborn photography! The first year of your baby’s life changes in a blink of an eye. The sweet baby coos will form into small words, and them sleeping throughout the day will soon turn into them crawling around your house. You see them each day, but may not notice the subtle changes to your baby’s appearance and achievements.

Within a year's time, a newborn goes through so many changes that, without the help of photographs, you'd have a hard time remembering all those little quirks your babe had along the way. From changing faces and bodies to all those adorable expressions or movements, they all seem to go away in a moment's time.

It really is true about what people say -- they grow up so fast! That's why it's so important to capture all those little changes as they happen over time.

While I absolutely urge you -- no, beg you! -- to take as many photographs of your darling cherub as you can, also consider having professional milestone photographs taken.

Sessions

]]><![CDATA[Preparing for your Newborn Session]]>Thu, 17 Feb 2022 12:57:40 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/preparing-for-your-newborn-sessionGetting The Most From Your Session
A bit of planning and preparation will help you get the most from your newborn portrait session. Here are a few tips that will help make your session a success.

A Full, Sleepy Baby For Squishy Poses
Those adorable newborn poses you love are easiest when your baby is full and sleepy. Keeping your baby active and awake with a bit of extended play time on the morning leading up to your session, plus a feeding 2-3 hours before your session start time, helps gently lull your baby into a nice deep sleep. During the session, I also keep the studio very warm to make baby comfortable and sleepy.

Dress Your Baby Loosely
Loose diapers, a loose fitting wrap, or a loose, easily removed sleeper are ideal clothing choices. Loose-fitting clothing should eliminate red marks on baby’s skin, and is less distracting for baby when pulled off for your session.

During Your Session
My sessions have a relaxed, unhurried pace to keep baby calm, happy, and safe. Your baby sets the pace with plenty of time for quieting, soothing, diaper changes, feeding, and cuddling. I like to shoot siblings and parent poses last so that we can concentrate on baby images when baby is most sleepy, plus this gives siblings time to relax for their big photo moment. The studio will be very warm to keep baby comfortable, so dressing in layers for you is a good idea.

What actually happens during a newborn session?
Whether you’re thinking about booking a newborn session or already have a date on the books, we’re sure you’re a bit curious about what, exactly, goes on during a newborn session. How do you get those peaceful looking images? How involved are the parents for the shoot itself? Is it actually possible to “pose” an infant? Below were pulling back the curtain about what actually happens during a newborn photography session.

The Heat is Turned Up
It sounds bizarre, but we prefer to set the temperature much higher during a newborn than what you’d normally have it. This helps baby feel warm, comfortable, and — most importantly, sleepy.

We'll Take Care of All the Poses
You don’t have to come up with poses or image ideas. We’ve got all that covered and know exactly how to set up an image to get great shots. We’ll also take care of all the prop setup and wrapping.

Mom & Dad Help Spot Baby
Though we do most of the work, we definitely need parents’ help during our shoots at times to spot the baby and work with us to help create images.

Safety is Always Our First Priority
No matter what, we place your child’s safety above all else. If we need to take a break, we will. If a pose isn’t working, there’s always another one to try.

We Have Tricks for Helping Baby Calm Down
We’ve done quite a few newborn sessions in our day, and we have a few tricks up our sleeve to help calm fussy babies. However, in the case of a baby who is very upset, we are more than happy to reschedule.

]]><![CDATA[When should you book a Newborn session?]]>Wed, 16 Feb 2022 13:25:36 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/when-should-you-book-a-newborn-sessionAll newborns have a certain "look" to them. Usually within a week or two, that newborn-like quality starts to disappear. The point of newborn photos is to capture that newborn look, so I always recommend photographing as early as possible.

Did you know that your newborn’s face changes within the first week of being born? Even their eyes or hair color can change within a few months after birth.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK?
It’s best to schedule your session within 2-3 months of your due date. Once your new baby arrives, we’ll firm up your session date. Newborn sessions SHOULD take place within the first 14 days of arrival.

More answers:

]]><![CDATA[Choosing your Newborn Photographer]]>Tue, 15 Feb 2022 12:52:54 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/choosing-your-newborn-photographerProfessional Photography. Adorable Results.
Casual photos and smartphone snapshots are fine for quick, spontaneous images. But there is simply no substitute for professional photography of this extraordinary time in your life.

Real Life. Real Moments. Loved For A Lifetime.
More than just snapshots, professional photography is the art of creatively portraying the intimacy shared by you and your baby, along with all the adorable details. Skill, experience, and artistry create images that become beautiful art for your home and nursery — and your most treasured memories of these amazing moments.

Dedication To Perfection.
I work personally with you one-on-one to customize the session style best suited for you. I put my experience and skill as both photographer and artist to work for you to create stunning, beautifully composed and artistically edited images. I have dedicated years to perfecting my craft, and hundreds of hours photographing newborns. I’m excited to put that experience to work for you to create timeless images you will be thrilled to surround yourself with, and proud to share with family and friends.
Learn More about me:

]]><![CDATA[Just a bit of whats been going on in 2021!]]>Wed, 30 Jun 2021 18:53:36 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/just-a-bit-of-whats-been-going-on-in-2021

]]><![CDATA[Newborn Photography]]>Fri, 23 Apr 2021 17:59:06 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/newborn-photography6806622I completely, with every fiber of my being regret not getting professional newborn images taken of my babies.

Who has said or thought the following:

We had planned on doing it, and then ….. well…. Life with a baby was more busy/exhausting then I ever imaged!

I can just take some myself, it would be a lot easier and really how hard can it possibly be!

Babies change every single hour they are in your arms. They grow so quickly right before your eyes!!! In just a few short weeks from giving birth you will realize just how true this is all the while that window for newborn images is closing.

You can take a ton of digital images with your cell phone and have some really nice shots that will be meaningful to you. But can I ask do they show the babies features exactly as they were in real life, their eyelashes, fold of skin, tiny fingers, perfect little lips? Did you try and pose them and it never really worked out well? How was your lighting or composition of your image?

For those of you who are thinking how nice it would be to just take all the stress away and let someone capture this moment for you in a way you maybe can’t. And do so in an environment that feels comfortable, safe and inviting all the while you get to watch the magic unfold right in front of you. To experience it with someone who has years of experience and knowledge on how to take special care of your most precious gift…..

would you consider it?

]]><![CDATA[Newborn Photography:]]>Fri, 19 Feb 2021 19:21:25 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/newborn-photography9106244Learn more about my newborn collections. Let me help you make this one of the less stressful, fun, relaxed moment of expecting a baby.

Email Me

]]><![CDATA[Just some of the sweetness from fall/winter]]>Fri, 18 Dec 2020 16:41:11 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/just-a-some-of-the-cuteness-for-fallwinter

]]><![CDATA[Maternity in 2020~]]>Tue, 22 Sep 2020 17:03:19 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/maternity-in-2020

]]><![CDATA[Its good to be open again!!]]>Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:45:03 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/its-good-to-be-open-againWell this year hasn't gone exactly perfect to say the least... Since June 15th we were able to get back into the studio and oh it feels so good! Just a few of the sweeties that have stopped by since then.

]]><![CDATA[2020 of to a great start~]]>Tue, 14 Apr 2020 18:19:07 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/2020-of-to-a-great-start

]]><![CDATA[2019 is coming to an end...]]>Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:35:07 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/2019-is-coming-to-an-endLooking forward to another amazing year in 2020!!! These are just a few of the sweet faces that I got to see as the year draws to an end!!!

Thank you everyone, for all your love and support and for choosing me to help capture your families very special moments in life.

]]><![CDATA[Some of our fall fun!]]>Thu, 31 Oct 2019 19:49:14 GMThttps://www.photographybyajcrumley.com/blog/some-of-our-fall-fun

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