Birth and Family PhotographerHow to plan a Family Session outfit. {southern maine. portland, maine. family.}
Posted on May 4, 2018
Sometimes choosing the right outfit for photos can feel so overwhelming. Style of clothing, colors, fancy or casual. It can feel like so much that we either don’t schedule a session or we, the mothers, decided not to be in them! I have GOOD NEWS, it doesn’t have to be that way! Picking an outfit can be stress free I promise!
1.The first and most important step is choosing a photographer that you TRUST.
Photo by: Maine Tinker Photography
Choosing someone who you trust will put your mind at ease. Also you choose them for a reason, you love their work and know that you are going to get some beautiful images out of this. Which gives you one less thing that is off your plate!
2. Pick YOUR outfit FIRST. What do you love in your closet? What makes you feel fantastic with a side of sexy? If you feel good and are comfortable then the rest of your family will feel that vibe, and this shows in photos.
Photos by: Rosapaola Lucibelli
My family took a trip this winter and our luggage was DELAYED! I had planned for this by packing our photo day outfits in our carry on JUST IN CASE! What I didn’t pack was a good bra and mascara?!! So I did a little European shopping. Remember, Mommy ain’t happy ain’t no body happy.
3. After you know what you are wearing head on over to your kids closet. I am not only looking for colors that go with my outfit but I am also looking for clothes that represent who my kids are right now. Do they like dinosaurs or unicorns? Do they have a favorite color? What are they going to be happy in? Happy kids, happy momma.
Photo by: Maine Tinker Photography
My two bigs picked their whole outfits all by themselves. I was still able to dress the baby. For this particular session nothing went with my outfit, I was okay with that though, I wanted my kids to be excited for this session and have fun! Which they did!
4. Last but certainly not least I dress hubby. My husband is super easy going; but as most husbands doesn’t really LOVE getting his photo taken. I make sure that I pick something he will be comfortable in as well. He can grin and bear it a little more then the kids but remember, comfort = happy faces.
Photos by: Jamie Mercurio
This was our session right after Enoch was born. I wanted us to look cute and be comfortable. I showed Kyle what we were wearing and he grabbed his fav pjs.
Somethings to avoid:
Matchy matchy, like everyone in white t-shirt and jeans. When you add more than one color you add dimension to your photos. It makes for more interesting photos that really speak to who you are. Wearing different shades and textures of the same color looks good too! Picking colors that are next to each other on the color wheel are usually a great place to start when straying from the traditional white top with jeans for everyone.
Avoid florescent colors. They can throw off your skin tone and can be tough on the processing end.
Clothes that don’t fit you. Make sure that your clothes are not too big!!! Fitted clothes are more flattering on you.
Photos are an investment. Taking the time out to make sure that everyone is looking and feeling great just adds to this experience.
Photos by: Jamie Mercurio
I hope that this was helpful and if I can think of anything else I’ll make sure to add it.
One last thing, for an at home Lifestyle sessions all bets are off. Be 100% you! Let the kids dress up and let everyone be comfy. Don’t worry about all being in the same color fam. These sessions are about real life and the beauty of your family.
Lifestyle Session by: Sarah Truman
Beers 50th Anniversary {Scarborough Maine. Southern Maine. Family. Married}
Posted on March 24, 2018
So in another life I was going to school for nursing, I got my LNA and began working at an assistant living facility. This will always be one of my favorite jobs. I wanted to go back after I had Annaka but with Kyle’s traveling schedule it was just not possible. What did I love about this job you ask? I loved the residences, I loved helping them get ready in the morning, I loved hearing their stories. For whatever reason I just have a heart for that generation. So when I was asked if I wanted to photography a 50th wedding anniversary you can bet ya I jumped at that opportunity. Here is a look at some of my favorites.
The whole gang for a photo.
Are you ever too old for snuggles?
I love being a fly on the wall when people are just doing life and having fun.
Here’s to 50 years Bempa and Bam! I pray that I would be so lucky in my own marriage to have this type of love not only between Kyle and I but all around me in 50 years.
Thank you so much for inviting me in on such a special day.
What happened in 2017 {Southern Maine: Family, Lifestyle, Birth, Maternity, Holidays, Minis}
Posted on March 5, 2018
I know it has been extremely quiet here for a while. For those of you that have been following us for a while now may have noticed some changes around here.
- The biggest change, Allison hasn’t been around as often. Allison has started her own business and I am so trilled for her. She has a thriving LuLaRoe business and she is rocking it.
- I, Beth am flying solo.
- Strawberry Patch is no longer doing weddings, MAYBE on a case by case basis.
- I am now taking a limited number of birth sessions a year. I am TRILLED about this change as I absolutely ADORE attending births.
- I will now have more time for family sessions and will also be offering another mini option through out the year.
- Another big one is that I am leaning much more towards the lifestyle type pf photography vs. portraits. What does this mean? This means more of who you really are at this moment in time. More of what you love to do with the special people in your life. I am working on updating the portfolios so have a look around.
These are some of the more immediate changes that have been made. I am so excited to really begin this new journey. I am beyond grateful to all of you that have been part of this growing business from the beginning. Taking beautiful, cherished photos for you really gives me life. Taking photos is what I am passionate about, connecting with you not only at your sessions but always. To say I am humbled that you have invested in my dreams is an understatement.
So thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me through all of this transition as my business grows. Here is what 2017 looked like for me.
Allison began her new business, see link above for more information.
We photographed out last wedding for one of my dearest friends. ❤
I got to photograph 3 former brides as they waited to welcome their first babes.
I got some new beautiful faces in from of my camera.
Was able to catch up with some of my beautiful clients and their growing families.
Was able to photography another birth, be still my heart.
And of course Strawberry Patch’s annual Holiday Minis were a totally success!
Thank you to everyone who made 2017 another wonderful year.
Can’t wait to see you all soon.
Ice Castle Love with Abbie and Zac
Posted on June 21, 2016
Summer is here and this beautiful couple will be saying “I DO” very soon. We were so excited when Abbie and Zac agreed to meet us at the ice castles for their engagement session. It was a busy day and people were everywhere, but it didn’t matter. These two were in love and no one else mattered.
Congratulations you two, can’t wait for your big day!
Married: Michelle & Dave
Posted on May 26, 2016
Congratulations to Michelle and Dave! What an amazing day filled with so much love and happiness! These two have been together for 10 years, they tied the knot with happy tears, laughter and so much love. It was an honor to be there to witness two people making this lifelong commitment to one another.
Enjoy this glimpse of their day with all the beauty and romance these two exude!
Claire, Tim and Baby make Three {Scarborough.Maine.Maternity.Family.Love}
Posted on May 17, 2016
I know that by now this sweet little boy has entered the world and stolen the hearts of Claire and Tim, his beautiful Momma and Daddy. I am so glad they reached out to us to document this special once in a lifetime moment. Whenever we get to photograph those first baby bumps it takes me back to my first baby bump, so many bumps ago. It’s so excited to hear those first heartbeats, feel those first kicks, and really fall into your role as a mother.
Claire was absolutely one of those beautiful glowing mommas that we have ever seen. It’s so special to be behind the camera able to sneak a peek into the beautiful relationship two people have, these two were no exception.
Baby boy if you read this one day know that your mommy and daddy already loved you so much, even before they saw your perfect little face.
I hope that you two are enjoying all of your first with baby. Getting naps and snuggles in when possible and kissing that sweet little newborn head every chance you get. As everyone says, it goes by too fast.
Welcome sweet baby….{Portland.Maine.Fresh}
Posted on May 1, 2016
If we can’t be present for a birth we’ll take being there for babies first days. There is nothing like a mother’s glow after she has meet her new baby, a father’s pride as he introduces you to his little bundle and a big brother’s sweetness as he takes on his new role. So much happiness so much love and so much baby squish. Thank you for inviting us into this special time in your lives. Nothing beats a sweet little baby bottom.
Congratulations to the new family of four.
A little taste of Little Fords {Southern Maine. Family. Lifestyle}
Posted on January 30, 2016
It’s winter here for the Strawberry Patch family and not only does that mean we get to snuggle our babes with yummy coffee and catch up on our people magazine we also get to reflect on our past year both professionally and personally.
One way we like to do this professionally is to catch up on our blogs. We get to spend the year watching so many families grow and it’s such an honor. This year we also met a few new beautiful families as well, so exciting.
Patty and I met through a play group in the Portland area when we were both pregnant with baby number two. You know how there are people you meet and instantly you think, “I want you to be my friend, PLEASE!!!” Well Patty is one of those people. Last winter we started the year off taking some photos of two of the most adorable children I have ever met, Patty’s kiddos.
Miss A needed some head shots so she gave us a call and on a snowy day in January we headed to their home and were able to capture these beautiful faces, so snuggly and warm inside. Can’t wait to catch up with my beautiful friend again and get these cute faces in front of my lenses. This is a tiny glimpse of what we got.
A look at 2015
Posted on December 26, 2015
2015 has been such a wonderful year! We have been so blessed by each and every one of our amazing clients. You guys are Strawberry Patch Photography. From our beautiful Brides and handsome Grooms to our long time loyal clients to meeting and getting to know new clients and their precious families we have been so lucky to photograph your love.
To us photos are how we preserve our memories; capture those chubby toddler cheeks, remember the look on your grooms face the first moment he sets eyes on you, document the birth of your first born. These moments come so quickly and sometimes we miss the details, that’s why Beth and I love being there to snap some photograph’s to remember the big moments, small moments and the details in-between. And 2015 has been a wonderful year that we have gotten to share in so many special moments and gotten to be a little part of your lives, we are so thankful and can’t wait for what 2016 will bring!
Beth and I try to snap some photos of us working, preserving our own memories. At the end of every year we like to share a few of our little behind the scenes photos, enjoy!
Why do I think moose ears are a good way to test light?
Beth, Erica and the fantastic Nicole & Todd!<3
Thank you SOO much Erica of Erica Cole Photography for stepping in for me and being Beth’s photo partner while I was spending time with my 1 week old baby. You are a wonderful, talented lifesaver! Check her out!
And this is how Beth tests the light…. that naked cake was beautiful!!!!
Photos while waiting for clients is the best. My sister’s so pretty 🙂
Bride & Groom Selfies are the Best!!! & So are Kate & Chris!
Beth is so fantastic with toddlers! 
These brave souls being photographed in the snow ❤
Beth, doing her thang.
My very pregnant self, on location.
Again, still pregnant shootin’ candids.
Seriously, kids LOVE her!
Thanks for the photo Erica’s dad! Erica & Mike = Amazing.
Courtesy of one of the lovely bridesmaids. Love you two!
Yes, I felt like a stalker taking this photo.
Sometimes you go where you didn’t plan to get the shot!
Wedding Selfie! 
Thank you for a wonderful year! ❤ Beth & Allison
Schwartz Wedding {Portland, Maine. Eastern Prom. The Old Port}
Posted on November 2, 2015
Kady and Jamison tied the knot on a beautiful September afternoon on the Eastern Promenade in Portland Maine. As the Limo pulled into Fort Allen Park so did the fog. The thick layer of fog rolling in held off long enough for a beautiful view of Casco Bay with a small group of sail boats floating behind as Kady and Jamison vowed their love to one another for the rest of their lives. It couldn’t have been more romantic!
All of the details of their day were absolutely perfect! Kady wore a stunning dress and gorgeous blue Badgley Mischka heels. They did their first look outside of The Regency hotel and when their eyes met for the first time on their wedding day you could see all the love they share. The reception was held at Mariner’s Church Banquet Center in the Old Port and the night finished with cake, dancing and lots of selfies!
Most adorable first look ever!
