ABOUT
maternity & newborn sessions
I’m thrilled that you’re here, and I hope that you will choose me as your photographer! Kelli Dease Photography is a full-service custom photography studio, specializing in maternity, newborn, and family portraiture. We pride ourselves on offering top-notch customer service, and high-quality images and products that clients will be proud to display in their homes. Here you will find an overview of what to expect as well as the answers to many frequently asked questions.
Kelli x
are we a good fit?
Choosing the right photographer is a personal decision, influenced by style, approach, experience, and budget. Photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about creating something timeless that truly reflects your family’s story.
My style is soft, natural, and timeless, with clean, minimalist compositions and authentic moments. I take a relaxed yet refined approach, guiding you through the process to make your session effortless and enjoyable. With nearly two decades of experience, I bring both technical expertise and the patience needed to work with little ones, ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience.
I offer a range of session options to fit different budgets while maintaining the same level of quality and care. Whether you’re looking for a full storytelling experience or something simple and refined, there’s an option to suit your needs. If you love light, airy images with a natural feel and want a photographer who takes care of all the details, we might be the perfect fit!
MY APPROACH TO PHOTOGRAPHING newborns
I believe in keeping my newborn work as natural and organic as possible. Newborn trends will come and go, but the simple and authentic details – the flaky skin, the soft, downy hair, the tiny newborn toes – will always be beautiful.
I use baby-led posing in all of my newborn work. This is a very gentle type of posing that does not force babies into positions that do not come naturally to them. Comfort and safety are my priorities.
Parent participation is optional, but if you choose to be in the photos, we’ll capture the quiet, intimate moments between you and your newborn. From gentle cuddles to the way your baby fits perfectly in your arms, these images beautifully document the deep bond you share in these early days.
With years of experience photographing newborns, I understand the importance of working with their natural rhythm. Newborn sessions are calm, unhurried, and designed to allow plenty of time for soothing, feeding, and cuddling as needed. I take a patient and gentle approach, capturing a mix of solo portraits and heartfelt family moments to create a collection of images that feel natural, emotive, and timeless.
STYLING
I want you to feel your most beautiful and confident during our time together.
All clients have access to my ever-growing studio wardrobe, featuring a carefully curated collection of timeless, neutral-toned pieces for the whole family. Whether you prefer a soft, elegant look or something more relaxed, I provide complete styling assistance to ensure your outfits complement my light and natural aesthetic.
For those moms who want a little extra polish, in-studio professional hair and makeup services are available as an add-on to any session. If you’re booking an outdoor maternity session, I can connect you with my preferred makeup artist, who can come to your home beforehand for a seamless, stress-free experience.
For your newborn, no clothing is necessary. I will provide a selection of soft, neutrally colored wraps, and white onesies and sleepers for use during your session.
SCHEDULING AND LOCATION
Maternity sessions can take place anytime after your baby bump is visible, but the ideal time is usually around seven months, when you’re showing but still comfortable. That said, the only time it’s truly too late is after your baby has arrived—so if you’ve passed the seven-month mark, don’t worry!
Maternity sessions can take place in my studio for a classic and intimate feel, or in warmer months, you may choose an outdoor setting—either my favorite field in Simsbury or a custom location of your choice.
Newborn sessions work best within the first three weeks of life, when babies are sleepiest and most settled. These sessions are tentatively booked based on your due date and can be adjusted if your little one arrives earlier or later than expected.
Newborn sessions take place in my cozy, well-equipped studio, designed for a relaxed and stress-free experience. The studio provides a calm environment with comfortable areas for parents to relax, as well as spaces for feeding and changing when needed.
While you’re welcome to book at any time, securing your session early is highly recommended—especially for summer and fall, when availability fills up quickly.
products and digital images
Anyone who has ever had a computer crash or lost files on a hard drive knows that digital files are not permanent. While they’re convenient, they often get forgotten or left unprinted. That’s why I not only provide digital files but also help my clients choose and design meaningful, tangible products to showcase in their homes—ensuring their memories are preserved for generations.
Your images deserve more than a quick print from a chain store. They were professionally created and should be professionally printed for the best quality and longevity. Our carefully curated fine art collection includes handcrafted albums, custom frames, and heirloom portrait boxes to ensure your memories are displayed beautifully.
For those interested in printed artwork, we offer complimentary design and ordering appointments as part of our full range of services, making it easy to create stunning keepsakes for your home.
what happens next
Still have questions? Feel free to drop us an email or scroll to the bottom of this page where you'll find links to additional session information and complete pricing.
If you are ready to book your portrait session, just reply to my initial email and a member of the KDP team will be happy to help you.
Once we determine which session type best fits your needs, we will discuss the timing and location for your session(s), and schedule your session date(s).
More detailed information about how to prepare, what to expect, etc. will be provided once your session has been booked.
Thank you for taking the time to read through all of this information. I look forward to hearing from you!
“There is nothing more special than the beautiful images and moments in time Kelli was able to capture during our first newborn session. Babies grow too fast and having the photos to look back on is priceless.”
- Diana, Wethersfield, CT
