Maternity Photography NYC

Soft pink, very sweet and sexy maternity dress

kbreyes — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:10:50 +0000

Thank you, Pregnant Chicken for directing me to this pretty dress. It looks so comfortable and yet the lines are sleek and beautiful.

According to Shabby Apple, the fabric blend of poly/rayon/spandex jersey blend is super comfortable.

I would love for you to show up at my threshold with this in your bag! I vote thumbs up.

Seven ways to celebrate Mother’s Day when you’re pregnant

kbreyes — Sat, 05 May 2012 17:10:13 +0000

Since pregnancy lasts 75% of a calendar year, many women will be pregnant over Mother’s Day. So how to celebrate?

Feel special, feel beautiful

Make some beauty appointments! Get a massage, get a facial, get a mani/pedi. I’ve been to this little gem of a find in Midtown East, Lilly & Raul. It’s nothing terribly fancy, but a 60-minute, very effective massage was $45.
If you’re the dad and it’s ok to celebrate before the baby is born, consider giving the mother of your child a piece of jewelry made with the birthstone of your child. May’s birthstone is emerald. This beautiful, 12.6 carat, 7-inch emerald tennis bracelet is available at Gems NY for $4,930.
Sign up for a birth class

Anna Merrill, a former client, has a wonderful, full support business focused on the entire birthing process. Learn more about Birth Day Presence
Take a yoga class

The Prenatal Yoga Center on the Upper West Side has been in business for years. Give them a try.
Learn about making baby food

If that sounds like too much work, HappyBaby will only be too happy to provide your baby with healthy, nutritious food.
Rent some beautiful maternity clothes

If the idea of spending a lot on clothes that you’ll only wear for a few months seems excessive, rent them! Mine for Nine rents stylish, practical and entirely unpractical maternity clothes.
Schedule a maternity photo shoot

It goes without saying that this may be the best way to honor a pregnancy.

Images from a studio portrait session that include both private images and images that you can share with the world get more valuable as time goes by.

I have one picture of my mother pregnant with me from the 1960′s. It’s fascinating to see how young and pretty she is AND what she’s wearing.

Best clothing for a maternity shoot: Mine for Nine

kbreyes — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:00:37 +0000

I just can’t help myself. I love the Isabella Oliver brand. From the website: “…signature easy care jersey, it has an adjustable wrap to provide style and comfort stage-by-stage. This top also looks great worn post pregnancy too.”

I love to photograph my clients in just about anything from this brand. I find the look flattering, stylish and totally appropriate for the look and feel of my brand.

Available to rent at Mine for Nine for $32.00

Best clothing for a maternity photo shoot: Japanese Weekend shirt

kbreyes — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:12:13 +0000

This shirt would be a great choice for a maternity shoot because of the fit, the style and the fabric. The shirt doubles as a nursing top, so you’ll get good use out of for at least a few months after your delivery. It comes in six colors, but I would steer you away from the hot pinks (even though they’re great in person, I’m not a huge fan of this color for photos).

This top is $60 at Japanese Weekend maternity.

Top ten maternity clothing options

kbreyes — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:25:39 +0000

I would argue that your best maternity pictures will be the nudes, but since most expecting parents want to share their images with friends and family, I spend a lot of time with people talking about what clothing works best.

I compiled a group of ten images that have good examples of color, shape and texture. They are not in any particular order.

This couple looks great in black, but pretty much everyone does. If your skin tone is very dark, instead of going all black, consider choosing a medium gray.
This stylish couple look fantastic. Since black eats light, profile shots show off a pregnant belly the best. For this style, thinner fabrics that are a little clingy work great.
This chic young, pregnant woman brought the perfect combination of fitted black turtleneck and comfortable, loose black pants. Her blunt hair cut accents the style beautifully.
This handsome couple goes the opposite color direction, white. I tell my couples that it’s ok for the woman to be wearing white if her partner is in a darker color, but it can’t be the other way around. White pops, and the pregnant woman is the star of this show, so she needs to stand out.
This very fit, athletic pregnant woman would look great in anything. She didn’t gain much weight and every muscle is toned and strong. The white, spaghetti strap camisole is perfect for her in white; it beautifully sets off her golden skin tone.
This pretty pregnant woman is the perfect example of how certain meaningful props add to the picture. Her husband was away fighting a nasty fire, so we decked her out in the coat and helmet.
This stylish black woman looks stunning in this black and white print shirt. I pulled this shot because I normally steer women away from prints, plaids, stripes and other busy elements because they compete with what’s going on in the image. In this case, I thought the print choice worked exceptionally well.
This perfectly fitted gray shirt creates a serene color scheme. I like the cool tones and I love how this shape fits the pregnant belly. Of course, jeans are the perfect compliment to this choice.
This fashionable pregnant woman went high contrast: white clothing on pale skin with a very dark background. I love this image, even though the jewelry is prominent (another element that I steer clients away from).
Again, normally I don’t work with props, but these fairy wings are magical. I love the shape and the colors – especially with the red hair.

Cute “poem” about pregnancy

kbreyes — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:43:35 +0000

I found this at blogs.babble.com and had to share….

What to wear to a maternity photography shoot

kbreyes — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:57:48 +0000

Today I tackle the big question, “What should I wear to my maternity photo shoot?” and, “What should I bring to my pregnancy photography session?”

Wear anything you feel comfortable in and LOVE.

Avoid patterns, stripes and plaids unless you love they are a true representation of your personality.
I like solid colors: white, black, brown, gray. Avoid bright pink and yellow.
Pants – jeans (any color and that belly band really is ok), black pants (yoga pants work well)
Necklines – select v-necks, squarenecks, turtlenecks or deep scoop necks. Women should avoid crewnecks.
Sleeves – Long-sleeved tend to be the most flattering, but sleeveless and spaghetti straps work well. Women should avoid t-shirt length sleeves unless you have beautiful, sculpted or very thin upper arms.
Fabrics – look for clingy, not necessarily tight, fabrics with a little stretch.
Shirts – big, white, button-down rumpled man’s shirt. Any shirt or cardigan that opens down the front works well.
Tanks – anything clingy, fitted or stretchy in solid colors (white, black, red, blue…)

What should my husband wear?

Men should bring jeans or khaki pants or any other dark bottoms
I encourage slightly rumpled (not starched), plain white shirts
Throw a regular, WHITE and/or BLACK crew-neck t-shirt in the bag, too.
Bring solid, dark colors like black, dark brown, navy blue and charcoal gray tops and bottoms. Layers are great; wear the t-shirt under a crew- or v-neck sweater or jacket.

What else should I bring to my photo shoot?

Bring large or small props that have meaning. Bring stuffed animals, building blocks, flowers…
Unusual items: saris, native fabrics, wedding veils

What does the photographer provide?

White and gold drapery
A big, white sheet

What beauty preparation should I consider?

Get a manicure and a pedicure a day or two in advance
Wear makeup! If you don’t choose a package that includes makeup, you’ll get the best results if you visit a makeup center prior to your shoot. Call to talk about these options.
Don’t wear anything binding to the shoot – you don’t want marks on your skin.

Better Sex, Better Mom

kbreyes — Thu, 05 May 2011 21:19:48 +0000

With kids, life, and lack of sleep, sex can end up on the very back burner. But a happy mom can be a better mom, and good sex can make you very happy! Kristen Chase, mom of 4 and author of “The Mominatrix’s Guide to Sex” will discuss how to make good sex a reality in your busy lives, and how being sexually fulfilled might actually make you a better parent.

At this year’s Mommybites Summit, Chase will discuss the myriad reasons why moms put their sex lives last on their list and help your identify your own barriers. Then she’ll provide simple tips and tricks for recharging your batteries, suggest and demo sexy products that are perfect for moms, and offer suggestions on how to bring out your own innner Mominatrix. Whether your sex life is hot and you want to make it hotter, or you’re starting from the very beginning, get ready to take your bedroom from bore to score!
Sign up early as space is limited and we sold out last year!

Who: Expectant moms, moms, and dads of babies, toddlers, & school-aged children
Where: Columbia Faculty House, 64 Morningside Dr, NY, NY 10027
When: May 19, 6 – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $40

Click here to register

Delta Enterprise “Safety Peg” Drop-Side Crib Recall

kbreyes — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:38:53 +0000

Read the official press release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Delta Enterprise Corp., of New York, N.Y. are re-announcing the 2008 recall of more than 985,000 drop-side cribs with “Crib Trigger Lock and Safety Peg” hardware. In January 2011, CPSC and Delta learned of a 2009 death in which 7-month-old girl from Colorado Springs, Colo. became entrapped and suffocated between the detached drop-side and mattress of her recalled crib. The crib was purchased secondhand and re-assembled without safety pegs in the bottom tracks.

Missing safety pegs can create a situation where the crib’s drop-side rail disengages from the track. This can create a hazardous space in which an infant can become entrapped and suffocate.

At the time of the October 2008 recall, CPSC notified consumers about the death of an 8-month-old girl who became entrapped and suffocated when the drop side of the crib detached. The crib involved in this incident also was re-assembled without safety pegs. At the time of the October 2008 recall announcement, there were reports of two entrapments and nine detachments in cribs without safety pegs.

“Buying or accepting cribs second hand can be risky,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “Second hand cribs may not come with all of the necessary parts that are needed to make sure your baby is safe. We urge parents and caregivers to use caution and to be aware that new rules established by CPSC will bring safer cribs to the market this summer.”

This re-announcement involves cribs that were made in Taiwan and Indonesia. The cribs were sold at major retail stores including Kmart, Target and Walmart between January 1995 and December 2005 (through September 2007 for model 4624) for about $100.

Delta’s name and address is printed on the mattress support boards and the Delta logo is on the crib’s top teether rail. Model numbers are located on the top of the mattress support board. This announcement includes the following 49 crib models with “Crib Trigger Lock with Safety Peg” drop-side hardware:

* 4320, 4340;
* 4500, 4520, 4530, 4532, 4540, 4542, 4550, 4551, 4580;
* 4600, 4620, 4624 – production dates 01/06 thru 11/07, 4640, 4660, 4720, 4735, 4742, 4750 – production dates 01/95 thru 12/00;
* 4760, 4770, 4780, 4790;
* 4820, 4840, 4850, 4860, 4880, 4890, 4892; and
* 4900, 4910, 4920, 4925-2, 4925-6, 4930, 4940, 4943, 4944, 4947, 4948, 4949, 4950, 4958, 4963, 4968, 4969, 4980.

CPSC urges parents and caregivers to immediately stop using cribs that are missing a safety peg on either leg of the drop side and contact Delta to receive a free, easy-to-install repair kit. Call Delta toll-free at (800) 816-5304 anytime or visit the firm’s website at www.cribrecallcenter.com to order the free repair kit.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to find a safe, alternative sleep environment for their child until the repair kit, with new safety pegs, is safely installed on the recalled cribs.

Important Message from CPSC: CPSC reminds parents not to use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy. When using a drop-side crib, parents should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving part operates smoothly. Always check all sides and corners of the crib for parts separating that can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib. Babies have died in cribs where repairs were attempted by caregivers. Crib age is a factor in safety. At a minimum, CPSC staff recommends that you do not use a crib that is older than 10 years old. New, mandatory federal crib rules take effect on June 28, 2011. All cribs manufactured and sold after that date must meet new and improved safety requirements. Older cribs do not meet the new standard and can have a variety of safety problems. Check if your crib has been recalled at www.cpsc.gov

Land of Nod Recalls Status Furniture “Rosebud” Drop-Side Cribs

kbreyes — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:01:01 +0000

The Land of Nod Recalls Status Furniture “Rosebud” Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards

View the official press release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Rosebud drop-side cribs

Units: About 300

Manufacturer: Status Furniture, of Quebec, Canada (out of business)

Distributor/Retailer: The Land of Nod, of Northbrook, Ill.

Hazard: The drop-side rail hardware on the cribs can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop side detaches, a hazardous gap is created between the drop-side rail and the crib mattress in which infants and toddlers can become wedged or entrapped, posing risks of suffocation and strangulation. In addition, children can fall out of the crib when the drop-side rail falls unexpectedly or detaches from the crib. Drop-side rail failures can also occur due to incorrect assembly or with age-related wear and tear.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and The Land of Nod have received 13 reports involving drop-side hardware that has malfunctioned or failed. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall includes “Rosebud” cribs manufactured by Status Furniture. The cribs are white or antique white and have plastic drop-side hardware. “Status Furniture” appears on crib labeling on the lower portion of the headboard. Model number “910” appears on the assembly instructions.

Sold at: The Land of Nod retail stores and online at www.landofnod.com from January 2003 through September 2004 for about $600.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these cribs immediately and contact The Land of Nod to receive instructions on how to receive a merchandise credit for the full purchase price of the crib ($599). The Land of Nod is undertaking this recall for its customers because Status Furniture is out of business. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed depending on the child’s age.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact The Land of Nod at (800) 933-9904 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or email at recall@landofnod.com, or visit the firm’s website at www.landofnod.com

Important Message from CPSC: CPSC reminds parents not to use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy. When using a drop-side crib, parents should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving part operates smoothly. Always check all sides and corners of the crib for parts separating. Disengagements can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib. Babies have died in cribs where repairs were attempted by caregivers. Crib age is a factor in safety. At a minimum, CPSC staff recommends that you not use a crib that is older than 10 years. Many older cribs may not meet current voluntary standards and can have numerous safety problems.

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.saferproducts.gov/CPSRMSPublic/Incidents/ReportIncident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.