I find it so important for Moms to step away from behind the camera and have a photo session with their babies (even the grown ones). I encourage all moms to make time for themselves and allow someone to capture the beautiful bond they share with their children. During my mini session, I may ask you to play, tickle, run with, or just hold your child so that I can do my best to capture the sweetest moments. 

What is a mini session?
Exactly what it sounds like, just a shortened session usually around 20-30 minutes long.
Who can attend?
Feel free to invite friends, family members, and Dad's to help with your children and even play around in the background. 
How many images will I receive?
You may choose up to 5 images from your online gallery. There will be around 15-20 images to choose from. You will also have the option to purchase additional images for $10 each or an option to purchase the entire gallery for 50% off. 
When will I see my images?
Your gallery will be delivered through an online gallery called "Pixieset" on May 1, 2020.
Can I order prints through you?
Yes! I recommend ordering prints, books, or other gift options through me. Prints will be available for pick-up or you may choose to have them delivered to you for a small fee. 
How do I book a session?
Just email vanessa@emerierosephotography.com or fill out the contact form (button below) so that I can reach out to you for available time slots. Spots are limited and require a 50% deposit at time of booking. An email confirmation will be delivered after payment along with a code for a free styling service.
**Please understand your date is not officially booked until the deposit is paid. 

Have a beautiful day!
​Vanessa Castillo

Dallas has so many beautiful locations to offer for sessions. I have already visited many but there is still much more I want to explore. Therefore, I wanted to share a list of locations that I am eager to have sessions at for a discounted rate. I call this my "photography bucket list." The locations listed are kind of nearby places that I would love to have in my portfolio. You will notice that some places listed will have a preference for the type of session I would like to have there. This is simply because some locations are more suitable for a couple or portrait session than a family session with children. So if there is a body of water nearby, children would most likely be attracted to it, and I would definitely want to consider their safety. However, I did include some spots for families as well. OK, lets get started...!

Summer is coming to an end and I am so happy I made time for my daughters fruit bath session. My daughter absolutely loved this! I recommend this session for ages 7 months to 1 year. I know this is a small gap but as long as you have a stable and unsupported sitter you may be able to have this session at 6 months of age. If you decide to have this type of session for your child, definitely make sure your child does not have any allergies to the fruit. I am sure allergies for the fruit I used is very rare, but it is better to be safe than sorry! 

Here are some tips if you are planning your own fruit bath session. I ordered the tub off Amazon, this size is a 15 gallon tub. My 5 year old fit in it perfectly if it helps to reference that for size. This tub was around $35 and I loved the dull color and texture. I collected 2.5 gallon water jugs over time and used about 7.5 gallons for this session. When you do refill, just remember to pack warm water for your child so they can actually enjoy their bath. 

This blog topic is more of a mommy post than a photography post. I just wanted to share this fun idea with other parents if you happen to be home on a cloudy day. I call this a Dr. Suess/Rainy Day activity to do with your child. So here we go...
 
My middle child Mila has been obsessed with painting lately, specifically rainbows, so I decided to bring her art to life today. After I explained the idea of having her paint the sky, she was so excited to dip her brush in some watercolor. We had all the materials ready to go at our house, so I propped her near a well-lit window and let her creative process begin.

Since she insisted her rainbow colors be in the right order, I did give her some instructions while taking her photos. I probably shot around 20 different images playing with different angles. 

My oldest daughter has a collection of art supplies so they made the perfect props for the photo. I will let you know that everything that was displayed on the desk was stacked quite ugly behind me. I did that simply to avoid any distractions in the images. It was also an overcast day which made it a perfect day to create some sunshine and color with her. ​

I won't be speaking for other photographers, but I simply want to explain the process when booking a session with me. Other photographers may have a different approach but I hope this helps give a general idea. I booked my first professional shoot for my family really not too long ago. Even I didn't see the importance of it until I received my gallery, and got all choked up. I am always the one behind the camera, and because I love photography I don't mind it at all until I realize that I have no photos of myself for my kids to have.
Before I get to your why and what booking a session with me is like, let me just tell you a quick story. Just recently I made time for a trip to sunflower fields. I wanted to a good group photo of my daughters. I got them all dressed up, coordinated and all, I rushed to make sure I had everything packed, diaper bag, snacks, camera, etc. I made it an hour before they closed since the location was more than an hour away from me. I didn't get the photo I wanted, and honestly my camera felt like my cell phone. I couldn't put it down and really enjoy my children because I was so focused in getting a shot. I am sharing this because not even I can do it all. I believe it is so important to set time aside and allow someone else to look at your family and show you what is beautiful and special about it...even though I am sure you already know. So anyway lets begin...

Along with the seasons and time of day, locations can have a big impact on your photos. When considering your location, choose one that best suits you personally. What you have to wear to your session can also help narrow down your decision. Don't be shy to dress up at a more natural location, but do consider the type of shoes you'd bring to a park. ;)

​Anyways, here are some of my favorite photography locations around Dalas that I have found to love!

1. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve / Address: 6701 W Parker Rd. Plano, TX 75093
This location has so much to offer because it is just so large. I usually only shoot just around the entrance of the park and I am able to deliver many options to my clients. The open field they have is perfect to capture a gorgeous sunset as well. You must visit right when the leaves begin to change their colors...it's beautiful. This park is usually filled with many other photographers, but with so much space, there is plenty of room for all of us!
Cost: FREE ​

These are the girls that inspired me to start my business in photography. As a mom I see how quickly children grow up, so every moment spent with them means I am usually taking so many pictures of them. Since I am always taking pictures, they hate to pose for me at times. So if you're a mom that wonders why you can't get your children to look and smile at the camera at the same time. I understand & it happens to me too! While doing family sessions, I always hear from moms "look at the camera and smile!" But I think it's important to also capture the moments in between the poses. Personally, I would much rather remember my children behaving as children. So even though I do offer the posed family photos with every session, I really recommend framing the natural moments around your house. I feel it brings more joy and shows their true character.