mom and daughter hugging, lit by warm golden light during a mommy and me photo session in escanaba.
thanks for being here!

I started photographing Mommy and Me sessions years ago because, as moms, we are often the ones taking the pictures – not the ones in them.  I wanted to change that.  To make sure that we see how our children smile at us.  To make sure our children have these memories down the road.

Over the years, these have become some of my very favorite sessions to do. Many of my clients come back year after year – if you’re one of those, I’m so happy to see you again!  It means the world to see you and your kids each year.  If you’re new here, welcome! I’m excited to meet you and capture some beautiful memories!

Whether you’ve done these before or you’re curious about signing up for the first time, scroll on for details about this year’s sessions, and how to book!

When will the sessions take place?

I’m offering two different weekends again this year, with two different looks.

Saturday April 12th/Sunday April 13th and Saturday April 26th: Warm Tones. When I think back to my roots and what I absolutely love, it is this.  This window setup is soft, warm, and simple, and works for so many different outfits and styles! I’ll also have the bed set up again too.

two moms are surrounded by their kids, each cuddling with their own children but close together.

Sunday April 27th: Clean and Crisp. This photographed so beautifully last year that I wanted to bring it back.  Bright whites with a hint of greenery added, and another setup with beautiful backlight.  This setup will also work wonderful with a range of different outfits, colors, and styles.

How much are sessions?

Mommy and me sessions are $250.  This includes 10 digital files via download, as well as a complimentary product.

I really love for my moms to come away with something special printed from these sessions – I know how hard it is to find the time to print things on your own!

This year, I’ll have the torn edge, fine art 5×7 print matted to 8×10 again.  I’ll also have the tabletop plaque in crystal or a new wood option!  I’m also adding 4×8 accordion books as an option this year.

“Thank you for doing what you do and capturing these special moments. I’m absolutely in love with them.”

Ann

“You make things so relaxed and have such a nice environment that I don’t feel an ounce of stress when pictures are being taken!”

jenny

But what if I don’t like getting my picture taken?

Don’t worry – I’ve got you.  I know getting in front of the camera can be intimidating, awkward, uncomfortable – I’ve been there.  Even when I take my own pictures with a tripod I get nervous, and if it’s with another photographer – I’m a shaking mess!

I promise, though, that once you get in the studio and take a breath, it will all come together.  I’ll help you every step of the way with posing.  All you have to do is enjoy hanging out with your kids for 20 minutes.  I’ll make enough cheesy jokes and pretend (pretend?) to trip a million times and you’ll forget all about being nervous – it’s kind of my superpower.

20 minutes seems fast, what if my kid doesn’t cooperate?

20 minutes is a lot longer than it sounds.  If you’re worried about your child playing shy, you can arrive a few minutes early just to get them used to the studio.  Also make sure you plan your session during your child’s happy times – avoid typical nap or meal times, and bring snacks if you think they might need them.  But really, we will have plenty of time to get what we need.

Also, I’ve been told I have an abundance of patience.  I promise that whatever your child does, I’ve seen it before, and it doesn’t phase me.  My goal is to keep the sessions fun and lighthearted, so that when you and your child see the images, you say, “Remember what a good time that was?”  (The alternative, “Remember when we made you sit down and you didn’t want to and you cried?” isn’t such a fun memory – let’s avoid that, OK?)

I keep things structured but flexible, I’m easygoing and patient, and yes, I have a prize box for your children when the session is done (and maybe one for you too, because you deserve it most of all!). Photos shouldn’t be a chore – let’s have fun with them.

I do offer full sessions as well, with no time limits. If you want to explore and tell your story more in-depth, I would love to help you with that!

Love Note

“My daughter doesn’t like to get pictures done but the last couple times she has no problem getting dressed up (which is another no for her) and said she really likes getting pictures done now!”
 

kayla

I’d love to see you

headshot of escanaba Michigan portrait photographer, wearing cream sweater and glasses against a dark green backdrop.
Welcome, I’m sam.

Behind the Lens

I’m the face behind Northern Clove Photography.  I love using warmth and light to show you how beautiful your life is.  When I’m not taking pictures, you’ll find me exploring the woods, reading books, or finding places in the woods to read books.  Thanks for being here.