General Archives - Newborn & Family Photographer in Northern Westchester, NY

Getting to know the Stork behind the lens…

From Passion to Business: The birth of storkey studios

After being in the industry for 11 years, Storkey Studios has become my baby – something I love and nurture along with my amazing clients! I established the business shortly after graduating with a degree in Creative Photography from Humber College in Toronto, ON. My career started when I was hired by a newborn, family, and wedding photographer. She took me under her wing and taught me not only the business but also fine-tuned my photography skills for this niche market. Through my work with her, I practiced newborn safety and posing techniques – skills I still use today. Eventually, I took over the newborn side of her business while she grew the wedding side. After a few years, I ventured out on my own with her blessing.

The Meaning Behind "Storkey Studios"

Storkey is my maiden name, and with “stork” being a symbol of newborns, I knew it was my destiny to focus on newborn photography! As the youngest of three girls, naming the business after my father felt like a wonderful way to honor him. Even now, being far from home, Storkey Studios is a piece of my family that stays with me.

How a Canadian Ended Up in Westchester, NY

Whether or not you’ve asked yourself how I landed here, I can’t resist sharing the story—it’s a good one! In July 2016, during a girls’ road trip to Nashville, TN, I met a handsome Yankee on the dance floor (he stepped on my foot!). After his apology and offer to buy me a drink, we hit it off. We discovered we were both on road trips with friends—me from Toronto, him from New York. That sparked a long-distance relationship, and we got engaged in 2019. After navigating a pandemic, immigration hurdles, and 1,750 days apart, I finally made it to the U.S. summer 2021 with a green card in hand!

Building a New Chapter in Northern Westchester

Now that we’re on the same soil, my husband and I recently relocated from White Plains to Katonah, NY. I’m thrilled to reopen Storkey Studios and establish myself in the Northern Westchester community. I can’t wait to meet new clients and capture their beautiful moments!

My Photography Style: Clean, Crisp, and True to Life

My photography style speaks for itself. I love creating clean, crisp images that are unique to you and your family. I embrace a “less is more” approach—using simple props, natural outfits, and timeless backdrops to create beautiful portraits that can be enjoyed year-round. If you have a fun, funky idea, I’d love to hear it!

A Fun, Professional, and Personal Experience

I pride myself on being friendly yet professional, and my sessions are known for their relaxed, fun atmosphere. Clients often commend my sense of humor, sweet nature, and endless patience! The entire process, from capturing moments to transforming them in the digital darkroom, is what I love most. My hope is that you’ll invest in stunning wall art that showcases these moments throughout your home.

Let’s Connect!

Thank you for taking the time to read a bit about me! Let’s chat soon about your vision and how I can help create lasting memories for your family.

• Jess xx
Storkey Studios LLC | Northern Westchester New York Newborn Photographer

Getting to know the Stork behind the lens… Read Post »

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photography Session: A Complete Guide

Congratulations!

As you embark on this beautiful journey of parenthood, capturing those precious early moments with your newborn becomes so important! At the heart of every unforgettable memory lies the magic of your unique newborn photography session…

Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your growing family, preparing for your newborn session is an exciting step in creating timeless keepsakes that will adorn your walls and warm your hearts for years to come. In this detailed newborn session prep guide I hope to outline some suggestions on what to wear, how to prepare your home and how to prepare your family and get you excited about your upcoming session! Ultimately, this session is about you and your family, and the images captured are yours to cherish. My goal is to capture your authentic personalities and preserve this moment as it naturally unfolds during our time together.

Read on as we delve into the essential tips, tricks, and gentle reminders that will help you make the most of your newborn photography experience! If you’re ready to capture these precious moments with Storkey Studios, let’s connect and schedule your session today!

• What to Wear •

Simplicity is always beautiful, especially when welcoming a newborn into the family. For any type of session, I suggest trying to coordinate outfits over matching. Solids, simple patterns and textures mixed together are great. Choosing a palette of tones and colors that compliment each other adds an appealing, cohesive look.

I often suggest parents pull a solid white or black option as well, depending on what we have planned. This can be a great fallback option if you’re stressing over what to wear, as it keeps the focus on the subjects being photographed.

Try to avoid clothing with words and large logos. Avoid dress shirts with small busy patterns as they don’t always photograph well. If you still feel unsure, feel free to pull a couple options and we can pick together.

Moms: Soft neutral tones – white, grey, beige and pastel colors all look beautiful up next to baby’s skin. A comfortable long sleeve sweater or top with leggings or stretchy jeans is always nice. Flowy dresses are also a great option, providing both comfort and a feminine touch. Gentle everyday jewelry.

Dads: Neutral colored t-shirt, golf shirt or a pressed button down. Gray, navy and light blues are often pleasant and denim and khaki bottoms are classic options that work well. Opt for one of your smaller watches.

Little Ones: The children are similar, neutral tones so the focus stays on them and/or pops of complimentary color to reflect their little big personalities! White t-shirts are nice with their new siblings as well. Dress your newborn in loose fitting clothing (zip up onesie) if possible to avoid lines on the baby’s skin. Loose clothing also makes it easier to undress them for diaper poses without disturbing them – a simple swaddle is even better!

Everyone’s fingernails should be in tiptop shape; you never know when a photo opportunity will arrive… There’s nothing quite like the contrast of a newborn’s tiny fingers and toes with mom or dad’s protective, loving hands. Clean feet, socks and shoes (if worn) as well!

Being comfortable is important! The internet / Pinterest is a great resource for ideas and inspiration. Plus, you are welcome to send me photos ahead of time to help you decide!

• How to Prepare Your Home •

For a newborn session, whether we are in the studio or in your home, the temperature will be warmer! Since your little one will be in their diaper and exposed at times throughout the session, this is very important to ensure our success. We want to keep them warm and cozy so they remain sleepy and easier to pose. If our session is in your home, I will bring a space heater or request that you bump the thermostat up a bit. When coming to the studio please dress comfortably and bring along your outfits to change into for the session. You are welcome to step out at any point to get some fresh air!

A general tidy is always great if you can manage prior to your session – with extra focus on the areas with the most natural light as that’s most likely where we will be. If this is the primary bedroom, simply clearing knickknacks and bulky items off nightstands and dressers near windows is very helpful and will remove any unnecessary distractions. After I arrive at your home, I will ask for a tour of those spaces – once we find our spot, I am happy to help move some things as well – just a heads up!

• Preparing The Family, Mom & Baby •

A newborn session takes a bit longer than any other session due to their unpredictable nature! With this in mind, I highly recommend allowing for at least half the day to be dedicated to the session – not everyone may be in photos the entire time but best to prepare so there’s no additional stress. If you are coming in to the studio, prepare to be in the session for a few hours. You are welcome to bring entertainment and snacks for any other family members and your partner too!

Please keep in mind that not all babies will cooperate or do all the different poses. I will attempt certain things but if I feel like it’s not going to happen, I will let you know and we will move on. My priority is keeping your little one comfy and happy. Keep in mind that not all babies cooperate the same, each day. They are so new to our world and growing and changing daily – I work with them with baby led posing and follow their lead. They usually guide the session regardless of what we plan anyways and I often prefer it that way!

Try to keep your baby awake prior to your session (2 hours before is ideal), this way we can ensure they will be extra sleepy. If possible, a nice warm bath beforehand can also help set us up for success!

If your newborn will take a pacifier, have one handy for our session. Even if you don’t plan on using one long term, if you are comfortable, a pacifier can be a great soothing tool while moving your newborn from pose to pose. If used only for the session, there should be no concern of habit forming.

Feeding: We want a nice full baby for the session, this also helps them sleep soundly. If we can time it right and you can feed your little one upon arrival, while we get setup, that would be ideal! It is not unusual to feed again at some point throughout the session, we call them ‘top ups’ which help settle them if they begin to stir. A full baby = a sleepy baby. Many of the sweet poses and photographs we will try to accomplish require a sleepy, calm newborn that’s flexible and easy to pose. You may also have a bottle pumped for the session if you’d like me to feed them while we transition between poses.

If you are breastfeeding, we suggest avoiding anything spicy or anything that may cause gas. These things can upset a baby’s tummy for 24 hours preceding your scheduled session. A gassy baby won’t be very happy and won’t pose well during our session. We want them as comfortable as possible! The most common foods to avoid include: acidic foods, such as lemons, oranges, berries, pizza, spaghetti, chili and tomato products. Avoid gassy vegetables such as asparagus, onions, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. Also avoid soda and coffee if possible. With that being said, these are merely suggestions we recommend trying if you wish to help with the success of your session.This is not medical advice however, it won’t hurt to try to avoid these foods – but you certainly don’t have to!

Have fun! I strongly believe little ones can sense tension or stress and often act as a reflection of the vibes in the room. Don’t fret about any accidents that happen at our session. Baby’s cry, go to the bathroom and spit up on me all the time and I’m used to it! I know many techniques to try and soothe your baby. Trust that I will hand your baby over if they are ever truly upset. Also, know that I respect you and trust your parental instincts as well!

Thank you for reviewing our newborn session prep guide! If you’re eager to create beautiful memories with your little one, click the link below to reach out and schedule your personalized newborn photography session! Alternatively, if you’ve already booked – congrats! Time to sit back, relax and prepare for your upcoming session. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to email Storkey Studios.

Looking forward to your upcoming session!

– Jess xx
Storkey Studios LLC | Northern Westchester New York Newborn Photographer