Family & newborn photography for Cleveland families and surrounding areas.

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As a Cleveland Newborn Photographer, I understand the importance of capturing those precious early moments of your little one’s life. When it comes to choosing between a studio vs in home session, there are several factors to consider. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option, to help you make the best decision for your family.

Studio Sessions: Embracing Controlled Environment

Pros:

Controlled Environment: One of the main advantages of a studio session is the controlled environment it offers. With an all white background, it’s incredibly hard to take a bad picture! The lighting is always beautiful and will make every photo gorgeous!
Limited Distractions: If you will have young children in the portraits, it can be beneficial to take your newborn portraits at a studio where the distractions are limited. No toys, television or every day life can keep their attention elsewhere.
No Cleaning Required: Although I don’t require you to clean your home for an in home newborn session, I know it can be overwhelming thinking you need to clean up before your session. With a studio session, you can just pack up what you need and leave the mess at home.

Cons:

Less Personalized: Some families may find that the studio setting lacks the personal touch and familiarity of their own home.
Travel Required: Depending on the location of the studio, you may need to factor in travel time and logistics, especially during those early days with a newborn.

In-Home Session: Embracing Familiar Surroundings

Pros:

Comfort and Convenience: This is a big pro to having an in home session, as you can avoid leaving the house for your session. It gives you more time to prepare, all of your essential items are within arms reach and if you have siblings joining your session, they can easily take breaks when needed.
Variety in Backgrounds: Usually during an in home session, I will shoot in the nursery, master bedroom, and occasionally in the living room or outside. However, I will go wherever the light is best. Sometimes this can be a hallway, front door or the dining room. But I try my best to always start in the nursery that I know you spent hours planning out all those perfect details!
More Relaxed Posing: This requires very simple, basic posing and leads to more of a lifestyle look for the images. Plus, you can include your family pets this way as well!

Cons:

Limited Control: While natural light can be stunning, it’s also unpredictable. We may need to work with the available light in your home, which could pose challenges depending on the time of day and the rooms we hoped to photograph in.
Cleaning: As I mentioned before, I don’t require you to do a deep clean of your home before your session. But do encourage a quick tidy up of removing toys and clutter out of the way. In those unpredictable early days, I can understand tidying up being the last thing on your mind!

Whether you opt for a studio vs in home newborn photography session, the most important thing is to choose an environment where you and your baby feel comfortable and relaxed. As a Cleveland Newborn Photographer, I am committed to capturing timeless images that reflect the unique personality of your family, regardless of the setting. If you’re still unsure which option is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out, I’m happy to help guide you through the decision-making process!

Hi there! I’m Britt, owner of Brittany Serowski Photography. I am a Cleveland Newborn Photographer documenting babies, mothers & motherhood journeys. I specialize in a portrait experience that is full of ease and joy, with results of beautiful photographed memories. Serving mothers in Cleveland and the surrounding areas – Bay Village, Rocky River, Westlake, Avon Lake, Lakewood, Tremont, Ohio City, Shaker Heights, Chagrin Falls and more. All motherhood sessions include pre-session online consultations for portrait preparation & style assistance, a styling guide full of knowledge in preparing and making the most out of your session, portrait coverage on location at my exclusive scouted areas & high resolution edited digital portraits delivered in an online gallery.

Are you looking for the perfect newborn photographer? I would be thrilled to document your little bundle of joy. Let’s start the conversation! Want to be included in my newsletter for all the details on my seasonal minis? Click here!

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Indoor Winter Portrait Locations in Cleveland, OH

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When winter’s icy embrace lingers outside, there’s a delightful alternative to freezing in the frosty air: indoor winter portrait sessions. Below I have a few indoor winter portrait locations in Cleveland, OH that are ideal to escape to for winter portraits that not only shield you from the cold but also provide a charming backdrop for capturing the season’s spirit! *Some of these may require a permit so just do a quick check before heading there!

1. Your Home Sweet Home:

Sometimes, the coziest spot for winter portraits is right at home. Embrace the warmth and familiarity of your own space, capturing intimate moments that tell the story of your winter season in a personal and genuine way.

2. Studios or Creative Spaces:

We are so lucky to have SO many photography rental studios in Cleveland and nearby cities! There are ones that are just a plain white backdrop and others that include props and scenes to add a little ‘umph’! Here are a few I recommend:

Lake Arts Studio | Suite 226 | The Co Station

3. The Cleveland Arcade & Cleveland Library

These iconic Cleveland spots can provide such a grand backdrop if you want a high end, luxurious look to your photos with staircases and architecture aplenty surrounding you.

4. Cleveland Museum of Art

This sophisticated location is great if you want to try and do some indoor and outdoor portraits as both the inside and outside is incredibly beautiful.

5. Local Greenhouse or Nursery

If you want to bring the outdoors inside, opt for a garden conservatory, local greenhouse or nursery. These lush havens boast tropical plants and flowers, creating a beautiful contrast to the snowy world outside while offering a cozy & colorful environment for your portraits. Here are a few I recommend:

Petitti’s | Rockefeller Greenhouse | Miller’s Nature Preserve

With these indoor winter portrait location ideas, you can escape the cold while creating timeless memories in charming and cozy settings! Portraits don’t have to be just a spring – fall activity here in Ohio! Stay warm!

Brittany Serowski Photography is a Cleveland Maternity, Newborn & Family photographer specializing in a joyful & pleasant portrait experience for sincere mothers looking to capture their legacy with tender, timeless portraits. Serving mothers in Cleveland & the surrounding areas; Bay Village, Rocky River, Westlake, Avon Lake, Shaker Heights, Chagrin Falls and beyond. All motherhood sessions include pre-session online consultations for portrait preparation & style assistance, a curated guide for preparing & making the most of your session, portrait coverage on location at my exclusive scouted areas & high resolution edited digitals portraits delivered in an online gallery.

Are you looking for the perfect baby photographer? I would be thrilled to document your little bundle of joy. Let’s start the conversation!

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Indoor Winter Portrait Locations | Cleveland Photographer | Brittany Serowski Photography

What To Wear For Outdoor Winter Session

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As we welcome the winter season, it’s a beautiful time to capture the beautiful season in your life with a serene layer of snow all around you. Though, dressing for the chilly weather requires a thoughtful blend of style and warmth. Here’s a guide to help you on what to wear for your outdoor winter session:

A black and white photo of a couple snuggled close together and walking hand in hand laughing as they walk through the snow by Cleveland Maternity Photographer, Brittany Serowski Photography.

What to Wear for Your Outdoor Winter Session

1. Bundle Up in Layers:

Embrace the cool weather by layering up with stylish winter essentials. Think cozy sweaters, scarves, and chic jackets. Layers not only add visual interest to your outfit but also keep you warm and comfortable during the shoot.

2. Texture Play:

Introduce texture into your ensemble to add depth to your winter look. Consider incorporating wool, faux fur, or chunky knits for a cozy and visually appealing effect. These textures not only provide warmth but also photograph beautifully.

Two expecting parents holding onto the mom's pregnant belly while standing in the snow looking at her belly, by Cleveland Maternity Photographer, Brittany Serowski Photography.

3. Boots Made for Walking (and Posing!):

Footwear is crucial during winter sessions. Opt for stylish yet practical boots that not only keep your feet warm but also add a polished finish to your look. Consider neutral tones that blend seamlessly with your outfits.

4. Invest in Stylish Outerwear:

If your session involves spending significant time outdoors, invest in a stylish coat that compliments your outfit. Choose a piece that not only keeps you warm between portraits but also adds a layer of sophistication to your overall look.

An expecting mom wearing a black dress in the snow holding onto her belly as she looks away by Cleveland Maternity Photographer, Brittany Serowski Photography.

5. Neutral Tones for Timeless Appeal:

Neutral tones such as whites and creams can create a timeless and elegant look in winter portraits. These colors not only compliment the winter landscape but also provide a classic aesthetic that withstands the test of time.

Extra Tip: Bring a Blanket or Throw:

For an added touch of coziness, bring along a cozy, knitted blanket or throw. It not only serves as a practical accessory to keep warm between portraits but also adds a charming element to your winter portraits.

These 5 tips will ensure that you will be chic & warm for those beautiful winter, snow portraits! If you’d like to take a look at the Pinterest board I send to my clients for loads of curated outfit suggestions click here: for families | for maternity!

Are you looking for the perfect family photographer? I would be thrilled to document your loved ones. Let’s start the conversation!

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Winter Outdoor Portraits | Cleveland Family Photographer | Brittany Serowski Photography

How To Prepare Your Home for Portraits

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With the winter season upon us, more in home portrait sessions take place to escape the cold wind for your portraits. That being said, transforming your home into a picturesque haven becomes a delightful prelude to capturing beautiful memories. Below are a few tips I love to give families on how to prepare your home for portraits!

How To Prepare Your Home for Portraits

1. Embrace the Natural Light

Most importantly, turn off all overhead & artificial lighting! Open all windows and shades to let in an abundance of natural light, creating a soft and flattering ambiance. Natural light is the key to achieving timeless and classic photographs. While living rooms, kitchens, master bedrooms, and nurseries are often popular choices, I don’t shy away from unexpected spots. Following the sunlight – a gracefully lit staircase, a cozy dining room nook, or even a sun-kissed bathroom can serve as unique and stunning backdrops!

A mom and dad huddled close together in front of a large natural light window, with the curtain shades open in their son's nursery as the hold and view their newborn son. A great example of how to prepare your home for portraits.Mom and dad are in neutral clothes. Photographed by Cleveland newborn photographer, Brittany Serowski Photography.

2. A Quick Tidy-Up

No need for a deep cleaning! A quick, clutter-clearing tidying session will do wonders. Focus on the areas you anticipate being photographed, and don’t forget to tidy up any distracting background elements. A clean and organized space ensures the spotlight remains on your family’s connection.

A newborn baby girl laying in a moses basket with her dresser cleared off of all objects for an example of how to prepare your home for portraits. Her room is a neutral color with a peter rabbit wallpaper. Photographed by Cleveland newborn photographer, Brittany Serowski Photography.

3. Plan for Playfulness

For families with little ones, planning a natural activity within your home adds an authentic touch to your portraits. Consider activities that resonate with your family’s personality – whether it’s baking cookies in the kitchen, enjoying story time in the nursery, or a playful game in the living room. These candid moments will help create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for the littles, resulting in happy portraits!

A mother holding her newborn son on her lap in her bedroom with white bedding and a pale pink dress. Photographed by Cleveland newborn photographer, Brittany Serowski Photography.

By following these simple tips, your home will not only be prepped for a seamless session but will also become an integral part of the narrative, creating a visual story of your family’s unique connection.

Are you looking for the perfect family photographer? I would be thrilled to document your loved ones. Let’s start the conversation!

Did you enjoy this post? I think you’ll enjoy these ones as well:

How to Prepare Your Home | Cleveland Family Photographer| Brittany Serowski Photography

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I'm Britt! A motherhood photographer obsessed with all things home, motherhood & drinking copious amounts of iced coffee. Welcome to my little slice of the web where I share all the latest sessions and bits about my life. I hope you stay a while!