Blog - Fifth and Chestnut

Golf Themed One Year Photos of Quade by Reno Baby Photographer

May 11, 2019 In Babies & Kids No Comment

Everyone, say hello to my littlest cousin, Quade! He just turned one, so his parents asked me to create adorable golf themed one year photos of him!

Baby Boy Photos at Hidden Valley Country Club

I was so excited that we got permission to take Quade’s photos at Hidden Valley Country Club! It was really awesome of the golf course to let us take pictures there on a sunny afternoon.

His parents even brought his set of toy golf clubs (how cute!!!) which was a perfect prop for these golf themed photos!

Photographing one year olds (toddlers in general) is always a fun challenge, and I was so excited to see lots of adorable expressions from Quade throughout our session.

Check out just a few of my favorites from his one year portraits!

Spring Reno Headshots with Royal Blue and Black Theme | Reno Headshot Photographer

April 30, 2019 In Headshots No Comment

I have been so lucky to photograph Kerri & her family for the past several years! So of course, I was elated when she asked me to create her spring Reno headshots as she starts full-time self employment with her business!

Rancho San Rafael Royal Blue Reno Headshots

Rancho San Rafael is one of my favorite Reno locations for photoshoots of any kind because it’s beautiful year-round. We had a little extra benefit of cloud cover to give us nice, soft lighting in the afternoon. The colors Kerri chose for her headshots were also perfect. I love me a good royal blue!

Did you know that deep gem-colors are excellent choices for headshots? If you’re considering new Reno headshots, I always suggest a gem tone, coupled with a neutral color (like black as Kerri has done here).

I soooo loved making these beautiful portraits of Kerri. Here are some of her faves, and a few of mine, too!

Woodland Newborn Photos by Lifestyle Reno Newborn Photographer

April 22, 2019 In Babies 1 Comment

When Oakley’s mom sent me pics of his adorable woodland and lumberjack inspired nursery, I got so excited to pull props and items for a special woodland themed session to go with his beautiful nursery. Hello, buffalo check!!

Reno Woodland Newborn Photos

As you’ll see in some of my favorites below, Oakley graced me with his beautiful smile. I know it’s just gas, but still!! He smiled! AND he has the most inquisitive eyes and squishiest wittle lips!!

Oakley was an absolute joy to photograph, and it was also so amazing to see this amazing couple become parents. I’ve loved working with them from their engagement forward!! It’s my favorite thing in the world to be able to photograph these incredible life milestones!

Enjoy my favorites from Oakley’s in home woodland newborn photos!

Headshot Wardrobe Tips

April 9, 2019 In Tips and Tricks No Comment

As a Reno headshot photographer, I often get asked “what should I wear for my professional headshots?” So I am here to help with a list of do’s and don’t with wardrobe tips and more for your Reno headshot photography session.

Headshot Photoshoot Tips

DO think about how you will be using your headshot when you make your styling decisions. Will you be including your headshot alongside many others for speaking engagements? Does it need to stand out, or fit in? Does your company have specific requirements for your headshot? Know the answers to these types of questions when you are getting your wardrobe ready!

DO wear something that comfortably expresses your personality while still maintaining the necessary level of professionalism in your specific field or industry.

DON’T forget about shoes, hair and accessories. Despite the fact that these are called HEADshots, you could potentially be photographed from head to toe! Speaking to females here – make sure your nail polish isn’t chipping (on fingers AND toes if you are wearing shoes that show them)! That’s something that’s VERY difficult to photoshop (and often times impossible), so don’t let it ruin your favorite headshots.

DO buy a new outfit if you wish, but be sure to “test” the outfit beforehand so you know whether or not it’s truly comfortable in any position! You should be able to comfortably sit down in your outfit. You don’t want all of your photos to be stiff upright standing shots. Comfort is key. If you don’t feel comfortable, you won’t look comfortable.

DON’T expect your transition lenses in your glasses to be clear outdoors – they are sunglasses outdoors! Consider wearing contacts, or put your glasses away for your session.

DON’T wear baseball caps or other hats unless it is part of your persona (and acceptable in your headshots) – they will create harsh shadows over your forehead & eyes. Part of what makes a great portrait of you is seeing your eyes!

DO consider the time of year and location of your shoot. If you’re getting your outdoor headshots done in the fall, think of colors that compliment orange, yellow and red. If choosing springtime, think about wearing pastels. However – since these are your professional headshots, again make sure that the colors you choose compliment the level of professionalism you are trying to convey. For headshots, I tend to love jewel-toned colors any time of year (deep purple, emerald green, royal blue etc) and pastels in the spring.

DON’T wear all black. Unless you really want to – your style is up to you, of course! But black is a very common color for headshots, and you typically want your headshot to stand out and show your individuality.

DON’T wear small patterns (checkerboard/ houndstooth etc), because they don’t photograph or print well. Neither do large graphics, thin straps, extremely bright colors (especially red, pink and neon shades).

DO rely on a professional makeup artist & hairstylist to highlight your beauty. If you’ve booked my premier headshot package WITH hair & makeup styling, I will coordinate the services with the artists.

DO visit Pinterest and search headshot images to get outfit ideas. If getting hair & makeup done, provide your artist with style inspiration! Also make sure to consider how “done up” you wish to be in your headshots. Make sure to convey all those details to your artist so you get the look and style you want!

That’s it! All my do’s and don’ts for your headshot portrait session look. I hope this article helps prepare you for your session and that you LOVE your new headshots. Below are some examples of headshot portraits – maybe some of them will inspire your look!

2019 Mommy and Me Portraits | Limited Gift Certificates by Reno Family Photographer

April 1, 2019 In Limited Portrait Events No Comment

I’m so excited to announce my 2019Mommy & Me Limited Portraits!

As a mommy, and especially as a photographer, I know how often Mom is BEHIND the camera making sure precious moments are captured instead of IN FRONT OF IT with the children. In 10 or 20 years, your children are going to want to see the photos of their beautiful mother beside them in photos. This is a great chance to make that happen for your kids and for yourself (or your partner). And that’s why I’m offering these limited portraits for Reno Mother’s Day photos.

This year, I am offering Mommy and Me portraits through GIFT CERTIFICATES. That way, you can give the gift of photography to a beautiful mommy in your life on Mother’s Day, or even purchase one as a gift to your self (why not, right?)!

Reno Mommy and Me portraits by Reno Family Photographer

Mommy & Me Limited Portrait Details:

I only have EIGHT gift certificates available for the Mommy & Me Limited Portraits! Once they’re gone, they are goooooone.

Who: These portraits are for a Mama & her children ONLY.

No extended family portraits – no full family portraits – no kids only.

Sorry Dads. ***Look out for another special as Father’s Day approaches*** If you are interested in a full family session in the month of May or beyond, I still have spots open for those at my regular, year-round pricing. Contact me for details.

Dates & Times:
After Mother’s Day 2019, the recipient of the gift certificate has 90 days to schedule the session. Weekend dates fill up fast, weekday dates are also available.

Location:
Outdoor location options in Reno/Sparks area To Be Determined. In case of inclement weather, including heavy wind or rain, sessions will be rescheduled.

Cost & What you Get:
Your $249 gift certificate includes a 20 minute Mommy and Me session within 90 days of purchase, and SIX hi-res digital images delivered online out of about 15-20 choices. Additional images or full galleries will be available for purchase. No ordering appointment or minimum purchase is required.

How to Book your Session:

To purchase your gift certificate, email me or call 775-335-9807.

Yellow & Gray Winter Girl Lifestyle Newborn Photos by Reno Newborn Photographer

March 29, 2019 In Babies No Comment

I was absolutely honored to be invited into Hetty & Branden’s home to photograph their brand new baby girl! Their in-home session was so amazing for these beautiful girl lifestyle newborn photos. Just WAIT until you see how cute Miss A’s nursery is!

In Home Newborn Session with Miss A

Our session started with this family’s first ever portraits! This is always one of my favorite parts of any newborn session. Seeing a new mama and daddy adore their baby is one of the most precious things to me.

After some family portraits, I brought out some cute props for her solo baby portraits. Then I wrapped up sweet Miss A into a cute little bundle until it was time for a mid-session feeding. Baby’s gotta eat!

The Most Adorable Totoro Nursery

While she was eating, it was a great opportunity for me to snap pics of her nursery – which is decked out with the cutest Totoro details. Hetty and Branden did such a wonderful job in preparing the nursery. It’s a comfortable and beautiful space – perfect for the long feeding sessions that lay ahead for this new set of parents!

After some cute sleeping portraits on the little bed prop I brought with me, Miss A was changed into the CUTEST Hello Kitty outfit I’ve ever seen. Did you know that I LOVE Hello Kitty? Now you do! She blessed us all with some adorable awake photos! I’m not always able to get photos of newborns while they are awake – and it’s always special when it happens.

She was then changed her into the sweetest little pink dress & white cardigan for some final photos in her beautiful nursery.

Miss A was honestly a rockstar baby model (like most of my baby clients tend to be), and she did so well for her first ever photo experience.

Check out just a small sampling of her lifestyle newborn photos below!

Kate’s Winter Snowy Reno Maternity Photos | Reno Maternity Photographer

March 3, 2019 In Maternity No Comment

I photographed Kate & John’s wedding at the Twenty Mile House in 2017 and I was SO EXCITED when Kate told me they are expecting a baby!! She was hoping for snow in her maternity photos, and I was, too! Usually, I don’t subject my camera gear to blizzard conditions…but I do LOVE a light snowfall. In the weeks leading up to our session, Reno/Tahoe got totally overloaded with snow. And on the only day that worked for all of us before baby arrives, it was snowing heavily. Highways were even being closed due to snow. So, we started planning an indoor backup plan. We also had an additional backup plan for outdoor snowy Reno maternity photos since Tahoe was totally buried.

Snow, snow and more snow

On the day of their session, the weather was bouncing around between blizzards and light snowfall. Even though we had an indoor option ready, we decided to go to Bartley Ranch (since there is some cover) and try and take at least a FEW portraits. I don’t think any of us wanted to pass up the opportunity to catch this beautiful snowy time!

Bartley Ranch Snowy Reno Maternity Photos

When we arrived at the park, it was just gorgeous. So serene and peaceful. It was snowing A LOT, but Kate & John are adventurous and had no problem hanging out in the snow! I protected my camera with my nifty plastic rain cover – if you’re wondering what I did to not wreck my gear! And I’m glad it was a super cold snow because it actually wasn’t very wet. If you live here in Reno, you know what I mean!

Part way through the session, we chatted about possibly heading to our indoor spot. However, I was getting my photog workout in…so I was actually warm! And Kate had the benefit of being a human furnace (preggie mamas can all relate) – but John had to have been at least a little chilly! Even so, we ALL wanted to just keep shooting at the park because it was lovely.

When our session was over, I headed home and it promptly stopped snowing – LOL!! I had an absolute blast with these two and I can’t wait to meet Oakley for his newborn session in March! I am also honestly so in LOVE with these snowy Reno maternity photos with one of my all-time favorite couples in the world!

Hair & Makeup by Rosa Mercedes Beauty.

Enjoy my favorites from their maternity session:

Rustic Winter Reno Maternity Photos by Reno Maternity Photographer

February 26, 2019 In Maternity No Comment

I had the honor of photographing Hetty & Branden’s wedding a few years back, so I was THRILLED when they asked me to photograph their winter Reno maternity photos and baby sessions to follow! They chose the beautiful location of Bartley Ranch in Reno. Definitely in my top fave places to shoot!

I love the letter board and adorable gamer onesie they brought to create their pregnancy announcement. I mean, are letter boards EVER a bad idea? Also, isn’t Hetty’s dress the most beautiful pop of color among our desert foliage at Bartley Ranch?!

From wedding couple to a new family!

One of my favorite things is seeing my wedding couples expect their first babies. It’s so magical. And it’s a wonderful thing to be a part of!

Thank you, Hetty and Branden, for choosing me to photograph these next incredible milestones alongside you! I am so excited to meet your sweet baby!

Cute Bohemian Cake Smash for Boy Girl Twins by Reno Baby Photographer

February 15, 2019 In Babies & Kids No Comment

This bohemian cake smash shoot couldn’t get any cuter! And I can say that because these are my own two precious babies, Indiana & Oliver, who just turned ONE!

Reflecting on one whole year with twins

The last year went by in such an intense flash. I have felt a lot of emotions about this incredible milestone, ranging from sadness to pure joy. But I am mostly SUPER STOKED that my little family all got through a very stressful year of raising twin infants. It’s one of those things – “yay we made it!” and “awww, they aren’t babies anymore!”

Indie & Ollie are the sweetest, most amazing one year olds. They are walking all over, and even learning how to ride on their sit n’ scoot cars. They are so smart, and are the BEST eaters! Also – the messiest eaters!

Watching babies turn into kids is the most amazing thing. I have tried to enjoy every moment of this first year with my twins. From the hard stuff to the wonderful stuff, I kept in mind that I won’t experience the no-sleep-zombie days ever again once we’re out of them. In case that wasn’t obvious, our family is complete and we’re not planning on having more kids! I’m so sad about it AND also ready to move on from the baby days.

I wanted to plan a cake smash session for my twins because first of all, I LOVE cake smashes. And secondly, I really wanted to do a special photoshoot to celebrate their birthday.

Adorable cake smash for twins

I wanted this cake smash for my own twins to be pretty simple. Although I love the intricate backgrounds I’ve become obsessed with on Pinterest, it’s just a lot of work for this tired mama. Plus, my twins are very easily distracted. I’m sure some of you can relate!

Every time I try to do a cute “scene” for photos, these two just immediately destroy the set. I have never – in my LIFE – photographed a harder set of children than my own twins. It is EXHAUSTING. This shoot could have gotten overwhelming REALLY fast. So instead of going ALL out, I chose a simple setup.

Our smash cake decor had to be cute, kinda bohemian but also gender neutral.

I got the eucalyptus garland from Amazon. You might be surprised to find out that I made the “ONE” cake toppers myself with heavy card stock and some birch paper straws (also from Amazon). I also picked up the amazing paper backdrop in “bone.” It’s the PRETTIEST neutral color!!

I found the PERFECT outfits for my twins to fit this theme as well, and a special floral headband for Indiana. I couldn’t be happier with how adorable they looked!

Homemade Smash Cakes

Due to our insurance deductibles starting over in January, along with dentist and doctor visits for EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US, I got some fun medical bills right before the babies turned one. And these things aren’t cheap with 2 adults and 4 kids in one household, my friends!

All the money I had saved for some beautiful smash cakes for the twins went bye bye. So, I had to make my own. Luckily, I’m not afraid of taking on such an enormous task all by myself.

I literally did a poor-woman’s Cakes 101 course via Pinterest. I think they turned out okay. Good enough for pictures, and they tasted amazing. My second one was much better than the first, that much I can say! After a bad cut on my thumb from cutting these cakes flat, and an entire day in the kitchen, I can safely say that although I made our smash cakes at home, I wouldn’t recommend it for most novice bakers like myself. Get a professional, if you can.

I loved how their photos turned out. I got some of the cutest pics I’ve ever gotten of the twins – even though while I was shooting, I was SURE I didn’t have any shots of them looking at me LOL.

Happy One Year, babies! Your mommy is so, so proud of you!!

: Cooper couldn’t be left out of the cake smash!

Fall Four Year Old Portraits by Reno Child Portrait Photographer

December 11, 2018 In Babies & Kids No Comment

My own sweet boy recently turned four years old. While I was in Tahoe taking some winter baby portraits for my best friend, I also snapped some quick fall four year old portraits of Cooper. Below are a small selection of my favorites that I took in less than 10 minutes at Sugar Pine Point!