children's photographer Baltimore MD newborn baby Photographer Blair Blanks

Come over to the NEW blog!

2011-02-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

The new blog is up and running...come on over!

http://www.blairblanks.com/blog .

This blog will no longer be updated!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.comClick here to add Blair to your Facebook Friends List to know about events and specials!

Now booking March weekend dates

2011-01-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

I just checked my calendar and I do not have any weekend slots open until March (but I do have weekday morning slots). For those of you thinking of booking a session and needing weekend appointment, booking at least 8 weeks in advance is HIGHLY recommended!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Know about events, specials and giveaways! Click here to add Blair's Facebook page to the pages you like!

Daddy's Girls

2011-01-23T19:57:00.000-08:00

All this daddy wanted for Christmas was pictures of his girls, ALL his girls, together so rarely, loved so dearly.

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~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.comClick here to add Blair to your Facebook Friends List to know about events and specials!

Last days before the big debut

2011-01-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

I get to photograph this little one on the OUTSIDE next week...one of my most favorite families I work with. She looks so lovely pregnant... I STILL don't know if baby is a boy or girl. I didn't ask because I want to be surprised when they walk in the door!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.comClick here to add Blair to your Facebook Friends List to know about events and specials!

My husband got a Kindle, and I got to thinking...

2011-01-17T19:31:00.000-08:00

My husband just got a Kindle and it got me thinking...I have a lot of clients who understandably are confused as to why professional photographers charge what they do, for digital images or for prints.

So here goes...

Books, up until recently, were just paper and ink...people bought books not for the paper and ink, but for the ideas, the creativity, the insight, the wisdom, the artistry, the experience contained within those pages. Now, books are going electronic. E-readers are all the rage. But the price of an e-book is still only slightly less than the cost of a bound paper book (and e-books are MORE expensive than used paperbacks, and you can't lend out an e-book to a friend)...why is that? Stupid question, right? Everyone knows the money you pay for an e-book is for the ideas and artistry contained within the words of the book, so you can have them to read over and over again and enjoy for many years to come. Book authors surely deserve to get paid for the products of their hard work, right? Right!

It's the same for digital photos. Some people wonder why professional photographers charge for the digital negatives of the photos they create. I've even had people tell me they would be happy to kick in $2 for the cost of the CD! That is like telling an author you will pay him for the cost of the paper in his book, or like telling him that the e-book should be free since there is no cost to the author. When you buy a digital photo, or even a print, the bulk of the price is not for the cost of the CD or the paper the photo is printed on. Both of those are very small costs. You are paying for the years the photographer has spent learning and perfecting his or her craft, the way she knows how to get your cranky baby to smile, the way she has learned to pose you so you look your best, the tens of thousands of dollars worth of camera bodies, lenses, lighting, backdrops and props in her studio, her studio rent, utilities, insurance, taxes (we self employed photographers fork over 30% or more of our profit to Uncle Sam), her computers and massive hard drives needed to store so many digital files, child care, marketing, continuing training and education, and so much more.

Consider that for every shoot in the studio, which, with me, lasts up to three hours, a photographer will spend around four or five more hours before and after the session, communicating with the client, preparing for the shoot, then after the session, sorting through all the shots, backing up the files, editing the images for the perfect crop, color, saturation, removing imperfections, blogging the images or posting sneak peeks on Facebook; then, during the ordering process, creating a proof gallery and publishing it to the web, uploading orders to the print lab, packaging prints and shipping them to you. It's A LOT of work! The session fee only compensates the photographer for a fraction of the work she does in creating your images. She depends on sales after the session for her income. It's kind of like the waitress who gets paid less than minimum wage by her employer, but earns her living off tips. Her tip income depends on how well she does her job, and a photographer's print sales are the same. (I do offer a Time and Talent session, which is a flat fee all-digital session that takes into consideration all of the many, many costs of producing and executing a photo session.)

In the marketplace today, there are many hobby photographers who will photograph you for "fun money." Many are just starting out, inexperienced, working off the books and under the table, and do not yet realize all the true costs of operating a portrait photography business. I was, about nine years ago, one of those very people who thought I only needed to charge just slightly over my lab costs in order to be successful, until I realized just how much my "business" was actually costing me and my family.

So, remember, you pay your photographer not just for the price of the paper your images are printed on, or the CD they are burned to, but for her artistic eye, her creative heart, and the hours of her life she spends making portraits that you will cherish until you are old and gray and bouncing great-grandkids on your knee. And she's worth much more than a $2 CD.

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.comClick here to add Blair to your Facebook Friends List to know about events and specials!

Max is a big brother!

2011-01-11T10:11:00.001-08:00

Because I know his mom and dad are anxious for a little taste from our session, here is Big Brother Max and HIS new baby sister... sibling shots can be kind of a crap shoot, but really, it doesn't get any better than this. That look in his eyes, it melts me...

Also, I'm just getting back into town after traveling to Louisiana for a funeral, so if you are waiting to see your proofs or wondering where your prints are, please forgive me while I catch up over the next few days!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.comClick here to add Blair to your Facebook Friends List to know about events and specials!

Unspeakably gorgeous...maternity photo session

2011-01-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

When she approached me with the idea of henna tattoos for her pregnancy session, I loved the idea! I'm always up for something a little different. But when she walked in looking like this, well, the word "exquisite" is what came to mind...I think you'll have to agree.

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.comClick here to add Blair to your Facebook Friends List to know about events and specials!

New Year, New Blog Post (finally!)

2011-01-02T17:17:00.001-08:00

Yes, it's been forever since I posted here! In my defense, more stuff has been going on Facebook and less here (you can friend me to keep up-to-date with studio happenings! Click here to add me as a friend
http://www.facebook.com/blair.blanks). But the holidays have come and gone, school starts back tomorrow and we'll soon start settling into the grove of 2011. No more excuses! Back to work!

Here are a few from some recent sessions. Enjoy!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

The Happiest Surprise

2010-11-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

It's a year ago this week I got the happiest surprise of my life, news that, against all odds, I was going to have one more baby. I have to admit I was nervous, thinking of the logistics of it all, but here we are, a year later, not perfect, sometimes stressed, often a little harried, frequently tired, but always so grateful for our "bonus" baby who sneaked into our lives and our hearts when we least expected her!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Love, times two

2010-10-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

These twin baby girls just melted my heart! Such an honor to photograph them...

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

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Julia is two!

2010-10-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember Julia from her session at six months...she came to see me at the studio again a few weeks ago and she is such a big girl now! Still as lovely and luminous as ever, may just a wee bit more busy!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Thanks for visiting the blog. If you are interested in booking a session, please email me directly by clicking the contact button at the top of the blog page! "Friend" me on Facebook to know about specials and events announced only to my Facebook friends. Click here!

Family fun

2010-10-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

I tend to get mostly babies and very young kids into the studio, so it was kind of refreshing to photograph a family with tween-age kids that I did not have to chase! Any my apologies in advaance to the daddy of this family for giving him a heart attack when he sees how grow-up his little girl looks!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Growing family...

2010-10-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

I photographed baby Phoebe last month when she was just a few days old, just as I had photographed her big sister a few years ago when she was a newborn. I love seeing families as they grow and sharing in such a special part of their lives.

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Still slots open! Buy-one-get-one free prints if you book by Sunday!

2010-10-07T11:37:00.001-07:00

There are still slots open for the holiday mini sessions (Monday and Friday. Wednesday is full!). If you book your mini session by Sunday, I'm offering a BOGO deal on "a la carte" prints...buy one print and get the 2nd print free! Must be the same image, equal or lesser value. Not valid for digital files or packages. (and yes, if you've already booked, you get this deal!)

Mini Sessions are 20-minute sessions perfect for getting great images for holiday cards! $225 for the session and one high resolution digital image (reg. $125), 20% off all a la carte digital images, and now, Buy One/ Get One Free prints! Oct. 11- 22, weekdays only.

And because I hate to post without an image...here are two of my favorites from a recent session...isn't she gorgeous??!!??

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Holiday Minis, Free Digital Image and 20% OFF Additional Digital Images!

2010-10-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Awaiting...pregnancy shoot

2010-09-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

OK, so I have been called out for not updating my blog since our new baby was born...oops! Yes, time is stretched a little thinner these days, but I'll do my best to do better!

I was just laying out a maternity mini-book for a client and wanted to share. This couple was so great to work with, and she was such a stunning pregnant momma! I just photographed their new baby in the studio a few days ago, and let me tell you, that child is just as gorgeous! I'll try to share some of him later, too!

Here are a few pages from her book...these little books are such a great way to remember this special time (without have to always display them on your walls).

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

"What I Did on Maternity Leave" Win a Free Session at the new studio!

2010-09-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

‎**** Want to win a free session? Read on! ***** The studio has MOVED! I am now at 6709 York Road just south of Towson University and just a mile north of Northern Parkway (across from the Bank of America in the Stoneleigh/Rodgers Forge area)!
This is a great location, much larger (so more room for different sets, plus an awesome area for shooting natural window light, yay!). No more stairs to climb with the kiddos, and great little places nearby to grab lunch, ice cream or even take the kids duckpin bowling once your session is over!

To celebrate, I will be giving away, totally FREE, a one-hour portrait session and a 20 high resolution digital images (printable up to 11x14) to one lucky family! Just leave a comment on my Facebook announcement about the new place (to make me a Facebook "friend" search for Blair Stokes Blanks and send me a friend request. (Must be photographed by 6/2011. For up to two children and their parents. No cash value. Non transferrable. Appointment must be arranged at least three weeks in advance. Not valid during the month of December. Can not be used for a past session or session already scheduled.)

The winner will be picked at random and announced Sunday Sept. 26th. So post away! (hint: if we get enough response, I may pick TWO winners!)

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

And Campbell makes five...

2010-07-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago today, we welcomed our new baby girl, Campbell Louise Blanks, into our family. Since then, I have been using just about every quiet moment to photograph her! She is such a sweet baby, and we feel so lucky she joined us safely and without complications. She is the baby we did not know we needed to complete our family! I have so many images to share so check the blog over the next few days. My next goal is to get some nice shots of her with her eyes open. She seems to finally be waking up from her birth "wooziness" so wish me luck!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Back from the crash...a baby to share!

2010-06-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

OK, so I am almost recovered from the death of my hard drive (though not completely...I have a date with Adobe tech support tomorrow to breathe life back into my Photoshop program on my desktop!). I'm waaay behind on my blog but wanted to post some from this session...baby McKenzie made her entrance into the world a few weeks earlier than expected and is such a joyful addition to this family...

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Just a note

2010-06-03T03:54:00.000-07:00

If you are waiting for proofs from me, I have had a hard drive failure on my main computer (don't worry, your photos are backed up!) but there will be a bit of a delay while I have the hard drive replaced and restore the files. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience and will be in touch with everyone as soon as I have this all straightened out, which I hope will be in the next few days or so!

Blair~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Meet Kayla, so lovely

2010-05-26T06:26:00.001-07:00

I'm running out the door to yet another doctor's appointment (I'm at that point in this pregnancy where I'm going to be there a lot!) but I wanted to post these of lovely little Kayla while I have a minute. I get the most gorgeous babies in the studio!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Big boy

2010-05-21T04:52:00.000-07:00

Weighing in at over ten pounds, this guy is one of my record-holders for newborns!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Lovely part of a lovely weekend...

2010-05-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

This little one was a beautiful part of what was a beautiful weekend!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Move over, Gerber baby...

2010-05-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

... because baby Gregory here has got you beat! Look at this four-month-old's sweet little face!

~blair blanks | maryland baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Baby Jayden, tiny and spectacular

2010-05-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

Baby Jayden came into the world as the tiniest little piece of perfection...he is just gorgeous!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Victoria is One!

2010-05-02T17:23:00.001-07:00

Victoria came to see me at the studio for her first birthday day portraits this week. What a sweet girl she is!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Best cheeks this year...

2010-05-01T19:57:00.001-07:00

This little one had the best cheeks I have seen so far this year!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Five days new {newborn portrait session}

2010-04-27T18:42:00.001-07:00

This little love really fought sleep, but when sleep came, oh how lovely it was!

~blair blanks | towson newborn baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Twins, again...

2010-04-24T05:56:00.000-07:00

Something's in the air because suddenly I'm seeing more and more twins!
I loved these boy/girl twins ...

~blair blanks | baltimore twin newborn photographer | blairblanks.com

>

and Nolan makes three

2010-04-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Nolan is the third boy for this family, and I have had the privilege of photographing all three from pregnancy on. He was not much in the mood for photos this day but we managed to get some great images anyway!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Just one...pregnancy session

2010-04-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

This lovely mom-to-be was gracious enough to let me post from her maternity session. I just have time to post one right now, but it was one of my favorites from her session. I can't wait to meet her baby girl in a few weeks!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Lovely baby girl...

2010-04-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

This little one was so much fun and is so very loved...welcome to the world, little girl!

~blair blanks | Maryland newborn baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Welcome times two! Twin newborn photo shoot...

2010-04-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

Twins are always tough; newborns are always tough; preemies who have been out in the world for six weeks are always tough. Twin preemie newborns are REALLY tough! But these were good little guys and they really posed well for me. I have to say, though, it made me tired just WATCHING them being tended to ... wow, what a lot of work...but so worth it!

~blair blanks | baltimore twin photographer | blairblanks.com

Baby Claire, a study in perfection

2010-04-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

I love capturing the smallest details of a newborn, the wrinkled fingers and toes, the fine little eye lashes, the adorable back wrinkles...these are the things that seem so miraculous to new parents, and the things that change so quickly before you have a chance to burn them into your memory. One of the many reasons I love preserving these tiny details forever...for they are gone too soon.

~blair blanks | baltimore black and white newborn photography | blairblanks.com

Introducing Avery...

2010-04-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

Sweet little Avery is the newest member of this lovely family. Less than two years ago, I photographed her big sister when she was just a few months old, and now she has a play mate (but she's so busy, I'm not sure she's noticed yet!!)

~blair blanks | baltimore newborn photographer | blairblanks.com

Back, and back at it...

2010-04-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

I'm back after a few days of vacation for spring break, and right back in the studio with a week filled with new babies! This little guy is baby #3 for this family, and such a wee little peanut. His daddy really wanted the "leaf shot" but baby HATED the feel of the leaf, so we had a little talk and did a little compromising and it worked out just fine!

~blair blanks | maryland newborn photographer | blairblanks.com

Just one before I go!

2010-03-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

We are headed out of town for a few days but I know this mom is anxious to see pictures of her little miracle baby! She is 12 weeks, born three months early and just as sweet as can be!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Sophia, who made me laugh

2010-03-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

This little newborn had everyone cracking up with her funny faces. She has this great furrowed-brow look that made me laugh out loud! She also was a perfect little model for me with my funky modern stool. Thank you, Miss Sophia!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

She's the definition of "sweet"

2010-03-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

Such a perfect little princess...for her mom and dad's sake, I hope she stays this sweet forever!

~blair blanks | maryland newborn baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Pregnancy looks lovely on her

2010-03-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

I don't post many of my maternity photo sessions simply because the portraits are so personal, but I asked permission to post these because I think she makes such a gorgeous expecting mom. It was a treat to have this couple in the studio, and I can't wait to meet their little guy!

Wiggly and One!

2010-03-18T04:35:00.001-07:00

Madeline first came to the studio as a newborn and was one of those super-cooperative babies who just slept and let me do anything. Well, at one year old, she still has that easy-going disposition, but now she is BUSY!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby portrait photographer | blairblanks.com

Meet Edwin, the peanut

2010-03-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

Little Edwin is in for a fun life. I can't remember there being so much laughter at any previous newborn shoot!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

And the babies just keep coming...

2010-03-05T04:21:00.001-08:00

I have had so many brand new babies in the studio over the last few weeks...this little one loved being bundled up! I also have to attach a larger shot of her great eyelashes...you need to see it big for the full effect!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

McKenna, fussy? Nah...

2010-03-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

McKenna's mom and dad told me she was a bit of a fussy baby, but I'm not sure they were talking about the same kiddo, because this baby was a sweetie pie!

~blair blanks | maryland newborn photographer | blairblanks.com

Stylin' at three months

2010-03-01T17:39:00.001-08:00

This little one already has one awesome wardrobe at just three months old. I was thrilled when I saw her little Anthropologie get-up...my funky gold chair was just the right accent!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Andrew, up close

2010-02-26T08:40:00.000-08:00

Andrew is the newest member of a family I have been photographing since his big brother was in the womb. I broke out a macro lens this session...there is nothing cuter than little baby toes and lips!

~blair blanks | baltimore photography studio | blairblanks.com

Justin, one year

2010-02-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

I have been photographing Justin since before he was born and here he is, already a year old. He is such a hoot!

~blair blanks | maryland baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Three months of chubby love!

2010-02-20T18:28:00.000-08:00

This little guy was such a good baby, and such a big boy for only three months old!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Not a nightmare!

2010-02-17T18:50:00.000-08:00

I'll admit, 4-week-old babies scare me. They tend to be cranky, fidgity and downright hard to photograph. This little guy proved me wrong. I was so thrilled to be able to get some very peaceful "newborn" images of a baby this age. It almost never happens!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

We beat the snow!

2010-02-11T02:42:00.000-08:00

We had to do some fast thinking to get this little guy in before the big blizzard started, and I am so glad we did!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Lil' Monkey...

2010-02-07T17:43:00.000-08:00

This little guy's nursery theme is jungle animals...just had to try out the zebra-stripe blanket with the monkey ears!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Handsome devil...

2010-02-04T18:01:00.000-08:00

I was teasing him about all the girls who are going to be calling his house...but you just know it's true! I love this "tough guy" shot, too. He had such a hard time not smiling!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Lovely Olivia, three months old

2010-02-03T07:13:00.001-08:00

Olivia was such a little model for me. Something tells me this three-month-old is going to be a bit of a ham!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Meet Charlotte, the iddy biddy

2010-01-31T05:12:00.000-08:00

Charlotte's mom came to the studio for maternity portraits about a month before her due date. After the shoot, we discussed possible dates for the newborn session, and I off-handedly asked if she'd had any issues with preterm labor. Nope, nothing. Well, Miss Charlotte arrived the very next day!

~blair blanks | Maryland baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Bailey, with the cheeks

2010-01-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

Meet Bailey on her seventh day of life. She had the best cheeks ever! I love the "suspicious" look she kept giving me...

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Rowan, The Baby Fairy

2010-01-21T04:02:00.001-08:00

Rowan's mom has a "thing" for fairies, and she brought in these adorable little wings...we had a time getting Miss Bright Eyes here to sleep, but she pulled off this shot like a pro!

~blair blanks | maryland newborn photographer | blairblanks.com

Elizabeth, the radiant...

2010-01-17T08:28:00.001-08:00

At seven months old, it's already clear Elizabeth is going to be a beautiful girl. She has the best skin and the kind of soft, fine hair that makes you want just breath her in...

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Braving the cold

2010-01-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

I'm finally getting the chaos if Christmas behind me, which also means I'm finally sharing some images from this session last month. I thank goodness now that we did these shots before all the snow started...look, there was even a little green grass back there..in December, in Baltimore!

I love my babies but is it always fun to photograph older kids...Katherine and Liam were great sports, even though they were freezing!

~blair blanks | baltimore kids photographer | blairblanks.com

Santa baby...

2009-12-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

Tristan's mom and dad crack me up! They walked into the studio arms full of props and heads full of ideas for photos with their brand new cutie! Baby boy was sooo good and let us do all sorts of fun stuff (he did end up peeing in the baseball glove, though!).

~blair blanks | silver spring newborn baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Eva, so pink and new

2009-12-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

The weather and an early delivery meant we almost didn't get to do little Eva's newborn photo session during those great first few weeks when babies are still "squishy." But the roads cleared up enough yesterday afternoon for me to get to the studio. I actually photographed Eva and her family as the same time as I photographed another newborn (Tristan's sneak peek is up next!). It was a little crowded and a little crazy, but we got it done! I promised I'd try to get a few of my favorite images on the blog today before I leave for Christmas, because I know how hard it is to wait!

So, welcome to the world little Evie...it's going to be a fun ride!

~blair blanks | owings mills newborn baby photographer | blairblanks.com

"puff, puff," the sound of me dusting off the blog

2009-12-15T05:30:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to get everyone as far along in the process as possible before Christmas, so I've neglected my blog! Just wanted to share some of this sweet little one. She was a perfect little model for me!

~blair blanks | baltimore newborn baby photographer | blairblanks.com

I shouldn't, but I did

2009-12-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

I'm so swamped I have no business even peeking at the images I shot today of this sassy little thing, but I just couldn't help it! I love it when I get to try something new and it actually works out like I'd pictured in my mind's eye!

~blair blanks | creative baby photography | blairblanks.com

Some images just scream out for black and white

2009-12-01T06:13:00.000-08:00

I love black and white, and there is odd phenomenon I have noticed with my clients. Most will say they love black and white, but when it come time to select portraits of their own children usually go with color. I have put a lot of thought into this, and I've decided that black and white appeals to people's artistic sense, but when they have a personal, emotional connection with the subject, they tend to want more realism. That being said, there are just some images that beg to be black and white, like this one. The dramatic lighting and the texture of the furry blanket just call for it. By the way, good black and white with digital is a lot more complicated than a simple greyscale. Greyscale -- just removing the color- leaves you with dull gray tones. It's the richness of the blacks in opposition to the brights of the highlights that create the gorgeous look of film-like black and white. That's something that has to be done by a person with a trained eye with a thorough understanding of photo editing. A push of a button it is not!

This is Corbin, who was a perfect and absolute angel for me!

~blair blanks | baltimore newborn photographer | blairblanks.com

Someone call The Gap

2009-11-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

because Grayson is their next supermodel. This boys LOVES the camera like no toddler I have ever seen! Little boys this age usually make me want to cry...but I'll take me some Grayson any day!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Sale continues...

2009-11-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

~blair blanks | baltimore maryland baby and kid photographer | blairblanks.com

Forgot to point out...

2009-11-26T11:51:00.000-08:00

The half-off offer for the Baby's First Year portrait plan means you get all three sessions for the price of ONE session...dang, is that a deal or what?

You can book now for any baby due before August, 2010, so if you THINK you might be pregnant, go get an EPT and call me if you see a "plus" sign! =)

Remember, the offer is only good until Friday Dec. 4th!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Happy Thanksgiving! Jump Start on Black Friday

2009-11-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

First, Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I have so much to be thankful for in my life, and I can't tell you how many times I have walked away from a photo session thinking, "Wow, Blair, you are one lucky girl!"

As 2009 winds down and we gear up for 2010, some changes are being made!
I’ll be introducing a new pricing structure in December as well as a discounted plan for parents wanting to create a portrait history of their baby’s first year.

(Keep reading for an early jump on my Black Friday special offer!)

2010 Pricing Plan:
The new pricing structure rewards clients who choose digital or print collections with lower a la carte prices for individual prints, so you will now see two prices for each size of portrait, one price for prints ordered in addition to a collection and one price for prints not ordered in addition to a package. If you are one of those who always selects digital packages, never fear. Those are staying the same!

Baby’s First Year Portrait Plan:
Also back by popular demand is the Baby’s First Year portrait plan. This is a great way to document through photography those amazing first months of your new baby’s life. This is a plan offers significant savings on session fees as well as prints and collections.

So what’s included? The plan is three sessions – photographed at newborn, six-eight months and baby’s first birthday (you can add one session more if you like). At the end of the year, parents can opt to order a beautiful, custom-designed coffee table book featuring their favorite images from all three sessions.

This plan has been extremely popular in the past, so, to keep things sane, and to ensure I keep scheduling availability for my regular clients, the plan is going to be limited to five new babies each month. So if you are pregnant, or have a new baby under three months old, contact me ASAP to snag your spot!

And now, (drumroll please) for THE DEAL (you know you were waiting for it!).

Here it is:

Thanksgiving Offer:
Book a standard session to be photographed between January and March, 2010, and get $100 off the session fee ($150 off the maternity/newborn combo). That means the session fee for a standard session will be $125, and the fee for a maternity/newborn combo will be $225.

Or, sign up for the Baby’s First Year plan before next Friday and get the introductory rate of 50% off the entry fee. (You can sign up now for a baby due to be born any time before August 2010.) But remember, it's limited to five new babies a month (and I REALLY mean it!).

This offer ends Friday Dec. 4th at midnight! You can pay your reservation fee by clicking the link at the top of this blog that says, "Pay Reservation Fee>"
To take advantage of either of these offers, please email me for complete details.

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

The last best fall color...

2009-11-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

There are certain pockets of trees in the Baltimore area that hold out when it comes to fall color. They wait until all the other leaves have done their showing off and fallen, and then they take over the stage with some of the most eye-catching colors of the season. These were taken last weekend and most of them are gone now...I had a shoot this morning and they were mostly gone.

~blair blanks | towson family photographer | blairblanks.com

I'm done! Until 2010...(and a special! coming!)

2009-11-21T12:53:00.000-08:00

My calendar is now full! No more sessions are open until mid- January. I will have the studio closed from Dec. 22 until Jan. 4th.
That being said, I'm about to launch some new ordering options for the new year, as well as a new portrait plan for baby's first year. Check back here Friday for the announcement as well as a chance to snatch up a session or a portrait plan at the best rate possible!

And for a little something sweet, here's a recent favorite Santa baby!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Dare you not to smile...

2009-11-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

How can you not smile when you see this little butterball? I am loving personalizing these crib images with cute things parents bring from home. What's great about it is, these portraits are perfect to display in the nursery since the accent items coordinate perfectly with the decor!

So I'm pretty swamped with holiday sessions now. I only have a few December slots open (all of them weekdays) and then I'm full until mid January. I will have the studio closed Dec. 22 though Jan 4. Already looking forward to some fun changes for 2010...so stay tuned!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Merry Mr. Merric...

2009-11-14T18:23:00.001-08:00

Just the sweetest little dude ever...

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Ah, the glamorous life of a baby photographer...

2009-11-14T12:14:00.000-08:00

I'm a little swamped right now with holiday sessions, but this was too funny not to share...
He was quite impressive with the arc on this one!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Santa baby...

2009-11-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

Love this Santa baby from last Christmas. If you want your own Santa baby photographed, better hurry it up! I have just a few slots left for the year! ~blair blanks | baltimore holiday baby photographer | blairblanks.com

It's beginning to look a lot like, well, you know...

2009-11-02T08:32:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, too early to think about Christmas, right? But not if you want great photos for your cards or gift-giving!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Noah is one!

2009-11-01T18:32:00.000-08:00

I've watched him grow up through my lens...and now he's one year old!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

The part where it gets good

2009-10-31T21:16:00.000-07:00

It's late and I'm worn out from Halloween and cupcake-making festivities for my littlest one, whose 2nd birthday we are celebrating tomorrow (well, technically today!), but I just wanted to quickly pop in and share this.

This lovely couple will soon know just exactly what people mean when they say time flies...because from this point on, the earth spins a little faster. Enjoy the ride!

~blair blanks | baltimore maternity and baby photographer | blairblanks.com

We got sooo lucky...

2009-10-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to do some outdoor shots with these cute kiddos, and we totally lucked out with the weather. About a half hour after I shot these, the rain started...

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Indian summer

2009-10-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the last bits of sun before winter moves in for good!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Piper, the crazy-happy girl!

2009-10-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

To describe Piper as a livewire is a bit of an understatement...this girl had us laughing non-stop with all her squeals and giggles!
I LOVE this crib shot...look at her up on her tippy-toes!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Regan is one! {first birthday portrait session}

2009-10-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

I've been photographing Regan throughout her first year. She is a love bug, but in front of my camera is generally NOT where she wants to be. The odds were stacked against us this session; we were a little rushed for time, she had a bit of the sniffles AND she was teething. But, as luck would have it, she gave us the best smiles yet!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby and child photographer | blairblanks.com

~blair blanks | baltimore child and family photographer | blairblanks.com

Lovely in vintage...

2009-10-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

I photographed this little girl as a newborn at the beginning of the year and I loved seeing her again...she does the "vintage" thing perfectly (note the cute little bow for every outfit!).

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Biggest baby ever!

2009-10-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have been photographing newborns for seven years now, and Landon is, to date, the biggest little guy I've ever had in the studio. He was 10 lbs 7 oz at birth...blame it on daddy, who is 6 feet 5 inches tall!

His mom had me a little nervous before the session. There were tales of crying and fussiness, but I'm thinking they must have been talking about a different baby, 'cuz THIS baby was a sweetheart! (and yes, he WAS holding his head up at five days old!)

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Yes, I have a problem, (new studio prop)

2009-10-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have been to the studio know what a prop horder I am. I can't help it; just ask my mother-in-law...we go antiquing and I can only look for props, nothing for my own house!

Here is my newest find! Yes, it is big, and yes, it takes up way too much room in the studio...but looooook how awesome it is!

So, to all of you bringing me babies in the next few weeks, brownie points for bringing in some cute, colorful pillows and stuff to shoot with the "new" antique crib. (Just don't bring the whole nursery! )

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Jenny, with the sun on her back

2009-10-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Jenny is such a lovely girl...this field of sunflowers suited her perfectly...

~blair blanks | baltimore child and family photographer | blairblanks.com

Late afternoon+toddler=meltdown

2009-10-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

I have always had a hard-and-fast rule about NOT photographing young kids late in the day. Kids are almost always too tired to cope with a photo session after say, noon. It's just too much stimulation, too much pressure. But, I've also been itching to try some natural light shots in a field of wildflowers just before sunset...so we gave it a shot. Um, well...let's just say I probably won't be trying that again with any kiddo younger than five!

So please, when you call me and ask me for a late-afternoon session, I'm not being mean, really, I'm not...but...

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Noah, the tough customer

2009-10-06T06:36:00.000-07:00

Poor Noah, he had it rough. He was not really in the mood for photos but we didn't give up! ~blair blanks | baltimore child photographer | blairblanks.com

Joshua, with the good timing

2009-10-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

Joshua's mom came to see me when she was 35 weeks pregnant for her maternity session. Good thing, too, because sweet Joshua here made his debut the very next day!

I've been doing more outdoor portraits lately... the studio is great but it's so fun to go outside this time of year... savoring the nice weather before the dreariness sets in.

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

John Henry...

2009-09-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

Meet sweet John Henry...he was gooood little guy...I just love his sweet smile!
~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Got a taker!

2009-09-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

I got a ~~victim~~ volunteer for my outdoor lighting project! Thanks for all the replies!~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Guinea pig needed (but a cooperative "tween" will do!!)

2009-09-17T19:56:00.001-07:00

I've been working on some new lighting techniques and need a cooperative, willing child older than seven to volunteer to be a guinea pig for me. This would be an outdoor session, and I promise I'd make it worth your while (***hint hint*** digital files!****). But I would ask that any volunteer model be easy-going, comfortable being photographed, and do well with taking direction.

Someone have pity on me...I've been chasing around my almost -2-year-old trying this new technique out...and let me tell you, she's FAST, a lot faster than me when I'm dragging around a big ole light on a stand outside! And the 8-year-old just scowls when he sees me coming with the camera...

Here are some of my practice shots...this lighting technique opens the doors wide open to shooting possiblities! I'm picky about light, so I have never liked doing portrait work outside because you are at the mercy of the sun. But this new method I'm working on will give me more control over even outdoor lighting, which means I could get out of the studio every now and then!

So see, reading my blog has it's perks!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Fall is almost full!

2009-09-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

I just had a wave of bookings (all those organized folks getting ready for the holidays!) and suddenly I realized while looking at my calendar I have almost no openings until November. If you wait until November to have your session and you want your images in time for the holidays, I will only be able to offer an all-digital Time and Talent session (see pricelist by clicking on the link at the top of the blog). If booking a session has been on your "to-do" list, now is the time to call and see if I can work you in or to get you on my waiting list. If you are pregnant and planning to book a newborn session for October or November, you need to get on my books right away so I can save a slot for you. It breaks my heart having to tell a new mom I just can't photograph her newborn because my calendar is completely full!

And because no blog post is complete without pictures, here are some from a recent maternity session. And yes, the baby was just as good-looking as the parents!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Lovely and expecting...

2009-09-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

This couple came to the studio from Washington DC recently to capture these last days before the new baby arrives. They were so much fun to photograph and I am so excited for them to become parents!

~blair blanks | baltimore pregnancy photographer | blairblanks.com

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Madisyn, with the bright eyes

2009-08-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

I'm back in town for about 24 hours before heading out again, (this time to a workshop to learn new, cool photography stuff!) but I just had to share little Madisyn here...she was one of the most alert newborns I have ever had in the studio. At just six days old, she barely blinked, much less slept! I had this picture in my head of a shot with this little pillow she has. The pillow says, "Shhhhhh...Princess Sleeping." Yeah, right!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

{Smoochable} Evan, with the lips...

2009-08-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

Evan, dear, the poop, I forgive; the pee (oh, so very much pee) ...forgotten... because you are so incredibly gorgeous and your lips are oh-so-smoochable...

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Ava, with the good genes

2009-08-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

I knew when I photographed this couple's maternity session that there was no way they could produce anything other than a spectacularly beautiful baby...and I just look how right I was...sighhhh...don't look if you don't want to get baby fever!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Justin, six months old

2009-08-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

Justin is hoot! He was a jabbering, smiling, drooling, gnawing little bundle of fun...you should have seen him when we tried taking him outside...totally DONE with pictures and obsessed with grabbing grass...
~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Curly Girlie

2009-08-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to see that Miss Abigail's mom brought super-girlie clothes to her portrait session, because I just got in a new backdrop at the studio and knew would be perfect for her. She was such a fun baby and I just loved her hair!
~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Andie and Ava, two of a kind {twin newborns}

2009-08-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

Andie and Ava are six weeks old and such adorable little girls! As is always the case with newborn twins, neither wanted to be doing the same thing at the same time. We'd get one to sleep and the other would be wide awake. We managed to get a handful of shots of the two of them asleep together, but that meant I got to shine the spotlight on each girl individually, too, and those are some of my favorites from this session!
~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

{football + eight-year-old = nervous mom}

2009-08-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

{disclaimer, shameless mommy post!}
Graham is our almost eight-year-old and we've been telling him his whole life, "Don't play rough." Well, now all that has changed!
He started football this month, and I have to say it makes me more than a little nervous. Have you ever read the safety warning on a football helmet? It essentially says, "Playing football can cause serious neck and back injuries or death, and if you want to avoid these risks, do not play the game of football."

Gulp...
so here are some point-and-shoot snapshots...if he sticks with this, Mommy may have an excuse to get a new lens!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

Nash wins the prize... {Newborn photo session}

2009-07-31T16:06:00.000-07:00

Nash is just a few days old, but already he has proven himself to be an overachiever. In the seven years I have been photographing babies, never have I had a subject, ahem, "eliminate" so many bodily fluids in such great quantities as he did. His mommy laughed so hard she almost ripped out her staples!

~blair blanks | baltimore baby photographer | blairblanks.com

*children's photographer* Baltimore MD newborn baby *Photographer* Blair Blanks

Come over to the NEW blog!

Now booking March weekend dates

Daddy's Girls

Last days before the big debut

My husband got a Kindle, and I got to thinking...

Max is a big brother!

Unspeakably gorgeous...maternity photo session

New Year, New Blog Post (finally!)

The Happiest Surprise

Love, times two

Julia is two!

Family fun

Growing family...

Still slots open! Buy-one-get-one free prints if you book by Sunday!

Holiday Minis, Free Digital Image and 20% OFF Additional Digital Images!

Awaiting...pregnancy shoot

"What I Did on Maternity Leave" Win a Free Session at the new studio!

And Campbell makes five...

Back from the crash...a baby to share!

Just a note

Meet Kayla, so lovely

Big boy

Lovely part of a lovely weekend...

Move over, Gerber baby...

Baby Jayden, tiny and spectacular

Victoria is One!

Best cheeks this year...

Five days new {newborn portrait session}

Twins, again...

and Nolan makes three

Just one...pregnancy session

Lovely baby girl...

Welcome times two! Twin newborn photo shoot...

Baby Claire, a study in perfection

Introducing Avery...

Back, and back at it...

Just one before I go!

Sophia, who made me laugh

She's the definition of "sweet"

Pregnancy looks lovely on her

Wiggly and One!

Meet Edwin, the peanut

And the babies just keep coming...

McKenna, fussy? Nah...

Stylin' at three months

Andrew, up close

Justin, one year

Three months of chubby love!

Not a nightmare!

We beat the snow!

Lil' Monkey...

Handsome devil...

Lovely Olivia, three months old

Meet Charlotte, the iddy biddy

Bailey, with the cheeks

Rowan, The Baby Fairy

Elizabeth, the radiant...

Braving the cold

Santa baby...

Eva, so pink and new

"puff, puff," the sound of me dusting off the blog

I shouldn't, but I did

Some images just scream out for black and white

Someone call The Gap

Sale continues...

Forgot to point out...

Happy Thanksgiving! Jump Start on Black Friday

The last best fall color...

I'm done! Until 2010...(and a special! coming!)

Dare you not to smile...

Merry Mr. Merric...

Ah, the glamorous life of a baby photographer...

Santa baby...

It's beginning to look a lot like, well, you know...

Noah is one!

The part where it gets good

We got sooo lucky...

Indian summer

Piper, the crazy-happy girl!

children's photographer Baltimore MD newborn baby Photographer Blair Blanks