Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Bryant Scott


B R Y A N T S C O T T


 
Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle Newborn photo | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle Newborn photo | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

 

I’m so excited to share this beautiful in home Fresh 48 session! Oh my goodness, sweet Bryant was an absolute DREAM to photograph! He was soo sleepy and relaxed throughout the session- but I also captured some first portraits of him with his eyes wide open! (For more photos and video clips from his Fresh 48 session, catch the video at the end of this blog post!)

One of my favorite parts of Bryant’s Fresh 48 story was his furry big sister, Annie! I’ve never seen a dog so loving and protective! Annie followed us around during the session and was never far from Bryant’s side. I especially love one of the video clips of her giving him kisses!

Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle Newborn photo | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle Newborn photo | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

I LOVED getting to meet and work with this amazing family. Tap the video below to view more from Bryant’s Fresh 48 session!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Griffin Hayes


G R I F F I N H A Y E S


 
Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle Newborn photo | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle Newborn photo | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

 

I was on a flight home to Oregon from a California vacation last Fall, when I received a text from one of my birth clients that read “Heyyyy, sooo, any chance you have a birth photography slot open in April? :)” *Cue me instantly getting choked up* I scrambled to pull up my calendar to double check dates and was SO excited to see that I would be able to work with them again! We ended up doing a beautiful lifestyle Fresh 48 at their home a while after sweet Griffin was born (due to everything going on in the world right now.) It was such a joy getting to work with them again, and to meet big brother who I photographed coming into the world!

In Home Fresh 48 | Mother and Baby Portraits at home | Lifestyle photo session | Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

In Home Fresh 48 | Mother and Baby Portraits at home | Lifestyle photo session | Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

After being their birth photographer, and working with them for this Fresh 48 session, I have gotten to know this family so well, and both of these sessions we had together were SO them- fun, loving, and organic. My heart was bursting while I captured big brother and Dad playing playing around in the living room, while Mama was getting a snack together for them in the kitchen.. I photographed some quiet reading time and snuggles between Mama and Harrison, and then baby Griffin’s first portraits! We even got some super fun shots of everyone cuddled up on Mom and Dad’s bed- complete with a tickle war!

In Home Fresh 48 | Lifestyle photo session | Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

In Home Fresh 48 | Lifestyle photo session | Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

We wrapped up their Fresh 48 session with some family photos outside their home.. (You’ll get a peek of those in the video below!) This gorgeous family also moved out of Oregon after our session together- so I feel like these photos and their Fresh 48 video will be even more meaningful as the years go by.

Don’t forget to watch the highlight of their in home lifestyle session- Griffin’s Fresh 48 video!

Thank you so much Lauren and Josh for letting me capture + share such a momentous time in your lives once again!

((If you want to check out big brother’s Birth Story Video- tap HERE!))

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fall Mini Sessions 2020

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fall Mini Sessions 2020

Whether you need an updated family portrait, maternity photos, or an additional set of senior photos- these condensed sessions are perfect.   I have been hosting a date of mini sessions in the Fall AND in the Spring, because often times we want a few portraits in different seasons displayed in our homes- and is especially nice with little ones since they change so much over the course of just six months!  

FallMiniSessions2020

Fall Mini Sessions will be hosted at an open area with trees and beautiful autumn leaves in Salem, Oregon.

The package includes 10 professionally retouched digital images that you get to choose from a gallery of around 20(+) photos.  30 minutes is just enough time to have a gorgeous selection of timeless posed portraits as well as my favorite "in-between" shots :)


Click here to view more information about 2020 Fall Mini Sessions


Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Huxley Oliver


H U X L E Y O L I V E R


 
Fresh 48 | Newborn swaddled in crib for an in home lifestyle photo session | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Fresh 48 | Newborn swaddled in crib for an in home lifestyle photo session | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

 

Due to recent world events, we weren’t able to do this sweet boy’s Fresh 48 session until he was over a month old.. So I am absolutely overjoyed to share this beautiful family’s lifestyle Fresh 48 session, done at home with their precious newborn!

Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle family session | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle family session | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

It was so fun capturing Mom, Dad, and their boys relaxing at home; cuddling, playing, and living life as a new family of four! I love when client’s choose to do Fresh 48 sessions at home, it just adds such an intimate, unique feel to their portraits. I always think about as the kiddos get older- how fun that will be for them to have a little glimpse into their very first childhood home, their nursery, and hopefully they will feel all the love that I saw when I was there that day. Such a gift!

Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle photo session | Salem, Oregon Fresh 48 Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle photo session | Salem, Oregon Fresh 48 Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

And the absolute BEST part of Fresh 48 sessions: The family’s slideshow with all of my favorite photographs and video clips from their session.. Enjoy!

Welcome to the World, sweet one!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Kinsley Grace

I’m so happy I get to share this Fresh 48 session today. We are going on week 1.4 million of quarantine and having the opportunity to post something as uplifting as this is such a joy!

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I LOVED everything about how Lea (Mama) planned her Fresh 48 session. It was so unique to their family and really focused around big brother feeling included and knowing how important his new role is! EVERY Fresh 48 photo session I do is soo different. Sometimes I walk into a hospital room and Mama says with a sleepy smile “I had every intention of getting ready- but it just didn’t happen, so I’m just going to keep it real.” Then there are the Mom’s that open their front door and I can just feel how raw and fresh everything still is; and we take the session at a gentle, slow pace. There are also the Moms that have every detail planned down to a “T” with the floral matching robe/swaddler etc.

I’ll let you in on a little secret though..

No matter what “style” of Fresh 48 session you have.. The love is there, and it’s going to shine through your photos. The first few days following meeting your little love for the first time are an adjustment period, and there isn’t a “correct” way to do it. This is one of my favorite things about doing Fresh 48 photography~ NO ONE has the same journey, the same story, the same feelings.. But every Mother I have worked with has touched my heart in some way; getting to photograph how they are navigating motherhood is such an honor.

OKAY! Back to this sweet little angel girl!!

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When Lea and I discussed her hopes for their Fresh 48, it was totally centered around their little family and especially making sure big brother Carter felt included and knew how awesome his new role was going to be! Lea told me about how she takes Carter on “Mommy dates” and how special that time is for them. She had the super cute idea to actually create a “Mommy date” while he came to meet his little sister! I absolutely LOVED that idea. It can be so difficult for kiddos to adjust to having a new baby in the house- the more we can prepare them helps the whole family in the long run!

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Carter was SOOOOOO excited to meet Kinsley and truly had an immediate bond and sense of protection over her. It was PRECIOUS to witness and capture! (I can’t wait to share their Fresh 48 video slideshow below so you can see what I’m talking about!) I keep in contact with Mama, and she says he is still totally in love with her and even calls her and Lea his “beautiful beauties.” ((Dad Jeremy has trained him well! :)) NOW, without further story time from me- here is Kinsley’s Fresh 48 story!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Kinsley Grace

This is Kinsley’s Birth Story

Kinsley Grace entered the world in just about 5 hard pushes by her Mama, ON her due date. Literally 9 minutes after midnight on her actual due date. She arrived healthy and perfect, and even gave a few tiny “smiles” for her birth video- I wonder if this is any indication of what her little personality will be like? ♡

Salem, Oregon Birth Photographer | Shelby Blanton Photography

If you know Kinsley’s Mama (Lea) and Daddy (Jeremy), you’ll know the journey they went through to have their two beautiful children. Kinsley and her big brother Carter were born through IVF, and they are both so unbelievably adored. I think one of my favorite things about this family besides the immense love they have for eachother~ is how important the little details are to them. From Lea’s carefully thought out birth plan, (NO PAIN MEDS, FRIENDS! Yes, she is amazing!) to Kinsley’s personalized embroidered blanket; you can tell that Lea has dreamed of being a Momma her entire life. (She did the same thing for big brother Carter’s arrival!) I LOVE that they had big brother come to the hospital during the beginning stages of their induction, and that they face timed with him to say “goodnight” from their delivery room.

Salem, Oregon Birth Photographer | Shelby Blanton Photography

Lea and Jeremy were an incredible team; Lea listened to her body and Jeremy remembered Lea’s cues from her last labor with Carter. Through her waves, Lea would go from concentration, to instantly being absolutely GIDDY thinking about getting to hold her daughter soon. It was THE sweetest! I was so happy to be there with them during this time. Also! Lea’s Mom lives in Florida and was unable to be there to meet her newest Granddaughter- but she DID get to meet her via Face time directly after birth. That was such a sweet moment I put into the video for them to remember! I think that is one of my favorite things about getting to be a birth photographer.. I LOVE preserving these moments for my families!

The last thing I wanted to write before I introduce Kinsley’s Birth Video- is that her big brother Carter ALSO had a birth photographer capture his birth. I was actually able to find the exact same song that was used from his birth video, and I added it as the ending song for Kinsley’s slideshow. I thought that would be a sweet little detail to connect their birth stories :) And now, I’ll share what you came here to see! ;) THANK YOU to the lovely K family for allowing me to share the precious birth story of Kinsley Grace!

Welcome to the world, little beauty!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Holden Matthew

This is Holden’s Birth Story

The moment I met Courtney and Matt, I knew that I wanted to be on their birth team! We met near Salem for coffee to see if we might be a good match for birth photography, and we literally laughed through the entire meeting! They were so sweet together and I loved hearing all about their journey to have little Holden. (Well, at that point; baby’s gender was a surprise- which was mega cool! Courtney told me that she had been diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder called Factor V Leiden, and her pregnancy required injections throughout her pregnancy as well as being closely monitored by her doctor. (This incredible Mama injected herself with over 500 needles in the duration of her pregnancy!)

(Courtney & Matt’s sunset maternity session at a pumpkin patch in Salem, Oregon)

(Courtney & Matt’s sunset maternity session at a pumpkin patch in Salem, Oregon)

When I arrived at the hospital in Corvallis, Courtney had already been laboring for quite some time- but she was so in tune with her body and smiling through unmedicated waves. She was progressing, but slowly. After more time had passed, pit had been administered, and her water had been broken for some time~ a red flag came up with babe. Courtney and her doctor decided it would be in her and baby’s best interest to go ahead and deliver via c-section.

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Holden was born via a gentle c-section, and was placed on Mama’s chest after being quickly dried off (to keep him warm!) It was such a beautiful experience and I am beyond honored to have captured it- and that Mom and Dad have given permission to share their story <3

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Watch the Birth slideshow below to see images and video clips from Holden’s birth-day! Mom and Dad had both sets of parents (AKA the new Grandparents!!) to help welcome into the World.. Holden Matthew, you are so loved little guy!

Welcome to the World, precious boy!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Landry Jo

I had the honor of spending a little bit of time Christmas Eve morning for this beautiful family’s Fresh 48 session at Salem Hospital. It was so fun getting to see the girls excitement for both meeting their new sister AND getting to tell her who would be visiting them that night! Santa brought this family the best gift~ getting to take their new addition home <3

Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Fresh 48 video | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Fresh 48 video | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

While these hospital newborn photos give you all the feels- you HAVE to check out the Fresh 48 slideshow below including video clips from the very first moments they were together as a family of 6.

Oregon Fresh 48 Photographer | Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Oregon Fresh 48 Photographer | Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Welcome to the World, sweet Landry!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Harrison Grey

I had so much fun working with this family for their in-home Fresh 48 session. This was another Fresh 48 with an older sibling and she was so tickled to be a big sister! You’ll see the sweetest clips in their video of her loving on him.

This little lovebug literally slept through his whole entire Fresh 48!

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I got to capture them cuddling in their living room, little A playing outside with her Daddy, some precious quiet moments between Mommy and Harrison, and more cuddles at the end! Thank you so much to Mom and Dad for letting me share their Fresh 48 story- I already can’t wait for our next session together in 2020!

Welcome to the World, darling Harrison Grey!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Piper Grace

I have a huge love for in-home Fresh 48 sessions! This one was especially meaningful since this gorgeous babe was born AT HOME just outside of Salem <3 She was the fourth girl added to their sweet family, and as you’ll see in their video, these little dolls were SOO excited to have another little sister!

Salem, Oregon Fresh 48 Photographer | In home lifestyle Fresh 48 session |

Salem, Oregon Fresh 48 Photographer | In home lifestyle Fresh 48 session |

Having video clips added to these Fresh 48 slideshow’s is something I adore giving to my clients!! I imagine they will be even more meaningful to each family as the years go by. When you watch this video, I hope that it takes you back to that precious time with your own children! I think we can all agree that the newborn stage goes by much too quickly :) (ALTHOUGH- I DO love getting a little more sleep these days having older kiddos ;)) A huge thank you to this family for letting me share a little glimpse into their lives <3

Here is the Fresh 48 story of Piper Grace:

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Arianna

Seriously one of my favorite parts about Fresh 48 sessions is when Mom & Dad wait until I’m there for their photography appointment to have big brother or big sister meet the newest babe. I totally got teary eyed watching these clips play back when I got them together in the Fresh 48 video. Baby Arianna will ALWAYS know how loved she is, from the moment she arrived! <3

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We had our session at the Salem Hospital (in downtown Salem, Oregon) and this was the first one that I’ve done there in a while as my last several clients were out of Corvallis, Silverton, Portland etc! The time of day was perfect~ working with that fabulous window light, we got some beautiful photos and video clips (in the Fresh 48 slideshow below!!) of the family together, big sister and big brothers, Mama and baby, Daddy and baby etc! As we all know, this newborn stage passes by SO quickly and I was honored to capture these first precious moments! Take a peek at their keepsake video below!

Welcome, Arianna!

Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Fresh 48 video | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Christmas Mini Sessions 2019

Christmas is my favorite Holiday, and I’m SO EXCITED to host a limited number of indoor photo sessions for my clients this year! Whether these photos will be for Christmas cards, or for a seasonal keepsake, they will be a special addition to your family photo collection! Click the link below to learn more about these limited Holiday Mini Sessions!

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Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Finley Eugene

This is Finley’s Birth Story

I feel like when I talk about birth photography, or when I share birth stories here I talk a bit about Mama’s labor and delivery itself but sometimes I forget to talk enough about the emotional part of what I get to do..

While I photographing this beautiful birth, I kept putting my camera down between shots and thinking to myself how absolutely flawless the connection was between these two parents-to-be. The bond they share that carried them throughout the arrival of their son was INCREDIBLE.

When I first meet my birth clients one of the things I make sure to tell them is that their birth space is top priority to me~ and if they are ever aware of needing a break from photos that I would leave for a little bit. This Mama said that her husband knows her cues and is in tune with her enough to know if she is feeling an inkling of that. Ohhhh my goshhh, she wasn’t lying- they were a remarkable team.

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Kelsey and Donovan picked the Corvallis Birth & Women’s Health Center for the delivery of their son. I have worked with two birth photography clients at that location already- it is SUCH a warm, beautiful birthing space. The staff at the birth center are just wonderful, they adore their job and care deeply for the families they work with.

By the time Mama arrived at the birth center, she had already been laboring at home for quite some time and when I walked in, she was spending time in the birthing tub. One thing that stood out to me is how calm and peaceful she was between waves. You’ll see in their birth video that she was often smiling and even laughing allll the way up until she brought her sweet boy into the World. I so admire how inwardly focused she was during each contraction, making sure to work WITH her body and fighting the urge to work against the feelings.

I am thrilled to share their Birth Story below. It is my hope that every time Mom and Dad watch it, that they recognize the beautiful connection between them and how incredible of a team they are. There was so much love and trust in their birth space… What an amazing atmosphere to surround your new little one with <3

Congratulations, W family! Thank you so much for allowing me to capture this time for you.

Welcome to the World, precious Finley.

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography : Ezra

This is Ezra’s Birth Story

After 40 hours of labor, along side her supportive husband, this strong Mama welcomed her beautiful boy earthside- and it was beautiful.

 
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Baby Ezra was born over a month ago, and I’m STILL thinking about his journey here. Mama had a bit of a roller coaster throughout her labor, as it seemed to start and then slow for a bit, then hit again quite strongly. When that happens, it can be incredibly emotional to get through. Because of the duration of her labor (40 hours is a normal amount of time for labor/delivery <3) it is expected to be tested mentally, emotionally, and last but definitely not least, physically. Physically not only from the inconsistent waves, but from the sleep deprivation as well.

There were moments when Mama wasn’t sure she could go on, and you will see that in the video. This is one of the reasons why it is SO IMPORTANT to have support. When Corrin grew weary, she had her incredibly loving husband there to talk her through and it and to remind her gently that she “COULD DO IT, and that she WAS DOING IT!!!” He reminded her of her goals, and of the faith he had in her. It was so beautiful! Corrin had her AMAZING doula by her side throughout her journey also! Latisa was an ANGEL, being there for both Corrin and her husband Nate. (I also loved getting to know Latisa throughout the duration of labor and I am so happy to have spent that time with her!!) You’ll see her throughout the video sharing her wealth of labor/birth knowledge as well as providing physical and emotional support.

I feel truly lucky to have worked with this Mom and her incredible birth team. Ezra, you are so loved already, sweet boy! Without further delay- here is the Birth Story of Ezra Mitchell:

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Harrison Lee

This is Harrison’s Birth Story

This sweet boy was born after his incredible Mama labored with him for 40+ hours (YES, she is amazing!)

I got a text on Thursday 3/14 from Lauren letting me know her water had broken in the wee hours of that morning and she was having contractions- but to wait until she met with her midwife later that afternoon to confirm that things were moving along the way they should be. We kept in touch throughout the day while she labored at home and rested as much as possible to prepare for the arrival of her little babe.

Then I received THE phone call at around 2:00am on Friday and headed to the Birth Center. Speaking of that- I have to tell you a little about the incredible place where Lauren was to bring her baby earthside- The Corvallis Birth & Women’s Health Center I can’t even get over how fabulous it was. When I walked in, it was like walking into a friend’s home- warm, inviting, and COMFORTABLE! The rooms where Mother’s get to labor and meet their baby felt just like a bedroom in a home. Also, I LOVED the midwives :) It has been a month since I photographed Lauren’s birth and since then I have photographed another Mama there (stay tuned for her birth story next!) As I have now met several of the midwives, I have to give them a massive THANK YOU for being so kind and for welcoming me into your space! If you live in the Salem, Corvallis, Albany etc. areas and are expecting, I highly recommend reaching out to them and going in for a tour!

When I arrived to the birth center, Lauren was cuddled up peacefully on the bed with her hubby and breathing through a wave. She was so calm and relaxed! We chatted for a little bit so I was updated on what was going on, and I got a few photos then left the room so she could get some rest. Things were progressing, (but slowly.)

Since Lauren’s water had broken the previous morning and contractions were still irregular/not enough of a change; she ended up transferring over to Good Samaritan (Corvallis hospital) to receive a little extra support to help things along. I’m SO grateful that she was able to have an amazing start to her birth story at the birth center, and when her midwives came along to the hospital it was such a smooth transition! Things went beautifully after that- I’ll let the video tell the rest of the story! :)

You’ll see throughout the video an incredible amount of support- Lauren had her amazing husband Josh and her sweet Momma there. With a labor on the longer side, (did I mention how amazing Lauren is!? :)) it was SO GREAT that she had two support people that took turns being her “person.” I hope when Lauren gets to see the video that she sees not only how STRONG, and incredible she was- but to see all the love that surrounded her in that space.

I’m so honored to share the beautiful Birth Story of Harrison Lee: Welcome, little one!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Genevieve Louise

This is the birth story of Genevieve

Today I’m sharing a different kind of birth story. This was a journey that began with a family of three wishing for a second baby, and a loving friend who was eager to help. The surrogate Mama, Brooke already has two amazing kiddos of her own and is one of the sweetest, STRONGEST people you’ll meet. (I am lucky to know her from years ago when I worked with her! Shout out to Brooke as she was the best boss ;)) I’m so grateful that she reached out to me to capture part of their journey together. Before the birth, we took some maternity photos of both families together. It was SO FUN getting to see them all together- I’m so happy Brooke decided to capture her pregnancy also!

Salem, Oregon Maternity &amp; Birth Photographer | Surrogacy Family session in Salem, Oregon | What to wear for Family photos | Surrogacy photo session pose guide | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Salem, Oregon Maternity & Birth Photographer | Surrogacy Family session in Salem, Oregon | What to wear for Family photos | Surrogacy photo session pose guide | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

 

I really can’t put into words how incredible it was to witness and capture the birth of this very LOVED, sweet girl. Watching one woman give the gift of carrying and delivering another woman’s baby was just, so powerful. It was one of those moments in life where you are reminded of how capable we are of changing someone else’s life for the better. So many things in life we take for granted- like the ability to sustain a healthy pregnancy and go through labor and delivery. Brooke gave this incredible family the most beautiful, selfless gift. Not only that- but the huge amount of trust and admiration you must have for the person you choose to carry your CHILD. I am in awe of both of these women. Surrogacy is SO amazing- and I was so happy to get to capture part of this journey for them; including their birth story!

 

Here is the birth story of Miss.Genevieve Louise. Enjoy!

I also wanted to say a huge thank you to these two amazing families for allowing me to share their surrogacy birth story. It is so important to share all types of birth, and all the different ways to become a family. THANK YOU!

Spring Blossom Mini Sessions 2019

SPRING BLOSSOM MINI SESSIONS

Spring blossom mini sessions are BACK! These popular spring photo sessions are perfect if you need a few updated family photos, a maternity session, or a few additional senior photos! They will be held the last weekend in March- right here in Salem, Oregon!

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Your Blossom Mini Session will be held at a NEW location this year in Salem!

The package includes 10 professionally retouched digital images that you get to choose from a gallery of around 20(+) photos.  30 minutes is just enough time to have a gorgeous selection of timeless posed portraits as well as my favorite "in-between" shots :)

Due to my busy shooting schedule in the Spring, I highly recommend getting your appointment reserved soon if you are interested!  These sessions tend to fill up quick!  Click the link below to view more information about these beautiful spring sessions!

Shelby Blanton is a photographer specializing in family, birth, maternity and senior photography in the Salem, Oregon and surrounding areas including Portland, Keizer, Albany, Corvallis, Lake Oswego in the Willamette Valley.

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Adelaide Opal

This is Adelaide’s birth story

When I get home from photographing a birth, the first thing I do is grab a piece of paper and write down a few things that stood out to me. I do this for a couple reasons-

1.) Birth is such a BLUR. There are so many little details that are easy to miss, and some that are forgotten. I LOVE being able to write something about the birth on my blog, so I always come back to the piece of paper where I wrote what was fresh on my mind.

2.) It is also important to me that I get every single piece of Mom’s birth story that I have available into her photo gallery and birth video; so that it can be the most accurate representation of that day for Mama to cherish for years to come. Every mother will end up talking about her birth story at some point, and there’s always a part or two where she’ll get the biggest smile on her face remembering something little (or big) from that day. My goal with every birth is to try and capture those moments for her so that it won’t just be a story she’s telling- it will be something she can WATCH and re-live over and over again <3


One of the things that will always stick with me from this beautiful, gentle home birth is her support system.

Mama had her AMAZING husband who stayed by her side and was so tender and supportive of her. (Note the part where he pulls her hair up into a bun for her mid-contraction!! And the adorable note he left for her- stop it! :)) Their sweet, ADORABLE daughter was also there for the birth! She was so excited to be a big sister and oh my gosh she was like a little doula herself! She would peacefully sit in the same room as her Mama, coloring. Or she would disappear into her room for a little bit, then come out periodically to check on how her Mom was doing. I think Mom will love the part of the video where you get to see her daughter reach out and grab her hand during labor, and in the next frame she reaches up and gently touches her Mama’s hair.

I’m so excited to share this beautiful, BEAUTIFUL birth. Welcome to the world, precious Adelaide!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Elaine LaRue

This is Elaine’s birth story

I was contacted by this sweet couple for a maternity photo session followed by a birth photography session (I call them Birth Stories!) I was so excited to do both for them because it meant I would really have the opportunity to get to know them before the birth of their daughter AND that I could capture two HUGE chapters of their lives. (Cue TEARS because this makes my heart flutter!) We met for coffee to interview eachother to make sure we would be a good match for a birth story session- and the rest is history ;) Here are two of my favorites from their maternity photos!

 
 

These two were beautiful together. They are one of those couples that you can tell were meant to be, to the point where you’re not sure if or how they ever lived without eachother before they met <3

Nicole and Chandler were so in sync with eachother throughout the birth of their baby- and Mama was unreal as she labored and delivered her girl completely unmedicated and in tune with her body. I’m so excited to share their birth video- I feel like it really tells the story of their baby girl’s birth, but also a story of their love. Dad was such an incredible birth partner- rubbing her back, applying ice packs, breathing calmly and slowly with her, getting on the ground with her, offering water. (He can probably write a book with birth partner tips at this point!!! :))

Miss. Elaine’s entrance into the world was a quick one- so quick that she almost flew over the midwife’s shoulder! And while we’re on the topic of her provider- once again I was absolutely floored by the incredible support at the Salem Hospital. The nurses were SO kind, supportive, and they truly listened to Mama and Dad’s desires and just went above and beyond. Nicole’s INCREDIBLE midwife even sat on the bathroom floor fanning her while she was laboring in the bathtub, offering such loving support by just BEING there and holding that space with her.

Clearly I have way too much to say about this beautiful birth- so I will let the video tell the rest of the story.. :)

Welcome to the World, lovely Elaine! <3

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fall Mini Sessions | 2018


**FALL MINI SESSIONS ARE FULL FOR 2018**



F A L L  M I N I  S E S S I O N S  2 0 1 8

Whether you need an updated family portrait, photos for your Holiday cards, or an additional set of senior photos- these condensed sessions are perfect.   I have been hosting a date of mini sessions in the Fall AND the Spring, because often times we want a few portraits in different seasons displayed in our homes- and is especially nice with little ones since they change so much over the course of just six months!  These sessions have two options for locations in and around Salem, Oregon.

Your Fall Mini Session includes 10 professionally retouched digital images that you get to choose from a gallery of around 20(+) photos.  30 minutes is just enough time to have a gorgeous selection of timeless posed portraits as well as my favorite "in-between" shots :)

Due to my busy shooting schedule in the Fall, I highly recommend getting your appointment reserved soon if you are interested!  These sessions tend to fill up quick!