Jaime Val Photography

I am guessing it’s been almost a month since I stopped sharing direct facial photographs on Instagram and Facebook. It should have been an easier decision than it was… I grappled and researched, learning whatever I could about Ai and how it gains access to generate. At the end of the day, I have no idea where this is going… Ai is huge and growing and I’m just out here as a mom, making mom decisions for my business. I love your babies- thank you for trusting me over and over.

XO,
J

I would say that 90% of the families who book a session with me are “in the thick of the little years.” The other 10% are first time parents at their maternity session, eagerly anticipating the next chapter of their lives.

To my mothers who are in it… raising wild toddlers, postpartum, rediscovering themselves, healing, balancing, and doing their best every time the day rolls over… I can not tell you how incredibly sharp and intuitive you are to think, “I have one million tabs open in my head, but one of the tabs in front is family photographs ASAP.” The mothers who pull outfits together, show up with their hair and makeup done (maybe for the first time in a long time), and look this freaking jaw dropping despite a crying toddler and hungry baby… holy sh*t, you are absolutely amazing. You GET it. You take the photos despite every reason you might not feel up to it because you know why it it’s important. You do it tired. You do it postpartum. You do it breastfeeding. And if you happen to pick me for that delicate chapter of your life, believe me when I say that it is an absolute honor.

I always think… there are so many photos I would not have if I waited until I felt like myself again. This season deserves a volume of its own, whatever that season may be.

Jess Arneson you are a bombshell. Thank you for allowing me in your bubble and trusting me with your babies.

Before my ideal posting window ends for the evening, these needed a spot. A tripod and a two night getaway to Door County was all it took ❤️ the winding road has been on my Wisconsin wishlist since we moved here, and it did not disappoint!

Feminine.
Delicate.
Whimsical.

Those are the three words I carry with me in my mind to every maternity session. First baby bump sessions are always intimate and quiet, and second baby bump sessions are playful and bursting with a love that fills the room. In a few weeks, I get to meet the newest member of this family and (my favorite part) see a little boy become a big brother. I wouldn’t even know how to do my job if I didn’t get to show that side of the story, too.

I don’t think we talk enough about the innate fear women have when they’re alone in public. As for me and my household, we will raise men who offer protection without suppression or expectation. It has to stop somewhere, and this generation of boy moms is taking control ✌️

Happy birthday to the one who lets my dreams run wild. Not everyone meets their soulmate, so here are a few shots of us being cheesy to match my cheesy caption ✨ if you have ever had a golden hour session with me, he makes it happen! Shout out to this guy for holding it down with our three boys doing a solo bed time while I frolic in fields 🫶

For whatever reason, shadows have made their way into almost every gallery I have shot in the last couple of months. I don’t know if I’m just noticing them or if I saw someone else incorporate them into their art, but I am obsessed with them now. They add such a fun dynamic to my galleries- especially in black and white!

There are so many factors that guide the decision of which photographer to hire. For most families, budget is in the drivers seat, followed by website/portfolio, followed by reviews and social media content. There are so many incredible options (especially where I live in the Fox Valley), and the research process can feel overwhelming.

My advice for anyone looking to hire a photographer is to ask themselves these questions:
• Is my budget flexible based on my needs?
• Is my budget determined by what I think photography should cost versus what it does cost?
• Does the photographer provide my wardrobe?
• What do other people say about him/her?
• And most importantly (if you have young kids), how ridiculous and shameless is this person willing to be when it comes to getting my toddler to smile?

If you’re looking for your forever family photographer in the Fox Valley, my name is Jaime and I’d love to meet you.