Photography Blog: Tips, Stories, and Projects

(All written by Allison Patel)

Browse the blog by Category:

Family Photography

Maternity Photography

Newborn Photography

Personal

Prints

RVA-related

Allison Patel 6/21/22 Allison Patel 6/21/22

Regret and Relief in Maternity Photography

Two unsolicited texts from friends have prompted me to reflect on how hard it is to find a photographer when you’re pregnant. Read my texts, reflect on some angst, and learn what I wish I could have done when I was pregnant.

Allison Patel 6/7/22 Allison Patel 6/7/22

Project 365: May’s End of an Era

I give myself a deadline for a personal project, make myself a week late right out of the gate, and start talking to myself like the blog is Michael Scott’s diary. It’s a real professional photographer rollercoaster.

Allison Patel 5/31/22 Allison Patel 5/31/22

Big Prints for a Big Gallery

How I helped a client get her custom family photo gallery from daydream to the wall, complete with brainstorming and math.

Allison Patel 5/24/22 Allison Patel 5/24/22

What I Learned As a Newborn Photography Client

Some lessons I learned as a newborn photography client that I now use as a lifestyle newborn photographer.

Allison Patel 5/17/22 Allison Patel 5/17/22

I Was You. I Get You. I Appreciate You.

I appreciate you, because I was you. You’re ridiculously busy. So when you reach out, I know your time is precious. I appreciate you spending the little time you have, working with me.

Allison Patel 5/10/22 Allison Patel 5/10/22

Project 365: An Ordinary Life

Sometimes an outfit is just an outfit. Sometimes it’s more, and it needs a whole section of a post dedicated to it. Along with skinned knees and staticky hair and all the beautiful, mundane parts of an ordinary life.

Allison Patel 5/3/22 Allison Patel 5/3/22

The Link Between Positive Mental Health and Photography

Photographs can boost your kid’s mental health, when used strategically. Here’s how it works, along with some bonus tips to show you how to do it at home.

Allison Patel 4/26/22 Allison Patel 4/26/22

Consider Summer for Family Photos

Most families want photos in the fall, but there’s an argument to be made for hot summer photos with your family. Let’s discuss.

Allison Patel 4/19/22 Allison Patel 4/19/22

5 Tips for Transitioning a Second Baby Into Your Family

Transitioning from one child to two is HARD. Here are five tips I’ve learned for making that transition easier for everyone.

Allison Patel 4/12/22 Allison Patel 4/12/22

Why I Don’t Cap Family Member Numbers

I don’t put a cap on the number of family members you can bring to your session, and I don’t charge more for big families. Here’s why.