Happy Father's day to all the Fathers, Grandfathers, Brothers and Husbands who are out there each and every day working hard to create an amazing life for his family. I am fortunate enough to have had a father who always believed that I could do anything and then I was even more fortunate to find a husband who lifts up my children in the same way. Dads you are appreciated and loved for all the BIG and the little things you do.

Congratulations to our newest Fathers. These two babies were born just days apart and both were photographed on day 9. This is the second child for both families and it was an honor to photography both of your children. I'm so happy for you both. 

Meet Baby Samuel and Baby Adalyn.

We have a ton of South Alabama newborns scheduled. The biggest question we have from new parents is: "What do I bring to my Newborn Session?"  Leaving the house for the first time with that perfect little angel is a real wake up call for your packing skills. The first time, if feels like you are moving. Seriously. You think....What do I need, well obviously I need everything....diapers, diaper stuff, clothes, more clothes, extra blankets, extra pacifiers, bottles, extra bottles...breathe. Stop.  Just breathe. Daphne Ellenburg's Newborn homework will really save the day.

Every portrait session at Ellenburg Photography includes homework and a bring list. So no matter what we do for you, you will get a list of suggested things to bring and suggested things to do. We've been doing this for quite a while, so you can trust us. And for newborns, no one is better than South Alabama Photographer, Daphne Ellenburg. If you are nervous, Daphne will assure you that everyone is nervous. But the proof is in our homework. If you do the homework, you will have a great session. If you miss a few, but do the items listed in BOLD, you will have a great session. 

Our checklist includes things that you should have in your diaper bag, it has a list of things to pack the day before - so you don't have to think about it. Our list will ask you to bring one special item for your new baby to be photographed with and one special outfit. 

Baby Elizabeth (shown above) was given a strand of pearls by her father on the day she was born. This was the perfect thing to bring along for this family's "special item." Other great specials things could be: A family quilt, A sonogram photo or other special photograph, New fun shoes, a headband or crown - if it is special to you, Daphne Ellenburg will make it part of your shoot. 

For your special outfit, many new parents bring the coming home outfit from the hospital. After all, a lot of you parents are spending sometimes hundreds of dollars on that one outfit, it's the perfect add in to your session. Other things that are great to bring is vintage clothing from your childhood - some grandparents saved a ton of sweet delicate baby clothes. Ask them if they have any that you could bring along. Can you imaging having a photo of you and your baby in the exact same outfit? So fun. If you have the first photo, bring it along and Ellenburg Photography can try to match the style.

The next most important part of your homework, is to plan to be photographed with your child. We poll all of our new parents at the consults and ask them if they have a photograph of their Mom with them as a newborn? Less than 5% can say yes to anything more than just a snapshot. We will create a gorgeous portrait of you and your new baby that will reflect all the joy you feel in your heart back to you like a mirror. We will also photograph your first family portrait. The homework comes with a suggested wardrobe guide to make it easy.

The homework includes things to eat and not eat if you are breastfeeding. It includes a sleep schedule and a suggested feeding schedule. It includes a list of things to bring.

The LIST is a lifesaver. When you do your homework, you make the most of your time in the studio and get really stunning portraits of that beautiful new baby.

Did you know that Daphne Ellenburg stocks custom wraps, head pieces and one of a kind outfits for newborn portraits? You have access to all her gorgeous treasures that she has been accumulating for over 15 years to use during your session. This alone takes so much pressure off our new parents. Relax and let Daphne Ellenburg create the beautiful portraits you've been dreaming of your whole life.

Daphne Ellenburg is award-winning Wedding, Newborn, and Baby Photographer. She is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography and a brand new Boudoir studio both located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants 2000 sq ft studio in the heart of Saraland, Alabama. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
We love to read your comments.

Mother's Day is a Big Deal. 

(After All she made YOU, not some stranger, YOU.)

Mom's make every day better...from making sure you don't look like a bum when you leave the house to filling up your tummy to the tippy tippy top and every thing in between - Mom is always there for you. And what does she want THIS YEAR for Mother's day - her exclusive holiday on the official calendar - she wants a portrait of your adorable face next to her adorable face, and she wants to show it to everyone she knows. And DAD - she wants to say that YOU ALONE had THIS - the greatest idea for the greatest gift of all time. 

Moms everywhere all over the world - ALL year - are hiding behind behind cameras and iPhones photographing your life. Let the experts at South Alabama's finest portrait studio, Ellenburg Photography, help you to give Mom the GIFT she will talk about year after year. We can pamper MOM with hair and make-up and a private session just for her before Dad brings you guys to pile on the endless love. Don't you want a knock out gorgeous portrait of your mother? You know your good looks came from that beautiful face. 

Do you know a DAD who needs help picking out the perfect Mother's Day gift for his SOUL MATE? Send them to Daphne Ellenburg. Do you want to give your baby girl something extra special for Mother's Day all while tricking her into getting fresh portraits of your adorable grandchildren? Send them to Daphne. 

Mother's day is SERIOUS. Ellenburg Photography treats this once a year holiday like the masterpiece that it is for YOU and the people you LOVE the most. Ellenburg Photography specializes in fine family portraits and has been serving the Mobile Alabama area for the past 14 years. When you want an amazing portrait, in a fun studio you can't wait to visit again - That's Ellenburg Photography.

Daphne Ellenburg is award-winning Wedding, Newborn, and Baby Photographer. She is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants 2000 sq ft studio in the heart of Saraland, Alabama. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
We love to read your comments.

Right about now Five and Six year olds practically every where are planning for the biggest day of Kindergarten EVER: Graduation. They are practicing speaking roles and learning special songs. They are doing it all for YOU. Those tiny faces just can't wait to make you so proud on Kindergarten Graduation day. 

Do you know what's great about Kindergarten? EVERYTHING. Kindergarten is FUN. Kids wake up and want to go there. Everything about it is magical and this next big step should be celebrated.

Kindergarden Cap and Gown portraits are portraits of celebration for your budding South Alabama Student. They are more than just a snapshot of the end of Kindergarten with the boys and girls he spent this year with. Kindergarten Cap and Gown portraits are a documentation of your child's next big step - REAL BIG BOY AND BIG GIRL SCHOOL. Kindergarten, while super fun, is a starter course to grades 1-12. These babies are learning how to follow directions, to have a schedule of events and to sit still. The sitting still part has always been the hardest part for my littles. They are reading and writing in Kindergarten - it's not just shapes and colors. Kindergarten is a big deal and celebrating this milestone with Kindergarten Cap and Gown portraits is a MUST do and here's why.

1. Kindergarten Cap and Gown portraits are often just like the the Big Senior's Cap and Gowns - RENTED. Unlike those trusted High School Seniors, who pick up their Cap and Gowns weeks before the big day, your tiny Grad will never enjoy that luxury. That means the only portraits you will get are the ones you snap at the actual graduation with your cell phone. Everyone is going to take those. And your kid will be distracted at all the dazzle of the BIG DAY that it will be hard for them to focus on all the posed portraits. We stock tiny cap and gowns to make these portraits magical. Our tiny cap and gowns all sport this year's 2018 charm. That is important.

2. Kindergarten Cap and Gowns are usually white and Kindergarteners are usually dirty and clumsy. One fall or tumble and you've got splotchy portraits in your forever iPhone memories. Our portrait studio is a controlled environment. There will be very little opportunity for any disasters that will distract from you having fun and gorgeous forever portraits of your tiny Kindergarten Graduate.

3. Ellenburg Photography will provide a fun portrait experience to document the end of an era. Your baby is graduating with all the skills and knowledge to start the next 12 years with an enthusiasm for learning. That is worth celebrating. Daphne Ellenburg will photograph your South Alabama Kindergarten Graduate like she does the big High School Seniors. We will use fun number props and exciting poses. These portraits will be so fun this year, but in 12 short years, these portraits will be priceless. Several of my High School Seniors bring in this framed Kindergarten Graduation portrait with them at their Senior Session. It is the most fun to see how they have grown from here to there. 

Kindergarten Cap and Gown portraits can be added to any spring portrait session this season at Ellenburg Photography. You can add it to individual and family portraits. You can add it to bunny portrait sessions. Or you can come in for just a quick mini portrait session of just your tiny 2018 graduate. It is completely up to you!

Enjoy a peek at Jefferson's Cap and Gown session. I love his tiny little face.

Do you have a five or six year old finishing up their first big year of Kindergarten this year in South Alabama? Reach out to the professionals at Ellenburg Photography to capture the excitement of Kindergarten Graduation portraits. Wanting to learn and grow and magical. Celebrate that magic in portraits you will treasure forever with Ellenburg Photography.

Got Questions? Big or small we love them all. Ask away.

Daphne Ellenburg is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants 2000 sq ft studio in the heart of Saraland, Alabama. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
We love to read your comments.

Love is in the air and Getting the BEST engagement portraits EVER is kind of a BIG deal. You are trying to create a portrait - not a portrait, THE PORTRAIT that is a beautiful reflection of your love. Not even a portrait, a mirror that you can gaze into and always feel the way to you do at this exact moment. So, lets get serious about it. Before stepping out of your home and into the hot South Alabama sunshine, know that the best (and the least stressed) future brides and grooms are the best planners for all occasions. The more ready you are for all that life throws at you, the more fun you are likely to have being prepared for all occasions. If you are not a big planner, don't worry. Daphne is here to help. I've created a wonderful check list to help you relax and enjoy your Engagement Portrait experience.

During your Engagement portrait shoot, you are going to cover a lot of ground. You will be in the studio and on location. With all that moving around, mixed with mother nature's sense of humor, anything can happen. Creating a Wardrobe Emergency Kit will save the day. And even better, if you pack it right, you can pull it out again for the wedding. DOUBLE WIN. A good wardrobe emergency kit will include things like:  Lint brush or roller, Sewing Kit, Stain wipes or Stain pen, Fashion Tape, Deodorant Removing Sponge, Earing Back, Instant Button, Nail File, Blister Pad, Hair Band, Shoe-Shine Sponge, Safety Pin, Rubber band, etc. What do you pack it in? Throw it in a Gallon Zip lock back and tuck it in the glove box. Now you're ready for almost anything. It may sound a little over the top, but imagine how relaxed you'll be knowing you are ready for anything.

Ladies, it's Summer on the gulf coast and we're not perspiring, we are melting. Bring a few things, like powder to keep you fresh as you adventure out in nature to create the most perfect portraits. Don't bring too much lipstick, because just like you and me - it will melt too. These portraits are FOREVER. Let me fix you up with our amazing Hair and Make up girl. And for a small fee, she will join us on your portrait adventure for touch ups. How awesome is that?

Daphne has tried, but we can not control the humidity in South Alabama for your Engagement Portraits, but we can help you fight back with a little hair spray. Bring a travel size or something bigger of your favorite hair spray along for the ride on engagement portrait day. Not only is it going to be great for your beautiful hair, but did you know that hair spray is also great for repelling the bugs that are literally everywhere in the deep south, or for lifting lint out of your clothes or for stopping static cling on your favorite dresses and skirts. That's right. Hair spray is magical super power that you can carry around. Don't forget the hair spray for your portrait adventure.

Sometimes locations take a little longer than expected to create your dream engagement portraits. Sometimes breakfast or lunch doesn't last nearly as long as it should. A snack or a cold drink can be just the thing to keep everyone motivated to keep going to all the dreamy places you've mapped out for your portrait adventure. Think proteins like nuts or trail mixes and water is always refreshing - and if it spills, no biggie - because it's only water.

At the engagement portrait session, it's all about the ring and the finger it's on. Hands will be photographed. It's inevitable. A good manicure will go along way to giving your portraits a crisp polished look. Dudes, I'm talking to you too. A good nailbrush will take care of you in less than five and you will look just as good as your beautiful lady.

Engagement portrait day is full of love and magic and little baby unicorns - but don't let the glitter blind you to the purpose of these portraits. You NEED 3 things from this day. You need that perfect mirror portrait. You need something dazzling for the save the date cards. And you need something for Mom and Dad to put in your little home town newspaper to announce that their baby girl is tying the knot. It's a BIG deal. Talk with your photographer to make sure they know exactly what you want so they can go after the shot for you. And a really good photographer, like the ones at South Alabama's Ellenburg Photography, can create the perfect save the date for you. Just one more thing you can cross off your list.

Engagement portraits are always uniquely all about YOU both as a couple. Are you known for wearing funky hats or sunglasses or skateboarding? Bring along some props. Plan with your photographer to incorporate them into your session. Do you share a pet turtle? Or do you share a fur baby? Bring him or her along! or Have someone bring him or her to join you during the photoshoot. Is one of you bringing children into the relationship? Are you not only getting married, but becoming a NEW family? Consider incorporating them into your session. Children love LOVE as much as you do. It's exciting when everyone is exciting about the BIG DAY. Share your joy with the people you love the most.

Engagement and Wedding Photographers in Mobile, Alabama.

Serving Saraland, Satsuma, Axis, Atmore, Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope and the Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida Gulf Coast.

If you are looking for the most creative, and most skilled engagement and wedding photographer in South Alabama, look no further than Saraland Alabama Wedding Photographer, Daphne Ellenburg. Ellenburg Photography is the Alabama photography studio for you. Daphne Ellenburg strives to create compelling images for the discerning South Alabama Brides and Grooms, and we understand the intricacies to working through the city on your big engagement or wedding day. Whether it’s battling all the weird South Alabama road construction or navigating around the throngs of tourists in Downtown Mobile Alabama, I promise to document your South Alabama engagement and wedding with grace and skill. Get to know Ellenburg Photography. Daphne Ellenburg will exceed your expectations.

Daphne Ellenburg is award-winning Wedding, Newborn, and Baby Photographer. She is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants 2000 sq ft studio in the heart of Saraland, Alabama. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
We love to read your comments.