photography

Martina Newport

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Most moms have thousands of photos of their children and almost none with them. This heartfelt reminder explores why being in the picture matters and why your children will treasure those photographs one day.

Mother kissing her daughter’s hair while hugging her on a blanket in a field during a family photography session in Bloomington-Normal

Dear Mom Behind the Camera: Why Your Children Need Photos With You

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Mother kissing her daughter’s hair while hugging her on a blanket in a field during a family photography session in Bloomington-Normal

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Most moms have thousands of photos of their children and almost none with them. This heartfelt reminder explores why being in the picture matters and why your children will treasure those photographs one day.

Dear Mom Behind the Camera: Why Your Children Need Photos With You

Motherhood

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From lemonade stands to backyard campouts — a warm guide to keeping kids entertained at home this summer without a plan, a budget, or leaving your yard.

The Best Summer Days Don’t Require Leaving the Driveway | Martina Newport Photography

Two little girls at a stand selling lemonade

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Two girls sharing a popsicle on a summer afternoon — Bloomington Normal family photographer Martina Newport Photography.

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Summer with kids doesn’t need to be optimized — it needs to be lived. A warm, honest guide to navigating summer break without the pressure to do it perfectly.

Summer Is Here. You Don’t Have to Have a Plan. | Martina Newport Photography

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A real, local guide to summer activities for families in Bloomington-Normal Illinois — splash pads, trails, the zoo, pottery, Shakespeare, day trips and more.

Your Bloomington-Normal Summer List (The One You’ll Actually Use) | Martina Newport Photography

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Mother holding her child during a family photography session in Bloomington Illinois

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I want to tell you something before we get into any of this: you don’t need to be a “photogenic family.” You don’t need matching outfits that belong on a Pinterest board, or kids who will stand still and smile on command. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to […]

What to Expect Before Your Family Session (And How to Actually Enjoy It)

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Wondering what to wear for family photos? Learn how to coordinate outfits without matching, choose colors you’ll love for years, and feel comfortable and confident at your family photography session.

What to Wear to Your Family Session (Without Losing Your Mind Over It)

Parents holding their children during a family photography session in Bloomington Illinois

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Family of four sitting together around a campfire during a photography session in Bloomington Illinois

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Wondering what it’s really like to work with a family photographer? Here’s how I create relaxed, playful sessions that capture genuine connection instead of stiff poses for families across Bloomington-Normal and Central Illinois.

How I Actually Work (And Why It Probably Looks Different Than You’d Expect)

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Sunflower Field Sessions are back in Central Illinois! Capture joyful, sun-soaked family moments with Martina Newport Photography in stunning sunflower locations near Bloomington, Champaign, and Mackinaw. Limited bloom—book early!

Unique family photography locations – Sunflower Photo Sessions around Bloomington Normal, IL and Champaign, IL

Sessions

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A Sweet Winnie the Pooh First Birthday Session – No Cake Smash Needed! Some moments in childhood are so special that they deserve to be captured in a way that feels just as magical as they are. Recently, I had the joy of photographing a beautiful first birthday session for an adorable little girl, and […]

Jane’s First Birthday Photo Session / Bloomington, IL

Sessions

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Here are some great games and posing prompts for family pictures that will help create some memorable pictures during your family photoshoot. I love to use these as they are always result in a great picture. Tickle fight! An all time favorite, and always successful. Tickle fights are awesome! I start with the family sitting […]

Great games and posing prompts for family portrait sessions

Sessions