Blog

Grand Reopening: US by the MOON!

4/4/2024

Cheney's own Us by the Moon absolutely hit it out of the park with their new location - I am 1000% obsessed; Highly highly recommend this place if you are expecting/know someone expecting, have a baby/toddler/smol child, or perhaps looking for a rad gift for a little loved one.

Come say "hi" to the incredible owner Alyssa during their grand reopening this saturday, april 6th! 501 1st street - hope to see you there!

Birthing on a budget: 5 ways to help you afford your dream birth team - Natalie Bee Photography of Spokane, Washington

1/4/2024

Welcoming a new addition to the family is an exciting & joyous occasion, and having a birth photographer or doula supporting you can make the experience so much more memorable. but let's face it: these are absolutely considered luxury investments and not all families can make it possible. as a mother of 4 kids myself, I know how budget constraints can pose a huge challenge in hiring who you truly want for your birth day. For this very reason, I wrote down 5 ways that I could personally afford my birth team years ago, and figured it could be extremely helpful for others since we're all becoming even more aware of what investments we're making for our future, whether they be tiny or monumental.

ASK FOR A PAYMENT PLAN. most PHOTOGRAPHERS OFFER PAYMENT PLANS now! although THESE payment PLANS WILL LOOK DIFFERENT FOR EVERY BUSINESS OWNER, it never hurst to ask. I PERSONALLY OFFER super FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS because ultimately I believe that a solid birth team can make for an incredible birth experience, and it should be more of an option for families. After paying the initial retainer and signing the contract, you can spread the remaining balance over several months, with the final payment due around 37 weeks. Some photographers even extend low-interest payment plans beyond the birth, ensuring financial flexibility for new parents.
ask to setup a gift registry. A LOT OF PHOTOGRAPHERS NOW OFFER THIS FLEXIBLE OPTION, WHICH ALLOWS FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO DONATE TOWARDS YOUR BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY AND/OR DOULA PACKAGE VIA AN ONLINE GIFT REGISTRY. A CUSTOM WEBSITE IS CREATED, WHICH YOU CAN ADD TO BABY SHOWER INVITATIONS OR SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. YOU CAN ADD A SPECIAL MESSAGE OR SHOW OFF YOUR GROWING BUMP WITH AN UPDATED PICTURE TO ADD an extra PERSONAL TOUCH. The percentage paid off is visible to contributors without revealing the total investment amount, making it truly a wonderful way to garner support from your loved ones; REQUEST GIFT REGISTRY.
call your insurance. Surprisingly, some health insurance providers offer partial or full refunds for doula services. Make sure to Contact your insurance provider to inquire about potential coverage or reimbursement options. Even a partial refund can significantly ease the financial burden associated with hiring a doula, definitely making it a worthwhile inquiry.
Barter or trade service/skill. DO YOU HAVE A SERVICE OR SKILL THAT YOU ARE OPEN TO BARTERING/TRADING? MASSAGE THERAPIST/CHIROPRACTOR, TATTOO ARTIST, CARPENTER/CONTRACTOR, HAIR STYLIST, ETC.? I HAVE MADE SOME GREAT (CONTRACTED) TRADES IN MY CAREER AND I'm ALWAYS OPEN TO MORE in the future. MAYBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER OR DOULA IS LOOKING FOR THE EXACT THING YOU OFFER, SO IT NEVER HURTS TO ASK THEM!
purchase non-essentials after baby is born. This may be the more unpopular opinion here, but Reevaluate your possessions, slim down on the baby items list prior to baby arriving and consider selling items you no longer use or need; Holding onto non-essential items not only takes up space but can also be turned into funds for important investments! I PERSONALLY hosted A YARD SALE when I was [SURPRISE] pregnant with #4 BABY which generated nearly $600 that I GOT TO reINVEST BACK INTO the THINGS THAT WERE IMPORTANT TO my family: my birth photographer. When I was done having my babies, all of my gear (swings, swaddles, clothes, wraps, diapers, etc.) went to my local gifting community pages where other families could use them without spending more money.

I am currently offering a free micro maternity session to all 2024 birth clients!

More Birthy Details

2023 Black Friday is here!!

11/20/2023

Holiday Mini Sessions + Early Black Friday deals were announced this weekend to all VIP group members & Newsletter recipients. Feel free to join both if you'd like to have early access to any future sales & updated availability!

All sessions are 10-20% off all november long, but larger discounts (30-50% off) will be available at 6am on black friday (11/24) & are first-come-first-serve basis:

Shop Black Friday sale

4 Easy Steps for Choosing Family Outfits - Spokane, Wa Portrait Photographer

9/15/2023

This is not an over-exaggeration: I loathe picking out family photo outfits for everyone - despiiiiiiiise it. If I could outsource that one: I 1000% would.

Here are my personal & professional tips for making this step just a tad bit easier on everyone, because believe me! I have definitely arrived to a session frustrated as hell because this process always induced so much stress that I was not in the best place emotionally to be the goofy, loving, stress-free mom that I know I can be...

My biggest tips are: wear something you are comfortable in & wear something that celebrates you/your personality/your style/your family vibe! At the end of the day, these photos are for you, for a lifetime - I want you to fall in love with these images.

Monumtenal Shows Presents: Stoe, Ghost Heart & No Bragging Rights - Spokane Concert Photographer

8/22/2023

I took myself out for a solo concert date last night which honestly felt like an ice cold glass of water on a hot-ass day: so. freaking. refreshing.

while I started my photography journey nearly 15 years ago shooting concerts, documenting so many of the older EDM-scene shows (Pretty Lights, Opuio, Beats Antique, CloZee, etc.), I unfortunately haven't done much since becoming a mother.

I've had this huge urge to push farrrrr out of my comfort zone recently and this was just what I needed in life right about now: self-love + music + photography.

Monumental puts on some of the absolute best local shows, including last night's Stoe + Ghost Heart + No Bragging Rights set at The Big Dipper!!

What An incredible turnout for a Monday night in Spokane...

Welcome, Baby "B" - Spokane Newborn Photographer

8/20/2023

Every Lactation Story Matters - Spokane Baby Photographer

8/4/2023

I saw a quote from BirthNerds the other day that resonated with my personal experience, that said: "Every lactation journey is unique and influenced by individual circumstances, choices, and support systems."

Everyone's journey is so different and we have no idea how that journey has formed a person...

I often get asked why I photograph people feeding their babies, and it's simply because: I wish I had done so for myself.

Simple as that.

These are the exact images I would want for myself...and my heart bursts when I am able to give this experience to others.

Graham: 6 Months New - spokane baby photographer

7/23/2023

Simple, delicate & totally tailored to your baby:
now booking milestone sessions at the Betty & Bee portrait studio!!

Book a Studio Session

Now Booking: Studio Breastfeeding Mini Sessions

7/19/2023

To help families celebrate their unique journey, I am offering studio mini sessions for all feeding stories: breastfeeding, chestfeeding, SNS, tandem, extended, shared...you name it, all is welcome here!!

Book a Studio Mini

Now Booking: Studio Milestone Mini Sessions

7/10/2023