Informational Blogs

Memorable Moments Storybook

– a little girl, her baby sister and one beautiful day at the newborn photo studio-

Are you a little worried how your toddler will do for your upcoming newborn photo session? Will they be scared? Will they behave? This storybook was made to help young children know what is coming and to ease any uncertainty. Cuddle up with your little one(s) and enjoy this story…

How this story came to be…

In early 2023, AI or Artificial intelligence is just starting to really take off. At this moment in time, we are not sure what it’s going to be used for in the future. The possibilities are endless. This New Horizon is so exciting. If this is what we can already do, where will we be in three years, five years? With this type of artificial intelligence, we are left with deciding what is ethically appropriate as far as giving credit where credit is due.

This storybook is my collaboration with AI. I provided the prompts and Chat-GPT filled in the story. The illustrator is also a form of artificial intelligence. I provided the storyboards in the form of photos. Then I put them in a program called Picsart to illustrate them. Without AI, this storybook would have just stayed as an idea.

Before and After using Picsart

Memorable Moments Story Read By Megan

I hope you enjoyed this story!

Are you ready to schedule your newborn photo session?

I would love to work with you!

Windsor, CO | Newborn Photographer

Photographing Windsor, Fort Collins, Loveland and the rest of Northern Colorado's Newborn Babies

1226 West Ash Street – Unit E | Windsor, CO 80550 | megangrovephotography@gmail.com

Informational Blogs

Newborn Photo Studio in Windsor, Colorado – Grand Opening!

I am going to be celebrating the Grand Opening for my Windsor photo studio the whole month of March 2023. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the new studio than giving back to the community.

I am so excited to announce that $50 from every session scheduled during March will go to Stork Support of Northern Colorado!

The sessions DO NOT have to take place in March; however, the contract must be signed, and nonrefundable session fee paid before your session can be put on the schedule. I know this sounds a little confusing so I’m going to put it another way. Even if your baby is due in July, if you schedule your session now (March 2023), $50 of your session fee will be donated to Stork Support of Northern Colorado.

Are you ready to schedule your newborn photo session?

I would love to work with you!

Have you heard about Stork Support of Northern Colorado? Let me tell you more about this amazing non-profit organization.

Stork Support of Northern Colorado

Stork Support of Northern Colorado is a nonprofit organization providing essential maternity, postpartum and newborn baby needs to under-resourced families in Northern Colorado since 2018. The amazing people that run this organization gather and give out items to families in need.

This isn’t just about donating money, it’s also about spreading information about Stork Support of Northern Colorado. I want everyone to know how they can help or how they can receive help when needed. Let’s dive a little deeper.

Give Help

Here in Northern Colorado, the need is greater than ever and there are so many different ways to help Stork Support of Northern Colorado. You can donate gently used baby items like strollers, portable bassinets pack and plays. Every so often they do newborn diaper bag drives so anything that would go inside the bag you can donate! Diapers, wipes. diaper rash cream, formula, baby soap and lotion, blankets and swaddles, the list is so long!

Don’t forget about post-partum items! Stork Support also puts together post-partum kits for parents after birth as well as after experiencing a loss. Items like pads, witch hazel, nipple cream, nursing bras and nursing pads are all great things to donate to Stork Support of Northern Colorado.

For the full list of what Stork Support of Northern Colorado can accept and the link to amazon wish list click on the link below.

Need Help?

Having a baby is expensive and the current economy is making things even harder for a lot of families. If you are having a hard time getting what you need to take care of you or your newborn, you don’t have to do it alone! Follow the link below to request help from Stork Support of Northern Colorado and to see a comprehensive list of other local resources.

Upcoming Stork Support Events

-March 18th, 2023 12-2pm Spring Stroller Event (Main Community Park in Windsor)

-April 14th, 2023 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Family Resource Fair (Northside Aztlan Community Center, Fort Collins)

To read more about what items they need for donations, ways to volunteer or to give to them directly, please check out their website Stork Support of Northern Colorado

March is going to be amazing!

Welcome to

Flutter My Shutter – Newborn Photography Blog

Hello! I am a newborn photographer living near Fort Collins, Colorado. When I am not photographing newborns, you can find me editing photos, listening to audio books and going on adventures with my 3 boys.

New to the site? Start here

Windsor, CO | Newborn Photographer

Photographing Windsor, Fort Collins, Loveland and the rest of Northern Colorado's Newborn Babies

1226 West Ash Street – Unit E | Windsor, CO 80550 | megangrovephotography@gmail.com

Informational Blogs

Where To Get a Local Prenatal Ultrasound in Northern Colorado and the Denver Area

Fort Collins – Windsor – Erie – Westminster – Highlands Ranch

An Online Guide: Where to go and why you might want an Elective Prenatal Ultrasound

If you don’t already know me, I’m a Northern Colorado Newborn Photographer. I spend a lot of time talking about newborn photos… today I’m shifting my focus to the photos you can get of your baby before they are even born.

***As with anything that has to do with your pregnancy, you should talk to your doctor/midwife first! Make sure that it is safe for YOUR pregnancy and that there aren’t any further precautions you should take.

The Benefits of Elective Prenatal Ultrasounds

Nine months is a long time to wait to meet your sweet little one. Ultrasounds give you a small glimpse of your baby before you even get to hold them in your arms. Who wouldn’t love that? Maybe you got a chance to peek at that tiny little baby at your regular ultrasound visit that was scheduled by your doctor or midwife. But that is all it was, just a peek. You probably didn’t get to spend much time looking at all the tiny details. Sadly, those ultrasounds are speedy and to the point. Not to mention, conventional ultrasounds are often done in small, cramped and sterile rooms, making it hard for everyone to enjoy the moment.

Getting to see your baby’s face for the first time during an ultrasound is so exciting. It is a special moment that deserves to be shared with your loved ones in a warm and inviting space. Non-medical, elective ultrasounds give you the chance to really get to know your newest addition.

Where to get a Local Prenatal Ultrasound

You have been bonding since day one, even though you haven’t officially met yet. Are you ready to see your baby for the 1st, 2nd or 3rd time? Check out this list and schedule your elective prenatal ultrasound with one of these wonderful businesses.


Northern Colorado Ultrasound Locations

Moments Captured

-We understand the importance of being able to bond with your baby before you even meet. Our 3D/4D ultrasound experience is one of the most memorable events an expectant parent can have prior to birth, and Moments Captured is excited to provide this to clients in a professional, relaxed, and personalized environment.

105 Coronado Court, Suite 102
Fort Collins, CO 80525

Blossom Baby Co

– At Blossom Baby Co we treasure the opportunity to be invited into the sacred prenatal period for expecting parents and families. It’s with great honor that we are given the opportunity to help them meet and bond with their baby before their grand debut. Here at Blossom Baby Co you can invite siblings, family and friends to share your baby’s first smiles, yawns, waves, and stretches.

1226 W Ash Street, Unit D Windsor, CO 80550

Flatirons Prenatal Imaging

– We understand this is a magical time for you and your family and that everything needs to be perfect. We have created a soothing environment where you and your family can share this special experience together in comfort with large 4k screens all around. Our Spa-like office is designed to help you truly enjoy your baby’s first viewing in luxury and comfort.

671 Mitchell Way, Suite 206 Erie, CO 80516


Denver Area Ultrasound Locations

Mommy And Me

– Your comfort is important to us, our ultrasound services allow you to enjoy the viewing of your baby’s first images.   This heartwarming experience is shared with family and friends, in a relaxing and comfortable environment. You and your loved ones will be smiling long after the session is complete.

9100 W 100th Ave, Suite B1 Westminster, CO 80021

First View Ultrasound

–  We provide a positive bonding experience between the mother, father, family members and the unborn baby. Realistic surface images are shown to provide a connection between parents and child that can be beneficial to the whole family. Something special happens when parents see the 3D ultrasound and 4D ultrasound images compared to the 2D ultrasound image, because the picture of the baby is much more realistic.

 9191 Sheridan Blvd, Suite 104
Westminster, CO 80031

Baby Glimpses

– We are a warm and inviting studio and welcome all of your family, friends, and children. We believe that children should be a part of this wonderful experience so they feel like a part of the family at all times. At Baby Glimpses, we have a large theater-like viewing room that can accommodate seating for 10 people. We have plenty of toys to keep the little ones entertained if they get restless as well.

9473 South University Blvd, Suite C Highlands Ranch, CO 80126


When I started compiling this list, the first local Ultrasound website I found talked about how few elective ultrasound places there are in Northern Colorado. Boy, they were not joking! I decided to include a few Denver area locations as well. I imagine there are a few local ultrasound places I’ve missed that deserve to be on this list, and I am happy to add them. Let me know who/what I have missed!

The descriptions of the local ultrasound locations in this guide came directly from the websites that are listed. In other words, some of the wording in this guide came from the listed websites, not me.

Ultrasound images used in this guide were from Pixabay

Windsor, CO | Newborn Photographer

Photographing Windsor, Fort Collins, Loveland and the rest of Northern Colorado's Newborn Babies

1226 West Ash Street – Unit E | Windsor, CO 80550 | megangrovephotography@gmail.com


Informational Blogs

Where To Get A Local Prenatal Massage In Northern Colorado

Fort Collins – Loveland – Windsor – Greeley

An Online Guide: Where to go and why you need a prenatal massage.

Wow, growing, carrying and worrying about that baby inside your tummy is a full-time job. The stress on your body is nothing to joke about either. Taking care of yourself is so incredibly important! One way to take care of yourself is by getting a prenatal massage.

The Many Benefits to Prenatal Massage

There are so many benefits to getting a prenatal massage including, improving your overall health and reducing stress. It can even reduce swelling and nerve pain. Not to mention, it feels good!

As with anything that has to do with your pregnancy, you should talk to your doctor/midwife first! Make sure that it is safe for YOUR pregnancy and that there aren’t any further precautions you should take.

Local Prenatal Massage

Northern Colorado is home to many great prenatal massage therapists. This guide is really just a small slice of the information that is out there. I am sure there are many massage therapists that deserve to be on this list, and I am happy to add them! Let me know who/what I have missed!


Fort Collins Prenatal Massage

Amara Massage & Wellness

-The mission of Amara Massage Therapy & Wellness is to provide exceptional, evidence informed massage and wellness services in Fort Collins, CO. Our environment is the perfect fusion of spa and clinic, open to anyone seeking an amazing massage experience.

100 W. Olive Street
Fort Collins, CO 80524

Under Pressure Therapeutics

– We offer a variety of therapeutic massage services catered to meet your massage therapy needs. Taking care of yourself when you’re carrying a baby is an absolute necessity. We cannot stress enough how important it is to receive regular prenatal massages.

1918 S. Lemay Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80525

Present Moment Massage Studio

– At Present Moment Massage, we primarily work with clients who have chronic neck, shoulder, low back pain, or sports injuries. Prenatal massage brings more energy and less fatigue for the Mother, relieves low back and abdominal strain, as well as relaxation to Mother and Baby.  We even have special prenatal cushions that allow the mother to lay face down during the massage.

373 W. Drake Road #9 Fort Collins, CO 80525


Greeley Prenatal Massage

Tranquility Massage

– My mission is to help you heal. I want you to leave your session feeling better, but my priority is your overall health.  Massage is good for your body, but it is also time to just relax and unwind. 

8213 West 20th Street, Suite E Greeley, CO 80634

Art of Touch Massage and Spa

– Our mission is to help set clients free from pain and stress in a safe comfortable environment.  You will come away feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

 4689 W 20th St. Unit E, Greeley, CO 80634

Westside Wax & Massage

– locally owned and committed to providing the same professional massage services at an affordable price in our new Greeley studio.

1923 59th Ave Suite #125 Greeley, CO 80634


Loveland Prenatal Massage

Loveland Massage & Esthetic

-We not only treat your physical body, but we also treat the mind to bring balance and wholeness so you can thrive in your life, and experience all the joy, all the abundance and all the peace that you deserve. 

1618 E 1st St Loveland, CO 80537

Ten Salon & Med Spa

– Our mission is not only to create a beautiful appearance but to nurture the body and relax the mind. Our goal is to offer an elevated experience to our clients through the quality products we use with our team of caring and skilled professionals.

6045 Sky Pond Dr Suite R100, Loveland, CO 80538

Viridian Massage & Energetics

– Viridian’s team of licensed massage therapists are highly trained and exceptionally skilled body workers. We always lean into our know-how and intuition to deliver a custom massage experienced that addresses your changing needs, every time.

231 W 4th St Suite 202
Loveland, Colorado 80537


Windsor Prenatal Massage

Wandering Willow Salon & Day Spa

– At Wandering Willow Salon & Day Spa we are committed to enhancing the inner beauty, strength and confidence of our guests by utilizing the best products and our well educated service providers. We strive to provide our guests with a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment.

7791 Highland Meadows Parkway Suite A
Windsor, CO 80528

Rocky Mountain Corrective Massage

– Rocky Mountain Corrective Massage proudly serves the Windsor, Colorado community with a range of health and wellness services including rehabilitative massage, massage cupping, prenatal massage, aromatherapy lymphatic massage, and fascial counterstrain therapy. 

113 5th St, Windsor, CO 80550

Bella Vie Med Spa Skin & Wellness Clinic

– Our aspiration is to renew your body, mind and spirit. We are an experience without compare, and we believe that wellness starts from within. This is why we offer therapeutic treatments designed to give your body and spirit relief from the stresses of daily life.

1295 Main Street, Suite 1
Windsor, CO 80550


Most of the descriptions of the massage therapists in this guide came directly from the websites that are listed. In other words, some of the wording in this guide came from the listed websites, not me.

All images used in this guide were from Pixabay

Stunning free images & royalty free stock
Over 2.7 million+ high quality stock images, videos and music shared by our talented community.

Welcome to

Flutter My Shutter – Newborn Photography Blog

Hello! I am a newborn photographer living near Fort Collins, Colorado. When I am not photographing newborns, you can find me editing photos, listening to audio books and going on adventures with my 3 boys.

New to the site? Start here

Are you looking for a Newborn Photographer? My Windsor photo studio is centrally located, making it easy for all of Northern Colorado to get photos of their newborns done. Let’s plan your photo session!

Windsor, CO | Newborn Photographer

Photographing Windsor, Fort Collins, Loveland and the rest of Northern Colorado's Newborn Babies

1226 West Ash Street – Unit E | Windsor, CO 80550 | megangrovephotography@gmail.com


Informational Blogs, Photo Session Outfit Guide

Best Places to Find Your Photo Session Outfits and Accessories in Northern Colorado

An Online Guide: Taking Your Photo Outfits from Meh to Wow!

You’ve scheduled your photo session with your favorite photographer, now what? Well, it’s the time for picking outfits and accessories for your photo session. This is arguably one of the most important steps in preparing for any photo session. In this guide, I’m going to give you a few tips on how to pick out your family’s outfits. Then I’m going to give you some ideas for places for you to shop for the essential items for your photos.

What do you think?

What have you come up with? Do you like the colors you have? Do you need to add a splash of a complimentary color? Don’t forget to ask for opinions from friends if you get stuck.

Most of the descriptions of the stores in this guide came directly from the websites that are listed. In other words, some of the wording in this guide came from the listed websites, not me.

This guide is really just a small slice of the information that is out there. I am sure there are many stores that deserve to be on this list, and I am happy to add them! Let me know who/what I have missed!

All images used in this guide were from Pixabay

Stunning free images & royalty free stock
Over 2.7 million+ high quality stock images, videos and music shared by our talented community.

Welcome to

Flutter My Shutter – Newborn Photography Blog

Hello! I am a newborn photographer living near Fort Collins, Colorado. When I am not photographing newborns, you can find me editing photos, listening to audio books and going on adventures with my 3 boys.

New to the site? Start here

Are you looking for a Newborn Photographer? My Windsor, CO photo studio is centrally located, making it easy for all of Northern Colorado to get photos of their newborns done. Let’s plan your photo session!

Windsor, CO | Newborn Photographer

Photographing Windsor, Fort Collins, Loveland and the rest of Northern Colorado's Newborn Babies

1226 West Ash Street – Unit E | Windsor, CO 80550 | megangrovephotography@gmail.com

Informational Blogs

An Online Guide to Trouble Free Toddler and Newborn Photos

Trouble Free Toddler and Newborn Photos

Free Guide for Parents and Newborn Photographers

Fast, Fresh and Friendly- It’s not just Hot Dog on a Stick’s motto, it’s also the 3 F’s of trouble-free toddler and newborn photos. I know you are curious… Yes, I worked at a Hot Dog on a Stick when I was a kid. Funny hat and all! That is a story for another day though.

Parents often worry about how older siblings are going to do for photo sessions. Let’s dive in to the 3 F’s of toddler and newborn photography so we can get amazing photos from those tricky toddlers and tiny newborns.

Fast

I’m sure it’s no surprise to you, that toddlers can have tiny attention spans at times. They can go from having fun, to total melt down in a matter of moments. That is why it is so important to move fast when photographing toddlers. As soon as you have the image you were after, it’s time to move on to the next set.

I find it is very important to give the older siblings a break while you are safely getting the newborn ready for the next pose. It is kind of like an on off switch. When the switch is off, you can safely pose the newborn while the parents are keeping an eye on their older sibling. When the switch is on it is time to MOVE. Get that toddler close but with safety in mind.

Fresh

Keeping things interesting and always changing is super important when photographing toddlers. This can be as simple as changing the pose or switching tools. Tools? Peek-a-boo, bubbles, tickle flower, flying monkeys, toys from home, there are so many things that can be used to make the photos interesting for older siblings. At my photo studio, I have Waldo the reindeer. He is a festive fella that squeaks. He knows the funniest tricks! Even on the best of days, Waldo is only funny for a little while. When it stops being funny, that is when I know it is time to try another tool/trick. Keeping things always changing will make for interested toddlers.

Friendly

Keeping things friendly and light is probably the most important part of doing newborn and toddler photos. Toddlers and babies are incredible and can sense different feelings in the room. They can feel stress, frustration and anger. Luckily, they can also feel excitement, happiness and love. Let’s talk about the different ways to keeps the session light and friendly.

We all know how excited everyone one is to meet the new baby; I make sure the toddler knows how excited I am to meet them! As soon as I meet big brother/sister for the first time, I start making the session very much about them. I say things like; “Wow! Is that YOUR new baby?” “Are you a big brother/sister now?” This is such a special time for your family and older brother/sister should also feel special.

With 3 boys of my own, I know how important it is for older siblings to feel involved. I love coming up with ways for them to “help” and have fun. You can ask the older sibling to grab diapers, wipes, maybe even a small prop. If the parents can’t decide between two items, ask the sibling! Getting them involved will make them feel like they are an important part of the photo session.

I hope this guide was helpful. Just remember, keep it Fast, Fresh and Friendly and you will end up with the most beautiful toddler and newborn photos!

With Megan Grove Photography, we always have so much fun, getting great sibling photos is never really a problem!
If you want to learn more about newborn photos with Megan Grove Photography, click the pink button.


Windsor, CO | Newborn Photographer

Photographing Windsor, Fort Collins, Loveland and the rest of Northern Colorado's Newborn Babies

1226 West Ash Street – Unit E | Windsor, CO 80550 | megangrovephotography@gmail.com

Informational Blogs

Should I Get Professional Newborn Photos of My Baby?

“You will never have this day with your children again. Tomorrow they will be a little bigger than they are today. This day is a gift. Breathe and notice. Smell and touch them. Study their faces and little feet and pay attention. Relish the charms of the present. Enjoy today. It will be over before you know it.” -Jen Hatmaker

We all know babies change fast. As a mother of 3 wild boys, I know first-hand how fast their sweet little personalities change and how important it is to cherish all the little details that change ever so quickly. In a blink of an eye, I went from snuggling my babies to sending them off to pre-school. It goes way too quickly.

When I think back to when my little ones were babies, there are several moments that stick out; the first time I got to hold my baby, first family photo, first bath, and all the baby snuggles. The memories that are most vivid for me are the ones I can look back at through a photograph. I can’t even begin to tell you how important my kiddos baby photos are to me. They take me back to a time that I don’t get to have again except in memories and photographs.

As important as those baby photos are to me, I wouldn’t hang them on my wall. Huh!?! What? I didn’t get professional photos of my boys done. I thought I could do it myself. I was wrong. The photos are dark, blurry with wrinkled backgrounds. I love them because that is what I have but oh how I wish I had photos I was proud to display.

Summer
2011

Are these photos a little blurry? Yes. Was I using a tablecloth for a background? Yes.

Do I know why he is not centered in the photo? No, I do not. Did I post these on social media? Yep. Are you laughing yet? I am.

Fall
2014

Are these photos still a little blurry? Yes. Did I think putting photos in black and white would distract people from the blurriness? Yep. Was I using a bed sheet for a background? Yes.

Do I know why I didn’t de-wrinkle the background? No, I do not. Did I post these on social media? Yep. I sure did. It’s okay to laugh. Seriously, go ahead.

Spring
2018

Are these photos still blurry? No. Thankfully, I had learned a few things by this time.

Did I post these on social media? Yes. Would I put these on my walls? Yes. Is it important to have professional portraits of your baby? Yes!

Spring 2023

Things to Consider

Professional photography is a luxury experience that not everyone can afford. Is the investment worth it for you? Here is a list of things to consider:

  • Is it important to you to have photos of from when your baby is still a baby?
  • Do you like having properly composed, well lit, in focus photos?
  • Do you want photos you would be proud to hang on your walls?
  • Would you like to relax knowing your baby is in good hands for their photos?

Are you looking for a Fort Collins Newborn Photographer? My Windsor photo studio is centrally located, making it easy for all of Northern Colorado to get photos of their newborns done. Let’s plan your photo session!

Windsor, CO | Newborn Photographer

Photographing Windsor, Fort Collins, Loveland and the rest of Northern Colorado's Newborn Babies

1226 West Ash Street – Unit E | Windsor, CO 80550 | megangrovephotography@gmail.com

Informational Blogs

Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Newborn Photographer

Newborn photography is a very delicate form of photography. It takes skill, patience and a lot of knowledge of newborn posing safety. Here is a list of the 5 things you should ask before hiring your newborn photographer. Written by newborn photographer Megan of Megan Grove Newborn Photography.

1) How long have you been photographing newborns?

  • Not weddings, not seniors, not families, how long have you been working with newborns specifically? Newborns are delicate and need to be treated very carefully. It takes time to learn how to pose babies safely and how to keep them calm and comfortable during the photo session.

2) Do you have a newborn portfolio to look through?

  • When looking at a newborn photographer’s portfolio, it is important to see if the photos have a similar editing style/esthetic throughout the photos? When picking a newborn photographer, you want to know what you are getting. If you aren’t sure if your photos will look bright and airy or dark and moody, your photographer probably hasn’t landed on an editing style yet.

3) Do you do composites for hard poses?

  • Newborn safety should be your photographer’s number 1 priority. There are certain poses that cannot be done safely without composites (combining 2 or more photos). If the photographer does these poses, they should have their hands on the baby the whole time. See photo example below.

4) Do you have a studio?

  • Whether they have a brick-and-mortar store or if they have a studio in their home, this is the time to find out what amenities each photographer has. Do they have props, outfits, headbands etc.? Because these items can be very expensive, it is great if the photographer will provide these for your session. Many newborn photographers have fully stocked prop closets. Does yours?

5) Are you Vaccinated?

  • I know this can be an awkward question to ask but if it is important to you, it should be important to your photographer.

I hope this list helps you make an informed decision when it comes to your baby’s newborn photos.

Are you looking for a Northern Colorado Newborn Photo Studio? My Windsor studio is centrally located making it easy for all of Northern Colorado to get newborn photos done. If you are ready to schedule your newborn session with Megan Grove Photography, click on the pink button!

Windsor, CO | Newborn Photographer

Photographing Windsor, Fort Collins, Loveland and the rest of Northern Colorado's Newborn Babies

1226 West Ash Street – Unit E | Windsor, CO 80550 | megangrovephotography@gmail.com