Announcing a new partnership with Romp + Tumble, a baby and toddler clothing rental company

My clients have expressed that one of the biggest stressors of getting family photos is figuring out what to wear to the family photo session. I totally get it, and I am thankful that Romp + Tumble is helping us fix this problem!

Now clients that book a photo session with Monica Conlin Photography will be able to borrow an outfit (size newborn to 3T) for your photo session FREE of charge. 

Romp + Tumble is an Atlanta-based company that curates and rents bundles of baby and toddlers clothes for every stage of a child's growth. Their clothes are eco-friendly and sourced primarily from independent women led brands. Bundles include new and like-new clothing in gender neutral styles - always without holes and stains. Clothes are cleaned to the highest standards in accordance with CDC guidelines to kill viruses. 

Romp + Tumble will work with you ahead of the shoot to understand your style and size preferences and present you with up to three options to choose from. The outfit will be delivered to you ahead of time and once the photo shoot is over we will take back the outfit for no hassle returns. Outfits may include tops and bottoms (styled together) or footed / un-footed one pieces. They can also style with a piece of clothing you already own.

My own children were able to try out some of the clothes that Romp + Tumble offers, and they loved wearing them. My daughter enjoyed each item we received and the various patterns and styles that came in her size (3T). Every clothing item was not only cute, but comfortable and well-made.

The outfits were cozy and perfect for snuggling and playing around the house.

Not only were the outfits good for our lazy days at home, but because they are high quality and durable, they were perfect for a day outside as well. We get outside every day and we need clothes that work with our active and playful lifestyle. These did!

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Let’s Meet Tara, a fellow mom and local business owner.

Tell us about yourself! 

My name is Tara and I am the founder of Romp + Tumble that curates and rents bundles of baby and toddler clothes. Prior to starting Romp + Tumble last fall, I worked in finance for a number of fortune 500 companies. My husband and I have two amazing boys - Sahil aged 9 and Kush aged 6, who have lots of energy! We moved to Atlanta from New York about 9 years ago and live in Morningside. COVID has meant a lot more time with the family - the kids and I are reading the Harry Potter series (book seven!), we have instituted a daily cocktail / mocktail hour and have held very exclusive dance parties at home in our pajamas.

What made you want to start your own business?

A  career in finance is demanding, particularly while you are having kids. After coming out of what I call my baby haze, during which time all I did was work and try to keep it together, I looked around and realized the need for better solutions to help working parents. All parents need access to new models and solutions that help us get time and space back in our lives. And that’s the mission of Romp + Tumble - to maintain the joy of dressing your babies and toddlers in cute clothes, but reducing the work around organizing, storing and getting clothes out of your home, sustainably. The idea came to be as I was sending my kids old baby clothes to a friend. We launched with our first offering at the end of September 2020.

What makes your company unique as a subscription service? 

First off, our model is based on renting. We source new and like new premium quality eco-friendly clothes primarily from women led brands who care about the people and processes behind their clothes. We offer two bundle sizes - a 22 piece and an 11 piece at 75% off retail prices. It is important that we make access to sustainable options affordable. All our bundles include a variety of daily-wear options that you can mix and match. We curate based on a design questionnaire that you fill out. 

What was the need that you saw and wanted to help fix that led to this idea? 

I talk above about the fact that parents need more time and space back in their lives. We are burdened with domestic labor. One study administered by BCG noted that working parents are spending upwards of 55+ hours a week on domestic labor on top of their full time jobs. So, big picture we are trying to solve for that. Additionally, as someone who cares about the environment, textile waste is a problem. Only 15% of textiles in the U.S get recycled, the rest go into landfills and can take up to 200 years to biodegrade. Babies and toddlers grow so fast, but their clothes don’t. It seems ripe for rental. 

How are you reducing stress for moms? 

Most of the domestic labor falls on mothers. This includes shopping, organizing and storing clothes. Let’s not forget...what do you do when your child outgrows? We want to maintain the joy of dressing babies and toddlers in cute clothes, but eliminate the rest of that work. With our bundles you get what you need when you need it. Generally, our customers hold onto items for a couple of months and exchange as their child grows or seasons change, but we do offer monthly exchanges for those who wish to switch out more often. The clothes you get will always be clean (we maintain CDC guidelines for killing viruses) with no holes or stains. But we do know that stains and minor tears will occur and we do not penalize you for it. We ask that you send back and we will wash and mend the clothes as needed. If the clothes do not meet our standards and need to be taken out of circulation we donate or recycle them. End of life is important for us. We worry about it, so you don’t have to.

Why is renting clothes better than buying for this age of children? 

By the age of two, children go through seven clothing sizes! That’s a lot of shopping. By renting, with Romp + Tumble, you have access to a closet of curated hand-me downs that are seasonally and size appropriate, in line with your style. Plus, you don’t have to worry about how to get it out of your home when your child outgrows.

Why is it important for your company to work with women-led brands?

Romp + Tumble’s values very much reflect my own personal values. I have always been committed to uplifting women and this was very important to me when I started the company. Women create amazing businesses and generally give back to their communities in meaningful ways - it's an honor to support them. 

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?

Continued growth and being able to offer our customers amazing service. We have some really fun collaborations (like this) and giveaways that we are doing. We have plans to bring more community component into our model I am also excited to continue our spotlight series where we highlight female entrepreneurs - many of them Atlanta based. 

Where do people go to learn more and contact you?

Website: www.rompandtumble.com

Email: tara@rompandtumble.com

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Monica Conlin is a newborn and family lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, smash cake photography, school photography, maternity photography, and family photography. Monica lives in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas.

What is the Best Time of Day for an Outdoor Photo Session?

The best time of day for a photo session is during what is known as Golden Hour or the Magic Hour. That is the hour before sunset (or after sunrise). This time of day allows for the softest and warmest light.

This lifestyle family photo session was done in the golden hour of a beautiful fall day.

The open field setting allowed us to fully appreciate the sunset and play with all the golden glow that it gave us. Another amazing way to catch a sunset and all the light in the hour before it is going up higher, like on the mountain in the picture below. Being up at a higher elevation gave us the opportunity to take full advantage of the warm light as it dipped below the horizon.

So what time does that mean the family photo sessions will take place?

Depending on the time of year, the times for sunset can vary widely. In the Atlanta area the sunset can be as early as 5:30pm in the winter or as late at 9pm in the summertime. I will provide my clients with the times that will allow us to do photos in that magic hour based on the season!

Why don’t you take photos in the middle of the day when there is the most light?

In the middle of the day, when the sun is straight overhead, then it creates harsh shadows and extreme lighting conditions for the pictures. That is not the most flattering light for people to be photographed in. So even though there is technically the “most light”, it isn’t the best lighting.

What if the time is past my kid’s bedtime?

First of all, I get it. My kid’s have always gone to bed on the earlier side (we are talking between 6:30-7:30pm depending on their age), and our bedtime routine is a sacred time of day that does not get messed with often. So I think that parent’s with younger children who may be running into the golden hour time period have a few options:

1. Forget bedtime just this once as something special. You know your own kids and if this option will backfire. Some kids are more flexible and able to stay up later on the rare occasion. If you go for this a few things that may help make it a successful evening is by having them take a nap a little later, make sure they are well fed, and then hype up the specialness of going somewhere after dinner time! “Can you believe we get to go take pictures and stay up later tonight? I am so excited to spend a little extra time with you!”

2. Or you can book your family photo session during the fall/winter when the sunset (and thus golden hour) is earlier and not to interfere with bedtime.

3. Talk to me about your children’s nap & bedtimes and I can offer you alternative times, such as an early morning sunrise golden hour shoot.

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Monica Conlin is a natural light family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, smash cake photography, school photography, maternity photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding area.

Outdoor Maternity Photo Session | Decatur & Atlanta Family Photographer

Here is what to expect and how to prepare for your Outdoor Maternity Photography Session

How long is a Maternity Photo Session?

A maternity shoot is a photo session that can be up to an hour to document you with that cute baby bump!

When should I have my Maternity Photo Session?

I recommend maternity shoots be done between about 30 and 34 weeks. The timing allows for your bump to be prominent enough so that it is obvious, but not too far along where you aren’t super uncomfortable.

Who can come to the Maternity Photo Session?

The main focus of this shoot is YOU, the mama-to-be. But your partner and/or children are welcome and encouraged to join you as well. Your family is changing and welcoming a new member soon, so let’s get photos of this stage of eager anticipation.

So whether this is your first kid or your fifth, all immediate family members are welcome! And possibly your dog as well if the outdoor setting you choose allows pets.

What do I wear to my Maternity Photo Session?

My number one suggestion for the mama-to-be is to wear what you FEEL GOOD IN!

I know that a growing belly and all the other changes that go with pregnancy can make us feel less than glamorous, but know how beautiful and powerful your body is! So whether it is a long, flowy dress or cute jeans and a t-shirt, what is important is that you are confident in how the outfit fits you. Let me document that pregnancy glow.

If you have family members joining you for the shoot, coordinate their outfits based on what you picked for you. Keeping to one or two colors with neutrals tends to look good together. For example, if the mama-to-be is wearing a beautiful, bright flowy dress, then the partner should wear something more neutral and simple.

Where should I have my Outdoor Maternity Session?

Here are some location suggestions. However, I have a much longer list that I can give based on what you are looking for. Some options include being high up on top of a mountain, in an open field, in the forest, or by a river or lake. So you can let me know what type of setting and feel for the photo session that you are most interested in and we can pick the best location for you.

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Monica Conlin is a family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, maternity photography, smash cake photography, school photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas (including, by not limited to: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland).

Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com if you need a Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Newborn at home Photographer, Lifestyle Family Photographer, newborn photographer, baby photographer, or maternity photographer.

How to prepare for a Smash Cake Photo Session

What do you need to have for a smash cake photo session with me?

This session is fun and the set up can be very simple. You really don’t need a lot of things!

The basics:

• Your baby (ha!)

• A smash cake

• A place where they can sit to get into the smash cake. You can choose either a highchair for or a blanket/quilt.

The extras:

• Decorations ideas

  • balloons

  • banner that says “one” or “happy birthday”

  • a little chair or bench

  • a sign or letter board

  • Backdrop if indoors such as a large bedsheet to hang from the wall

All of these extras are just that, extra. They aren’t necessary and completely up to you!

Where do I get a smash cake?

A smash cake is really just a small, round cake. You can either make one yourself or you can order one from a local bakery. If you want some bakery suggestions then see my blog post for a list of local bakeries.

If you are making one yourself, then you can either use your favorite cake recipe or find one online. A lot of the cake recipes when you search for a smash cake are healthier cake options made from oats, bananas, no added sugar, etc. These are great options for a first experience with a dessert for your baby.

Where do we do the smash cake session?

We will pick the location together. Depending on what you want and the time of year here are some options to choose from:

• Your own backyard (or front yard). This is very convenient if you have a good space at your house. All you need is an open area that you can throw a blanket down or put a highchair.

• A park in your neighborhood or near where you live. This also can be very easy and convenient for you if you don’t have a good outdoor space at your home.

• Inside your home. If it is really cold outside then we can do the session in your home. Because I am a natural light photographer, we would need a space that has good natural light (a few big windows).

• A local studio. I have a few options that I can suggst. It will included an added rental fee.

What is your baby supposed to wear?

I do like to take a few pictures before the actual smashing of the cake happens, so if you have a cute birthday outfit or shirt then you can have your baby start off in that.

But then once the cake is introduced, it can get pretty messy pretty quickly. So I suggest either have your baby wear an outfit you don’t mind getting dirty or you can take off their shirt/onesies and let them be naked.

Add a Splash!

After a smash cake photo shoot, let your baby enjoy a splash in the bath to wash off the messiness of the cake. I provide the basin and bubbles.

Monica Conlin is a family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, maternity photography, smash cake photography, 1st birthday, school photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas (including, by not limited to: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland).

Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com for all your family and newborn photo session needs!