Photographing the journey of motherhood every step of the way

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Julie Kulbago Photography is a nationally published photographer who is trained in newborn safety practices and has mastered the technical knowledge & experience to use advanced photoshop techniques to capture challenging poses safely. 

Her full service boutique photography studio works with families to capture fleeting moments so they last a lifetime. Let’s plan your perfect session!

My Perfect Mae – Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer

Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer

April 28, 2012

  1. Bobbie says:

    So I bawled through the whole entire post… what a statement her life has made already! She is absolutely perfect in every way…. congratulations again Julie! I foresee many more blessings coming your way! 🙂

  2. Lauren says:

    What a touching post Julie! I’ll stop crying in a few hours :). The pictures are beautiful. She’s absolutely precious and perfect indeed!

  3. Talia says:

    Julie,

    I admit when I saw the length of this post I wasn’t going to spend time reading it. BUT I did, and I am so glad I did. Your story brought a tear to my eye. Amazing how God uses our trials in life to bring us far greater blessings than we could have ever “dreamed” up. As a mother and aspiring photographer I can really relate to you with the worldly view of perfection and beauty. I have myself been wanting to capture the REAL beauty of any family and any person. The true beauty just as God created them, making them feel special and wonderful just the way they are. As photographers, we can make or break someones confidence, there is nothing I love more than helping an insecure woman come out of her shell and feel beautiful on a shoot even though she thinks she is a house. Or to make a shy and scared little child belly laugh like they are playing at home. Your story has encouraged me as a mother and a photographer to keep it REAL and to remember all of His creation is beautiful, no prop or Photoshop tool can top His masterpieces. That being said, I found myself crying with joy for you as I gazed upon your MOST BEAUTIFUL baby girl! I smiled and laughed at her cute little smile! She is PERFECT! 🙂 Your family is right I think she is here for You, and her life and story as your daughter will inspire others for years to come. Keep focusing on God and teaching her all about Him, soak her preciousness up! You are blessed 🙂

  4. Lauren kopicko says:

    Julie,
    We have been waiting patiently to see Mae. You are meant to tell your story and to take Mae’s pictures through life. What a beauty! Thank you for sharing your sweet baby girl with your number #1 fans!

    Lots of love,
    Lauren and Bob Kopicko

  5. Tammy says:

    Oh, Julie… this is beautiful. Tears are in my eyes, but they are happy tears for you. I am so looking forward to watching Mae grow up!

  6. I am sobbing…this is the most heart felt thing I have ever read in my life! I hope you send this to some parenting magazines because their are so many moms that need to read this!!! You are so blessed to be able to see God working in your life!!!! Your sweet Mae is perfect and will bless so many lives!! I just can’t wait to watch her grow and read your blogs (and I do not follow blogs ever)!!! I had a kindergarten student tell me one time that angels are all around you! Something about the look in her eyes as she looked past me, I knew it was true! When you believe like that, you start to see the beauty of God’s work everywhere you look! I am so blessed to know you and to get to read your story!! I am sending you a HUGE hug today and lots of prayers! God picked you for a reason to be Mae’s mommy, enjoy every single moment!

  7. Shannan Turner says:

    Julie,
    Mae is a beauty! She will bring you more happiness than you can imagine. She may bring more struggles along the way than a “typical” child, but she will be able to show you the true joy and blessings in life. You and your family are truly blessed and I wish you nothing but the best!
    Shannan

  8. Paula Naples says:

    Beautifully honest post and honestly beautiful photos! My favorite is the one with Mae’s open, she looks like a viking baby.

  9. Erin says:

    Mae is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing such candid honesty. A lot of people do not understand when things are different then predicted, you do mourn for what you thought would be. My oldest has autism and while finally having a diagnosis was a relief, I did a lot of crying. Her ‘symptoms’ sometimes are the best part of her <3

  10. Connie Richard says:

    Julie, I have never been more moved and/or touched by your words…. your words of an emotional roller coaster and how you have gotten the internal strength to overcome being scared and “why me”. I commend you for your spirit and God will guide you as you have delivered a beautiful baby girl, “Mae”. She is a wonderful gift in that you will share with the whole world through pictures. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Many blessings to you and your family near and far. Today, tomorrow and forever, Connie Richard

    P.S. I will have to keep your website in mind and let others know about your beautiful photography.

  11. Jordan says:

    Your daughter is one of the most gorgeous babies I have ever seen. I had a miscarriage recently because my baby had down syndrome, and it’s so great to see a baby that has down syndrome look so Pretty and peaceful. Congratulations!

  12. Angela says:

    Awe that was very heart touching hearing your journey of your birth of Mae. She is so precious and I pray for you and your family for strength and continued passion. We need more photographers like you.

  13. Karen Roe says:

    Your Mae is absolutely perfect! I was SO touched by your story and wish you love and many, many years of happiness for your entire family. I need to go get another tissue and wipe the rest of the tears from my eyes. You are a beautiful person and God has certainly blessed you!

  14. Grandma says:

    When you were doing this photography shoot I had no idea what treasures you had captured. Mae looks absolutely adorable, you have caught her innocence and beauty. I do believe that God has found a way of getting the word out that downs syndrome children are as beautiful as those who are not through you. Love, Rita

  15. Julie- What a gorgeous baby girl….she is just perfect! I have been thinking about you lots. You know I have a special needs child and while not diagnosed at birth, I too have gone through that death of dreams. But believe that this will be your greatest blessing. At times when you think you can’t do it- it’s too tough- or your not cut out for this- or why me…you will know. You were chosen. You for her and her for you. It is all in His plan. I have become something inside that I never even knew was possible because of my little guy. Embrace this gift- you guys will be great and I do mean GREAT. Call me if you ever need to chat <3 Welcome to the world Mae!!!! We all love you already!

  16. John Porcari says:

    Of course, these pictures are beautiful (as your photos always are). What is even more beautiful is the wisdom of the words and the vision in your blog post. Choosing to see, and think, and feel about Mae through God’s perspective is so inspiring- and clarifies the truth of the experinece of life. Not the “staged perfection” that we pursue so hard; rather the reality of the life that God has created and invites us into. We are honored to share Mae’s life with you for each step of her journey. God Bless!

  17. Kathy Raimondi says:

    This beautiful tiny angel is God’s masterpiece! Thanks you for letting me meet her at the Emmaus celebration yesterday!! I am so proud to share a birthday with this tiny princess. John and I would like you to know that we will be honorary babysitters from this day forward for any and all of your children. We are so very proud to know you and will keep your blessed family close in our hearts!!!

  18. Susie says:

    Wow! She is such a beautiful and precious baby! I pray the Lord will use her to help you (and countless others!) have fresh eyes and attitudes at the gift He gives us through our children! Beautiful images of a perfectly beautiful girl.

  19. Michael Siyufy says:

    Clowns of God

    “I know what you are thinking.(a little girl with Down’s Syndrome).
    You need a sign. What better one could I give than to make this little one whole and new? I could do it;but I will not. I am the Lord and not a conjurer. I gave this child a gift I denied to all of you…eternal innocence. To you she looks imperfect-but to Me she is flawless, like a bud that dies unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by ants.

    She will never offend Me, as all of you have done. She will never pervert or destroy the work of My Father’s hands. She is necessary to you. She will evoke the kindness that will keep you human. Her infirmity will prompt you to gratitude for your own good fortune…More! She will remind you every day that I am who I am…that my ways are not yours…and that the smallest dust mole whirled in the darkest space does not fall out of My hand…I have chosen you. You have not chosen Me. This little one is My sign to you. Treasure her!” By Morris West

  20. Julie, your little one is so beautiful! As i read the post i was in tears. I know you absolutely love your precious baby girl and it is such a great way to show the whole world that children with Down Syndrome are perfect like they are. A gift from God!

  21. Gina Wade says:

    Julie, your words are beautiful and your baby girl is precious. Life is never perfect… and neither are we…. but I know you will be the perfect mother to Mae (and the other 3 gremlins too!). Your family is so lucky to have you. Whatever direction you take your photography and your family, I have no doubt you will be blessed beyond measure. xo

  22. Kari Fabri says:

    She. Is. Beautiful. My heart is touched…and I’ll never forget yours and Mae’s story. She will be an amazing woman…

  23. nena says:

    What a wonderful story, as I read this I have a 5 day old and I just cried threw the whole thing, Mae is so beautiful and such a perfect little girl who will teach us all something! The photos are amazing!
    God Bless

  24. Anne Wilmus says:

    Just completely beautiful! Your honesty, the baby, the photos…absolutely great! Congratulations on your sweet little girl!

  25. What a beautiful post. Your daughter is so beautiful and you have a beautiful heart. God bless you and your family!

  26. Dana S. says:

    God will bless you a million times over. Thank you so much for sharing your story publicly. It’s so neat to already see him using you and her for His glory! She is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations, Julie!
    ~Dana

  27. Jenn says:

    Thank you so much for sharing your story and the photos of your beautiful little girl. . .

  28. cara says:

    That was an absolutely amazing and heartfelt story. Mae is an adorably beautiful little baby! I could never feel what you felt when you heard those words but be thankful because those wise people were right, she is here for you not you for her! Enjoy your lives together! 🙂

  29. Sherri Ford says:

    Hello beautiful Mae, You are such a lucky little one, god placed you in a wonderful loving family. Your mommy has introduced you to us in a very beautiful way. Her story pulled my heartstrings and her photos of you are beautiful! Your beauty, both in and out shines through. I cannot wait to meet you in person, hold you in my arms and say hello sweet Mae!!

  30. mindy says:

    what a beauty 🙂 …..Glad to see another Blessing into this world !

  31. Gina Mannion says:

    Congratulations! She is beautiful! My children and I just looked at all the pictures of your sweet Mae, and my 5.5yo DD who has down syndrome got so excited and cried out “bebe!” and kissed each pic! Thanks for sharing the pictures and your story! Look forward to meeting you in the burgh one day!
    Gina & Sean, Maeve & Michael
    Pgh

  32. Pat Brinkos says:

    Until I became the grandmother to a beautiful boy with Down Syndrome I had never experienced innocense or joy. God gave us a special gift when he sent us Peter and we are privileged to live in his world. No hiddened agendas, only the purest love, like Christ loves us.

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