Newborn Session Guide
I am so thrilled to work with you! My mission is to give you and your loved ones something beautiful to remind you of this time in your story. Below you will find information about your session and what to expect after booking.
Congratulations!! A new baby in the family brings so many things. It is beautiful and exciting but it can also be stressful and exhausting at times. I have 3 babies (my babies are 15, 12, and 9 now) of my own and I know first hand everything that comes with the arrival of a new little person. I want you and your family to use our session time to enjoy some quiet moments together while I document you loving on your new little one.
Time/Location: If you are receiving this guide, you have booked a session date on my calendar. Maternity and fresh 48 sessions are booked as a placeholder date. These sessions are always adjustable as babies have a way of coming on their own time. Expect your newborn session at home to be between 10am and noon. I find that babies are happier early in the day and there is typically better light in PNW homes in the morning and early afternoon.
For newborn sessions, I ask that you contact me once your baby arrives to set our actual session date and time.
For fresh 48 sessions, please let me know once you go into labor as birth center or hospital stays are often short.
What to wear
Newborn sessions at home are casual so remember to keep clothing comfortable, casual and most importantly you!
What to wear: For maternity and newborn it is important to remember to be comfortable and if you are nursing your baby, mamas should wear something comfortable to nurse in if you need/want to. Button up oversize shirts are great for example. Loose flowy dresses are also great for these sessions.
Neutral colors for everyone involved looks best against a new baby’s skin. For older siblings neutral cotton tops and bottoms are wonderful for skin tones and comfort. Avoid bright neon colors or orangey reds that can make faces appear red or off tone. You are welcome to put your new baby in a favorite outfit. I recommend ending the session with baby in a diaper and a favorite swaddle blanket so that I can photograph all of the sweet newborn details.
The basic rules to follow for everyone in the session are..
keep outfits simple
keep outfits comfortable
keep outfits you
The basic don’ts…
put everyone in matching colors or matching outfits. This includes having everyone in a white or black top.
avoid large logos or text on clothing
avoid big bold patterns or bright neon colors
Prep any siblings that will be there for the session by letting them know that a friend is coming to take photos of them and the new baby. I will take all of the family/sibling photos first as little ones can lose interest quickly and I will do the baby’s newborn photos at the end of the session.
Your home does not need to be in perfect order for your photo session. Here are a few things to be sure to take care of or have on hand for your session. Let me worry about the rest.
Natural light is key! Make sure there are a couple of spots where you can sit with your new baby and your family that is close to a window or a glass door. Anywhere you have natural light coming in. Even a stairway close to a window works great.
I need a soft surface to photograph your new baby. A bed with a neutral comforter or sheet works great. A couch can also work!
If you want some images of your baby in their nursery or bassinet, quickly tidy the space and make sure to choose a crib or bassinet sheet that you love.
I love to capture your family and this exciting time. I don’t want you to forget the details! I will look for spaces when I am in your home to have you engage as a family. Sometimes that will be the kitchen, the living room, the hallway, or in the doorway of your home. If there are spaces you love to spend time together, let me know!
worried about making your home ready for your photo session? Don’t be. Life with a newborn is an adjustment and exhausting. Making your space ready for photos is easier than you might think.
I will be here every step of the way. If I didn’t cover any of your questions in this guide, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
I am so thankful that you have chosen me to photograph these important memories for your family. I am looking forward to seeing you soon!