Newborn Session Prep Guide

 So you booked your session. Now what? 

What To Expect From Your Newborn Session  

I am so excited to capture your sweet newborn!  Your custom newborn session is done in the comfort of your own home.   My photography style is considered Lifestyle and, at times, Photojournalistic, which means I capture this fleeting time in your life with simple posing and observing while using only natural light in your home. The goal is not to get stiff and posed shots with everyone looking at the camera but to capture the true essence of your family. I take a semi-documentary approach to photography and use my understanding of my equipment and natural light to create images that will become works of art that you can hang in your home and pass down for generations. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your session with me. 

 Day Of The Session: When I arrive, I will walk around your home and scout out the best-lit areas for family and sibling shots.  I often use the couch, master bed, and nursery for photos. I will most likely open all the shades and turn off all the lights. I know what it is like to have a newborn so please don't feel like you have to clean the house before I arrive.  Tidying around the master bed, nightstands, and nursery is plenty. We can easily clean up an area that we want to use for photos.  I love using plain white blankets, duvets, or sheets for your background, but any simple design will work.

 Your Baby:  Your newborn is perfect just the way he or she is!  I don't try to make babies sleep in unnatural poses.  I suggest you have your newborn in a simple onesie that is form-fitting with no graphics or words.  This usually means you will need a preemie or newborn-sized onesie. I will likely take it off and get some nude or near-nude newborn photos as well.  Also, please gather a few favorite swaddle blankets for the baby to be wrapped in.  I recommend feeding the baby as much as he or she wants about 30 minutes prior to my arrival and allowing the baby to be fully asleep when I arrive.  This will save us a lot of time.  We will get shots of the baby awake at the end of the session. 

Newborn sessions can take some time, which is okay. Your baby is perfect as he or she is. I do not do major posing with props or have any expectations of how the baby should behave (alert or asleep).  We let the baby guide the session. It's typical that the baby is asleep most of the session and that is perfectly ok! What is important is that we capture this beautiful time in your life.

Siblings:  Again, I know exactly what it is like to have a new baby, I have two children of my own, and I know exactly how big this change is for the siblings in the house.  I usually try to get sibling and family photos right at the start because the sibling may lose interest in me quickly. I have no major expectations for the siblings and will never force them into doing anything they aren't comfortable with.  It is best to prepare the sibling for the session by telling him or her that a friend is coming to visit and take some photos of your family. It is always best not to surprise them. 

 Parents:  You are going to be thrilled and exhausted!  You will likely be experiencing the highest highs and perhaps some of the lowest lows.  Having a new baby is hard and wonderful all at the same time. My job is not to make this time in your life look perfect; my job is to show you just how beautiful it is.  I want you to be relaxed and at ease when I am photographing your family. You don't need to be anything but yourself.  

 Feeding: My sessions are completely baby-led, meaning if the baby needs to be fed or take a break, that is perfectly ok! I will often take detailed shots of the nursery or special items at this time. If you would like pictures of your feeding time, let me know. If you are nursing and want this documented, I'm happy to capture discrete and tasteful images. I never share these even if you have signed a model release unless I have prior approval from mom.

Please be ready to start on time. Remember, your session is scheduled according to light. It’s important that we start on time.

Wardrobe: Start with the most fashion-conscious partner and let the rest of the family’s outfit follow. Need some inspiration? Click here for styling help! Styling code SAPHOTO I do recommend neutral colors with a mixture of solids, texture, and patterns in your color pallet.  I do not recommend matching but rather coordinating. Avoid graphics, neon, and solid black clothing. What is most important is that you feel beautiful and comfortable! 

 I can't wait to capture your family! Do not hesitate to ask questions!