WHEN DO WE SCHEDULE A NEWBORN SESSION?

I typically book moms when they are 6-8 months pregnant just so I can be sure to have room for them on the calendar. We then try to schedule the exact day and time once baby has arrived within the first 3-5 days of life. I typically advise parents to schedule as soon as they feel comfortable after birth! Once you’ve gotten home and settled but while baby is still sleepy and around the clock snuggly. Of course if you needed more time to recover or forgot until after baby was here to book, I do my best to make arrangements to grab photos of baby as soon as we can. Truly, the ‘newer’ the baby, the better the session typically goes. The younger babe is typically the sleepier they are = more cooperative for pictures. Sometimes after a few weeks baby acne sets in, scratches appear, etc… so I really try and encourage in-home sessions as close to birth as possible/comfortable for families. Ideally within the first two weeks after birth, but the sooner the better :)

WHAT TYPES OF PICTURES WILL I TAKE?

I cannot emphasize enough the lifestyle nature of this session: it is super heavy on the candids and truly just capturing your new life at home with your newest family member! We will do lots and lots of candid pics to really get some genuine smiles and laughs and all of that with babe. Although this is lifestyle session, I do offer gentle guidance for posing to get the ball rolling and help clients settle in. I will make use of your home, your décor, your furniture, etc… 

The best time for in-home sessions are during daylight hours, usually in the morning (starting your session between 9am - 1pm usually gives the best light and happiest babe!). I realize sometimes with big siblings/family members this time frame is not always possible, but I will do my best to work with whatever time works for your family and baby.

I LOVE natural light and I love capturing your new baby and family in the natural light in your house!! We will be embracing your home’s natural light (open up those window blinds!), turning off the overhead lights and taking advantage of the natural brightness as much as possible (another reason why I like doing these sessions during the bright part of the day). I’ll pop you all next to windows as much as possible for those pics — we will take full advantage of the light coming into your house.

GETTING EVERYONE DRESSED AND READY

I get asked all the time, “what should we wear to our newborn session?” Well, honestly the answer looks a little different for every family and their personality. I do encourage moms to wear something comfortable and flowy so as not constricting on their fresh postpartum body. Having a light sweater or cardigan to go over your outfit works well too for pictures. I always recommend neutrals if you can’t think of where to start because they are always simple and easy compliments to any home decor and style. But I also understand that neutral may not be apart of your vocabulary or closet so what’s most important to me, is that you feel beautiful and comfortable. Let the rest of the family plan according to the thing that makes mamma feel freshest and most relaxed. If that means a colorful floral dress with easy breastfeeding access or a set of comfy white PJs, you do you!

I also recommend having a backup outfit on hand too! Usually a black tank or nursing bra so we can do some more intimate, skin to skin moments if you are so inclined. I find that precious skin on skin moments to be some of my absolute

favorites but it’s always up to mom and what she is comfortable with. But having a back up of any type is always smart because accidents are always happening with babies :P

For baby, I like to start with baby in a plain solid onesie or just in a diaper. Diaper covers are also a favorite if the original pattern is not quite your style. Feel free to pull out your favorite outfit or two to change baby in to at the end too. We will also use a favorite swaddle or blanket for solo photos so if you have a favorite be sure to have that on hand too.

For dad or siblings, just keep things simple. I love those soft cotton solid color man tees or even an easy button-down. No need to get fancy but feel free to dress as you feel fits best with your home and especially with what mamma decides to wear.

I do ask that no-one wears anything with graphics or words on it and that all hats be left in the closet. Hats can help tame a sleepy bedhead but also block a lot of essential light for capturing these important moments.