welcome
I can't wait for your session!
I'm delighted to photograph your newborn! Let's make your session amazing. This guide will help you prepare. The questionnaire at the end will help me prepare. I look forward to telling your baby's story--you know the one--where you have to hold back the tears.
contents
1 - Your Home
2 - What to wear
3 - SIBLINGS
4 - sleepy baby tips
5 - FAQs
6 - QUESTIONNARE
1 - Your Home
you only need to tidy up the rooms we'll use
You will have just brought home a baby, so I don't expect the entire house to be in order. You only need to tidy up the rooms we'll use. When I arrive, I'll have you show me the rooms in your home you don't mind us using. Normally these would be a living area, nursery, or a master/primary bedroom. We will use the rooms with the best natural window light. Because baby will be in some shots with little clothing, please have the house warmer than usual. This will help keep baby comfortable and content. Plan for the session to last two to three hours, depending on baby. Yes, we can absolutely get nursery shots if you want them!
2 - What to Wear
Consider Soft and light colors to tell your storY
I recommend neutral colors in soft and light tones. If you were attracted to the featured photos on my website, they were all dressed in neutral and lighter colors. Avoid dark and bright colors. Choosing all solids, or a mix of solids with small patterned prints photographs nicely. Avoid loud patterns and plaid or striped shirts. Babies tend to get swallowed up against them. Floral prints photograph lovely when they aren't too busy. Repeating colors subtly throughout your selections is pleasing to the eye without putting everyone in the same color. For example, if mom has a touch of pink in her outfit, big sister could wear solid light pink. I love whites, cremes, oatmeal, and light grays, especially together. Or consider a timeless all white theme, which photographs beautifully. Jeans or khaki on the bottom works well for the boys no matter what color is on top. Long dresses for mom are gorgeous and can be forgiving for postpartum. If dresses are your thing, I'd highly recommend wearing one! Oh, and don't worry, mama, it is my job to make you look amazing in whatever you choose.
There is no need to have clothing for baby. Baby can be in a wrap that I bring, and I will have a large enough selection that we can coordinate with what your family is wearing. If you have a favorite blanket or something that goes with baby's nursery theme, feel free to request that we incorporate it. Stretchy blankets work best!
Style Guide
Inspiration
Tip: Use the pause button in the lower left corner and then manually advance left or right using the arrows.
or view the full size PDF by clicking here
What to Wear
Inspiration
Tip: Use the pause button in the lower left corner and then manually advance left or right using the arrows.
3 - Siblings
they'll be done first
I will typically achieve family and sibling shots quickly at the beginning of the session to work within your children's limited attention spans. That way your little ones (and dad) can be dismissed quickly. Siblings and full family should be done within 30 minutes and then we will move on to baby only shots.
For sibling pictures, brothers and sisters can wear whatever they wear for family shots, or sisters can wear a wrap I bring, which looks like an adorable tube top. If this is your preference, please let me know on the questionnaire below so I can be sure to bring one. Bows, headbands, and other hair accessories are super cute for young girls.
4 - Sleepy Baby Tips
keep them awake and then feed them right before the session
It will make a difference if you can make an effort to try and keep your little one awake for a period of time right before the session. Remove their clothing, tickle their toes, stretch their legs, give them a bath or wash their hair, and let them cry a little. These are great ways to help you achieve a reasonable awake time before I arrive, followed by a sleepy baby when we're ready to photograph (hopefully).
Plan to feed them right before my arrival. Halfway through the feeding, burp them well, change their diaper and undress them (keep diaper on). This will help make for an easy transition when I arrive, even if they fall asleep. Cover them lightly with a blanket (not a tight swaddle) after their feeding. If they are awake when we're ready to begin, that is fine. We will swaddle them in a wrap and they will soon be asleep. Follow these tips to a reasonable degree; baby does not need to be awake for longer than they are naturally able.
5 - Newborn FAQs
What about baby's umbilical cord?
It’s fine if baby’s umbilical cord hasn’t completely fallen off. It represents the miracle and I don’t mind it in the pictures at all!
What if my baby needs to feed during the session?
That is no problem. I am flexible for baby’s bottle or nursing needs during our time together.
What should I do for baby's dry skin?
You are welcome to hydrate baby’s skin prior to our session, paying special attention to any really dry spots on the legs, feet and back of the hands. Communicate with your pediatrician about products that are safe for newborns. Breast milk is wonderful! If there is any dry skin showing in the pictures, it will be totally natural looking. It is common and a part of life as they make their way into this new (dry) world.
Does my baby need a pacifier?
Yes! The hospital may have sent you home with the Soothie Avent pacifier that is PERFECT because it won’t leave marks on the face. Even if your little one doesn’t seem to love it yet, keep it handy! It has been known to work miracles. If you prefer that baby doesn't take a pacifier, just let me know.
What about the bandaid on baby's foot?
Remove the bandaid at least a day or two in advance to avoid seeing the imprint it can leave.
What if my son was circumcised?
If your son was circumcised we can be especially gentle for the diaper off shots. In most cases, the site is well healed by the time we photograph.
What if the weather is bad?
Although we will be indoors, if we have a particularly overcast or snowy day, it may not provide us with enough natural window light. In this event, I will reach out to suggest moving the day to a sunny one.
When is payment due?
Payment is due at the time of the session. Please indicate your payment preference on the questionnaire below. I will send you the appropriate invoice right before the session so it's handy.
Are the photos edited?
Yes! Every single one of your photos are professionally hand edited. If baby has any scratches or blemishes, they can be removed.
How soon will I receive my photos?
Your photos will be delivered within 2 weeks of your session.
Do you offer print services?
Yes! Printing through me is optional and conveniently available in your gallery with customizable products you will love. I make it easy for you! You will also have printing rights to print on your own if you prefer.
6 - Questionnaire
thank you!
Feel free to leave any fields blank that are unknown. The fields with an asterisk (*) are required. Your answers will help me plan for our time together. Once your questionnaire is received, I will send you an online contract within a few days.