Every tiny detail
Leave your worries at home because I have pretty much everything you’ll need.
Bringing new life into this world is HARD. But here you are! Whether you’re a postpartum mom reading this with a baby tucked in her arms, expecting parents, adoptive parents, IVF parents, first-time parents, or tenth-time-over parents … I am so proud of you and can’t wait to hear your story!
The information in the prep guide below will help get you ready for our session. I will walk you through my process so you can relax and enjoy this magical time in your life! My ultimate goal (besides creating gorgeous photos) is for you to enjoy this process. I pride myself in the awesome customer service I provide, and I hope you walk away from your session experience completely satisfied and in love with your portraits.
what you need to know
before session day
Session Questionnaire
After booking, you will receive a questionnaire that will ask about your personal style, specifics you want for the session, ideas or concerns you might have, etc. Please take your time and fill out the questionnaire as completely as possible. The more you can tell me about what you’re hoping for, the more successful our session will be. I welcome you to send me photos of my past work that you love.
What to wear
If you’re being photographed, here are some great tips:
- Keep it simple. Neutrals and pastels are a great choice, so the focus stays on your faces.
- Coordinate. The goal is to coordinate your outfits – not match. This gives everyone a more natural, timeless, stylish look.
- Textures. Textures and layers are a great way to add interest, but stay away from loud prints and logos.
- Comfy but stylish. Make sure clothing fits well and isn’t too baggy.
- Please make sure your nails are as you would like them to be in photos. It is very hard to edit chipped nail polish.
- For baby: I have a large variety of wraps and newborn outfits to coordinate with what you are wearing, so do not worry about baby.
- For mom: Right after giving birth, finding something that fits can be a challenge. Loose, flowy clothing tends to be a favorite that looks great and ensures your comfort.
- For dad: I recommend dads go simple with clothes. Snug t-shirts/sweaters are the way to go, as excessive fabric from dress shirts and collars can hinder posing tiny babies in dad’s arms.
- For siblings: for photos that stand the test of time, pick classic pieces that complement each others’ color choices. Avoid collars, clothing that is too large and skirts/dresses that are too short without bloomers.
What to bring
There truly isn’t much you need to bring with you besides your sweet baby. But here are a few things I suggest:
- Some babies eat more than normal while at the studio since I move them around so much. Please be prepared to feed baby throughout the session or have some prepared bottles (I have a bottle warmer on site).
- A pacifier is highly encouraged if you are allowing them. It is very helpful in quickly soothing the baby during posing (even babies that don’t use them normally).
- Please bring baby to session in a button/zipper sleeper and loose diaper only — avoid layers of clothing.
- I have everything photoshoot-related here for baby, from wraps and outfits to props and accessories, so no need to bring anything.
Scheduling your session
If you booked with me before birth, we will need to get your actual session scheduled once baby has arrived. I ask that you shoot me a quick email within 48 hours of birth and I can send back some session date options. If you need to delay your session for any reason, don’t hesitate to let me know. Assuming everyone is healthy, newborn sessions are done within 2-3 weeks of birth (please allow at least 48 hours for a circumcision to heal).
Rescheduling
Life happens! If there is a family emergency or anyone isn’t feeling well, just reach out and we can discuss a change of plans. Please know that I am happy to work with any issues that arise, and that I leave time in my schedule to accommodate them. I’d love to hear from you 24+ hours before the session if at all possible.
I can’t wait to see you!
Session day is here
Before you head to the studio
- Please feed baby right before you come to the studio. Remember to be prepared to feed baby throughout the session or have prepared bottles.
- Keeping baby awake for an hour or two before your session can aid in his/her sleepiness during the shoot (a bath works well). But definitely don’t force it.
- Please bring baby to session in a button/zipper sleeper and loose diaper. Please avoid clothing that has to go over their heads, as I don’t want to disturb their sleepiness.
- Do not use any creams/lotions on baby before coming in.
- Sibling photos (if applicable) are done at the beginning of the session. Please plan for young children to leave after this point, as newborn sessions can be quite long. If you need them to stay, please make sure to bring things to keep them entertained.
At your session
Newborn sessions can last anywhere from 2-3 hours, depending on your baby’s needs. Some people are surprised at just how long a newborn session can take. But most babies that come into my studio do not sleep through their entire session. That is why I allow for plenty of time to feed and snuggle your newborn should they need it. While I am more than happy to photograph an awake baby, I do want them to be calm and happy.
The studio will be warm to make sure baby is comfortable when undressed. Please feel free to dress comfortably for your session (you’re welcome to bring a change of clothes).
Please think of this session as time for you to relax. You are welcome to watch me photograph your little one, catch up on some TV, check your emails (free WiFi), or simply take a much-needed nap! And don’t forget to peek at all of my beautiful art products that are available to you. This is a great time to get a closer look at the quality and feel of everything.
what to expect
After your session
.01
View your Images
Yay! Within 7-10 days I will email you a link to your online proof gallery which features a slideshow of your images. Grab a snack, sit back and enjoy!
.02
Choose your Collection
Your proof gallery will be available for three days. Take this time to view your images as much as you’d like, and then decide which of the three collections you would like to purchase.
.03
Time to Shop
After purchasing your collection, I will send your final gallery. You will have 30 days to download your final images and spend your print credit. Your gallery will close once the 30 days have passed.
I have the very best job in the world!
And what I’ve found throughout the last 12+ years of photographing newborns is that it’s not just about taking pretty photos of cute little babies. It’s about being there for new parents and making this one day a relaxing one – not adding to your stress, but giving you a break to sit back and really marvel at this little life you’ve been chosen to parent. I hope the memories during the shoot are as beautiful as the photos you’ll have as heirloom images for decades to come.