Newborn
Session Guide
In-Home Newborn Sessions
Your Newborn Session, your way...
Your newborn session will be tailored to you and your family. Your session takes place in the comfort of your own home. No need to pack everything up including baby and drive to a studio on a strict schedule. Instead I come to you and we take our time telling your little one's story. If you include a bonding session then we add lovely lifestyle shots in your home with parents and siblings of the newborn. Pets can often included as well.
Enjoy these early days and capture this special time...
Scheduling
The date...
As you get closer to your little one's expected birth date, it's time to start planning your newborn session. Newborn sessions are best scheduled during the first 2 weeks of life, ideally between day 7 and 14 but it is entirely up to you if you want to extend later than that. They are most sleepy during the first couple of weeks of life and still very flexible so that they will stay tucked in those sweet newborn pose positions. A later scheduled session will still result in adorably sweet photos, it's just that your little one will likely be more awake and in motion a lot more so tucking them in those classic newborn positions and expecting them to stay there while asleep may be a challenge. But if you wish for a more natural posing then that is easily done then. Scheduling before 7 days is often too much on the mama as you will need time to recover from the delivery especially if you have chosen a bonding session as part of your newborn session.
So unlike other photography sessions, Newborn scheduling will be very flexible and we will select a primary date about a week to 2 weeks after your expected delivery date and then add in two back up dates. One of those back up dates will be a few days after the primary and the other will be a week later...just in case because life and babies don't follow our best plans and postpartum is an unpredictable time. Even with those dates in place we can adjust should we need to move our dates up (for an earlier than expected delivery) or even further back (for a later delivery or a need for more recovery time) but at least we'll have a starting point. Once your newborn has arrived, please get in touch and we will choose from our set dates or find another that works should we need it.
The time...
Session timing is usually late morning to early afternoon in order to capture the diffused natural light in your home. This may depend on the location in your home and it's natural light in the rooms you wish to photograph in. So I will be asking about window placement etc. to get an idea of where in the home you wish to have your photographs done and when that natural light will be optimal. We'll want all blinds and curtains open to let in the best natural light. I will also be bringing a light kit should we need some additional lighting but natural is best.
For Bonding sessions, If you are including older siblings that are still young, then we'll also try to pick a time when they are at their best and not right before a much needed nap or mealtime. We will try to have the older sibling in the earlier part of the session so that they can then go to another room for the remainder of the session if they get bored or tired. If you feel you need extra help with them during our session so you can focus on your youngest, you might want to enlist a relative, friend or babysitter to entertain them the rest of the session.​
Prepping
Prepping your home...
So you've got a lot going on in your life! If you are simply scheduling a newborn only session, then you will only need to clear a small space near a window that has plenty natural diffused light at the time of day that has been scheduled.
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For Bonding Lifestyle sessions...
While we want the rooms that you select for your session to be decluttered as much as possible, please don't stress about deep cleaning. You are recovering and getting used to your new little member of your family and mopping a floor should not be on your to do list.
Look at the areas you wish to be photographed and remove anything you would not want in the photos.. less is more.
Tip....If you have a guest room or spare room that has an overall look that you like it might be easier for you to bring in items like toys and bedding to that room rather than try to declutter a another much used room.
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Think about color patterns and hues that you will want to use for bedding areas. Simple neutral colors such as cream or white are best or soft tinged hues like dusty pink, sage green soft blues, beige etc.. Bright bold colors will reflect on the skin leaving a tint of whatever color the blanket or spread is.
If possible try to keep your house warmer than usual if you want baby in the buff for some of the photos. We want baby to be snug and warm. I recommend at least 80 degrees.
If you have a white noise machine, that is often helpful for soothing the baby during our session. I can bring a portable one if you do not have one.
Outfits...
Some other prep work for your session is planning what to wear. Plan ahead of time so you don't have to worry about that in the week or two after the birth.
If you want your little one to have a simple natural look we can have baby in the buff or simply swaddled. Swaddling is a great option if your baby is having trouble settling as swaddling keeps them warm and tucked snuggly and reminds them of the cozy womb so they will likely go to sleep. If you want some photos of baby just in a diaper, I recommend purchasing a simple plain white diaper cover as most diapers have distracting prints and designs on them.
If you want some sweet little outfits or accessories such as headbands or special blankets, plan on having those in hand before the birth so you won't have to worry about shopping or ordering and waiting on delivery.
For Bonding Sessions:
Other outfits to consider are the parents outfits and sibling outfits if you are including family in a bonding session with the newborn. I recommend comfortable clothes in quiet subdued colors or neutrals. Avoid bright bold colors for this type of session. Avoid patterns, logos and images on your clothes as that will distract from your little one.
Suggestions for moms are a pretty oversized sweater/shirt and leggings or a pretty but comfortable flowy dress. If you are comfortable in them you can wear jeans and a pretty flowy top.
Shoes are optional!
FAQs
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I'm worried my baby will be fussy the whole session!
Babies cry...it's okay! This is why we take our time and let the baby lead the session. It's also why an in-home session is best as it's a calming environment for the baby and for you. So we'll all just relax and wait for baby to settle before resuming the session.
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My home isn't Pinterest Perfect!
Most families with little ones don't have that perfect magazine worthy home. This isn't about capturing the perfect home or furnishings, it's about capturing your wonderful little world...right now with your precious family.
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How long does a typical session last?
Most sessions last 2 to 3 hours. We move through the shoot at a relaxed pace...baby led. This allows time for feedings, diaper changes and fussy littles.
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What about props?
As a lifestyle photographer I use very few props. I will bring a few different types of baskets and a few blankets and one or two swaddling cloths but that is all. If you would like certain props used, we can incorporate those into the shoot if I feel they are safe and will give the look we are wanting. If that prop is a particular outfit that may be uncomfortable for baby, we will leave that until last just in case it causes the baby to fuss.
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Do you help us feel natural in front of the camera and with posing?
Absolutely! It can feel very awkward to be in front of the camera especially if you are not used to it or are a very reserved person. For bonding sessions, I will certainly help you with posing and we'll also have relaxed engagement type shots where you are just enjoying your family and the new baby and I will give prompts for everyone...these are some of the most precious photos as everyone is relaxed and having a good time. This is another reason we schedule 2 to 3 hours as most people take some time to relax in front of the camera and rushing in and expecting that relaxed look on a strict timeline can prove a challenge.
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What if my baby's siblings are afraid of the baby or don't want to be around the baby?
It's okay and completely normal. Its a big life change for them! We won't force them into poses or interactions but we will encourage them to play little games with the baby to get them in the frame or just sit quietly off to the side playing but still in the frame. One day you'll show them these photos and have a nice laugh about how it took them awhile to warm up to their brother or sister!
On the other extreme is the sibling that wants to be in every shot...perhaps have a special treat or toy in reserve that you can distract them with once we are done with the sibling shots if you feel this might be the case.
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How will this session go?
The session plan...
I'll arrive a few minutes early to scout out the light in the rooms you are hoping to use. I'll then bring in and set up my newborn frame and a few props and equipment.
Try to feed your baby within 30 minutes of our start time.
If you have elected to also have a bonding lifestyle session and have other children, then we'll move into photographing the siblings with the baby and then add the whole family in natural settings within your home...some posed but most just captured. This allows for the little siblings to then be done with their part and they can go off and entertain themselves and you don't have to worry about if they are messing up their outfits etc. and then we can relax into just parents and baby and finish with just baby. This is a fluid plan and we will adapt based on the baby and perhaps the siblings...we'll take frequent breaks for feeding and diaper changes as needed. This is a low stress no rush session. If you have any special requests for posing or props please let me know ahead of time or at the start of our session so I can work those in.
