Newborn Session Prep Guide

Here is what you need to know:

1. Congratulations!! Thank you very much for choosing me to capture this very special time in your life.

2. I will do my best to make your session as low stress and laid back as possible. I’ve been there and know what it’s like to have a newborn.

3. Your home is the ideal location for the newborn session as it is the place where you family is most comfortable. A new addition to the family is a big adjustment for everyone, so why should you have to go anywhere? Coffee (check) Water (check) Snack (check)!

4. Take a deep breath, relax and just be who you are as a family! After all, YOU are who I am there to capture! Wild toddler, no problem. Milk leaking, no problem. Messy house, no problem. I’ve seen it all!

5. I am capturing this time for your family as it is incredibly fleeting and it’s so easy to forget the little things. My goal is to not only capture what your new family looks like, but more importantly how those moments feel. I want you to look back at this time and remember how it felt to have the weight of your new baby on your chest and how their tiny finger wraps around yours.

6. The baby runs the show! You should never have to worry about the baby needing to feed, a diaper change, or taking a moment to just relax and have a break. There is also no need to alter any feeding or sleeping times. I allot enough time so there is never a need to stress.

7. The next couple sections are simply suggestions, whether you take everything into consideration or don’t even have the energy to look at this guide is all totally OK!

Before I arrive

• Clear nightstands (and other surfaces that will most likely appear in the photos) of any clutter

• Have baby dressed in something easily changed so we can swaddle or start with a onesie

• Turn the heat up a touch. Babies like it warmer as they are used to being snuggly inside. We want baby to be comfortable when changing and moving around

• Eat breakfast and drink water ;-)

What to Expect During the Session

• Newborn sessions typically run around 1.5 hours. This allows plenty of time for feeding, changing, crying, toddler snacks

• I always begin with a self guided house tour to find the best light and figure out the most ideal spaces for your photos. Typically, we will be focused on the primary bedroom, nursery, and living room

• I may move some furniture and small items around to get the best lighting, angles and backgrounds

• The baby runs the show and sometimes the toddler as well;-) I always try to get sibling shots done first as they often have limited span for my attention

• We will then move on to the group family photos, individuals with each parent, and of course, individuals of the babe. The baby will be in your arms for many of the shots to really capture the connection and feeling of your new addition. I will guide you through this process and direct you toward the best light and prompt you to elicit genuine reactions and expression

What to Wear

Comfort + Confidence are the most important things to consider

For Baby A simple swaddle or onesie works best. We want the focus to be on the baby not the outfit;-)

For Mom You are still healing from a long journey of pregnancy and birth. What do you feel good wearing? A maxi dress, jeans and a sweater or tank? Are you nursing? Can you nurse in what you’re wearing? Being comfortable and confident in what you are wearing will shine through in the photos

For Dad Jeans, chinos, polos, button downs, sweaters

For Toddler Simple & neutral is best. Jeans, polos, or a dress

Color + Style Tips

• Coordinate rather than match

• Mix up pattern with solids & textures (lace, knits, sweaters photograph well)

• Think about the colors in your home and how the colors in the images can coordinate if you plan to display them

• Avoid logos as they draw too much attention

• You can never go wrong with neutrals!

What to Expect After the Session

• Sneak Peeks will be available within a few days of your session

• Your full gallery will be available within 3-4 weeks after your session

• All the edited high resolution digital files will be yours for download

• Prints, albums and wall art will be available for your purchase directly from the gallery

If you’ve made it this far, THANK YOU and I can’t wait to spend the morning capturing your family!