How to prepare for your newborn session

How To Prepare Before The Session Day

Please ask a family member to let your photographer know when the baby is born. The best time for a newborn session is until the baby is 14 days old. Nevertheless, I’ll photograph babies at any time.

What To Do On The Day of The Session 

Newborn sessions with me take around 2 hours, sometimes a little more depending on how many feedings and diaper breaks we have to take. Feedings are great a way to capture intimate moments between mom and baby. When I arrive, I will walk around your home and scout out the best-lit areas for family and sibling shots. I often use the living room, master bedroom, and nursery for photos.

Trust me, I know what it’s like to have a newborn. Please don’t feel like you must clean the house before I arrive. We can easily clean up an area that we want to use for photos while I’m there. Please, turn up your thermostat a little, so your newborn is going to be comfortable in his/her nude photos, I recommend a temperature around 80 degrees.

How to Prepare Your Baby 

Your newborn is perfect just the way he or she is. I don't try and make babies sleep or place them in unnatural poses. I suggest you have your newborn in a simple onesie that is form-fitting with no graphics or words. This usually means that you will need a preemie or newborn-sized onesie.

I will likely take it off and get some nude or near-nude newborn photos as well. Also, please gather a few favorite swaddle blankets for your baby to be wrapped in. I recommend feeding the baby as much as he or she wants about 15 minutes prior to my arrival. Newborn sessions can take some time, but that is okay.

I do not do major posing or have any expectations on how the baby should behave (alert or asleep). We let the baby guide the session. What is important is that we capture this beautiful time in your life. And the love all family members feel for the new baby. 

How To Prepare Siblings 

Again, I know exactly what it is like to have a new baby. I have two of my own and I know how big this change is for the siblings in the house. I usually try to get sibling and family photos right at the start because the sibling may lose interest in me quickly.

I have no major expectations for the siblings and will never force them into doing anything they aren't comfortable with. It is best to prepare the sibling for the session by telling him or her that a friend is coming to visit and take some photos of your family. It is always best not to surprise them.

Mom and Dad

You are going to be excited and very tired. Having a new baby is hard and wonderful all at the same time.

My job is to capture the love and connection between your family and show you just how beautiful this moment is. I want you to be relaxed and at ease, while I am photographing your family. You don't need to be anything but yourself.

Are Grandparents welcome?

Grandparents and other family members are very welcome in my sessions. I am very attached to my grandma and I think that having this wonderful relationship documented from the beginning is important.

So, if you want to have family members around at the time of the session, please feel free to invite them.

What To Wear For Your Newborn Session

 I recommend neutral colors (for a classic look) and comfort. What is most important is that you are comfortable.

I offer a guide for my clients with tips on what to wear and even a consultation with a stylist, so you have no reason to stress at all before your session.