What an absolute honor it is to have so many families trust me to photograph their newest addition to the family during these first few weeks of life earth-side! I always recommend scheduling newborn sessions within the first 10-14 days of birth to so your little one is as snoozy and maleable as possible. This gives us the best opportunity for those real sleepy newborn poses! My approach to newborn sessions is a combination of lifestyle photos with family members and posed, wrapped and snuggly shots of the newest little babe all alone. My sessions always take place either at the home of the client or an indoor space of their choice as long as there is good natural light. I am happy to suggest studios are town if you prefer not to be at home! Here are some things to keep in mind to prepare for your upcoming session:
1. Clean Up the Nursery!
I absolutely love to incorporate nurseries in our session if you have a designated room in your home. Cleaning out any clutter makes it quick and easy for us to utilize that space!
2. Clear Rooms with Natural Light
Don’t have a nursery or it doesn’t have good natural light? No problem! We will find another space in your house with the light we need. I do utilize primarily natural light for all of my sessions whenever possible and only use flash and reflectors for fill. If you feel that your home is too dark, let’s talk it through and see if a studio might be a better fit. When I arrive, I always find a spot close to a window to get those swaddled, posed photos and utilize different spaces in your home for photos with the family. Take a peek around your home and clear any spaces you find that have good natural light we can take advantage of.
3. Collect Head Pieces, Blankets, Family Heirlooms, Stuffed Animals, Handmade Gifts, Etc!
One of my favorite things about in-home newborn sessions is incorporating items you already have around your home. All of those special little handmade blankets and hats, family heirlooms, gifts from friends and your favorite stuffed animals- whatever is important to you, I want to be sure to include them. I also love having options like headbands and hats of varying sizes that help bring a little bit more personality to the photos. Collect all the items you want to use and have them ready when I arrive.
4. What Props You Can Expect From Me
All of my newborn sessions give you access to my newborn safe swaddles, fuzzy blankets and small basket + hat collection! All of these items are washed and sanitized between every session. This collection includes a wide variety of colors and textures that I love to combine with items you may already have to make each session unique. However, my collection is limited and simple and what really makes each session special is the opportunity to incorporate some of your own items, too! You can find a few sample photos of my collection below, but bear in mind I may not have every single item at every session. If one piques your interest, please let me know!
5. Posing!
It’s important to note that while I am trained in newborn posing, I am not a studio photographer but a lifestyle photographer meaning that all of my poses will reflect only situations that are 100% safe and natural for the baby to be in without the need for a lot of work in Photoshop after our time together. I will meet you at your comfort level with handling your little one, but generally I take over the swaddling, wrapping and placement of your babe! I always do my best to get a variety of shots including details like little toes and lashes whenever possible.
6. Feeding!
Last, but not least, be sure to feed your babe RIGHT before I arrive to ensure that they are happy and calm when I get there. We always end up taking little breaks away from the camera to snuggle and feed throughout our time together, but it’s great to be able to get started when I arrive and this will help us stay on track!
I can’t wait to work with you and your newest little! Contact me here to book!
