What to Expect from Your Custom Newborn Portrait Session
I am so excited to capture your sweet newborn. Your custom newborn session is done in the comfort of your own home. My style is Fine Art Lifestyle, which means that I will come into your home and beautifully capture this fleeting time in your life. Below, I’ve outlined helpful information for your upcoming session with me.
SCHEDULING:
I like to photograph newborns within the first few weeks (5-15 days) of life but I'm flexible. I think babies are perfect just the way they are and I am happy to do a newborn session at any age. That being said, they do change and grow very quickly in the first months of life. I recommend trying to get the shoot scheduled before the baby is three months old, just to capture that newborn sweetness.
TIME:
If we are photographing in your home, I prefer late morning around 10:30 am, because that is when homes are usually lit up the best. The session will last around one to two hours, so there's no pressure on time.
Day Of The Session:
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 sofa, master bedroom, and nursery for photos. Trust me, I know what it’s like to have a newborn. Please don’t feel like you have to clean the house before I arrive. We can easily clean up an area that we want to use for photos while I’m there.
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. Your baby is perfect as he or she is. 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.
Siblings:
Again, I know exactly what it is like to have a new baby. I usually try and 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 & Dad:
You are going to be thrilled and exhausted. You will likely be experiencing the highest highs and perhaps some of the lowest lows. Having a new baby is hard and wonderful all at the same time. My job is not to make this time in your life look perfect; my job is to show you just how beautiful it 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.
Wardrobe:
I recommend neutral colors and comfort. Please visit my Outfit Inspiration Guide (click the button below) for some ideas on what to wear. What is most important is that you are comfortable. I am happy to discuss wardrobe with you further if you would like. Just let me know. TIP ○ If you're going to wear lipstick, wear one that is smudge-proof (my favorite is Revlon Colorstay Overtime) as there will be kissing.
For a few more tips, check out my blog post. Feel free to email me with any questions you might have. Thank you, and I look forward to capturing you soon!
