YOU'VE BOOKED WITH ME, NOW WHAT....


WHAT TO EXPECT

After baby arrives, I like to have my scheduled mama's shoot me an email letting me know if the tentative date still works, or if things need to get moved around a bit. Most of my newborn sessions take place when baby is anywhere from 5- 14 days old. The sooner the better as we get them the most sleepy and fresh out of the womb. 


When I arrive for the session, I like to walk around the home and see where the lighting is and get comfortable with the space. This helps me create a plan. My in-home newborn sessions are lifestyle focused and tell your story. They include some posing prompts, but mostly the real life moments unfolding. This includes diaper changes, feedings, nursing (if comfortable) and all that in between! I document it all! We will get a few images of everyone looking at the camera but for the most part I want you looking at one another. Not too hard right?! :) Essentially, we will move around your home, while everyone takes turns holding the baby. There will be cuddles, there will be laughs, and I will 100000% be taking photos of the baby's feet (my absolute favorite). 


If you have other children participating in the session, please do not worry about them following directions or being picture perfect... I roll with it and make it engaging and fun for them. It is better to have them happy and playful than feeling restricted by forcing them to smile, etc. This also goes for the new baby... please do not stress or worry about them "cooperating". They won't, and that is what I expect. We will follow their lead and capture beautiful images. :) 


My sessions usually last around 60 minutes and allow time for diaper changes, nursing/feeding, etc. 


WHAT TO WEAR 

First and foremost, comfort is key! Simple is best. When selecting colors, stick to neutral shades. Avoid any colors that will cast an unnatural color onto skin tones as the baby will be nuzzled up on you a ton. Whites, creams, and greys always photograph best and are always a safe choice. Choose clothing you like and feel represents you and your style. Avoid neon colors, large logos, and distracting prints. These rules apply to everyone in the session, including the newest addition. With being in the casual home setting, barefoot or cozy socks look best. A little tip- Mamas, pick your look first and build the rest of the family outfits around that. 


A couple outfit examples for my mamas- 

  • leggings and an oversized sweater 
  • a flowy dress 
  • jeans and a flowy top 
  • stretchy wide leg pants with a matching flowy button down shirt

outfit examples for newborns-

  • diaper and a soft swaddle blanket, loosely wrapped
  • a neutral colored onesie
  • knit overalls


If you are wanting more intimate shots with nursing and bare skin, I am 100% game!! Just let me know prior to the session what your comfort level is and what you are hoping we capture during the session.


HOW TO PREP 

Please do not feel the need to deep clean your home for me. You have enough on your plate and know I am not judging at all! I have 2 little boys of my own and boyyyyy do I understand that most times it is just not possible (especially right after having a baby). Once we narrow in on the spaces in your home we would like to utilize, I will ask, if it's possible, declutter those areas as best you can (most times we use the nursery, bedroom, and living room). 


During a lot of my sessions we utilize a bed in the home as they make a great space for the family to cozy up. If you have a white sheet/blanket or comforter, I always suggest making the bed up with that. The reason being, if the bedding is an unnatural color, it can cast a tint on skin tones in the images. 


I am a natural light photographer, therefore we need all the light we can get! It's super helpful if you open/lift all blinds before I arrive. 


If possible, crank the heat up for the session. I have noticed during sessions that babies seem sooooo much happier when they are warmer. It keeps them way more comfortable during diaper photos (if we do them) and during outfit changes. Also if possible, try and feed the baby before I arrive. Everyone is a bit happier on a full tummy. 


AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST .... go into the session knowing I am purely there to capture your family for all that you are! Your story is yours and it's special. There is no pressure to look a certain way, have your home a certain way or for your kiddos to act a certain way --- just be present and enjoy the time set aside for memory making. <3