How to Prepare For Your Newborn Session
Believe it or not, newborn sessions are one of the simplest photo sessions for you. I come to your home and photograph the baby and your family in your space using natural light. You can wear simple, neutral clothes, be as comfortable as you want, and there's no pressure for the baby to look or act a certain way. We let the baby take the lead and keep things calm and enjoyable. My goal is to capture the everyday postpartum moments that quickly fade away as the baby grows and you enter a new stage of life; and for you to connect emotionally with your photos as you remember all the overwhelmingly wonderful parts of parenthood.
READ THE FAQS BELOW TO HELP PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR SESSION
Testimonial
What is Lifestyle Newborn?
My newborn sessions are newborn photos that make you feel! They portray the real and beautiful post partum experience and capture the emotion of those early childhood days. They have a documentary style feel to them, meaning they're not ultra posed. Even the newborn portraits we do will not be posing babies in buckets, baskets, flowers, etc. I think those types of photos are stunning, but it's not the feeling we're trying to capture. We want you to look at these photos and remember the sweetness that is your newborn baby.
When Should I Schedule My Session?
Schedule it about a week out from your due date. I can be flexible with these sessions should your baby arrive earlier/later. Seven-ten days from birth is standard (four days after birth is fine, too, but if circumcising, wait at least seven days). HOWEVER, should you have complications and need to stay in the hospital longer or are unable to meet that timeline, don't worry! You can still have gorgeous newborn photos when baby is a month old as well!
What Time of Day is Best For the Session?
Morning around 10 a.m. is best. Since we are indoors, we aren't working around "golden hour" time, and babies are usually happier in the late mornings. HOWEVER, sessions can be successful in the afternoon as well. I try to stay away from evening, because when the light is low outside, lighting will be too dark inside.
What Will We Do?
We will follow baby's lead but here is a general timeline:
- Baby portraits on bed (best lit room)
- Family Portraits on bed or in baby room
- Taking care of baby photos (nursing/diaper changing/etc.)
- Baby in crib
- Capturing the environment (photos of baby's room or special heirlooms)
- Family Portraits with siblings
Do I Have to Clean My House?
Clear the clutter from well lit rooms (you don't have to clean your house for me). I will not use any other light except the sunlight from the window (or flash from my camera if needed. All other lights will be off. We will use a bed in the best lit room for baby's portraits. If you have a busy comforter, I'll strip that off and just use sheets. We may also move some small furniture around as needed.
Will I Be in the Photos?
Yes! Prepare you and your other family members to be a few of the photos. Of course, the baby is the star, but choose coordinating neutral clothing and prepare to your comfort level.
How to Prepare Siblings For the Session?
A new baby can be a tough a addition for little ones who can't fully grasp what's happening. To prevent full toddler meltdowns and chaos during your newborn session, have some of siblings' favorite activities/shows/games at the ready. It doesn't hurt to have a grandma, aunt, or sitter nearby to care for the siblings while your newborn is getting portraits done. Toddlers tend to want parents' attention during this time and help can make everything easier.
How Long is the Session?
This depends on your baby, but newborn sessions are generally 1.5-2 hours long. We take our time and stop whenever your baby needs to eat, be burped, be changed, etc. We're not in a rush!
More Tips!
- Clear your calendar for the day of. Don't run errands and plan a bunch of stuff before our session. You and your newborn will be tired and overstimulated.
- Give your baby a warm bath in the morning to help him/her feel relaxed (be careful about trying out new, possibly irritating new soaps)
- If breastfeeding, pump a few ounces and keep on-hand for the session. You should breastfeed during the session if needed but sometimes babies need an additional ounce or two to top them off depending on how well your milk supply is.
- Have some neutral blankets available. Any "pretty" or aesthetically pleasing blankets like muslin are great, too! If you're buying some make sure they're coordinated with your baby's accessories (diaper cover, bow, onesie, etc.)
- Sometimes we do nude baby portraits on the bed. Newborns will always pee during this time. Make sure you have a pee pad, towel, or blanket under your covers.
- FEED & CHANGE BABY IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SESSION STARTS. Portraits work best when babies are well-fed and happy.
How Do I Dress My Newborn?
Dress baby in neutral clothes with non-busy patterns. For his/her portraits, a neutral onesie or diaper cover works best. There are a variety of diaper covers available in many different styles. Accessories like bows or hats are fine, too. We may do some photos with them and some without. Have an extra outfit available in case of accidents. Muslin textured baby blankets are perfect swaddles for these portraits as well.
How Many Pictures Will I Receive?
I give you all of the photos that "turn out." Your contract says 60, but I usually deliver well beyond that. I don't heavily edit babies with fake airbrush looks. These photos will be more true to life. I describe my editing style as natural, soft, creamy, romantic, and cinematic.
