LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSIONS - IN STUDIO AND IN HOME
Congratulations on your new baby! I can’t wait to meet your family and document your new addition. There’s no better place to create precious memories than a home filled with the love and excitement of a brand new baby. Here’s the breakdown on what to expect from your upcoming lifestyle newborn session. This page has tips for both in-home and in-studio sessions. I hope you find it helpful!
PLANNING
Newborn sessions last about 1-2 hours and is totally dependent on how your baby (and often older siblings) are tolerating me. Both in home, and in studio newborn sessions allot time for feedings, diaper changes, and snuggling with everyone in the family. We won’t rush through it, so you can relax and just enjoy it. If you’re choosing to do a session in your home, we’ll photograph your family in various combinations in several rooms of your home. I recommend keeping an eye out for the best light and thinking about your favorite spaces in the weeks leading up to your session so we have a clear idea where you’d like to document your newest family member when I arrive.
WHAT TO WEAR
Wear something comfortable, but something you don’t mind being photographed in.
Flowy tops and leggings are great for mom and light pastels always look great for a newborn session. For your partner, a soft blue or grey is great on nearly everyone. Jeans are fine too and barefoot always looks more natural than socks.
If you have anything else special you want to include a special swaddle, handmade blanket, gifted dress or toy, make sure you know where it is and have it handy. Wrapping baby up in whatever blanket we'll use is a good idea!
If baby is asleep when we begin that's usually easiest -- and is NOT easy to control. Making sure they’re fed and full helps. I'll use white noise while we shoot and move around baby to help them stay calm.
MAKING BABY COMFORTABLE
Turn the heat up in any rooms we'll be shooting in. If you’re coming to the studio, I’ll do the same. Try to declutter any side tables or other areas if you have the time, and if you don't, I'll do it for you! Even throwing stuff on the floor near the bed is an easy option. If you have a pet-hair roller, use it where you can to ease marks on clothing.
In the hour before I arrive, please loosen baby’s diaper and dress them in a neutral onesie (no words and minimal prints.) and blanket for warmth. We want to avoid any lines or indentations in baby’s skin while we shoot.
If your baby is sleeping when I arrive (or when you arrive for your session at my studio), we don’t want to disturb them by having to change clothes. Accidents happen, especially with newborns, so if we can’t follow this tip to the letter, don’t stress about it! No harm, no foul.