Scheduling your newborn session to take place within those first 10 days of his life is important in getting the images that you’re looking for in a newborn session. If you want your session at my in home studio, it is available for you. But if you don’t…I can come to you. Sometimes leaving the house within those first days is very difficult.

​WHAT IS A LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSION? 

At-home lifestyle newborn sessions are about the connection and love that family members already have for this new life. I’ll capture special moments with each family member and the baby as well as the family all together. If siblings are involved, we usually take care of those photos first so that they can go and play during the rest of the session. It can be helpful to have a friend or family member at the house who can watch siblings during the rest of the session so that Mom and Dad can be in photos with the baby. There will also be time for photos of the baby alone. These are usually done when the baby is sleepiest and while I’ll pose the baby a little, I keep it very natural. I take photos of babies swaddled or undressed and they are posed in a way you’d find them naturally.

WHERE WILL WE SHOOT?  

The session takes place in the client’s home, preferably in the nursery, master bedroom, and living room.  We can also take some photos outdoors if the weather permits (ideal for spring and summer due dates!).  Do not worry about your house being a mess—you just had a baby!   All you need to do to prepare is open the blinds/curtains to let in as much light as possible.  Also, crank up the heat!  Even though it may be warm outside, babies tend to be most comfortable at the shoot if they’re nice and toasty warm.  Most clients will raise their thermostat to 78 degrees.  If you’re sweating, it’s probably perfect! I’ll quickly push things out of the area I’m shooting so that your home will appear to be spotless in the photos.  Don’t be surprised if I move some furniture around, I’m just working to get the best light in your home. I’ll put it all back where it was! 🙂 The only thing I will ask you to do is have your bed made with a neutral quilt/comforter on top. Your bed makes for a great place for cuddly family photos!

WHAT SHOULD MY HUSBAND AND I WEAR ? 

I recommend keeping it simple and comfortable. Neutral, light (creams, whites, grays or pastel tones) work best as they don’t take away from the natural beauty of your baby.  You can add pops of color to your outfit, if you wish, by using jewelry or accessories. Skip the busy patterns for this type of session; you want the viewers eye to be drawn right to the baby. For your husband, the same rules apply.  Solid tops (and textures like big knits and lace) work best.  Stay away from prominent logos or writing on clothing.

DO YOU USE PROPS OR SPECIALIZE IN STYLED NEWBORN POSES ?

The style of newborn photography that I specialize in is lifestyle sessions.  Rather than stiff, posed newborn shots, I love to capture the relationship between the new baby and his/her parents and siblings.  This doesn’t mean that I won’t take individual photographs of the baby and capture some great detail shots of his/her little toes and fingers.  I am happy to incorporate any ideas you might have! I have a few neutral blankets I will bring. Feel free to incorporate any special family quilts, heirlooms or baby blankets that you would like to use in the photos.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE FOR THE SESSION ? 

This is such a special time in your family’s life.  There will be so many emotions during the shoot—love, excitement, wonder, amazement.  It will be tough, but try to relax!  Moms tend to stress out because this is a new experience and because they want things to be “perfect.”  I will take your baby’s lead and allow him/her to be the focus of the shoot.  If your baby cries, or poops, it’s okay.  I promise!  Just focus on relaxing and cuddling with your sweet new addition and I will create images that you will cherish forever!