Lifestyle Newborn Phogtography

Client Session Guide

Person dressing a baby lying on a bed in natural light.

In-home sessions

The sessions I offer include lightly posed moments that are meant to capture you, your family and new baby in a simple artistic way. I also love to document the real life moments and details of your home and life as it is now. We will follow the cues of baby and siblings and let the session unfold in a low stress way that allows the simple moments to happen and be documented. Typically the session will flow back and forth between lightly posed moments with various grouping of the family and the real life in-between moments that come up. Typically the session will last around 1 hour up to 90 minutes if we need to take breaks for diapers, and feeding baby.

Family with baby on bed, parents smiling at child

In Home, what to expect?

Plan ahead by considering which rooms in your house have the best natural light in the morning, I typically do newborn sessions around 10:30 am. Do a quick tidy/declutter in those rooms.

When I arrive we will spend a few minutes talking and you can show me the areas of your home you think you want to take the photos in. If there are older siblings I try to help make sure they feel comfortable - sometimes that is by talking to them and sometimes just letting them be for a few minutes works well too.

Have out any outfits and accessories including blankets that you want to incorporate in your photos. I always recommend putting baby in your favorite outfit first but we can definitely do an outfit change if you like. Layering with a knit sweater on top of an outfit to start with can be a good way to get variety as well.

Primary Bedroom, nursery and living areas work well. If you have a favorite rocker or place you love to sit that's a good place to start.

Ideas on What to Wear and Extras

Soft neutral fabrics always work well and patterns can be great too. Simple earthy tones work well with babies. A neutral onesie with a knit sweater or special blanket to add texture will photograph well. Pops of color are fun and add visual interest. A knit hat or headband for some of the photos is always fun. If you have a fun newborn outfit you want to put them in for a few images you are welcome to bring that as well!

It's a good idea to start with baby in your favorite outfit first. We can do multiple outfits, but if baby is asleep we may want to minimize wardrobe changes. If there is a special blanket or any special clothes/accessories you would like to incorporate please let me know.

Please have ready any blankets, hats, headbands, toys, and a wardrobe change for baby to add variety if you would like
If someone knitted special booties or a blanket I am happy to take some photos that include these items.
Think about simple earthy tones. Your favorite jeans and a nice t-shirt can look just as cute as a dress!
For dresses I love Baltic Born & Joyfolie.
Texture always looks great in photos!

Start with mom's outfit first then add the rest of the outfits from there.

Wear what you feel comfortable and cute in.
Please avoid logos
Don't forget about footwear! Bare feet can be an option for some of the images.
Please feel free to e-mail with questions and photos of clothing or to consult about wardrobe ideas.

Target, H&M, and Old Navy have great options for kids & dads.

Young girl, newborn baby, and young boy lying together on a patterned quilt.

FAQ’s

What about siblings? I love to include siblings! Together we can determine the safest supported way to get the sibling images. Laying older siblings next to baby on the bed works really well! Siblings sometimes need to be encouraged to be in the photos - it’s totally fine for them to take breaks and play too.
What if I need to feed my baby? If possible feed your baby before the session, but don't worry if you need to do so again during our session. I am always happy to take photos of nursing/feeding if you would like.
What if my baby is crying? I make sure to have plenty of time so it's ok to spend time feeding and settling baby. If baby is truly too upset we can talk about rescheduling for another date soon but this is extremely rare.
Can we include our pet? If you would like your dog in a few of the photos at your home I am happy to work to get some images that includes them.
Any other questions? Please let me know!