Newborn In-home Session 2023
Prep Guide for Your Newborn Session
SESSIONS
SESSION START TIME
Please plan to have everyone dressed and ready before I arrive so that we can maximize our time together. A newborn session normally lasts between 60-90 minutes. Just in case any issues arise and we need more time, I recommend that you have 2 hours blocked off for the session.
LOCATION
I will pick the best spot for photos based on the light in your house. If you have a spot that you want to use, please share that with me, but please also know that I will honestly tell you if it won’t work well. Given the nature of how I shoot, we will move around a lot during the session, so it is best to have done a clean sweep of the entire house before I arrive. It doesn’t need to be spotless, but major clutter or messes should be picked up and tucked away.
LIGHT
Natural light and artificial light do not mix. We will turn all the interior lights off and open up all the blinds/curtains. It is helpful if this is done before I arrive to save time. Also, please note that since I am a natural light photographer, I do depend on the weather. Should there be dark overcast or storms that can cause the inside of your home to lose natural light, we will reschedule.
CLOTHES
Of course, I want you to feel beautiful. However, please keep in mind that with the nature of how I shoot, you will be playing with your little one. There will be moments where you are standing, sitting, holding your baby, and quite possibly dancing and chasing. So, please plan accordingly. Wear something that you can move comfortably in and will feel okay sitting on the ground in. If it doesn’t stay put or is too tight or short to get up and down in, please don’t wear it. I would hate for any wardrobe malfunctions to take away from an amazing moment with your child.
AS FOR COLORS & PATTERNS, I CAN OFFER THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS:
Casual clothes at home look the most natural.
Newborns look best in something simple; a white or pastel color onesie that is well-fitting or a cute swaddle blanket generally work best.
I love mixing color and pattern, so don’t be afraid of that.
Super bright red/pink/orange create a weird reflection on skin, so it’s best to avoid wearing shirts in those colors (for pants, skirts and accessories, it is fine).
Accessories look great in photos.
Dress mom first. Put yourself in your favorite thing that makes you feel beautiful, and then coordinate everyone else around you.
Don’t do anything too matchy-matchy. Everyone has a unique personality, and it is great to let that shine in clothing.
Make sure everyone’s clothes fit properly and are comfortable. If your child isn’t comfy, they will totally let us know, and it will show in the photos.
Make sure temporary tattoos, stickers, markers and such have been cleaned from skin. If they are left on, they will be in the final pictures (which is fine by me if you are cool with it). Don’t forget to clean up chipped nail polish, too!
If your daughter is wearing a dress or skirt, please make sure she has on bloomers or shorts underneath.
HOW THIS WORKS
Try to feed baby just before or as I arrive. This feeding works best in just a diaper and wrapped in a blanket. Newborns like to be warm, so please have the AC and any ceiling fans turned off at least 15 minutes before I arrive.
For me, the baby always dictates the session. If the baby is calm and/or asleep when I arrive, then I will do baby shots first. If the baby is awake, then we will do family first.
Have music playing! This is one of the absolute best ways to lighten the mood at home.
If there is anything that you want to try to incorporate (handmade items, special gifts, childhood items, etc.), please have those set out for me to review.
If this is your first child, please disregard the next little bit as it mainly pertains to siblings…
Yes, I will attempt to do certain things with your children, but in the end, they are in charge. If they are happy and smiley, then great. If they are quiet and serious, that is great too. If they want to be held the entire time and refuse to look at me, that is also perfect. The goal is to capture them and your relationship with them just as they are, and I will definitely follow their lead.
NO NO’S
Babies feed off of our emotions. The absolute best thing to do to ensure a smooth session is to stay calm. Wake up earlier than you need to so that you are not rushed. Spend your morning focusing on your spouse, baby, and all your blessings. Keep your mood light and joyful.
The rest of this section pertains to siblings, so if this is your first baby, you can skip it.
If your little one needs a snack right before we start, by all means, feed them! Just try to avoid messy stuff like chocolate, candies, or juices that stain the face or mouth, etc.
Please turn off TVs and electronics at least 15 minutes prior to my arrival…trying to pry an iPad from a kid is never fun and will almost always end in tears.
In the time leading up to your session, keep things light and fun. Kids feed off of our vibe, and if you are angry or stressed, they will be cranky too. Please don’t fuss at your kids for not being perfect.
The thing that makes the biggest difference in a session is that YOU have fun. Play music, be silly, tell your kids how awesome they look, talk about some fun games we should try…take the pressure off and your kids will feel that positive energy. Just plan on rolling with it during a session.
Sometimes things can get pretty wild and fun and silly, and nothing spoils the fun faster than an adult yelling at a kid to smile at the camera. Please refrain from disciplinary action until after the session (unless your child is hitting or endangering themselves)
