Lifestyle Newborn Session Guide

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WHEN WILL THE SESSION TAKE PLACE?
Newborn lifestyle sessions generally take place within the first two weeks, but they could be done within the first four weeks. I like to give you and your family time to adjust and figure out routines. I am always willing to be flexible!

Once your baby is born, contact me to let me know within 48 hours so we can set-up a time that works best for both of us! Newborn Sessions are scheduled on weekends and start at 10am, lasting 2.5 to 3 hours. 

WHERE WILL THE SESSION TAKE PLACE?
Sessions take place at your home - we'll focus on rooms such as the nursery, the master bedroom, or the living room. I like to document rooms that may have a special meaning for you, or where you spend a lot of your time. I want you to be able to look back at these photos and remember the chair you always nursed your sweet baby in or the couch where daddy would nap with baby on his chest.

When I arrive at your home I'll take a look around and see what areas might always work well due to the natural light available. I am primarily looking for the best lighting environment, so don’t worry about what’s in the background, or moving objects out of the way – I am happy to move furniture if need be. I'll also ask you to send me pics of the nursery, the master bedroom, or the living room, so I can see how the natural light is in these certain rooms, to helps me plan your session.

WHAT TO WEAR
Rule #1 = Comfort. You just had a baby, so please wear something you feel comfortable in! 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. Solid tops (and textures like big knits and lace) work best.  Stay away from loud, busy patterns or bright colors, prominent logos or writing on clothing. In the photos I love for the focus to be on you and your family versus what you wore. For your husband, the same rules apply.   

For baby, start with a simple onesie and swaddle. Also, just a simple diaper cover or cute diapers are always to capture all of baby’s details. If you have a favorite outfit or two, we can definitely change them into that for some photos.

If you want to talk over outfit choices, don't hesitate to email me and ask! I've also made this pinterest board for you to refer to with examples.

WILL YOU USE PROPS?
Since lifestyle newborn sessions are all about telling an honest story of your growing family, I like to keep props to a minimum - all we need is your family and the baby to tell that story. If you have special heirlooms or other things to include in the session, we will definitely work them into the photographs in natural settings. However I won't be arranging your baby in boxes and baskets, since that's not how babies typically sleep ;) They sleep in your arms, on your chest, on your bed, in their crib and that's where I'll document photos. 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 will also work one-on-one with your newborn, so you are welcome to sit back, relax, and watch (or take a nap!). I have several years of experience with newborn soothing and relaxation techniques, so am comfortable calming baby if they start to become a bit fussy. I will, however, need your help if baby is hungry. but the rest of the time is yours to enjoy!

I will bring a couple neutral swaddle blankets with me and we can use those if you'd like.

If you have questions about including certain items in your photo session, don't hesitate to contact me!

 

VERY IMPORTANT TIPS...
These tips are very important to help the session run smoothly.

  • Try to allow baby to have some awake time before our session, at least 1-2 hours before I arrive. Hold off on feeding your baby for 1-2 hours before I arrive... Then right before I arrive feed baby so he or she has a full belly. Full Baby = Happy Baby :)

  • Babies like to be warm, please turn your heat up if necessary! Set your thermostat to 80 degrees for the session.

  • Please remove clutter that might be distracting in the background of photos (clutter on nightstands, dressers, counters, etc). If your crib has bumpers, I prefer you remove them for the session if possible. I love to get some shots peeking into the crib.

  • Think of something "routine" you do with your baby that we could also photograph during my time there. Maybe it's just a simple diaper change, feeding, but something that would be fun to document, because even the most ordinary things are something you won't want to forget.

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!