session tips, what to expect, product guide & more!
newborn guide
photos by ashleigh
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I am so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait to get to know you better over the course of your pregnancy! I know that there are several options for high quality newborn photographers available now, and I am so honored you chose to work with me!
Having photographed more than 200 newborns over the past few years, I tend to get asked the same things over and over again. So I thought it would be beneficial if we put together a guide that walks you through everything from maternity sessions, the planning process, hair and makeup, wardrobe inspiration, products available and investment information.
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let me know if we can offer any additional guidance throughout this process!
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome
plan your session
I'm a huge fan of maternity sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. We've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Clients can choose to add a maternity session for $100.
maternity sessions
I know it sounds a bit daunting to think about corralling your entire family for a portrait session so soon after giving birth, but I want to stress the importance of this time for your family - your whole family. Whether this is your second, third or fourth child, the dynamic has shifted and it's affected your older children as well. They're proud older siblings, and excited to show off their new baby!
My studio is child-friendly - meaning they are welcome to roam around, play with the toys and books, eat all of my snacks and turn on some Disney+ on the TV while I work with baby. If that doesn't work for long, there is also a playground very close to the studio where grandma or your partner could take them to run off some energy before or after their photo op!
wondering whether you should include your whole family?
family portraits
Family portraits - especially from your newborn session - make the perfect artwork to display in your home. These images are so special and mark such an important moment in your life. They don't deserve to live forever on a hard drive or a flash drive, shoved in a drawer and forgotten. You deserve to enjoy them each and every single day in your home!
With our innovative software we are able to show you the images from your session on your walls using just a cell phone photo of your walls! That way we know exactly what sizes will fit where and what the images will look like framed and hanging in your home.
family portraits
03
Becoming a big brother or big sister is such a huge deal. They've been your whole world for as long as they can remember, and now there's a brand new little person who cries a lot and takes up all of mom and dad's time. It's easy to understand how our older kiddos might feel overwhelmed or anxious about the change of dynamic.
But it's important to remember that they are so proud of their new baby too, and giving them this occasion to feel important and like they're part of something super special is very important! Let's give your bigger babies the chance to be involved and show off their new baby!
proud big brothers and sisters
02
perfect artwork for common home spaces
I know those first days of life with a newborn are pure survival mode. The baby isn't sleeping well, there isn't a routine established and you're running on caffeine and dry shampoo.
But there is beauty in this chaos: your older children doting on their baby and eager to snuggle them, kiss their nose and show them off to everyone. You and your partner relishing these sweet newborn smiles and soaking in the peaceful joy and love that surrounds you. These are the moments we want to freeze in your family photos - your family, all together finally.
your first family photo together
01
If you are including older brother/sister(s) in your newborn’s portraits is the perfect way to document this time in your lives.
Sister(s): I can provide a wrap that will act as the perfect top, or please bring along a snug fitting tank in a neutral color. I ask that girls hair be natural (or in braids) and free of bows, headbands, tutus, etc. Just as with mom, no nail polish please.
Brother(s): A snug pair of jeans and shirtless are preferred, please take a few moments to chat with your guy about this so he feels prepared for the session - though if he prefers not, a tight-fitting white t-shirt is fine.
Mom & Dad you are a big part of the show. Photographing the connection between you and your baby is one of my all time favorite things. Just as they encourage in the hospital, skin to skin contact creates the most beautiful images.
Dads: if you prefer not to be shirtless I ask that you bring a tight fitting v-neck t-shirt to wear with a good, snug pair of jeans. Avoid patters or bright colours - neturals are classic and timeless.
Moms: Keep the color neutral and design simple. Be sure that you have no nail polish as your hands will make their way into the images. Also, rest assured, I aim to photograph using flattering angles and light to bring out the natural beauty in your family. We will shoot generally from the elbows up, so don’t worry about your bottom half too much!
style tips for the whole family
what to wear
for mom & dad
for siblings
It will be very warm in the shooting area, be sure to dress accordingly. Bring a sweater you can take off, a tshirt, etc.
Sessions last between 2-3 hours, sometimes longer if baby is a light sleeper, or is hungry! The easiest way to ensure a sleepy baby is the willingness to nurse/bottlefeed off and on.
If you can, bring a pacifier. The bendable rubber, blue/green/pink one is best, as it won't leave marks. Even if you haven't used one, just for the 2 hours that I'm posing him/her usually it really helps. Sometimes it can be just a distraction and soothe baby back to sleep!
If you don’t happen to have one, I keep unopened soothies here in the studio (as well as plenty of newborn diapers and wipes, and a bottle warmer). However if you really prefer that we don’t use one, that’s fine as well!
Before the shoot, please feed baby 2-3 hours prior, and plan on feeding him/her as soon as you get there! Also, please do not let baby sleep beforehand. Instead try giving baby a bath, let them kick with only a diaper, tickle their toes, and even let them fuss for a little bit (no pacifiers) for the few hours beforehand. This will ensure those squishy, sleepy newborn pictures!
I can't stress that it's so important to do your best to keep baby awake.
Many parents come in saying "baby has been sleeping all morning, but trust me, he sleeps SO good this time of day!" only to have baby wake up, since they will be unclothed and unswaddled! But remember, they are not used to sleeping in the poses we will be doing, so it best to ensure we do everything we can to keep them sleeping.
what to expect
during your newborn session
I know that trying to remember what to bring for your session feels daunting, so I've compiled a checklist of items that most clients bring with them to make their sessions go a bit smoother for them! Please feel free to print this list and check off items as you pack them - I highly recommend packing the night before to help ease any day-of stress.
My studio is fully stocked with all of the props, swaddles, backdrops, hats, bonnets, bows, florals, fabrics and layering pieces we need to create a gorgeous and fully unique session that fully matches your style. There is no need to buy additional items or bring any from home!
bring
what to
print this checklist!
Extra Breastmilk or Formula
Any special heirloom or personalized items (handmade baby blanket, personalized hat/swaddle, mom's wedding dress, etc.)
Pacifier
Warm Blanket
iPad or tablet for older children
Outfits for Older Children
newborn session checklist
my studio is fully stocked with swaddles, props, backdrops and accessories for the perfect session. no additional items are needed.
As long as clients have reserved their session in advance, they are guaranteed availability on my calendar once baby is born. I cannot guarantee availability for last minute reservations.
06. how do i know you'll be available when baby comes?
Babies are tiny humas too, and sometimes they have bad days. That's ok! I will try everything I know to soothe them, but if rescheduling is needed we certainly can.
05. what training have you received to work with newborns?
I have been safety certified through Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International (APNPI).
04. what happens if baby is fussy during the photoshoot?
I recommend maternity photos be taken between 28 and 34 weeks pregnant. This gives us a nice round bump but typically avoids sessions being interrupted by labor!
03. when should i have maternity photos done?
Because newborn sessions are reserved based on your due date, I recommend paying your booking fee and reserving the session during your second or third trimester of pregnancy.
02. how do i schedule my newborn session?
Once baby is born, clients will text me directly to schedule their session on the calendar. Clients who have reserved their session in advance are guaranteed a spot on my calendar once baby is born.
01. when should i reserve my newborn session?