The Newborn Session Style Guide
Welcome, sweet mom-to-be!
1-3 WEEKS OLD
I’m so honored to capture your first few memories as a family after welcoming a new baby into your home! I created this Newborn Session Guide to help you prepare and calm some nerves about what to expect.
So let’s talk about how much fun we are going to have as we capture all the love in your sweet little family! Let’s get started…
What To Expect
*If your baby has jaundice or is still yellow from jaundice, it is best we wait until it is out of his/her system. Jaundice is very hard to edit out of skin due to the yellow/red blotchiness it causes as it is leaving their system. It is typically gone by week 2.
Location
The session can take place in the comfort of your own home! I love to document rooms where you spend a lot of time. I want you to remember the rocking chair where you nursed your little one or the couch where daddy would relax with baby on his chest.
Time
Sessions last about 1-3 hours depending on the feeding schedule of your newborn as well as their overall demeanor. We always hope for a nice milk-drunk sleep baby, but most stay awake and the photos are still just as precious!
Posing
I rely mostly on your own arms or body to hold baby in various positions as I capture their beautiful features. I’ll make sure to capture all the important details like their feet, hands, lips, eyelashes, hair, etc.
Using Your Images
Many families use their newborn session images for New Baby Announcement Cards. Editing takes 2-3 weeks, but I try to get them back as soon as possible. If you need one sooner, please let me know!
What To Wear
SIMPLE SWADDLES OR THEIR BIRTHDAY SUIT
Keep it simple & comfortable. I encourage neutral colors, steering away from busy patterns, logos, or bright neon colors because they can color cast onto your complexion and distract from our focus – the baby. Colors like white, cream, taupe, tan, grey, and black tend to photograph best. Keep in mind the décor and colors of your home when planning your outfits.
Moms, consider a light, flowy shirt or dress. For your husband, similar rules apply. Solid or subtle pattern tops work best. Textured fabrics and layers are great as well. Casual clothes and bare feet look most natural in a home setting.
For the newborn, I love to suggest bodysuits, sleepers, rompers, knotted sleeping gowns, christening gowns, swaddles, or even just a simple white diaper. Be careful with bulky outfits as they can distract from the baby. Bows are super sweet for little girls and hats for little boys.
HERE’S SOME OF MY FAVORITES FOR NEWBORNS:
How To Prepare
SPACE, COLLECT, HEAT, SCHEDULE, PAMPER
Prep Your Space
Focus on decluttering the 3 main rooms that you may want photos in: the nursery, the master bedroom, and the living room. Completely clean off side tables, make the bed, and tidy up the nursery. Please open up the blinds/curtains to let in as much natural light as possible & turn OFF any lights.
Collect Items
Collect any items you want to be used in the session beforehand. These might be special blankets, swaddles, stuffed animals, etc. Also, have a pacifier handy (if baby takes one). I do not provide any props or outfits, so please come prepared with your own.
Heat the Room
Crank up your heat to make sure your house is nice and warm for baby. Warm babies are sleepy babies and we want to keep him/her as comfy as possible. A space heater is also a good option.
Sleep Schedule
Try to keep baby awake 1-2 hours before the session, and feed them when I arrive. Most babies go to sleep shortly after eating so we want to let that happen at the session and not before. About 30 minutes before the session, loosen the baby’s diaper and remove any tight clothing.
Pamper Yourself
Don’t forget to pamper yourself! Moms tend to put everyone else’s needs before their own but this is a special time for you as well; you deserve a little extra care! You have my permission to tell Dad to take over baby duties before the session (mainly keeping baby awake) so that you have plenty of “you” time to feel your best!
Real Clients
Want to see what others have done? Check out some of my actual clients In-Home Newborn Sessions!
Receiving Your Images
Your online gallery will be delivered via email with a link giving only you special permission to hide any images and share the gallery with others! Inside the gallery is an integrated print store to make ordering print products a breeze! Plus — all gallery guests have a full print release to print your images anywhere you prefer. Need more info? Check out our print guide here.
Thank You!
That about sums it up! I can't wait to have so much fun together at your engagement session! If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I’m here for you! Text me here.
xoxo,