Newborn Session Guide
A Lifestyle Session
isn't solely focused on the new baby. It's about the whole family and the home you're bringing them into. How new parents and siblings interact with the baby, the special touches you put into the nursery, or the fact they don't have a bedroom at all! I'll give you lots of specific direction but I won't be putting the baby into elaborate poses or dressing them up, instead they'll get lots of snuggles kisses and hopefully sleep!
Preparing your Home
is not something to stress over! Your house doesn't have to look like it's out of a magazine, we can move things around as needed. We'll be shooting in the rooms with the biggest windows and most natural light. Typically that's the living room and master bedroom, sometimes but not always the baby's room. I'll be turning off all the lights and opening all the blinds and curtains. Sometimes moving furniture closer to the window. Because a lot the session can be focused around the bed (if the light allows) I suggest a soft/light coloured or white bed spread. Bright colours can be distracting and leave color casts on your skin. Depending on light the entire session maybe happen in one room. If a few rooms are useable then we'll move around the house.
Getting Baby Ready
If it's possible time it so that baby has a big feeding right before i arrive. A full belly should give us the best shot at them being sleepy and cooperative for the session. A sleeping baby is not essential but will make the shoot go much faster and smoother. Before the feeding dress the baby in a well fitting onesie or outfit. I'll most likely put a wrap over top the start the shoot. If baby is still settled for the second half we can unwrap them and finish with just the onesie for a different look. Because the onesie is underneath we won't have to wake the baby by changing clothes. Onesies or outfits should be plain, a light pattern or color is great just nothing too bright, and most importantly well fitting. Ideally short sleeved to show off their little arms, legs and feet. I'm happy to use and headbands or hats that you provide! Bow's should also be small so baby's face isn't overwhelmed.
The time of Day
shouldn't be too close to sunrise or sunset. Most houses are the brightest around mid-day. Always happy to work around big sister or brother's nap time though!
The flow of the Session
We'll usually start with the sibling shots (if there are any) Then move into family photos and photos with mom & dad, with solo pictures of the baby mixed in, and we won't forget the pets of course:)
I try and get the shots with any older siblings done first, before they totally lose interest! Having said that, we all know how unpredictable newborns and kids can be, so the flow of the session will depend on them. If baby is awake in the beginning we'll start with you holding them or if big brother or sister is shy at first we'll start with family photos to give them time to warm up. We'll take breaks for feeding if necessary too.
Your Outfits
should be fairly casual. Not your everyday around the house clothes but not too formal either. I find something doesn't look right about a person sitting on their bed with a suit jacket or an evening dress on! Try and stay away from a lot dark colours. Neutrals with a pop of colour and texture is a good combination. Nothing with big brand names, logos or lettering. A pattern on one person looks great, especially on any little ones. If you're feeling any insecurities, a flowy top layer or a long sleeve shirt can help ease that. Keep the colours fairly subtle. Instead of a bright primary red, blue or yellow go for a maroon, rust, mustard yellow, navy or denim. Any little ones wearing a dress should have shorts or leggings underneath and have their hair pulled back if they'll let you! that way when they give baby kisses we can still see their cute little face. Most of all make sure you're comfortable and feel like yourself! Feel free to show me options or around your closet when i arrive if you need help deciding:)
my favourite colour tones:
I'll bring....
a basket or prop and a few blankets for the baby's solo shots. I'll be looking for furniture and other items around your house to use as well. I'll also bring my collection of wraps. If you have any swaddles with patterns you like feel free to have those out as well as any sentimental items, like a blanket knit by grandma or a special stuffed animal and
I'll try and incorporate them were I can.
The whole thing will take 1.5-2 hrs
or until we feel we have enough shots to make a full gallery 🙂
an even though I'm sure you'll be sleep deprived and the whole thing may seem overwhelming I promise it will fun and well worth it in years to come!