How to Prepare for your Newborn Session
Upon Arrival
When I arrive, we can go over the best spots in your home to use for photos. Generally, I'm looking for rooms or areas (even the tiniest of corners can be made into beautiful photo backdrops!) that are well-lit by natural light.
If the baby's nursery is set up, we'll likely use that space along with a bedroom or living room where we can get some sweet snuggly photos of your family.
I have found that the best results come from a sleeping, well-fed baby.
Get them good and milk-drunk for the best possible shots of Baby alone! If they are not wanting to sleep, we'll take more photos of Baby being held in order to keep them calm and comfortable.
Wardrobe, props, & setting
I recommend keeping it simple, and limiting it to 3 wardrobe changes. Solids or small prints photograph best. Oftentimes Baby is still too small for a lot of the cute outfits you may have on hand, so it's a good idea to focus on what fits them the best, even if it's just a diaper cover and a swaddle, or nothing at all! I can help guide you on wardrobe at the shoot, so pull a few options and we can make a plan together when I arrive.
If your baby will be asleep when I arrive, it's a good idea for them to already be wearing the first outfit you'd like photographed (so as to not wake them up with a wardrobe change right off the bat).
I do not bring props with me, but usually your house contains more props than you realize! Most of the time I will end up placing Baby on a bed, cozy rug, or blanket. We will not need much more than that.
If we are planning to undress Baby for a long period of time, consider keeping your home a little warmer than you might typically like. It will help keep them comfortable and sleeping.
The Session
My photo style is best described as "controlled candids", meaning I will direct and guide you to create shots that look and feel like natural moments, and not overly posed or with everyone smiling directly at the camera. Unless you prefer otherwise, I like to incorporate the parents and siblings in the shots as well. And of course we'll give Baby many solo shots :)
Timing
Newborn sessions tend to last longer than your average family session (plan for me to stick around for around 2 hours), as sometimes we will need to take long breaks for feeding, changing, consoling, etc. Every shoot is different, so please do not feel rushed if your baby needs to take a bit more time between photos.
As always, I’m here for any questions! I can’t wait to meet your little one and make some photo magic together.
xo, Nicole