Newborn Session Prep Guide
the who what wear of your session
Who will be in the photos? Your whole family. If that’s you, your partner and baby, I want to photograph all of you. If you have bigger kiddos, they’re not only welcomed, but expected to participate. As for pets – 100%! If you’ve spent any time on my social media feeds, you may have noticed I’m a big fan of animals and know what a special part of our families they are. In short, this isn’t a baby-only session, but ideally involves everyone who lives in your home and loves on your baby. This is one of the reasons a lifestyle newborn session in your home is so special.
What will it be like? Casual. Fun. Relaxed. With as many breaks as any of you need. With changes of clothes and snacks and coffee a few feet away at any given moment, I expect and encourage outfit changes and brief breaks to fuel up. Again, this is part of the beauty of being at home!
What to wear? I’m a big fan of simple, timeless neutrals for sessions at home. Prints can be lovely, though if you go that route, I recommend one of you wear prints and the rest dress in coordinating colors – that way there is no accidental clashing. While as parents to a newborn, we are used to putting baby first, I strongly encourage mom to dress herself first. If you want to go casual, keeping your feet bare and donning leggings and a tunic or sweater in a solid, light neutral shade is always a great option. If you want to go slightly more formal and love the flowy dress vibe - which photographs beautifully, by the way - I highly recommend Baltic Born for beautiful and affordable options. Having hair and makeup done is another possibility, and I have a great list of local makeup artists at the ready, should you need it. Though it’s not a necessary part of the session process, I know that this can help some of my new moms feel a little more confident and camera ready.
For baby things, I always love shopping local, and in Ridgefield Sammy + Nat and Bella Home have beautiful newborn outfits that would be quite special in these shots. And you can never underestimate the ease of Zara Kids and H&M for simple onesies and classic, comfortable looks that will stand the test of time. Even a basic white onesie by Carter’s is a great choice. You’re guaranteed to avoid clashing with blankets or crib sheets and the focus will remain on that beautiful baby of yours.
the weather matters…even indoors
I always talk a lot to my clients about light, where I’m finding it and how important it is both to my process and for a beautiful final image for you. Because of this, I know it can come as a surprise when I say that I really do require a good, bright weather day, even though our session will take place indoors. A cloudy (or worse, rainy and stormy) day simply doesn’t let in enough light through your windows and doorways and light is one of the single most important elements to a successful shoot and images that you’ll love. I track the weather pretty manically a few days ahead of the session so that we can make a final call the day before, if at all possible. I know rescheduling can be difficult but I firmly believe it’s better to adjust now to get photos you’ll love forever.
House prep is minimal
While the nursery and primary bedroom and bed are often photographed in these sessions, I'll be looking around your home when I arrive for the best pockets of light. If that's not in those spaces (or if for any reason you want me to avoid any particular spaces) no worries at all. Sometimes the best spots are the least expected.
You do NOT have to have a spotless home for this. I simply encourage surfaces to be cleared IF the things on them are not part of the decor OR if they will drive you crazy in a photograph. Sometimes this can be bedside table clutter (like cords from the baby monitor, or a glass of water from the night before) or coffee cups from breakfast on the coffee table. I also recommend opening window treatments / blinds / shades to let as much light in as possible.
we’ll take all the time we need
The first thing to express about these in home newborn sessions is that we’ll take as much time as we need. There is absolutely no rush. Brand new babies are still learning the ropes of life, and we can’t predict how baby’s day will go, or how often we’ll need to break for diaper changes or feedings, or just a little soothing. In fact, because these are the very things that make up so much of life with a newborn, I love to photograph them, if you’re comfortable with that.
I also tell my clients that you guys can break or step away at ANY point. I’ll be sure to capture the baby in all their glory, and also the nursery and all its precious details. So if someone needs to peek at their cell phone, or break for a sip of coffee or snack – go for it. This is part of the beauty of being at home.