This is a newborn/family lifestyle session focused on the love and connection between you and your new baby! With that in mind here are a few tips to prepare for my visit:

What To Wear for your Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot

1.  Neutrals are a great starting point. Your newborn should be the star of the show however I do think mom is pretty important too! Fabric/dresses/tops that have textures and flow are a great choice for mom. Women who have just delivered a baby may appreciate the extra room in a flowy top or dress and it photographs beautifully. Think about complimenting each other with your colors as a family. Instead of matching (all wearing the same color) maybe your colors just coordinate. Don’t be afraid of a great floral pattern either, mom! Although black is considered a slimming color, I usually recommend something lighter. If you are nursing make sure whatever you choose is easy to nurse in!

Some great options here, here, and here. Or search “nursing tops, nursing dress”, etc.

2. Baby clothes: Newborns are so tiny that they often do not fit into even newborn clothing. If there is something you would really like your baby to wear, please try it on before our session to ensure it fits. Otherwise I love either a naked (diapered) baby or just a plain white onesie so I can get those all important feet, legs, arms, hands photos)! Then we will swaddle baby for some extra photos – I bring some neutral and fun swaddles to choose from but am happy to use your choices as well.

3.  Incorporate something personal: One of the perks of shooting in your home is the chance to incorporate bits and pieces of yourself. Do you have a favorite heirloom, a special handmade blanket, or gift that you love? I would love to incorporate these special items into your photos!

Preparing Your Home for your In-Home Newborn Photoshoot:

1.  Declutter: My favorite spots to photograph are on the parents bed, parents bedroom, and baby’s nursery. Please make sure theses spaces are decluttered – as anything on the nightstand, on the floor, or laying around will end up being a part of your photos! I know having a newborn makes doing this step difficult. Even if you need to grab a big basket and just shove everything in there until after our session that works!
2.  Light! The most important element to our session besides the shining subject is LIGHT! I don’t bring any artificial lighting equipment and can usually make do with one good window light. If that means we have to do our whole session within 3 feet of that window we will! Direct sunlight is not preferred, just a window providing some daylight is great. Please open blinds, drapes, etc.
3.  Turn up the heat! Babies love being warm. Because we may be doing some naked poses and changing the baby between swaddles, baby will be most comfortable if the heat is cranked up! A small space heater works in a small room (if you need me to bring mine, let me know!).

Preparing Baby for your Newborn Photoshoot:

1.  I am well aware that it an be impossible to adjust baby’s schedule but if I were to choose, the optimal situation would be that baby is fed and ready to sleep when I get there. I have found that a lot of parents assume I want the baby awake during the shoot when in fact we want a sleeping baby! Chances are, baby may wake up between positions/swaddles so we can get that all important shot of them with their eyes open but for the most part out goal is for the baby to sleep. That being said, babies have a sixth sense about them and know that something fishy is going on. It is very normal for them to cry and act a bit unsettled by all of the activity. Please know that I am used to it and it happens nearly every photoshoot! So please don’t stress on my account!

It may help to have a bottle and binky on hand that we can use to help settle baby into poses. They may not be hungry but just need to suck for a minute to settle. I like my photos to have a certain aesthetic so if you’re up for it I also bring some neutral pacifiers that are super cute in photos. 🙂 I clean them ahead and bring supplies for a quick sanitize before we start. Artistically, I love capturing a baby nursing, so if you are a nursing mom and you’re up for it I will follow your lead. And obviously, will respect your wishes if it’s something you haven’t yet mastered and or would rather do in privacy.

Lastly, I want this session to really focus on the new love and bond between your new family! So if any of this advice stresses you out – don’t take it! Any stress will be felt and transferred to baby, so just sit back, relax, cuddle your baby and let me handle the rest! If baby is fussy, we never have to take him/her out of your arms. My sessions are 100% baby led, and his/her comfort and safety is my first priority!

Can’t wait to meet your new little bundle!