NEWBORN Session

So, you booked your session. Now what? Take a look below for an overview of how to prepare. We will also finalize everything via email 5-7 days prior to your shoot (location, wardrobe, and any other questions you may have).

Location: All newborn sessions take place in-home. When I arrive, I will walk around your home and scout out the best lit areas for family and sibling shots. I often use the living room, primary bedroom, and nursery for photos. I know what it's like to have a newborn. Please don't feel like you have to clean the house before I arrive! We can easily clean up an area that we want to use for photos in the moment. 

Time: Newborn sessions typically take place at around 9:00-11:00am, as newborns are typically most relaxed around this time of day. But you know your baby best!

Length of Session:  I set aside 2-3 hours, however, newborn sessions can take some time, and that is okay! We let baby guide the session and go from there.

Your Baby: Your newborn is perfect just the way they are. My style of photography emphasizes candid moments and your unique family connection, therefore, I will not try and make babies sleep or place them in unnatural poses. I suggest you have your newborn in a simple white or cream onesie that is form fitting with no graphics or words. If you don't have any, no worries, I always bring some with me! I will likely take it off and get some nude or near nude newborn photos as well. Also, please gather a few favorite swaddle blankets for baby to be wrapped in. I recommend feeding baby as much as they want about fifteen minutes prior to my arrival. I do not do major posing or have any expectation on how the baby should behave (alert or asleep). What is important is that we capture this beautiful time in your life.

Siblings: Again, I know exactly what it is like to have a new baby (I've had two of my own), and I know exactly how big this change is for the siblings in the house. I try and capture sibling and family photos at the beginning of the session, because I know siblings can lose interest quickly. We can take breaks for snacks and play, however I will probably still shoot during the breaks. I have no major expectations for the siblings and will never force them into doing anything they aren't comfortable with. The biggest suggestion I can offer is to prep your child(ren) beforehand. Specifically, let them know what the day will look like, talk to them about the camera and what it does, and ask if there is anything they'd like to do during the session (e.g. build a sandcastle, have a tea party, etc). Getting them involved, and allowing them to be a part of the planning can go a long way!

Parents: You are probably thrilled and exhausted, and experiencing the highest highs and perhaps some of the lowest lows. Having a new baby is hard and wonderful all at the same time. My job is not to make this time in your life look perfect, because let's face it, it's not. My job is to show you just how beautiful it is. I want you to be relaxed and at ease when I am photographing your family. You don't need to be anything but yourselves.

What To Wear: Wardrobe should be comfortable and reflect who you are. I recommend neutral colours and coordinating outfits (not matching). Click Here to read a guide I wrote to help you select what your family should wear for your session. I am happy to consult you directly on wardrobe if you are interested.

Atmosphere: Music can be a game-changer and can help get everyone out of their shell. If you don't already have one, I suggest creating a playlist that best represents your family. These may be songs that are relaxing and calming, or songs that you all love to dance to. Our shoot will go through an ebb-and-flow of emotions (calm, intimate, joyful), so your playlist should do the same.

Props: I do not use props during my sessions, however if you have something in mind please let me know.