The newborn days are fleeting. You will find that when you look back on them in the months and years to come, they are a bit blurry. A haze of sleepless nights, diapers and feeding sessions. You and this new little human you have created are getting to know each other and it is a beautiful (and sometimes really hard) process. It is also incredibly sweet and filled with an intense and all encompassing LOVE. It is SO worth documenting for your future self (and your new little one) and I’m so happy you are here!
If you have made it this far, you have probably already spent some time visiting my website and checking out my work. As you can already tell — if you are wanting baskets, swaddles and frog poses, I am not your gal. But if you are wanting natural, organic, intimate and cozy, we are a great fit. In the photography world, I am known as a Lifestyle Newborn Photographer. Yes, I will gently guide your session and lightly pose your baby as necessary but mostly, I will photograph baby in your arms where he or she is, undoubtedly, the happiest. I will spend time in your home (or in my studio, if you prefer) capturing truly special images of your new little one and family.
Please continue reading for all the details about a newborn session with me!
When to Book Your Newborn Session
I always recommend booking about halfway through your pregnancy, particularly if you are wanting maternity photos as well. Having said that, I leave room in my schedule for unexpected newborn sessions so definitely feel free to reach out anytime and I’ll do my very best to accommodate. For reference, newborn sessions are done on weekday mornings – either in your home or in my natural light studio in South Seattle.
Length of Newborn Sessions
Lifestyle Newborn sessions typically take about an hour – sometimes a little more and occasionally a little less. Because my newborns are lifestyle and very natural, we don’t have to wait for a sleeping baby so the sessions aren’t as long. I photograph sleeping AND awake babies and both are so beautiful! We stop as necessary for feedings and changings. Baby leads the session and I am in no rush! Having said that, as a mother of four myself, I remember the postpartum days and a long photo session would have really overwhelmed me. I was fortunate to work with photographers who were relaxed, great at what they did, had a solid workflow and didn’t linger. I appreciated that so much and I aim to provide that to my newborn clients as well.
Clothing for Baby and Family
Newborn sessions are cozy. Feel free to dress as such. Form fitting onesies, sleepers, sacks or little knit outfits in solid, neutral colors are perfect for baby. As for you, new mama, wear whatever feels most comfortable for you. Most shots will be closer up and posed for flattering angles.
How to Prepare Your Home for our Session
Please don’t.
Don’t clean, don’t pick up, don’t move furniture or do anything special. I don’t want this to be a stressful experience. I will move anything I need to for the shoot. When I get to your home, I will take myself on a quick tour and find the room or two with the best window light – this is often the living room, main bedroom or nursery. We will plant ourselves there (and maybe one other spot) and get all the photos we need. All I really need is some solid window light. If your session is taking place at my studio, you will literally just show up and enjoy all the features of the studio. Couch, bed, chairs and a lot of natural, lovely light.
How to Prepare Baby/Siblings for the Session
If possible, please try to have baby fed and changed. If there are older siblings, please have them fed and well-rested too if possible. Let them know about me (I’m super nice!) and that I am coming to take photos. Of course – life happens. And as I said above, baby leads the session. We will stop as often as necessary. I am in no rush!
How Many and What Types of Photos You Can Expect
A typical newborn session renders approximately 40-50 professionally chosen and edited photos. Your gallery will be a combination of color and black and white images. They work together as a collection to tell your newborn story. The photos I capture will be a combination of posed and natural images. I will photograph your new baby alone and with each parent. Older siblings should also join the session and we will get some special shots of the whole family and of baby with their sibling(s). Whether you are a nursing or bottle feeding mama, I am always happy to capture feeding photos. Feeding is a huge part of the bonding process in those newborn days and these images are always very special.
What to Expect after the Session
Within 24 hours, I’ll send you one or two little peeks from your session. It’s always nice to see how a couple of images turned out and I’m happy to do that. Depending on the season, you can expect your completed gallery of images within three weeks. If your session takes place during the winter months, my turnaround time is often much faster. A few weeks after your session, you will receive a complimentary album containing all or most of the best images from your session. It is a lovely keepsake to have of this special time!
Final Thoughts and Sentiments
Please know this — I consider it a huge honor photographing newborns and their families. It is an incredibly special time in life and I never take for granted the opportunity to document it. If you’ve chosen me as your newborn photographer out of a sea of other photographers, I am truly touched and I look forward to working with you!
For additional details about my photo sessions, pricing and booking, visit here.
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