Preparing yourself, your home, and baby for your in-home newborn session.
You’ve just had a baby and things hyave gotten real. You’re experiencing all the emotions, wonderings, exhaustion, and joy that newborn life brings. And The days turn to nights so quickly. this guide was created to make it easy to prepare for your session. Our only goal is to create a cozy space where I can capture all your beautiful moments— with as little effort as possible.
When will my session take place ?
Fresh-48: Shoot me a quick text on my cell: 512-571-0062 after baby is born--preferably within 24 hours--especially if you want your session to occur within 48 hours of birth. The more time I have to plan childcare the better I can accommodate you. If an extenuating situation arises please notify me as soon as you're able.
Traditional Newborn: Traditional newborn sessions take place within your sweet little babe’s first two weeks of life. When you’re ready, reach out to let me know baby has arrived along with the date and general time (morning, mid-morning, afternoon, late-afternoon, etc.) you’d like the session to take place. I’ll confirm my availability with you and will check in with you a few days before to make sure we are still good to go. During this last check in we’ll confirm the time of your session.
If I happen to be at a birth or attending another session I will communicate this to you (likely via text) and offer to reschedule at a day and time that works for both our schedules.
Hospital Newborn Sessions
If you'd like your session to take place in the hospital be sure to give yourself a little bit of time to refresh, rest, and recover. I strongly recommend letting your medical staff know you've hired a professional photographer to spend some time with you and your family in recovery. Your session may also take place after you've been discharged, as a homecoming or as an in-home session. If an emergent or unexpected situation presents itself, please send a quick text so I know it might be awhile. I promise not to bombard you with questions. If you wish for your session to take place while baby is in the NICU please discuss this with your medical providers first as they will have the final say if I'm allowed in to document your story.
Birth Center or Home Birth Sessions
If baby is born at a birth center and everyone is well then you'll likely be released within hours of delivery. If you wish for your session to take place before leaving the birth center please discuss this with your birth providers and let me know what you decide.
What about lighting & temperature?
I love natural light, but sometimes there isn't enough natural light indoors to produce a detailed image. If this turns out to be the case I'll use camera flash. The flash is typically on a lower power setting and is never bounced directly in anyones face. If you have transparent curtains, we'll likely keep those closed because they diffuse harsh lighting. Most babies tend to like it warm, if this is your baby, feel free to make the environment comfortable for them and for you.
What should I wear?
For You: Newborn sessions are all about embracing newborn life and what you wear should be practical, comfortable and true to who you are. If your session takes place in the hospital setting, I'd recommend a comfortable robe that's easy to nurse and do skin-to-skin in. Hair and make-up is completely optional. There are a few different directions we can go with hair/makeup/wardrobe and it all boils down to the look you’re aiming for. When you look back at these images decades from now, how do you want them to look?
We can go completely casual wearing something you’d normally wear during those first days with a newborn or you can go all out with pro hair and makeup in your home with a beautiful outfit. Most family’s I work with prefer something in between— opting for a nice, but practical outfit, with hair done, with a little bit of liner, lashes, blush, and chapstick or lip tint.
When choosing outfits for your family: If you wouldn't typically wear shoes in your home then you'll likely be barefoot. If you or your partner prefer to wear socks, I’d suggest a darker color sock because lighter socks will show footprints if floors are not perfectly clean. I suggest going with outfits without sayings or large logo’s them, unless it’s something that’ll add sentiment to your images. If your partner is typically a t-shirt and jeans kinda person, let them be comfortable. The good thing about a t-shirt and jeans outfit is that it coordinates with just about anything you’d wear. I suggest staying away from matchy-match outfits and choosing colors and patterns that compliment one another. I’m a huge fan of neutral colors like yellows, greens, navy, denim, and rust colors.
For baby: Most baby’s wear nothing, their diaper, a basic onesie, or a special outfit for their session. Baby’s don’t typically like to be undressed/redressed so outfit changes should be kept to a minimum. If you choose to have baby unclothed part of the time I’d suggest having wipes, towels or swaddles nearby in case of a diaper accident and to keep baby warm in between. If you want baby clothed, I'd recommend having 2 simple (easy on/easy off) outfits, just in case of a blow-out.
How much cleaning do I have to do?
If you want your newborn session at home there isn't much to do. I'd say put away anything you don't want seen in your images and there isn't a need to deep clean. At a minimum, I’d say dust and wipe down the mirrors/reflective surfaces. We’ll shoot in the spaces where you typically spend most of your time like your bedroom, baby’s room, the living room, and sometimes the kitchen area. Think about where you are in life and if an objects presence adds authenticity to your story, consider leaving it. For example, maybe you've just moved and there are boxes laying around. Feel free to leave the boxes, maybe just stack 'em up and push them to a corner.
What to expect during your session.
When I arrive to your home we'll say hello and you can show me around the spaces we’ll be shooting in. I'll typically check rooms for light and possibly pull blinds/curtains and turn off any competing artificial light. Sessions are intended to go with the flow of your family. We'll have 60-90 minutes together so there's no rush if little ones aren’t cooperating. If a parent moment presents itself, please parent through just as you would if I weren’t there. Resting is usually the perfect time to sneak in some skin-to-skin time. If baby is sleeping they can continue to sleep and I'll document baby's tiny details. If baby needs to eat then I'll let you get settled and we'll take some nursing shots. One of my favorite moments in newborn life is when baby is feeding and dad is close by helping and admiring his loves. Those are such sweet moments that often get overlooked! Sessions are un-posed and your job is to simply be present in the moment, enjoying your time together. I will even give prompts to help you know what to focus of. It might feel a little awkward at first, but that feeling should calm down as we get more into the session.
Do you use props?
I don't use props, however if there is something of sentimental value (special swaddle, stuffed animal, blanket, etc.) you'd like to make visible in your session then I'm all for it. I think those types of personal items add a nice sentimental value to the image, but by no means do you have to include any extras.
When will I receive my images?
Within 48 hours of your session I'll send you two sneak previews from your session. Your final gallery will be available within 4-6 weeks from your session date. Turnaround time on printed boutique products will vary. Birth announcement cards typically arrive within 2 business days from the date the card order is placed.
Where can I print my images?
The images you receive from the session come with a print release which allows you to print photos for personal use only. Should you choose to print on your own I'd recommend MPix. I also work with a professional printer and recommend purchasing through me if you're looking for high quality prints that last for decades. All prints purchased through me are printed on archive paper with a life expectancy of 100 years (if displayed out in the open) and 200 years (if stored in a dark & dry place).