tips for timing, what to have prepared, outfits, managing kids and more!

NEWBORN experience

PLANNING YOUR

to THE MAIN WEBSITE

- Sarah

I'm so excited to be working with you and can’t wait for our time together during your session. It’s normal to be a little anxious about your session. This is a big moment in your life. Whether this is your first baby, or maybe your last, you have quite a few things on your plate.

That's actually one of the reasons why I put together this guide. It covers things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing outfits, what to have prepared, prepping kids (or husbands) and more.

Hopefully it helps you feel fully prepared for our time together, but should you have any other questions or if you need advice, please feel free to reach out!

When scheduling your newborn session, I put your due date on my calendar. Then when you let me know your bundle of joy has arrived, we schedule a date. Typically, sessions take place anytime between day 5 and a month old.

As far as time, I base this around light (and also nap schedules if you have older children). To determine when the light in your home is best, open up all blinds, curtains, and turn off your lights. This will help you see all that magical natural light your home.

In the morning hours, the rooms on the south/southeast side of the home are going to have the best light. If it's in the afternoon, the south/southwest side of the home will likely have the best light. The reason being is that the light POURS through these rooms, meaning it's not just bright by the window. Instead the light carries through the space.

Sessions typically are 2 hours, sometimes 3 depending if there are older children or if baby needs more feedings, breaks, etc.

Time & Light

Even though photos may look like it, I promise no ones homes are tidy for newborn sessions. I just don't photograph the piles of laundry, toys all over the floor and the mountain of dishes. Don't stress yourself over a tidy home. Your job right now is to take care of yourself and snuggle that little baby.

When I arrive, I will scout out the best light in your home and once we decide which 1 or 2 rooms we will use, I'll tidy up the areas that will be photographed. The master bedroom, nursery, and living room are the rooms photographed most.

Newborn sessions can be stressful enough trying to get yourself ready with a newborn and older children ready between nursing and maybe grabbing a bite to eat. If you're able, have your mother or another family member at your home the day of your session. They can help hold your newborn or entertain older children while you get ready and while the older kids aren't being photographed.

What to have prepared

Don't wear shoes and socks. bare feet look best!

Remove hair ties and/or Apple watches or fitness trackers from wrists

Remove keys, wallets, phones, etc. from pockets

Open up all window coverings and blinds

Turn off all overhead lighting and lamps

Make sure everyone has a snack beforehand (mom + Dad included!), so we can avoid any hangry behavior :)

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that my experience of my children is different from what others experience. For example, if you’re at the grocery store with your three year old son and he starts yelling, you probably think he’s irritating other customers more than he is. Most likely, those other customers just see a cute (slightly loud,) three year old.

The same holds true for photo sessions. To your child, a stranger is holding a big camera in front of their face. They’re likely not going to entirely be themselves. They may show off more than usual or your extrovert may suddenly become shy.

Rest assured, it’s all okay.

Managing little ones

The best thing you can do for your kids is to go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your little one (or big one,) is to get on board.

Be sure kids have eaten before your session. It's amazing how hungry it makes everyone. It's also a great idea to have a family member who can come over to help you and your children get ready for the session and entertain older children while not being photographed.

I'm incredibly patient with kids and have a few tricks up my sleeve to help get even the smallest ones to cooperate.

When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process. My goal is to capture moments within your home as if I were a fly on the wall. Moments that feel naturally, you. I don't want you and your husband to artfully lay on your living room floor with your baby awkwardly held in your arms while your arms flows around you. That's super posed, not real, not a memory and not at all what I'm aiming to capture for you. I want moments and memories that make you feel the image, feel the memory, and portraits that make you want to reach out and grab onto that memory forever.

Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!

moments that feel naturally you

Choosing Outfits

When picking outfits, I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if Dad is wearing a blue button up shirt, the Mom may want to choose a simple white dress. The kids can complement the parents outfits. In the image, they choose a “color-family,” of white, blue, and khaki.

A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout the family. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).

Always keep the location in mind. We are in the comfort of your home so dress in what makes you happy and comfortable.

outfit inspo

Softer, pastel colors and neutral colors photograph better than bright colors. Bright colors create color cast light while neutral colors reflect light on your skin - giving skin that dreamy skin tone we all love.

We live in a time that always show new moms wearing these white flowy dresses holding their newborns. While this is beautiful, it's certainly not realistic. I know as a new mom I looked like a hot mess 99% of the time. I want you to choose an outfit that your'e comfortable in, that's realistic for you inside your home, that truly encapsulates this time in your life.

Keep in mind no matter what you wear, you'll be moving into a lot of different positions so if it things aren't staying where they need to be, you should probably choose a different outfit. Choose an outfit where your bra strap doesn't show, a blouse or dress that isn't too revealing or too short.

Outfit Choices

ladies

Guys can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans with this look.

Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.

Softer, pastel colors photograph better than bright or bold colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.

Wardrobe Tips

GUYS

I do light retouching on all images. This means that if there are any glaring objects that should be removed (such as a bump from the tumble your toddler took that morning,) I’ll remove it. Larger edits (such as removing bra straps,) require more time and would require us to add additional editing hours to your collection.

WILL YOU RETOUCH OUR IMAGES?

By default, the creators of images always own the rights to the images. However I’ll give you a release to use, print and share your images.

DO I OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE IMAGES?

You are absolutely welcome to share images on social media. To ensure that my work is properly represented, I ask that you refrain from any edits. I also appreciate image credits and tags as they help me to continue to grow as a business.

CAN I SHARE THE IMAGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

While I don’t guarantee an exact number of images, I will make sure to capture your newborn thoroughly. Most sessions should expect to receive at least 50 edited images following their session.

HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I RECEIVE?

While turnaround times can vary by season, I aim to deliver all images within three weeks of your session.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY IMAGES?

FAQ

I typically plan about 2-3 hours for sessions. This gives ample time for feedings, diaper changes, different rooms, and photos with mom and dad (and any siblings).

HOW LONG SHOULD WE PLAN FOR THE SESSION TO TAKE?

Yes, you are welcome to print the images on your own. If you do this, I recommend making sure that the printer does not color correct the images (many automatically do this.) I also recommend looking for a high quality printer. While 10 cent prints sound great in theory, the cheaper printing quality often won’t do your images justice. Paper quality, color correction and a handful of other factors play a big role in the way your prints turn out. This is one of the reasons why I LOVE offering prints to my clients.

CAN I PRINT THE IMAGES ON MY OWN?

I guarantee that your images will remain in an online gallery for three months. While your galleries may stay up longer than that, I cannot guarantee it. Once your galleries have been delivered, I highly recommend downloading all high resolution images to several devices. Consider investing in a portable, waterproof external hard drive.

HOW LONG WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE IMAGES?

This goes for everyone, men, woman, and littles. Your hands will likely be photographed so make sure there's no dirty fingernails.

Have clean nails

Remove hair ties, Apple watches/ fitness trackers, wallets, phones, and any other districting items as they do not photograph well.

REMOVE DISTRACTIONS

No need to wear shoes or socks for your session. Bare feet look best.

NO Shoes

With my own kids, I've found that if they are melting down they are either tired or hungry. If we choose a time that's not interrupting sleep, they must be hungry. Make sure to feed everyone, including yourself, prior to the session.

snacks

Typically the light in homes look best around 10am-1pm. We will decide on a time based on when the light is brightest within your home.

TO HELP YOUR SESSION GO SMOOTHLY

TIPS & TRICKS

TIMING

I'm a huge believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.

Think about this fact: fifteen years ago, if we had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries we deliver will eventually fade away.

But prints? Those last. I bet your family still has images from your grandparents (maybe even great grandparents.) And that was likely from a time period when cameras were expensive and prints were harder to come by.

Bring Your Images to Life with

prints

Our framed prints are the perfect way to fill your walls with memories. With a variety of frames to choose from, we’ll help you select the perfect image pairings for your space.

WALL ART

Perfect for those who value legacy. These heirloom albums are a great way to house a large number of images in a beautiful way. Leave them on display as coffee table books or protect them with a legacy box.

ALBUMS

Our matted prints are the perfect way to physically hold your prints while having that heirloom quality to show off on your coffee table.

PRINTS

I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your portrait session. However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me.