*Clients Must Read*
Wardrobe & Styling
Wardrobe plays a meaningful role in the overall look and feel of your images. Color, texture, and movement all influence how your photos come together - just as much as light and location. To ensure your images reflect the style you see throughout my portfolio, all sessions are styled intentionally and collaboratively. Styling is always guided to create a cohesive, timeless result.
DON'T WEAR overly bright or reflective clothing it can disturb the color of an image AND your skin. This includes stark white clothing (creams and soft whites are best)
DON'T dress everyone in the same exact clothes. It's best to mix and match coordinating colors and textures. Jewel tones, Earth tones, soft muted tones and neutral colors photograph best.
DON'T WEAR wear shorts, baseball caps, collared shirts buttoned all the way up, button up shirts unless you are wearing them open, short dresses/skirts, busy patterns, logos or graphic Tees. Tucked in shirts may also seem more put together but they often restrict movement and since this is a movement based session that can cause unwanted wardrobe malfunctions.
DON'T Self or Spray tan right before your session.
DON'T wear tight or restrictive clothing. This will inhibit movement in the session and this type of session depends on it!
DO put the guys in jeans, slacks or linen pants and pattern free shirts, depending on the style you're going for. (We offer boys & mens shirts in a variety of sizes & colors plus gowns for girls in a range of styles and sizes) Boys and men look really great in sweaters, it adds texture and depth to the images.
DO have the ladies wear long flowing dresses or skirts, depending on the style you're going for. And don't be afraid to layer using cardigans or sweaters! These clothing items give movement and texture to the images and this = magic.
DO feel free to bring a few options so I can help you choose what goes best with what!
DO make sure your hair and nails are done before the shoot if needed that way you don't regret it once the shoots over.
(This includes the kiddos with chipping finger nail polish and stick on tattoos)
Please note: If you bring wardrobe items or props for your newborn, those are not in addition to the items I provide for the session but instead of using what I have. Keep this in mind when considering buying things from consumer stores to use at your newborn session. I have plenty of specialty items perfect for your new baby so you don't have to bring a thing.
And links to wardrobe items on amazon below, feel free to mix and match what you'd like or just take inspo from the lists below!
How to prepare for your session!
Prep Guide
Newborn Session Prep
I like to set the session for 12-17 days after the due date for the sleepy sweet spot in most babies. Don't worry if your baby isn't 12-17 days!
I've successfully photographed babies as young as 6 days up to 4 months with modifications for NICU stays. Your baby is in experienced hands with me.
Parents of boys if you are having it done if possible hold off on circumcision until after the session, posing is limited by the healing process. Unless they are all healed up before the session.
Baby doesn't have to sleep for their session BUT here are some ways to have a relaxed/sleepy newborn at their session.
-Feed baby 2 hours before the session start time.
-After feeding, don't actively try to get baby to sleep--let them be awake!
-If baby is fussing, you can soothe them--we don't want a crying baby!
-This is a great window of time to give baby a bath! Not only will it keep baby awake, but it will fluff up greasy hair and clean off any grimy folds newborns can get around their necks!
-Letting baby kick unswaddled in a warm room is a great way for them to wear themselves out!
Newborn Session Prep Cont.
Using items from home do's and don'ts. I don't mind incorporating a personal item or family heirloom into sessions! But not all items are actually appropriate for tiny babies!
DON'T: use "newborn sized" crocheted hats from big chain department stores. Spoiler alert: they aren't newborn sized. On that note don't dress newborns in constrictive clothing, like boys overalls, button ups, ties or girls fluffy dresses. These limit posing ability and spoiler alert: they aren't comfy.
DO: include a helper if you need to! Grandparents are welcome, along with nannies and babysitters!
DON'T: use cheap diaper covers or props you find online! If there's any specific themed prop you're interested in, let me know and I'll check to see if I already have something we can use.
DO: have extra bottles (AND extra milk) if you've done any bottle feeding. A bottle of pumped milk or formula could make a huge difference in baby's sleepiness if a full belly is what will help them stay in a deep sleep! (I do not limit their intake at the session, it is important for them to be content)
DON'T: stress if you haven't bottle fed baby and prefer to stick with breastfeeding! (I did too!) just expect lots of nursing breaks (which we can photograph too if you'd like)
Newborn Session Prep Cont. 2
Please keep the thermostat at 75-80 degrees this is where babies are most comfy. And do not worry about mess! I am not there to talk about housekeeping, if something is in the way we can move it if needed so try not to stress!
Before feeding baby, please have baby only in their diaper! Feel free to swaddle them with a blanket while they eat if needed!
Once baby is ready we will start. This session is baby led so we will go with the flow of the baby. Feel free to whip out your phone and take as many photos and videos as you'd like! Or relax and use me as your glorified babysitter while your little one gets their first photoshoot!
In-home sessions are intentionally slow and connection-focused. For this reason, televisions and background media are turned off during our session time. This helps reduce overstimulation, keeps attention on connection, and allows me to guide you clearly and calmly throughout the session.
Newborn Style Guide
Here is where you get to pick out your colors!
Review and fill out the form below!
Choose 2-3 colors for your baby:
(This cannot be changed later)
