How to Prepare for Your In-Home Newborn Session
Day Of The Session
When I arrive, I will walk around your home and scout out the best lit areas for the shots. Likely it’ll be the couch, master bedroom, and/or nursery. 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 while I’m there. Neutral bedding is a nice backdrop – but absolutely no stress we will make it work with whatever we have.
Your Baby
Your newborn is perfect just the way they are. I don't try and make babies sleep or place them in unnatural poses. I also don’t use props. I do some guided posing, mixed with capturing moments as they naturally unfold - a mixture of lifestyle and documentary photos. I suggest you have your newborn in a simple onesie that is formfitting with no graphics or words. This usually means a preemie or newborn sized onesie. Feel free to gather a few favourite swaddle blankets for them to be wrapped in and we can have fun with these.
I recommend feeding your baby as much as they want about 15 minutes prior to my arrival.
Newborn sessions can take some time, that is okay if you need to feed, change etc while I am there. We will just go with the flow. I do not do major posing or have any expectations for how they should behave (alert or asleep). We let the baby guide the session.
What is important is that we capture this beautiful time in your life, and that you feel relaxed. Typically the session takes 1-2 hours, but you can also let me know when you’ve had enough!
Mum and Dad
You are going to be thrilled and exhausted. Having a new baby is hard and wonderful at the same time. My style is not to make this time look perfect, but rather to capture how beautiful it is as well as the reality of it. I want you to be relaxed and at ease. You don't need to be anything but yourself.
Siblings
I understand that a new addition to the family is a big change for the siblings in the house. I usually try and get sibling and family photos right at the start because the sibling may lose interest in me quickly. I have no major expectations for the siblings and will never force them into doing anything they aren't comfortable with.
It is best to prepare siblings for the session by telling them that a friend is coming to visit and take some photos of your family. It is always best not to surprise them. Show them past family photos. When kids know that this experience will result in a series of fun photos of themselves, they may be more excited. Even if you only have iPhone photos to show them, the effect is the same. Most kids LOVE to see photos of themselves.
What to wear
Choose your outfit first. The most important thing is to be yourself and wear something that you feel great and comfortable in according to your own style, and then build the rest of the family’s outfits around yours. Something that you can move in easily is important. Stay away from graphics and florescent colours. Some people opt for more neutral and earthy colours, while others like pops of colour. I don't have a preference as I think both can look great. Go for what you like and what you feel good in. This can be yoga pants and a jumper if you want!
In terms of the other family members, it’s good to coordinate what you are wearing but no need to match. Choose colours that complement each other. The most important thing is that everyone feels themselves and comfortable in whatever they wear.
In terms of baby, I suggest you have your newborn in a simple onesie that is formfitting with no graphics or words. This usually means a preemie or newborn sized onesie.
Feel free to gather a few favourite swaddle blankets for them to be wrapped in.
Dress in layers, particularly during the cooler seasons. Layers add interest but also allow for removing clothing if it gets warm.
I am happy to discuss wardrobe with you further if you would like. Just let me know. Feel free to email with any questions you might have. Thank you and I look forward to capturing memories for you soon!
