WHAT TO WEAR FOR MOM

Keep in mind that I am documenting a day in your life. Dressing up too much at these sessions does not look authentic. I encourage neutral colors, steering away from logos or bold patterns. Casual clothing is perfect, and bare feet look most natural in a home setting. Moms, consider a light, flowy shirt, maxi dress, or a pretty cotton gown.

 

NOTE: The house will be warmer than usual so dress appropriately for the temperature.

 

WHAT TO WEAR FOR BABY
For baby in-home sessions, I recommend baby naked, in just a diaper or just a neutral colored onesie. I realize there are tons of adorable baby clothes, but it’s rare to find any that fit correctly or that won’t be distracting in photos. I will bring a few neutral swaddles. For outdoor sessions, these are quicker and flow better baby is swaddled and I will bring those with me.

 

IN HOME SESSIONS: THE HOUSE TO DO THE DAY BEFORE YOUR SESSION

Prep your space: Your home does not have to be perfect, I promise. Your home should look lived-in. You do not have to hire a professional cleaning company before your session or redecorate the living room. I am there to focus on you and your interactions with your new baby.

 

Instead of scrubbing the heck out of everything, focus on uncluttering your home. That means just tidying up a bit and putting stuff in the room where it belongs (no coats on the couch or towels on bed sort of thing) and toss the rest in a closet until I leave. It is necessary to give windows or mirrors a quick wipe because streaks or dust on these surfaces can be pronounced in photographs.

 

Collect any items you want to use in the session beforehand, such as blankets. We will go through these items to determine what and how to use those items in your session.

 

THE HOURS BEFORE YOUR SESSION - INDOORS AND OUTDOORS

Try to keep baby awake a couple of hours before the session. Have a little playtime! Bathe baby the morning of your session and use baby lotion. If baby is dry or peeling, it helps to use your doctor-recommended baby lotion frequently in the days leading to the shoot. Exfoliating with a baby cloth after they have been in the tub a while will help with peeling. Please get in touch with me if baby has a severe rash on the face or baby acne. Extensive retouch is not included in your session price and not always possible in these cases. We may need to reschedule.

FOR INDOOR SESSIONS

Adjust the thermostat to about 76 degrees. I typically shoot a good portion of the session in the nursery, so please have the curtains and shades open to let in lots of natural light. I also love to photograph baby with mom and dad in their bed, on the couch, anywhere comfy and snuggly.

 

When I first arrive, I will scope out your home for areas with the best light and the most camera-friendly colors and decor. I primarily shoot newborn lifestyle images in the nursery, master bedroom, and living room. The most important things I am looking for is places with the best light and color scheme.

 

The baby will typically determine the flow of the session. If he/she is hungry when I arrive, I will start with interactive cuddling shots after you feed baby. If you would like nursing images, please let me know.

 

If he/she is sleeping soundly in the crib when I arrive, I will start with some crib and nursery shots. There is no set schedule or plan; as a parent myself, I have learned to adapt. Although this is a lifestyle session, I do offer gentle guidance for posing to get the session rolling and help clients settle in. I will make use of your home, your décor, and your furniture. I may take some things or take a frame off the wall. I promise to move everything back to where it was. It is really about getting THE shot and avoiding distractions in the images. I also bring furniture sliders!

 

It is essential to relax. If the baby gets fussy or alert, don’t worry. A baby can sense your anxiety and we want to keep the environment as mellow as possible. I am not in a rush, and I will not take off because the baby isn’t cooperating. C’est la vie! Take some deep breaths and enjoy this time with your new baby.

 

Ultimately, I want you to enjoy this experience as much as I enjoy capturing it. It’s ok to be a bit nervous. I have to admit that I don’t get in front of the camera very much myself! But I can guarantee you that you will not regret having these memories to cherish.

 

See you soon!