Newborn Photo Session Guide
Newborn Photo Session Guide
Newborn Photo Session Guide
Meet Your Photographer
Meet Your Photographer
Hi, I'm Ashley!
Hi, I'm Ashley!
I’m thrilled you’ve considered me to be your photographer!
A note about this guide:
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your upcoming newborn session! I'm so honored to help you create and capture memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session, so I've created this guide to help you get the most out of your photos. By the time you've read through this guide you'll have all of your questions answered and feel more than ready and prepared for your session. Then I'll take care of the rest.
I’ll cover what to wear, whether to incorporate your pets & how to manage them, studio information and more! I can't wait to get you in front of my camera!
Note to the guys -
I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. The most common thing I hear from guys before photos sessions is this: because of a bad experience in the past, they don't like taking photos or don't think they'll be good at it. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun. Your kids will one day be so thankful that they have photos with their father from when they were a tiny baby. It’s worth it, I promise!
I’m thrilled you’ve considered me to be your photographer!
A note about this guide
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your upcoming newborn session! I'm so honored to help you create and capture memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session, so I've created this guide to help you get the most out of your photos. By the time you've read through this guide you'll have all of your questions answered and feel more than ready and prepared for your session. Then I'll take care of the rest.
I’ll cover what to wear, whether to incorporate your pets & how to manage them, studio information and more! I can't wait to get you in front of my camera!
Note to the guys -
I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime.
And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. The most common thing I hear from guys before photos sessions is this: because of a bad experience in the past, they don't like taking photos or don't think they'll be good at it. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun.
Your kids will one day be so thankful that they have photos with their father from when they were a tiny baby. It’s worth it, I promise!
Time & Light
Time & Light
Time & Light
“Is there a good time to take photos?”
For your comfort and convenience, newborn sessions ideally take place in your home. If your home doesn't allow for great natural light, read the section about studio rentals!
Newborn sessions are best when they occur 2-5 weeks after the baby is born. Typically, 7-14 days is when babies are most fresh, flexible, sleepy, and likely without baby acne.
In my experience, one to two hours is the ideal time frame for a lifestyle newborn session depending on how large your family is. A majority of your poses will include mom, dad, and siblings. I will photograph a few individual shots of the baby as we are going about our session. If you have a spot where you would like to put the baby down, I will photograph the baby on their own toward the end of your session.
To allow for the best light, and a sleepy baby, I like to schedule your session to start at 9:30 in the morning. If it's overcast or very cloudy that day, then your session will likely need to be rescheduled. To get the most out of your session, please plan a 30 minute buffer when getting ready so you are ready before I arrive and your session can start on time. We’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together!
“Is there a good time to take photos?”
For your comfort and convenience, newborn sessions ideally take place in your home. If your home doesn't allow for great natural light, read the section about studio rentals!
Newborn sessions are best when they occur 2-5 weeks after the baby is born. Typically, 7-14 days is when babies are most fresh, flexible, sleepy, and likely without baby acne.
In my experience, one to two hours is the ideal time frame for a lifestyle newborn session depending on how large your family is. A majority of your poses will include mom, dad, and siblings. I will photograph a few individual shots of the baby as we are going about our session. If you have a spot where you would like to put the baby down, I will photograph the baby on their own toward the end of your session.
To allow for the best light, and a sleepy baby, I like to schedule your session to start at 9:30 in the morning. If it's overcast or very cloudy that day, then your session will likely need to be rescheduled. To get the most out of your session, please plan a 30 minute buffer when getting ready so you are ready before I arrive and your session can start on time. We’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together!
Styling Your Space
Styling Your Space
Styling Your Space
Choose one to three rooms in your home to unclutter and style for your newborn session. To be clear, I do not need you to deep clean your home for this. Clearing clutter for the rooms/spaces you want to use is all I need. Feel free to shove things in drawers or the closet!
Rooms with large windows, free of dark shade- screens (take them off the day before if you have dark screens!), far from surrounding walls, and void of thick shrubbery are ideal. It could be the living room, nursery, master bedroom, or even the kitchen!
Dress up the spaces with simple, subtle touches like fresh flowers, meaningful heirlooms, or neutral decor. Try to think light and bright!
I will want to turn off all the artificial light in your home when I get there. Natural light is what is most flattering for your session. If you want to prep that for me, that would be wonderful!
If there's anything else you'd like to include during the posed photos, please have those handy (accessories, mini stuffed animals, etc.). For safety reasons, I don't place the baby in any props like crates, baskets, trucks, etc.
Quick tip: If you have colorful or dark bedding in the master bedroom, I suggest replacing it with white or ivory linens for our session. This will help with achieving brighter photos!
Choose one to three rooms in your home to unclutter and style for your newborn session. To be clear, I do not need you to deep clean your home for this. Clearing clutter for the rooms/spaces you want to use is all I need. Feel free to shove things in drawers or the closet!
Rooms with large windows, free of dark shade- screens (take them off the day before if you have dark screens!), far from surrounding walls, and void of thick shrubbery are ideal. It could be the living room, nursery, master bedroom, or even the kitchen!
Dress up the spaces with simple, subtle touches like fresh flowers, meaningful heirlooms, or neutral decor. Try to think light and bright!
I will want to turn off all the artificial light in your home when I get there. Natural light is what is most flattering for your session. If you want to prep that for me, that would be wonderful!
If there's anything else you'd like to include during the posed photos, please have those handy (accessories, mini stuffed animals, etc.). For safety reasons, I don't place the baby in any props like crates, baskets, trucks, etc.
Quick tip: If you have colorful or dark bedding in the master bedroom, I suggest replacing it with white or ivory linens for our session. This will help with achieving brighter photos!
Pets
Pets
Pets
Our dog is a special part of our family, which is why I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then having a friend take him/her somewhere else, or keeping the dog at home but away from all the action. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to incorporate a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and having your pet's favorite toy or treats handy! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot and have a lint roller nearby to keep your clothes looking fresh.
Our dog is a special part of our family, which is why I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then having a friend take him/her somewhere else, or keeping the dog at home but away from all the action. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to incorporate a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and having your pet's favorite toy or treats handy! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot and have a lint roller nearby to keep your clothes looking fresh.
What to Wear
What to Wear
What to Wear
Tips for Looking and Feeling Your Best You just brought your baby home!
Whether you're a birth mom or adoptive mom, you'll be living in comfortable clothes for the next few weeks, so let's do our best to portray the authentic-ness of life with a newborn!
If you're breastfeeding, choose clothing that is nursing-friendly. Babies may want to nurse often throughout your session, so dressing appropriately will save time and frustration when he/she needs to eat. I'm a nursing mom myself, so I know how often newborns need to breastfeed. A happy and fed baby makes for a smooth portrait session!
If it's okay with you, I would also love to take some beautifully modest photos of you nursing the baby. It's so important to look back at that special time when your baby gets older! These photos are for you only and are never shared on my blog, website, or social media without your permission.
Tips for Looking and Feeling Your Best You just brought your baby home!
Whether you're a birth mom or adoptive mom, you'll be living in comfortable clothes for the next few weeks, so let's do our best to portray the authentic-ness of life with a newborn!
If you're breastfeeding, choose clothing that is nursing-friendly. Babies may want to nurse often throughout your session, so dressing appropriately will save time and frustration when he/she needs to eat. I'm a nursing mom myself, so I know how often newborns need to breastfeed. A happy and fed baby makes for a smooth portrait session!
If it's okay with you, I would also love to take some beautifully modest photos of you nursing the baby. It's so important to look back at that special time when your baby gets older! These photos are for you only and are never shared on my blog, website, or social media without your permission.
What to Wear (Moms)
What to Wear (Moms)
What to Wear (Moms)
Wardrobe Tips
Say YES to the dress! Skirts and dresses look most stunning because they really flatter every female body--especially on camera.
But if you choose to purchase or rent your own dress, use these tips while shopping...
I love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photos look a little too busy.
Softer, natural colors will compliment my style of photography. These lighter shades tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. I love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Accessories
Keep it simple. Large jewelry pieces will distract from where we want the focus: on the baby! Wear your wedding band and small earrings only, if desired.
Wardrobe Tips
Say YES to the dress! Skirts and dresses look most stunning because they really flatter every female body--especially on camera.
But if you choose to purchase or rent your own dress, use these tips while shopping...
I love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photos look a little too busy.
Softer, natural colors will compliment my style of photography. These lighter shades tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. I love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Accessories
Keep it simple. Large jewelry pieces will distract from where we want the focus: on the baby! Wear your wedding band and small earrings only, if desired.
What to Wear (Dads)
What to Wear (Dads)
What to Wear (Dads)
Wardrobe Tips
Soft, neutral colors are the best choice. We want the mood to be calm and relaxing.
A soft t-shirt with jeans or slacks and bare feet is ideal. Solid shades of light gray, blue, khaki, and white are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye.
I also recommend staying away from graphics, logos, and shorts. Clean jogger pants look great with a pale henley tee shirt, for example! Make sure Dad has bare feet or neutral socks. Shoes can stay in the closet for this occasion.
Wardrobe Tips
Soft, neutral colors are the best choice. We want the mood to be calm and relaxing.
A soft t-shirt with jeans or slacks and bare feet is ideal. Solid shades of light gray, blue, khaki, and white are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye.
I also recommend staying away from graphics, logos, and shorts. Clean jogger pants look great with a pale henley tee shirt, for example! Make sure Dad has bare feet or neutral socks. Shoes can stay in the closet for this occasion.
Wardrobe Tips
Soft, neutral colors are the best choice. We want the mood to be calm and relaxing.
A soft t-shirt with jeans or slacks and bare feet is ideal. Solid shades of light gray, blue, khaki, and white are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye.
I also recommend staying away from graphics, logos, and shorts. Clean jogger pants look great with a pale henley tee shirt, for example! Make sure Dad has bare feet or neutral socks. Shoes can stay in the closet for this occasion.
Flatter Your Features
Flatter Your Features
Flatter Your Features
In my experience, every woman--regardless of her shape--has an area of her body that she's self-conscious about, so recognizing that area in advance is key.
Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you'll love the way you look in your photos.
It's absolutely normal to still look somewhat pregnant after delivering a baby. It takes time for your uterus to shrink back to it's pre-pregnancy size!
This is why most moms choose to wear loose, flowy dresses versus tight-fitting clothing for their newborn photos. Plus, it's way more comfortable!
Off-the-shoulder or long sleeve dresses have a slimming effect on all arms, while strapless, sleeveless, or spaghetti strap dresses have the opposite effect.
When considering the length of your dress, factor in whether or not you'll have young children with you. If you have little ones, you'll likely be sitting or squatting next to them. Cute, cocktail length dresses are adorable, but make these poses difficult, as do low-cut tops and high leg slits.
Quick tip: Wear bare feet in the warmer months or cute slippers in the cooler months.
In my experience, every woman--regardless of her shape--has an area of her body that she's self-conscious about, so recognizing that area in advance is key.
Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you'll love the way you look in your photos.
It's absolutely normal to still look somewhat pregnant after delivering a baby. It takes time for your uterus to shrink back to it's pre-pregnancy size!
This is why most moms choose to wear loose, flowy dresses versus tight-fitting clothing for their newborn photos. Plus, it's way more comfortable!
Off-the-shoulder or long sleeve dresses have a slimming effect on all arms, while strapless, sleeveless, or spaghetti strap dresses have the opposite effect.
When considering the length of your dress, factor in whether or not you'll have young children with you. If you have little ones, you'll likely be sitting or squatting next to them. Cute, cocktail length dresses are adorable, but make these poses difficult, as do low-cut tops and high leg slits.
Quick tip: Wear bare feet in the warmer months or cute slippers in the cooler months.
Prepping Your Family
Prepping Your Family
Prepping Your Family
Colors
There’s no such thing as too much white.
Don't be afraid of white! Having everyone in varying shades of white, cream, or other natural colors, will ensure that your images are in line with my style. White, ivory, cream, and champagne complement all skin tones.
Yes, even if you don't have a tan! White clothing instantly brightens your images, no matter the decor or how much natural light is in your home!
Mixing it Up
Skirts, dresses, and rompers...oh, my!
If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress, while the other wears a skirt.
One of your sons could wear a button-down, while the other one wears a long sleeve t-shirt. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring a great visual interest to the photos.
Prepping the Little Ones Snacks, treats, and lots of smiles
Before your session, grab a little bag with snacks, water, and any small, neutral-colored toys that your child loves (just in case the toy ends up in your photos). Those may help to get their attention when it's time for them to look at the camera. If needed, we can incorporate snacks as part of the photo session, but it is best to start off the session with everyone well fed. I also suggest having your kids avoid screen time the morning of your session.
Have Fun! Get ready for laughs and snuggles
A lot of families discuss and choose something fun in advance as a treat or reward for a job well done, like an ice cream date or bowling adventure. They're little, and I know things don't always go as planned.
Give them (and yourself!) lots of grace. I've seen it all and will make sure to deliver some beautiful photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family!
Colors
There’s no such thing as too much white.
Don't be afraid of white! Having everyone in varying shades of white, cream, or other natural colors, will ensure that your images are in line with my style. White, ivory, cream, and champagne complement all skin tones.
Yes, even if you don't have a tan! White clothing instantly brightens your images, no matter the decor or how much natural light is in your home!
Mixing it Up
Skirts, dresses, and rompers...oh, my!
If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress, while the other wears a skirt.
One of your sons could wear a button-down, while the other one wears a long sleeve t-shirt. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring a great visual interest to the photos.
Prepping the Little Ones Snacks, treats, and lots of smiles
Before your session, grab a little bag with snacks, water, and any small, neutral-colored toys that your child loves (just in case the toy ends up in your photos). Those may help to get their attention when it's time for them to look at the camera. If needed, we can incorporate snacks as part of the photo session, but it is best to start off the session with everyone well fed. I also suggest having your kids avoid screen time the morning of your session.
Have Fun! Get ready for laughs and snuggles
A lot of families discuss and choose something fun in advance as a treat or reward for a job well done, like an ice cream date or bowling adventure. They're little, and I know things don't always go as planned.
Give them (and yourself!) lots of grace. I've seen it all and will make sure to deliver some beautiful photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family!
All About the Baby
All About the Baby
All About the Baby
The baby is the star of the show! Wraps and tight swaddles will photograph very well if you are comfortable wrapping your baby. If you are not wrapping the baby, same recommendations apply to their clothing… neutral and light clothes photograph best.
The baby is the star of the show! Wraps and tight swaddles will photograph very well if you are comfortable wrapping your baby. If you are not wrapping the baby, same recommendations apply to their clothing… neutral and light clothes photograph best.
Checklist
Checklist
Checklist
Home Prep:
Home Prep:
Home Prep:
Clear clutter in 1-3 naturally well-lit spaces
Clear clutter in 1-3 naturally well-lit spaces
Remove dark shade screens the day before
Remove dark shade screens the day before
Choose light colored bedding if you want bedroom pictures
Choose light colored bedding if you want bedroom pictures
Outfit Prep:
Outfit Prep:
Choose
Choose
Light natural colors
Light natural colors
White, beige, muted earth tones, and cream/ivory
White, beige, muted earth tones, and cream/ivory
Socks or bare feet
Socks or bare feet
Easy access for breastfeeding if needed
Easy access for breastfeeding if needed
Avoid
Avoid
Logos
Logos
Bright & neon colors
Bright & neon colors
Dark colors
Dark colors
Narrow striped patterns (this can cause a photographic effect called "moire" that looks very unnatural and is difficult/impossible to repair.)
Narrow striped patterns (this can cause a photographic effect called "moire" that looks very unnatural and is difficult/impossible to repair.)
Busy patterns
Busy patterns
Family Prep:
Family Prep:
Family Prep:
Make sure everyone is fed!
Make sure everyone is fed!
Limit screen time before session
Limit screen time before session
Nursing baby 30 minutes before the session can help the baby be sleepy and calm as the session starts
Nursing baby 30 minutes before the session can help the baby be sleepy and calm as the session starts
Album Delivery
Album Delivery
I will email you an invitation to view and download your photo gallery
within 3-4 calendar weeks after your session.
I will email you an invitation to view and download your photo gallery
within 3-4 calendar weeks after your session.
Thank You!
Thank You!
Thank you for your attention and consideration to this guide. I know
that all of this is a lot to think about. I created this guide to help
make your experience something you look back on for years to come.
At the end of the day, the location you choose and the outfits you
select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make
together. Your future memories are the most important thing to me,
and I want your session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and
enjoy.
Thank you for your attention and consideration of this guide. I know that all of this is a lot to think about. I created this guide to help make your experience something you look back on for years to come. At the end of the day, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together. Your future memories are the most important thing to me, and I want your session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy.