Welcome
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! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken - and I do this for a living!
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 bring pets & how to manage them, and more! I can't wait to get you in front of my camera!
xoxo,
Katie
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. I promise!
The Guys
A NOTE TO
For your comfort and convenience, newborn sessions ideally take place in your home.
Newborn sessions are best when they occur 7-14 days after the baby is born. This 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. A majority of your poses will include mom, dad, and siblings. Toward the end of your session, if the baby falls asleep, then I will photograph a few individual shots of him/her.
I am a natural light specialist because I believe that natural light, from the sun and its reflections, create photographs that feel fresh, timeless, and truest to you. 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 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!
Quick Tip: Newborn sessions typically take place on weekdays so I can serve my maternity clients on weekends.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
Styling Your Space
WANT YOUR PHOTOS TO LOOK MORE EDITORIAL?
Choose one or two rooms in your home to declutter and style for your newborn session. Rooms with large windows, free of dark shade-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.
Light and bright is my signature style! I usually start our session by taking some photos of the nursery while mama is getting dressed. Then I'll wrap Baby in a swaddle and we'll take your family photos for about 45 minutes. For his/her individual, posed portraits (if you've chosen this option), I will set up my posing beanbag near a glass door or large window. 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 my signature bright and airy style!
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.
Pets
WHAT TO WEAR
TIPS FOR LOOKING & 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!
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Say YES to the dress! Skirts and dresses look most stunning because they really flatter every female body--especially on camera. I have a large selection of gowns in my Client Closet available for you to borrow at no extra cost! 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, pastel colors 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.
Wardrobe Tips
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
ACCESSORIES
Outfits
for the moms
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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.
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, I recommend that you do not get a spray tan or use self-tanning products before your session, even a few days prior. They tend to photograph orange, even when applied subtly by a professional. Your natural skin tone will photograph the most beautiful.
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the moms
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Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
Shop Döen
Anthropologie
Free People
Baltic Born
Coven & Co.
Revolve
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
Red Dress Boutique
H & M
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Fillyboo
Gal Meets Glam
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the moms
find it fast
Professional hair & makeup is typically at the top of my clients' checklists because it looks amazing on camera and takes away much of the stress of getting ready on your own. This is the time to treat yourself! Professional hair and makeup will last longer and give you that extra boost of confidence in front of the camera. It also tends to hold up better for humidity, heat, and wind.
Bonus tip: Always say YES to false lashes!
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the moms
find it fast
There will definitely be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!). Have your fingernails, toenails, and cuticles clean and manicured with a pale pink or neutral polish.
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the moms
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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
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the DADS
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Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the dads
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. Don't forget a pedicure if you're going barefoot!
Flattering Your Features
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 beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for.
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!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the colors and shades so you're not all wearing the same color on the top and bottom. The more we can mix that up, the better.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Prepping Your Family
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Colors
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH WHITE
Don't be afraid of white! Having everyone in varying shades of white, or other very pale colors, will ensure that your images are in line with my bright and airy 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
bow ties & suspenders, skirts & dresses
If you have multiple children, don't feel like you have to put them all in the same outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress and flats, while the other wears a skirt and boots, or a romper and sandals. One of your sons could wear a bowtie, while the other wears suspenders. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring great visual interest to the photos.
Tip: be sure that little girls wear matching bloomers under dresses.
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Prepping the Little Ones
snacks, treats, and lots of smiles
Before your session, pack a 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. I also wrote this blog post, which I highly encourage you to read before your session.
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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!
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The baby is the star of the show! Wraps and tight swaddles will photograph better than clothing. Bodysuits and other clothing tend to look too baggy. I will bring a swaddle with me and get the baby wrapped up nice and tight at the start of your session. I will also bring along headbands and bonnets if you'd like to add accessories to your sweet baby.
Be sure to cut the baby's nails so he/she doesn't need to wear mittens. For the posed photos (if you opted for this session), I will use one swaddle and unwrap your baby slowly in order to offer more variety in your final gallery.
ALL ABOUT THE BABY
Newborn Session Check List
Set date, time, and location with Katie once the baby is born
Review Guide for style tips.
Schedule hair and makeup appointments.
Choose your outfits. If borrowing from the Client Closet send Katie your selections.
Things to have handy
o Pacifier, bottle, and/or breastfeeding pillow
o Touch-up makeup
o Water bottles for parents
o Snacks and ice water for little ones
o If you have a toddler or younger child, small eye-catching items to keep their attention, like toys or lollipops
o A close friend or family member to help with pets and/or toddlers.
Within a week of your session, I will edit a handful of my favorites and share them on social media. I will continue to select the best of the best images from your session, edit them to perfection, and send the link to your final gallery within 30 days.
When to Expect Your Images
I know I just gave you a lot to think about. I created this guide to help make your portrait experience something you'll look back fondly on for years and years. It's not just about the photos for me. It's about the experience and the memories. I want your session to be a time when you are yourselves, have fun, laugh a lot, and let me take care of the rest!
xoxo, Katie