Helpful ways to prepare for your lifestyle newborn photography session

Thank you for booking your newborn session with me. I'm excited to work with you! Here are some quick and simple little tips to help you prepare for your session. 

A feed 

Start with a good feed. If baby is full when we begin it makes for a happier session almost always. Also don't worry if you need to take time from your newborn session to feed baby. Although I do suggest trying to have a feed right before your session begins feeding is on a babies schedule, this I fully understand. 

Brighten things up!

First, I'll ask that you open up as many curtains and blinds fully to allow for as much light in your space as possible. Try to create a little space in front of a window so that I can capture some natural light baby only portraits for you . This can be on the floor in front of a window or on a bed in a well lit bedroom. What room we choose can be very flexible, most importantly is that we take advantage of the best light possible. Natural light through a window is perfect and only a few feet near some good light is needed. There is no need to turn on all of your lights, opened up curtains and blinds is best. You will also find that the time of day we have scheduled is chosen for good bright light as well. 

 Keep it toasty!

Keeping things warm is nice for baby. No need to be overwhelmed by hot temperatures but a little more on the warm then cool side will be best for a happy baby. Consider if you have your air conditioning high you might lower it or if on cold days to warm things up for a short time. 

What to wear ?

For siblings and children - In home newborn session are best when all family is choosing to wear simple items. Lighter muted tones work well and neutrals always keep the colour of photos timeless. There is no need for everyone to match or dress out of their comfort. It's best to select items for children that don't have large lettering and pictures or vibrant reds and oranges when photographing inside. Muted tones and neutrals work well with this style of photography session. Patterns are cute and can really make photos pop.When they are repetitive image based patterns like floral and airplanes this can be so cute! When they are very busy line based patterns like plaid, they can be distracting. 

For babies - It's best to choose something you love to see your baby in. Make it personal to you. Choose to wear a simple and cozy sleeper that you love to snuggle baby in. Choose something because the colour or tone looks good with their skin.  You can instead keep it simple and choose a onesie. Weather you like swaddled baby portrait all wrapped up or prefer something of your own choosing, either one and both work very well. Be sure to note it's best to keep clothing changes for newborns to a minimal as they don't always love the process. 

For parents -  Neutrals and muted tones are nice. Colours can be lovely but best to try to choose ones that are not intense. Patterns are welcome same suggestions apply.

Please know these are only suggestions and what your family is comfortable with will always work best for you. Style and fashion are personal to each individual. That being said, if your 4 year old wants to wear a scuba mask and cowboy boots, I'll make it work and that look will be flawless ;) 

You do not need to prepare or purchase any materials  What is needed I will bring. Unless there is something personal to you that you would like me to include, I will bring a selection of wraps, fabrics and modern materials to help photograph the newborn only portraits portion of your newborn session. 

This is a family & newborn session. Siblings, parents and newborn photographs are encouraged and welcomed. When working with young siblings safety and practicality are always important and co-operation is needed when working with newborns safely.