Those first weeks with a new baby can feel like a beautiful blur. You are learning each other, figuring out feeding and sleep, and probably wondering how on earth you’re supposed to prepare for a photography session in the middle of it all.
The good news is, you really don’t need to have everything figured out.
Newborn sessions are intentionally relaxed. There is plenty of time for feeding, changing, soothing and taking breaks. Your baby does not need to sleep through the entire session, and there is no pressure to make them do something they aren’t comfortable doing.
Here are a few things I want you to know before your newborn photography session.
When should I book my newborn session?
I recommend reserving your newborn session while you’re still pregnant. We can use your due date to hold a spot on my calendar and then choose the actual session date once your baby arrives.
You don’t have to know exactly when your baby will be born. That’s what the due date is for.
If your baby has already arrived, don’t worry. Reach out anyway. Older newborns and young babies are always welcome, and we can create beautiful photographs at many different stages.
What do we wear to a newborn session?
This is one of the easiest parts of the experience because you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
You don’t have to figure out what everyone should wear on your own. Every newborn session includes access to my client closet, with carefully chosen pieces for moms, babies and little ones that photograph beautifully in my light, neutral studio.
You’ll also receive a welcome guide with styling inspiration and curated style boards to help you picture how everything can come together. And if you’d rather shop for your own pieces, I have an app with shoppable links so you can easily find pieces that coordinate with the look you’re after.
Whether you borrow from the closet, shop from the links I provide, or wear something you already love, I’ll help you put everything together so it feels cohesive without feeling overly styled.
What if my baby won't sleep?
That’s completely okay.
Some babies sleep through nearly their entire session. Others want to look around and see what is going on. Some need to eat three times. Some decide that the perfect time for a diaper change is right in the middle of everything.
We follow your baby’s lead and work with whatever they give us that day. A sleepy baby is beautiful, but so are those wide awake little eyes, tiny stretches and curious expressions.
There is no need to worry about getting your baby to sleep before you arrive.
What happens during a newborn session?
We take our time.
I’ll guide you through the session while leaving plenty of room for the moments in between. Feeding, changing, soothing and snuggling are all part of the experience.
The whole family is encouraged to be part of the session too. Some of my favorite photographs are the simple ones where everyone is together, without a lot of posing or direction.
My goal is for the session to feel comfortable and relaxed rather than like something you have to perform for.
Do I Need To Bring Anything?
Not much.
I recommend bringing them in either a white onesie or a zip up sleeper that can be removed easily. Bring extra bottles and a pacifier for soothing.
Other that that, I have what we need in the studio, including white noise machine, wipes, swaddles and pieces from the client closet. You are welcome to bring anything special you’d like included, such as a personalized outfit or blanket.
What is my toddler doesn't behave?
Their whole world has just been rocked.
The family has changed, and while it can be incredibly exciting, it can also be a big adjustment for an older sibling. We don’t expect them to suddenly sit perfectly still, smile on cue or happily participate in every photograph. They don’t have to be perfect.
Our sessions are fluid and intentionally give them room to be themselves. They can spend time hanging out with their new sibling, take a dance break, come back for a few photographs when they’re ready, play with some toys, have a snack, and maybe run back in the frame on a few or finish up and go to the nearby playground with a grandparent.
Sometimes the most meaningful photographs happen in those in between moments, when they’re getting to know their new sibling or quietly settling into this very different season of their family.
There is no pressure to perform. We have time, and we’ll let the session unfold around your children rather than expecting your children to fit the session.
I feel awkward in front of the camera
You don’t need to know how to pose.
I’ll guide you when you need direction, but I don’t want the whole session to feel like a series of poses. There is room for holding your baby, looking at each other, snuggling and simply being together.
You don’t have to perform for the camera.
Home or Studio?
Newborn sessions can take place in my natural light studio in Chesterfield, just outside Richmond, or in the comfort of your own home.
The studio is light, simple and neutral, with a client closet available for moms and little ones.
In home sessions are a wonderful option if you want your baby’s nursery, your favorite chair or those little details of your first home together to be part of the photographs.
ONE LAST THING
You don’t need a perfectly sleeping baby, a perfectly clean house or a perfectly planned outfit.
You just need to show up with your baby.
I’ll take care of the rest.
If you’re looking for newborn photography in Richmond, Chesterfield, Midlothian, Moseley, Amelia, Powhatan or the surrounding area, I’d love to help you plan a session that feels like your family.
