What to Expect at your In-Home Newborn Session

I can’t wait to capture your family’s newest addition. My photography style is best described as Fine Art Lifestyle, which means that I will come into your home and beautifully capture this fleeting time in your life. Below, I’ve outlined helpful information for your upcoming session. Please don’t hesitate to reach out in advance if you have any questions!

Day Of The Session:

When I arrive, I'll spend a little time touring your home to identify the best lit areas for photography. I often use a couch, master bedroom, and the nursery for photos. At that time we can also take care of tidying and clearing surfaces of anything you may not want to see in your final images. Please DO NOT worry about cleaning up for my arrival. I remember vividly what it’s like to have a newborn at home and the last thing I want to do is add anything to your plate!

Unless we’ve arranged otherwise, my plan is typically to arrive at your house at 10AM on the day of your session. If you find on that morning that things are better falling into place for me to arrive a little earlier or a little later, just text (202-549-5141) and I can adjust my arrival accordingly.

Your Baby:

I think your newborn is perfect just the way he or she is. I love an alert baby just as much as a sleeping baby and do not try to make babies sleep or place them in unnatural poses. Prior to my arrival, I find that placing your newborn in only a plain, graphic free diaper and then swaddling him or her works best. If you prefer that baby be clothed, a simple, fitted onesie with no graphics or words is perfect. This usually means that you will need a preemie or newborn sized onesie. If at all possible, I avoid any other clothing because it tends to get bunched up around baby’s face, making it difficult to capture all of his or her sweet little features. I bring with me a plain, white swaddle, but please feel free to gather a few of your favorites for our use as well.

I recommend nice, long bath the morning of your session. This is less about getting baby clean and more about keeping baby awake in the period prior to the session. Following this up with a full feeding often (but not always) results in a really relaxed, sleepy baby. If your newborn has other ideas for the morning, that’s okay too! While I don’t always need it, I allow three hours for these sessions so we can let the baby dictate the schedule.

Siblings:

I absolutely understand what an adjustment having a newborn in the house is for their siblings. I usually try and get sibling and family photos right at the beginning of the session, just in case the sibling loses interest in me.I have no major expectations for the siblings and will never force them into doing anything they aren't comfortable with. I find that it typically works best to prepare the sibling for the session by telling him or her that a friend is coming to visit and take some pictures of your family. Keeping it low-key and low pressure in your description usually helps.

Mom and Dad:

You are going to be thrilled and exhausted. You will likely be experiencing the highest highs and perhaps a few lows. Having a new baby is hard and wonderful all at the same time. My job is not to make this time in your life look perfect; my job is to capture just how beautiful it authentically is. I want you to be relaxed and at ease while I am photographing your family. You don't need to be anything but yourself.

Wardrobe:

I recommend neutral, comfortable clothing. Try to keep your selections simple and classic. I am happy to discuss wardrobe with you further if you would like. Just let me know!