This guide will gently walk you through everything you need to know before your newborn session so you can arrive feeling prepared and fully present.
Your due date is just around the corner, and I couldn't be more honored to welcome you and your precious new baby to my photography studio. As a newborn photographer, I understand the importance of capturing these precious early moments, and I'm honored to be part of this special chapter in your family's story.
Every newborn session is carefully prepared with intention, and patience. My goal is simple: to create a calm, gentle experience where you feel cared for, guided, and completely at ease.
Over the next few sections, you’ll find everything you need to feel confident and prepared — from what to wear, to how to plan your morning, to what your little one may need.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Once your baby is here, please let me know within 48 hours. From there, I will guide you through selecting your official session date — typically within the first 7–14 days after birth, when babies are naturally sleepier and still curled in womb-like poses. If you prefer baby to be awake and alert in your images, we'll aim closer to 21 days after birth.
To notify of your baby's arrival, simply send an email with the good news. Please include your baby's first name, birthdate, and any additional information you would like to share. This will help me personalize the session and make it truly special for your family.
Once I receive your notification, I will promptly respond with available dates and discuss the details of the session. We can also address any questions or concerns you may have.
HOW TO PREPARE
WHILE AT HOME
The morning of your newborn session does not need to feel rushed or perfectly orchestrated.
Move slowly. Keep the lights soft. Allow your home to feel peaceful and unhurried. Babies are incredibly intuitive — when the atmosphere is calm, they tend to settle beautifully.
If possible, avoid overstimulation before leaving. A quiet, gentle start to the day makes all the difference.
And if the morning feels a little chaotic? That’s okay too. I’ve seen it all. Once you arrive, everything slows down.
FEEDING YOUR BABY
A full, content baby is often a sleepy baby.
I recommend offering a full feeding just before leaving home, or planning to feed upon arrival at the studio. We will always allow plenty of time for additional feedings during your session — there is never any pressure to rush.
If you are breastfeeding, please take care of yourself as well. Nourish your body, stay hydrated, and prioritize your own comfort. Your wellbeing matters just as much as baby’s. In the morning leading up to the session, it's best to avoid consuming coffee or any other caffeinated beverages.
HELPING BABY SETTLE BEAUTIFULLY
Newborn sessions are designed around your baby’s natural rhythm.
One simple way to encourage longer stretches of sleepy time during your session is to allow baby a bit of gentle wakefulness before you leave home. A diaper change, soft talking, or a little extra snuggle time can help.
There’s no need to overthink it. We are simply aiming for baby to arrive ready for a full feeding and a long, cozy rest.
And if baby decides they would rather stay awake and observe the world? That is perfectly welcome here too.
Some of the most meaningful images happen in those quiet, wide-eyed moments.
Once you arrive, I will guide everything — adjusting the pace as needed, allowing time for feeding, soothing, and cuddling. There is no rush and no expectation for perfection.
Your baby leads the session. I simply shape it with light.
The studio will be fully prepared for you.
All wraps, blankets, neutral wardrobe pieces for baby are thoughtfully curated and ready upon your arrival. You do not need to bring outfits unless you have something sentimental you would love incorporated.
STYLING FOR YOUR NEWBORN SESSION
One of the most common concerns I hear from new mothers is,
“What should I wear?”
Please know that you do not need to shop for yourself for this session. Your experience includes access to The Wardrobe Collective, a carefully curated collection of beautiful dresses designed specifically for motherhood portraits. Each piece has been selected to photograph beautifully in soft light and to flatter a variety of body types during the postpartum season.
If you would like to wear something from the client closet, simply let me know your favorite piece ahead of time. I typically bring 1–2 additional backup options to your session so you have flexibility and peace of mind.
THE WARDROBE WISHLIST
In addition to the pieces currently available in studio, I maintain a growing Wardrobe Wishlist — a collection of gowns I would love to add to the closet.
If you have seen a dress on the Wishlist board that you feel drawn to, please let me know as soon as possible. I will do my best to secure it in your coordinating size prior to your session date.
FOR THE MOST SEAMLESS FIT
For the majority of gowns in the collection, a strapless bra works best. Nude, seamless undergarments are strongly recommended to maintain the soft, clean lines of the dresses.
If you have any concerns about fit or sizing, please reach out. I am happy to guide you.
FOR DAD + SIBLINGS
To create a cohesive, timeless look, I recommend soft neutral tones such as cream, ivory, light gray, muted blue, taupe, or soft earth tones.
Simple textures photograph beautifully — linen, cotton, knit, and delicate layering. Avoid bold patterns, graphics, or high-contrast colors that may pull attention away from the connection and emotion we are capturing.
Barefoot is always welcome in the studio and often photographs beautifully.
what to expect
My studio is filled with sunlight — creating the bright, true-to-color imagery I am known for. The space is kept warm and peaceful, designed to feel gentle and comforting for your family.
Most newborn sessions last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows time for feeding, soothing, and slow transitions between sets without feeling rushed.
There is no expectation for baby to sleep the entire time. There is no pressure for siblings to be perfectly still. We will move at a pace that honors your family authentically.
Throughout the session, I will guide you into natural, connection-focused moments while carefully shaping the light and composition around you. You will never need to wonder where to place your hands or how to hold your baby. I will gently direct every detail.
