How to Prepare for a Newborn Session

First, take a breath.

You just had a baby. You are not expected to have a spotless house, a perfectly sleeping newborn, or your life “together.”

Newborn sessions with me are not about perfection. They are about this fleeting, hazy, beautiful season where everything feels new and tender and real.

Here’s what you actually need to know.

What My Newborn Sessions Feel Like

My newborn sessions are primarily lifestyle-based.

That means we focus on connection. The way your baby fits against your chest. The way your partner looks at them when they think no one is watching. The way your older child hovers close, curious and protective.

We’re not chasing complicated poses. We’re documenting your family as it is right now.

I also incorporate basket-style studio photos, which are best suited for babies within their first 7 days, when they’re still very sleepy and flexible. After about two weeks, those curled poses are often no longer comfortable or realistic for baby, and that’s completely okay.

Basket photos are only available with full sessions, not 30-minute sessions.

Where We’ll Shoot

You have two options.

In Your Home

In-home sessions focus on the love inside your space, not the decor.

Your home does not need to look like a magazine. It just needs to be reasonably tidy, I'll usually open curtains to utilize natural light, and a made bed can go a long way. I will move things as needed and handle the rest. If we do the session in your home, we can also incorporate your house pets.

At My Studio

If you prefer, we can meet at my studio at 3005 32nd Street in Vernon. The studio is simple, warm, and designed to keep the focus on your baby and your connection.

When to Book

Newborn sessions are ideal within the first 7 days of life.

Because my approach is lifestyle-focused and flexible, we can comfortably photograph babies up to two weeks old. After that, we’re simply capturing a slightly more awake version of this season.

There is no wrong timing. There is only your baby’s timing.

How the Session Is Structured

You book a one-hour newborn session. I schedule 1.5 hours in my calendar so there is space for feeding, diaper changes, and soothing.

We move slowly.

If baby needs to eat, we pause. If baby needs to be held, we hold them. If older siblings need a reset, I guide them gently.

Your baby leads the pace.

Temperature & Lighting

If we are in your home, keep it warm and cozy. There may be moments where baby is in just a diaper or lightly wrapped.

You do not need to worry about natural light. I bring everything required to create soft, beautiful images regardless of your space.

How to Prepare Baby

Before the session:

If baby is asleep when I arrive, leave them in just a clean diaper under a swaddle or blanket. This makes transitions smoother if we are doing basket images.

If baby is awake, that is completely fine. We’ll start with lifestyle moments and wait for a natural nap window.

There is no need to stress about schedules. Babies do not perform on cue, and I do not expect them to.

What Should Baby Wear?

Keep it simple. Soft, neutral, non-restrictive pieces photograph beautifully. A sleeveless or armless onesie is ideal if we are doing wrapped or basket photos.

Test fabrics on baby’s skin beforehand if they are sensitive. Comfort matters more than style.

And please do not worry about flaky skin, baby acne, or minor blemishes. I take care of those in post-processing.

Including Siblings & Parents

Babies and siblings are deeply connected to your emotional tone.

The calmer you are, the calmer they tend to be. If older children feel wiggly or unsure, I guide them. You do not need to manage the session.

Avoid drawing attention to what you don’t want. Instead of saying “don’t touch,” try “let’s try this.” I’ll lead gently and keep things flowing. You get to just be present.

Breastfeeding Photos

If you would like to include breastfeeding images, let me know. These moments are intimate, powerful, and fleeting.

I will never share breastfeeding images without explicit permission, even if you sign a general photo release. Your comfort always comes first.

What to Expect Emotionally

Newborn sessions are quiet. Soft. Unhurried.

Most of the images happen on a bed, a couch, or in the nursery. Snuggling. Swaying. Sitting close.

You may feel tired. You may feel overwhelmed. You may feel wildly in love. All of that is welcome.

This session is not about creating a version of you that looks rested and polished. It is about preserving who you were in the first chapter of your baby’s life.

Years from now, you won’t remember how clean the house was.

You’ll remember how small they felt.

And that’s what we’re capturing.