Newborn and Family Session

This guide will help you prepare for your photoshoot in order to have the best results in your final images. Planning ahead helps ensure that everyone can feel more relaxed and at ease during the session. Outfits, preparing your space, preparing baby, and other great tips are all discussed here.

Outfits

Begin with a color scheme: Soft neutrals work great. This includes cream & white, soft/pastel pinks, blues, & greens. Choose 2-3 colors that work well together. Avoid loud patterns and logos.

Consider your space: (master bedroom, nursery, family room). What color clothing will coordinate with the colors already in these spaces? What items in these spaces can be removed easily so that your color scheme is more neutral?

Choose mom’s outfit first: Mom gets to feel beautiful. Then coordinate everyone’s clothing to mom’s.

Backup outfits: For baby, have extras available in case of spills or diaper surprises.

Comfort is key: Everyone should feel comfortable, especially baby.

Start shopping soon: Pull all outfits together (from stores or closets) and lay them next to each other to determine if you’re achieving your desired look.

Preparing the space

Open blinds and curtains: Choose a space with a source of natural light, like a large window.

Location: If possible, choose a room where the walls are a neutral color. The nursery and master bedroom work well as they provide spaces that support the look of your session. A bed provides a space for the whole family to gather, for siblings to lie down with baby, and for the baby’s individual portraits. Other rooms can also work well and we will make a plan that works for you.

Keep colors soft: I highly recommend using a white/cream bedspread or duvet cover and coordinating pillows/pillowcases. Whites, creams, pastels, and earth tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your family.

Remove distractions: For spaces where the photographs will be taken, remove distractions like laundry baskets, cords, or brightly colored items. Basically, remove anything that could be a distraction or looks like clutter. A great way to determine if something should be removed is to take a picture of the space and remove anything that seems distracting. You don’t need perfection, just a tidy space.

Add soft textures: Blankets, throws and pillows in neutral colors add warmth and depth.

Use meaningful props: A favorite stuffed animal, a handmade quilt, or a family heirloom personalize your images.

Preparing baby

Feed and change beforehand: That said, this is a relaxed session, and I allow plenty of time for baby to be fed or changed during a session as needed.

Keep baby warm: Crank up the heat or use a space heater so baby is warm when little toes come out to be photographed.

Have essentials nearby: Keep pacifiers, burp clothes, and wipes close by.

Final tips

Encourage everyone to have a meal or snack before the shoot.

Be flexible. Babies are unpredictable - embrace the chaos and we’ll capture the real moments.

If you have a vision for your shoot, or even an idea, please communicate that now.

I’m looking forward to capturing beautiful moments with your family. We’ll take our time on the day of your session. I want this to be a relaxing and fun experience for your family. - Ashley