Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your upcoming newborn session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken - and I do this for a living!
I'm so honored to help you create and capture memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session, so I've created this guide to help you get the most out of your photos. By the time you've read through this guide you'll have all of your questions answered and feel more than ready and prepared for your session. Then I'll take care of the rest.
I’ll cover what to wear, whether to incorporate your pets & how to manage them, and more! I can't wait to get you in front of my camera!
-Grace
I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun. I promise!
The best part? Your little one is going to be able to look back on these and remember their one and only Dad.
The Guys
A NOTE TO
For your comfort and convenience, newborn sessions ideally take place in your home.
Babies are most fresh, flexible, sleepy, and likely without baby acne in the first three weeks. But if for any reason taking your families photos is not conducive in that time frame, don't stress. We can shoot anytime within the first 6 weeks and still capture the sweet newborn phase.
In my experience, one to two hours is the ideal time frame for a lifestyle newborn session. A majority of your poses will include mom, dad, and siblings. I will also photograph a few individual shots of the baby, they are the star of the show after all!
To allow for the best light, and a sleepy baby, I like to schedule your session to start at 9:30 in the morning. If it's overcast or very cloudy that day, then your session will likely need to be rescheduled. To get the most out of your session, please plan a 30 minute buffer when getting ready so you are ready before I arrive and your session can start on time. We’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together!
Quick Tip: Newborn sessions typically take place on weekdays so I can serve my maternity clients on weekends.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
Styling Your Space
Choose one or two rooms in your home to declutter and style for your newborn session. Rooms with large windows, free of dark shade-screens, far from surrounding walls, and void of thick shrubbery are ideal. It could be the living room, nursery, master bedroom, or even the kitchen!
Dress up the spaces with simple, subtle touches like fresh flowers, meaningful heirlooms, or neutral decor. Light and bright is what I'll be looking for!
I usually start our session by taking some photos of the nursery while mama is getting dressed. Then I'll wrap babe in a swaddle and we'll take your family photos for about 45 minutes. We'll end with his/her individual photos typically taken on a bed or soft blanket near a window.
If there's anything else you'd like to include during the posed photos, please have those handy (accessories, mini stuffed animals, etc.). For safety reasons, I don't place the baby in any props like crates, baskets, trucks, etc.
Quick tip: If you have colorful or dark bedding in the master bedroom, I suggest replacing it with white or ivory linens for our session. This will help with achieving my signature bright and airy style!
We love the pets in our family, which is why I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then having a friend take him/her somewhere else, or keeping the dog at home but away from all the action. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to incorporate a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and having your pet's favorite toy or treats handy! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot and have a lint roller nearby to keep your clothes looking fresh.
Pets
What to Wear
TIPS FOR LOOKING and feeling YOUR BEST
You just brought your baby home!
Whether you're a birth mom or adoptive mom, you'll be living in comfortable clothes for the next few weeks, so let's do our best to portray the authentic-ness of life with a newborn!
If you're breastfeeding, choose clothing that is nursing-friendly. Babies may want to nurse often throughout your session, so dressing appropriately will save time and frustration when he/she needs to eat. I'm a nursing mom myself, so I know how often newborns need to breastfeed. A happy and fed baby makes for a smooth portrait session!
If it's okay with you, I would also love to take some beautifully modest photos of you nursing the baby. It's so important to look back at that special time when your baby gets older! These photos are for you only and are never shared on my blog, website, or social media without your permission.
find it fast
Say YES to the dress! Skirts and dresses look most stunning because they really flatter every female body--especially on camera. I have a large selection of gowns in my Client Closet available for you to borrow at no extra cost!
But if you choose to purchase or rent your own dress, use these tips while shopping...
Linen, chiffon, gauze and tulle are my favorite fabrics and look amazing in photographs.
Softer, pastel colors will compliment my style of photography. These lighter shades tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors, like red or orange, could reflect on your skin.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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Keep it simple. Large jewelry pieces will distract from where we want the focus: on the baby! Wear your wedding band and small earrings only, if desired.
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
Shop Doen
Anthropologie
Free People
Baltic Born
Jessakae
ModCloth
Christy Dawn
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
H&M
Red Dress Boutique
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Filly Boo
Hazel & Olive
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Professional hair & makeup is typically at the top of my clients' checklists because it looks amazing on camera and takes away much of the stress of getting ready on your own. This is the time to treat yourself! Professional hair and makeup will last longer and give you that extra boost of confidence in front of the camera.
I work with some of the best hair and makeup artists in the area, who would be so thrilled to get you glammed up for your session. They're sweet as can be, crazy talented, professional, and just amazing people. If you need a list of referrals just let me know and I'll send you the list.
Bonus tip: Always say YES to false lashes!
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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There will definitely be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
Have your fingernails, toenails, and cuticles clean and manicured with a pale pink or neutral polish.
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Soft, neutral colors are the best choice. We want the mood to be calm and relaxing.
A soft t-shirt with jeans or slacks and bare feet is ideal. Solid shades of light gray, blue, khaki, and white are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye.
I also recommend staying away from graphics, logos, and shorts. Clean jogger pants look great with a pale henley tee shirt, for example! Make sure Dad has bare feet or neutral socks. Shoes can stay in the closet for this occasion.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
Flattering Your Features
In my experience, every woman--regardless of her shape--has an area of her body that she's self-conscious about, so recognizing that area in advance is key.
Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you'll love the way you look in your photos.
It's absolutely normal to still look somewhat pregnant after delivering a baby. It takes time for your uterus to shrink back to it's pre-pregnancy size!
This is why most moms choose to wear loose, flowy dresses versus tight-fitting clothing for their newborn photos. Plus, it's way more comfortable!
Off-the-shoulder or long sleeve dresses have a slimming effect on all arms, while strapless, sleeveless, or spaghetti strap dresses have the opposite effect.
When considering the length of your dress, factor in whether or not you'll have young children with you. If you have little ones, you'll likely be sitting or squatting next to them. Cute, cocktail length dresses are adorable, but make these poses difficult, as do low-cut tops and high leg slits.
Quick tip: Wear bare feet in the warmer months or cute slippers in the cooler months. Don't forget a pedicure if you're going barefoot!
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
Don't be afraid of white! Having everyone in varying shades of white, or other very pale colors, will ensure that your images are in line with my bright and airy style. White, ivory, cream, and champagne complement all skin tones.
Yes, even if you don't have a tan! White clothing instantly brightens your images, no matter the decor or how much natural light is in your home!
there's no such thing as too much white
COLORS
on to the next
If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress, while the other wears a skirt.
One of your sons could wear a button-down, while the other one wears a long sleeve t-shirt. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring a great visual interest to the photos.
Tip: be sure that little girls wear matching bloomers under dresses
it's all in the details
Mixing + Matching
on to the next
Before your session, grab a little bag with snacks, water, and any small, neutral-colored toys that your child loves (just in case the toy ends up in your photos). Those may help to get their attention when it's time for them to look at the camera. I also suggest having your kids avoid screen time the morning of your session.
happy mom, happy kids
Prepping the Littles
on to the next
A lot of families discuss and choose something fun in advance as a treat or reward for a job well done, like an ice cream date or bowling adventure. They're little, and I know things don't always go as planned.
Give them (and yourself!) lots of grace. I've seen it all and will make sure to deliver some beautiful photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family!
a good time for all
Have fun!
on to the next
All about the Baby
The baby is the star of the show! Wraps and swaddles will photograph better than clothing. Bodysuits and other clothing tend to look too baggy. I will bring a swaddle with me and get the baby wrapped up nice and tight at the start of your session. I also have bonnets available upon request if you'd like to add accessories to your sweet baby.
Be sure to cut the baby's nails so he/she doesn't leave scratches on his/her face. For the posed photos, I will use one swaddle and unwrap your baby slowly in order to offer more variety in your final gallery.
And if there is a special outfit you have picked out and would like incorporated we can do that at the end of the session.
Session Checklist
Set Date, Time, and Location with Grace
Review Guide for Style Tips
Schedule Hair and Makeup
Pick out wardrobe. If borrowing from the Client Closet, email Grace with selections.
Things to have handy
Pacifier, bottle, and/or breastfeeding pillow
Touch-up makeup
Water for parents
Snacks and water for little ones
If you have a toddler or younger child, small eye-catching items to keep their attention, like toys or lollipops
A close friend or family member to help with pets and/or toddler
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I’ll ship your film off to my lab in Oregon. It normally takes about 14 business days to send the digital files back to me - and then it takes about a week to edit your images. Unless I have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive a link to your final gallery within 30 days.
When to Expect Your Images
I know I just gave you a lot to think about. I created this guide to help make your newborn experience something you'll look back fondly on for years and years. It's not just about the photos for me. It's about the experience and the memories. I want your session to be a time when you are yourselves, have fun, laugh a lot, and let me take care of the rest!
Hugs, Grace