How to prepare for your Newborn Session with Alec
A New Parent's Guide to a stress free Newborn Photoshoot!
Seattle Lifestyle Newborn Photographer
Preparing for a newborn photography session in the comfort of your home can be a daunting task, but fear not! I'm here to help you navigate this exciting but stressful time. As a seasoned newborn photographer, I've heard the same two questions over and over again: "How do we prepare for our newborn session in our home?" and "What do we wear?"
Let’s start with what to wear!
The answer is simple - comfort is key. As a new parent, you want to look and feel your best, but you also want to be able to nurse easily and move around comfortably. You have lots of options, but I always encourage comfort and ease. This could be your pajamas, loose flowy dresses with nursing access, black yoga pants and an easy nursing access top, or even solid pants and a solid top for both parents. My advice is to start with what YOU want to wear and then coordinate with your partner. Your baby can complement you both, and we can change baby and/or you at any point during our time together. For outfit inspiration, you can take a look through my IG feed or check out my blog on Styling Ideas for Family Photos.
But mostly, I want you to wear clothing that feels and looks like YOU.
The next most common concern from parents is the state of their home. But, trust me, your home is your life, and I find the most beauty in the subjects, YOU. So, while I don't care about what your home looks like or how clean it is, I understand that you want to present it in the best possible light. Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for newborn photos:
How to prepare your home for newborn photos:
* Areas we might be in: living room, entry, kitchen, bedroom, nursery - anywhere life leads us in and around your home. I'm inspired in the moment as we move through your space, sometimes to make coffee, other times to change a diaper. I'll ask you to stop or continue as needed. I have a knack for finding the image I want out of any space.
* Consider scheduling a cleaning service for the day before our session appointment.
* Declutter table tops and kitchen counters, as those are the spaces that might be seen in your images. The floor, not so much.
"We went back and forth about doing an in-home shoot
in our "imperfect" home, but finally decided
we wanted our life documented as is, and I am so grateful to
have these moments and this space captured forever, and so beautifully."
- Kelley
Remember, these images are for you and you alone.
Who cares what your space looks like?
You and your people are the main characters!
Now, let's talk about the session itself. We follow the lead of the kids. We need to keep them entertained, follow a bit of the wiggles, and even calm and cuddly at some point... and all of that will happen naturally. I've written a blog on tips and tricks on How to Prepare Your Kids for Family Photos, and my main tip is to let go of your expectations of your kids will react and how they will behave. Let them feel me out and set their own boundaries with me as we adjust into our session.
Newborn session tips (with a Toddler too)
* Plan for going with the flow: Newborns have their own schedule, and they often need to eat or have a diaper change during the shoot. Don't stress about it – we let your little one lead the way.
* Keep the home warm: Newborns are used to being in a warm environment, so if it is a cold day out, keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
* Be patient: Newborn photo shoots can take a while, especially if your little one needs a break. Don't rush the process – we'll get the perfect shots eventually.
* A crying baby is a normal baby. Don't worry if baby cries at your session.
Newborn sessions are scheduled in the morning hours when babies are still pretty sleepy from the night and tend to be happier and in better spirits. We usually start newborn sessions anytime between 8 and 9:30 AM, depending on the available natural light in your home and when you are all up. The time we spend together can be just like any slow morning at home; I just make you all touch and cuddle closer together a lot.
If you're interested in scheduling a newborn photo session, we can discuss potential dates now or you can wait until your little one arrives to get in touch. I typically offer weekday mornings for newborn sessions each week, and given how unpredictable babies can be, rescheduling is quite common. That's why I always keep at least one weekday morning open each week for last-minute sessions. If you're able to select a specific date, it's best to schedule the session for 1-3 weeks after your "guess date." For more detailed information on scheduling your newborn photo session, feel free to check out my blog with more details on When to Schedule your Newborn Photos!
“I was just telling someone... I felt like a hot mess,
but we don't look like a hot mess in our gallery!"
- Sarah
Finally, be rested (as best you can with a newborn) and try to have something to eat before I arrive. And above all, trust your photographer! I have years of experience working with newborns and families, and I know how to pivot and flow with your kids. The more you relax and trust me, the better the outcome will be.
I hope these tips and suggestions have helped you feel more prepared for your newborn session with Alec. Remember, this is a special time in your life, and I'm honored to be asked to capture it for you. If you have any other questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out!
