Lighting

Lighting is everything to me! Especially in front of small babies who do not prefer a bright flash. As soon as we book our session, I request that you observe the best time of day that your house gets light - THAT is the time of day that we’ll schedule our session! Please take photos of your favorite rooms at the best time of day so I have an idea of the space before our session. Because I prefer to not use external light sources, it’s best to turn off all of the lights in the home during your observations.

Typically newborn sessions are taken in the Master Bedroom, Nursery and Living Room. While you your home does NOT need to be spotless, please try to have these rooms tidied up in a way that you would want them to be seen in photographs. Likewise, please remove anything from these areas that you do NOT want to be seen in photos. I may ask if I can move furniture or items around if they are in the way of a beautiful light source, and may also suggest other locations with good lighting that may have been missed during your observations (i.e. bay windows, staircases, etc). By allowing me to make a brief observation when I step into the home, I can plan the session out right at the beginning and determine which photos will be best suited for each room.

What to Wear

This question gets asked for almost every session! I am very happy to help with wardrobe and creative direction, but I would love for you and your family to wear outfits that make you feel like YOU. In 10 years when you look back on this gallery, I want you to recognize yourself and this period of your life. Neutral, beige, white, cream, and texture are always an amazing and timeless go-to with newborns. Wearing these colors will avoid color-casting onto their skin, but try to avoid dark black, as it can have the opposite effect!

Coordinate

As you think about your color palette, imagine your family being one complete piece of artwork. Each person/outfit is going to bring the entire image together. Instead of everyone wearing the same shade of blue - think about what accent colors go with blue. Start with your outfit. Please feel free to send me outfit options and I will gladly let you know what will photograph best!

Session Length & When to Book

The length of a newborn session will vary. My main goal is to make sure you are relaxed and not feeling as if we are rushed. Typically the average time for a newborn session is two hours. This allows time for feedings and changes throughout the session (and extra cuddles). If it takes longer, then that is ok! If baby is sleeping sometimes it even takes less time. This is such a special time in your life and I want it to be perfect.

Lifestyle sessions can be booked within the first two weeks, typically within the first 7-10 days is best. Sometimes at that 10 day mark babies like to be awake much longer and are easier to startle. This is when your brand new baby is still sleeping the most, that being said, please let me know within the first 2-3 days of having your baby so we can discuss how you are feeling and when you are ready to book. I always recommend taking a few days to get to know your baby and their schedule and also to give you time to settle into your new life as a parent.

Warmth

Newborns are accustomed to warm, cozy environments so I ask of you to turn the heat to a warm comfortable temperature so your baby can keep their body temperature perfect and we can change them without them being cold (do not worry about this in the warm hot summer months). If you have an outfit picked out already, please have baby dressed in it before I arrive. Toeless outfits work best to grab images of their tiny baby toes.

Feedings

Usually, a fed baby is a happy baby! Feeding your baby an hour before I arrive and right when I arrive keeps their tummy full during the majority of our session. If you feed your baby in an outfit or sleeper you'd like in the photos we can start our session as soon as I arrive or as soon as baby falls asleep. Again, sleepers with open toes are best so we can get those tiny little details without undressing them. If your baby doesn't want to feed before I get there or when I arrive then please do not worry, we will have time for breaks! A bath before our session to keep them awake for an hour will also do wonders during the session to keep the sleepy!

Moms

You have waited nine months to meet your baby so I will make sure I photograph you with your little one. I will take images of you cuddling close to capture the bond you have created. I will capture your loving gaze and pure love that is pouring out of your eyes. In the haze of being a new mom, sometimes these moments are lost memories. You can feel the most immeasurable love for your new baby but you can't always see what you are feeling. I will make sure you see this love.

Dads

While your wife gets to carry and bond with your baby for nine months in her tummy, it's when your baby is born that you get to create your special moments and build a trust and bond just as strong as your wife. I love capturing dad's hold their newborn babies in their hands and on their chests. It creates such a special images that shows both a brand new bond and just how little your newborn is.

Siblings

I always follow their queue. I let try to let the images happen organically but I so also help guide with posing to let those moments unfold naturally. I promise to get those precious memories of them touching their little nose, holding their tiny fingers to compare the tiny size of each of their hands. Once your second baby is born, your first baby seems so big so instantly. They are still so small and I will capture those details for you to look back on.

Final Thoughts

If you have any special items you would like to add to our session, please set them aside and let me know. I will add them in throughout the session. I am so incredibly honored to capture this special time in your life. Thank you for trusting me to capture these moments for you and your family. I truly love what I do and find immense happiness knowing I have given you the gift of lasting memories to not only you but to your children as they grow.

Moms! If you are thinking about doing hair and makeup professionally for our session, I highly recommend Adrian Winslow at Nicole Marie’s Salon in East Syracuse. She can do your makeup and hair during your appointment so that you can hop in for photos after the baby gets their solos. Find her on Instagram under @thestylistadrian_ and facebook under Adrian Winslow

I look forward to meeting you and your family. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. If you have any questions or concerns at all before we meet for our session please do not hesitate to contact me. I would love to ease any concerns you may have.