The vast majority of my sessions take place at home, but every now and then, I get outdoors and do a family session. This session was part two of a newborn session. We did the first part at home, and the second part at a family farm. Everything came together perfectly and the results were magical. Washington, along with the rest of the west coast has been battling wildfires and the air had been too hazardous to be outside. Luckily, some rain cleared the smoke out and then the sun came out in time for our session. It really couldn’t have gone better and I’m thrilled with the results. I hope to do more outdoor newborn sessions next year when it warms up again. Welcome to the world sweet girl!
At Home with a Beautiful Family of Four {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}
Over the years, I have come to adore in home lifestyle sessions. I love them for both family and newborn sessions, but there are so many reasons why I believe you should have an in home newborn session. The first reason is that you never have to leave your house with your tiny newborn. I come to you so that your family can stay where it is most comfortable. The other big reason is that we can capture baby in his or her own environment. We can photograph their nursery. That room that they will be read to and sung to and eventually go to sleep all by themselves in. Another reason is that if there are older siblings, they are often much more comfortable in their own space. They don’t need to be present for the whole session and the chance of them acting up is lower if they are able to go and play with their own toys.
There is so much I love about this lifestyle newborn session. Some of my favorite images are those of big brother playing with his newborn baby sister in her crib. She’s lying there as happy as can be, and he was playing with cars. It was the sweetest thing. These type of images you just can’t get in a studio.
I am always taking newborn sessions on. I love them and find it hard to say no :) So, if you are on the search for a newborn photographer and appreciate my lifestyle approach, I would love to talk to you about documenting these early days for your family. Please reach out and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Everything You Need to Know about Fresh 48 Sessions {Lifestyle Newborn Photographer}
When most people decide to book a newborn photographer, they think of either an at home lifestyle session, or a posed session in a studio. But have you ever considered having a lifestyle session in the hospital when baby is brand new? These sessions are commonly referred to as Fresh 48 sessions (because they take place in the first 48 hours of baby’s birth). Fresh 48s are increasing in popularity so I’m going to answer some questions you may have.
When should I schedule my Fresh 48 session?
Because there is limited time that you’re in the hospital, sessions need to be booked while you’re still pregnant.
When should I contact you?
I’d really appreciate a text while you’re in labor. You should assign your support person the job of sending me a quick text once you’re at the hospital and again, once baby is born. Depending on the length of your hospital stay, we will do the session on either day one or two.
What should baby wear?
I love Fresh 48 sessions where babies are dressed in hospital attire. The stay at the hospital is so short and they will never wear that hat or blanket again. Photographs with them wearing it make a beautiful memory of that time. I will also make sure I capture the little details like the umbilical cord stump and the hospital bracelets.
I’m not sure I want to be in pictures right after giving birth.
Trust me, no-one feels great about themselves post-birth. But this is one of the most special times in your life. You did the work and it should be celebrated. I promise I’ll photograph you in a flattering way.
How long do the sessions last?
Since you’ve just given birth and you’re likely extremely tired, I try to be in and out as quickly as possible. Although I don’t limit the amount of time I spend in the hospital rooms, most sessions are completed within 30 minutes.
How many images will I receive?
You will receive a minimum of thirty images. The session fee is $500 plus WA sales tax.
How do I book?
Email me here! Let me know your due date and where you’re delivering and I’ll get you on the schedule! I realize babies come whenever they’re ready but I do limit the amount of Fresh 48 sessions I take on each month so that I can be sure I make it.
Tips For A Beautiful Newborn Session {Lifestyle Newborn Photographer}
Your newborn has arrived, your photography session is booked, but now what? How do you best prepare for your lifestyle newborn session? Here are some ideas to make your session go as smooth as possible.
Feed your baby as often as needed
Your tiny newborn needs to eat frequently and their comfort is my number one priority. Please don’t ever feel pressured to rush the session. I will take as much time as needed to capture your family as you adjust to this new little life. Feel free to stop and feed your baby as often as needed. If you want shots of them feeding, I’ll happily take those for you.
Keep your house warm
Lifestyle newborn sessions are different from posed sessions in that the baby doesn’t have to be sleeping. In a posed session, the space has to be hot to help the baby fall into a deep sleep. For a lifestyle session, while the room doesn’t have to be hot, it’s nice to keep it warm especially if we are photographing the baby in just a onesie.
Keep baby in simple clothing
A swaddle or plain colored onesie is all that is needed. We want to show off the natural beauty of your newborn. It’s best to keep the clothing simple so the baby is the show stopper. I do have some beautiful onesies that I bring to newborn sessions if you don’t have any plain colored ones. I also have white kimono style shirts that look cute with a diaper. These allow us to photograph that cute little belly.
Plan on having the siblings participate
I treat newborn sessions very similar to family sessions. With the exception of doing a few individual shots of the baby alone, I include the whole family. I try to get sibling shots done at the beginning of the session so that they can go off and play once it’s done.
Relax and enjoy being with your family
The beauty of lifestyle sessions is that you can just relax and snuggle with your babies. I might ask you to gather on the bed, or stand in front of a window, but I’ll never pose you and ask you to smile. Sessions will be relaxed and as stress free as possible.
At Home with a Beautiful Family of Four {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}
I found this newborn session to be so fulfilling for me as an artist. Sometimes, I have a session that just seems to speak to me, and this was definitely one of those. The mood was relaxed and laid back. Nothing felt rushed or stressed. It was just like they were going about their new normal with two little ones, and I was just there to observe.
I had the honor of photographing Ezra as he made his entrance into this world. No kidding, that was the most amazing moment of my whole photography career. I wish I could photograph more births but the unpredictability plus having little kids myself, makes it nearly impossible. It is an experience I will cherish for a long, long time though. A couple of weeks later, I was thrilled to head back to their home to photograph the whole family as they adapted to a new family of four. It’s amazing how different the space felt after a couple of weeks had passed compared to two weeks earlier when he was born. There was still the same sense of peace and calm, but you could tell that the family had already adjusted and I’m sure it seems to them like little Ezra had always been there.
Big brother Soren was so sweet and talkative. We had some great conversations. Mainly about gorillas and shopping on Amazon :) Some of my favorite images are the ones where he is peeking in on baby brother as he lies in his bassinet. I adore capturing the connections between siblings at sessions and I always try to focus on that as much as parent/baby images.
It was such an honor to photograph this beautiful family again. I hope you enjoy these images.
If you’re ready to book your own newborn session, please contact me!
