One thing I’ve found after being a newborn photographer in the Seattle area, is that many homes that my clients buy are in need of renovations. It can take years to get your house to the home of your dreams. What I’ve noticed is that when a new baby comes along, the nursery is one of the very first spaces a family will tackle and the rest of the home needs some time to catch up. This doesn’t mean you should not have an in home session, even if only one room is complete. After years of photographing in all sorts of homes in various stages of renovations, I can confidently say that we can do an entire newborn session in one room only, whether that’s the nursery, the main bedroom, or the living room.
What to Expect at Your Newborn Session
As one of the leading Seattle newborn photographers, my goal is to make sure your newborn session is as stress-free and relaxed as possible. After you’ve booked your newborn session, you may be wondering how the day of your session will go. Here’s what it will look like:
When I show up, I’ll ask that you take me on a quick tour of your home. This is to find where the best available light is. In Seattle, we can have lots of dark, gloomy days but I guarantee that there will be good light somewhere in your home. Most of the time, I’ll be looking in the main bedroom, nursery, and living room, but if there’s a good patch of light on your stairs, or in your kitchen, then we’ll likely use that space too.
Once I’ve identified the areas where the photo session will take place, I’ll gently guide you into a natural pose and have you interact with one another so that your images show your love and connection to your new little being. My general workflow (with a lot of flexibility) is whole family, siblings (if there are any), then I’ll have dad take siblings and focus on mom and baby and then baby alone, then mom and dad swap and I’ll photograph dad with baby, lastly, if we can steal a few moments from the siblings, I’ll photograph mom, dad, and baby together. I love to finish with a family portrait on the front porch if possible.
Sessions are entirely baby led so if baby needs a break, a diaper change, needs to feed, needs a swaddle etc, then they will get exactly what they need. While most sessions are done between one to one and a half hours, this will totally depend on your baby and their needs. I will never rush you or your baby.
I do recommend that you dress baby in a plain colored onesie or sleeper and have a swaddle or two on hand in case baby needs it. Try to pick swaddles that are either plain or have a pattern you love since you’ll be looking at your images over and over.
You don’t ever need to feel like you need to look and smile awkwardly for the camera. All you need to do is interact with your family and I’ll take care of the rest.
Before I arrive, you’ll want to make sure you are well fed. Nothing is worse than feeling hungry the whole time. Try to not put on your outfit until right before I arrive. Babies can have blowouts and spit up without much warning. Likewise, it’s a good idea to hold off on getting baby dressed until right before your session too. However, I do recommend dressing them before feeding them just in case they drift off to sleep during the feed so you don’t risk waking them.
I want you to tell me your stories. As a mother of four, I’ve been through lots of the same post partum experiences that you’re likely going through. I’ve had c sections, difficulties breastfeeding, easy recoveries, complications, and extremely rough recoveries. I’ve experienced sleepless nights and exhaustion, sibling rivalries, and self doubt. I’ve questioned myself multiple times when I’ve had to make yet another decision on the care of my children. So although I may be your newborn photographer, I’m also a great listener, sympathizer, and one of your biggest supporters. If you need a listening ear, I’m more than happy to take on that role.
How Should I Dress My Baby for a Newborn Photo Shoot
Now that you’ve booked your newborn photography session, you may be wondering how to dress baby. Here are some of my top ideas for baby’s outfit.
A plain colored sleeper:
If you want to keep it simple, a plain colored sleeper is perfect. These are great for the colder months as baby will stay warm and comfortable. I adore Bonsie Baby. They have a great range of colors and the front opening makes them fantastic for skin to skin. I used these for my youngest baby and highly recommend them for every day wear as well as for your newborn session. Colors that photograph well include oat, peony, fog, and avocado.
A plain colored onesie:
For your summer babies, you may want to dress them in a plain onesie. You can pick these up almost anywhere. Pinks, greys, light blues, and creams are all beautiful options for newborn pictures.
If you want something a little more fancy:
I absolutely love the clothes from Jamie Kay. They have the cutest little bloomers and onesies, as well as knit overalls and cardigans. If you are doing an outfit like this for your newborn photos, it’s really important to make sure it fits your baby well and isn’t oversized. When outfits are too big, they can take swallow the baby. We still want your beautiful baby to be the focus during your photography session.
You should have a swaddle on hand for your baby’s session
I personally love the quilts from Brixton Phoenix. The are larger than a typical swaddle and there are many beautiful prints.
Keep your home colors in mind while dressing baby:
If you’re going to display your photos fro m your newborn session (and you should), you’ll want to keep your home’s decor in mind. This is why neutrals are so great.
The most important thing is to keep in simple. You baby is so beautiful, more beautiful than any outfit so let’s focus on that sweet face, rather than what they’re wearing.
When is the Best Time for a Sleepy Newborn Photography Session {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}
Tips for a Sleepy Newborn
If you’re about to welcome a new little baby into your lives, you may be wondering when the best time to have your newborn session is. I believe that newborns of any age deserve a newborn session, in fact, I often photograph three or four month old babies, the exact same way I photograph week old babies. There is however a golden spot if you’re wanting images of your baby sleeping. I will never guarantee a baby will sleep but we can increase the chances of it by photographing baby in the first two weeks of life. In my 11 years or so of photographing newborns, I have noticed that babies aged between 6-8 days almost always sleep throughout their whole session.
Book your session for as early as possible:
I’m never going to guarantee a sleeping baby. I’m not a posed newborn photographer and an awake baby is just as beautiful as a sleeping baby, however, the earlier your session, the sleepier the baby normally is.
Keep your house nice and warm
Don’t worry, you can turn the heat down once I leave!
Swaddle your baby
I have a magic little swaddle that works wonders and can be used underneath your own blankets. It’s pretty amazing at getting babies off to dreamland quickly.
Make sure baby has a nice, full belly
Whether your breast or bottle feeding. you’ll want to try to get baby’s belly nice and full. Don’t worry, we will take plenty of feeding breaks if baby needs them.
Change diapers, clothes etc before baby drifts off to sleep
If baby falls asleep before they’re in the outfit you want them in for their session, we may end up waking them too soon. Try to have them in their outfit before the feeding and swaddling begin.
If you’re ready to schedule your newborn session, please get in touch. I would love to photograph your family!
Why You Should Have an In Home Lifestyle Newborn Session {Seattle Newborn Photographer}
Those first few days when you welcome your newborn can be hectic. You’re tired, your older kids are adjusting to having a new little baby in the house, you’re getting to know your new little person, and you’re recovering from birth. The last thing I, as your photographer, want to do is put more stress on you by having you leave your home and come to me for your newborn photo session. Here in Seattle, if you have your baby any time other than summer, it’s probably going to be chilly out so there’s no better way to do your photo session than snuggling up with your little family and staying at home.
Children are more comfortable in their own home
If you have older kids, they’re already adjusting to a new sibling. It’s always best to keep them in the environment they already know and love.
You don’t need to take your new baby out in the cold
No need to bundle your precious little baby up and take them out in bad weather during cold and flu season.
Your home is an extension of yourself
That nursery you’ve spent so much time and energy on, let’s use that as the backdrop to your newborn’s photos.
You don’t even need to put on shoes
I don’t know why this is always such a big selling point for me, but I’m always happiest barefoot and I’m sure you are too!
Welcoming Henry {Edmonds Newborn Photographer}
Welcome to the world little one.
Welcoming a Sweet Baby Boy
Welcome to the world little Sebastian. It was an honor to take your newborn photos!
A New Family of Three {Seattle Newborn Photographer}
I photographed this sweet couple back in December while they were waiting for their sweet girl to arrive. It was so special getting to go back and photograph them now that they’re a family of three. Welcome to the world beautiful girl!
