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.
Can a newborn session be held outdoors?
While the majority of newborn session are held at home, every now and then I have someone ask if we can do their newborn session outdoors. At the end of the day, they’re your photos and I want you to love them so if that’s what you desire, then that’s what we’ll do. There are some things to keep in mind though:
The weather
Little babies can’t regulate their temperature so shooting outdoors at any time other than summer is probably going to be too cold for them. If you do wish to have an outdoor newborn session in the cooler months, you’ll just want to make sure baby is well wrapped up.
Time of day
The best lighting for outdoor sessions is the hour before sunset. If your session is in summer, this could be quite late. If staying up until sunset isn’t feasible for your family, we will need to find a place that offers shade.
Have a helper
This isn’t so necessary if you just have the one baby, but if you have a toddler or two, it could be helpful to have an extra pair of helping hands. Since you’re recovering from childbirth, you won’t be able to move or chase toddlers as quickly as you used to.
Bring a swaddle or blanket with you in case of wind
It’s always handy to have an extra blanket in case of cold/wind. This will help baby feel comfortable.
Consider wearing something nursing friendly
If you are nursing, you want to make sure your outfit is easy to nurse in.
As for any session, try on your outfits before the session day
There is nothing more stressful than putting on your outfits and discovering they don’t fit. Please make sure you try on outfits on the day to eliminate any stress on session day.
Should I have a fresh 48 session or an at home newborn session?
Now that photographers are allowed back into hospitals, you may be wondering whether you should have a Fresh 48 session or an at home newborn session. Both options have benefits. Here is what I love about each option:
Fresh 48 Sessions
Fresh 48 sessions take place in the hospital, in the first day or two after baby’s arrival.
Little details you’ll find only in the hospital can be captured such as, the hospital bracelets, the plastic bassinet, the little hat.
There are so many little things that only a tiny baby has that can be photographed like the umbilical cord stump and flakey feet.
You don’t need to do anything special for your session, no cleaning up, no special outfits. I’ll photograph you exactly how you are.
Fresh 48 sessions are quick. With all that is going on in the hospital, I can be in and out with all the necessary images in no more than thirty minutes.
The time spent in the hospital is so special but fleeting. A photo session is the perfect way to remember what life was like those first few hours of babies life.
In home newborn session:
Newborn lifestyle sessions can take place at your home any time in the first month of baby’s life:
By waiting a week or two after baby’s birth, mothers often feel more put together and ready for photos.
We can incorporate spaces you’ve put so much time and energy into, such as the nursery.
Baby’s are still tiny and will often sleep for the majority of the session so you can still get sleepy images (most of the time), just like a Fresh 48 session.
If there are siblings, they can be involved. Pets are also welcome!
Everyone is relaxed and comfortable in their own home.
Still can’t decide? How about both! A Fresh 48 + newborn bundle is $1,275.00. A $350 retainer is required to book with the remainder being split into two payments due at the time of the sessions. Any questions? Send me a message.
How to Celebrate the Whole Family During a Newborn Photography Session {Newborn Photographer Kirkland}
I love photographing all family members during a newborn photography session. While the main focus is always on the newborn baby, I strongly believe that when a baby arrives, all family members have a new role to play and those new roles should be celebrated. A former mom of two becomes a new mom of three. Same goes for the dad. An older sister now has two new little siblings. And the former youngest sibling is now a big sibling for the first time.
Some of my favorite images to take at newborn sessions include:
The big siblings looking at their newborn baby in the crib
This is one of my favorite ways to photograph sibling pictures. This works especially well for older siblings who aren’t quite old enough to hold the baby.
Each parent with all their kids
It’s a huge deal to become a parent of multiple children. Capturing each parent with all their kids, whether it’s two kids or six kids, is a beautiful way to celebrate them and their children.
Siblings all on the main bed together
This is another great image that works particularly well for siblings that aren’t old enough to hold the baby.
Parents together with baby
Whole family images are so important but I always think it’s nice to get one or two images with the parents with just the new baby.
Each parent alone with the new baby
They probably have a ton of images with their oldest alone so this new baby should get that too!
If siblings are old enough, images holding the baby
If there is a bigger age gap and the parents are happy for the siblings to hold the baby, then I love to photograph the newborn in the arms of the parents.
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!
Is a Fresh 48 Session Right for You? {Seattle Newborn Photographer}
I’m so excited that after a two year hiatus, Fresh 48 sessions are coming back. They are some of my very favorite sessions and I absolutely love photographing this special time in your lives. Fresh 48 sessions are a relatively new concept. They are designed to document that very beautiful but fleeting time in the hospital over the first day or two after your baby’s birth. Fresh 48 sessions are raw, intimate and cozy and will serve as a beautiful memory of what life was like when your baby was fresh.
What is needed for a Fresh 48 session?
I honestly don’t think you need anything special. I love to use the gear the hospital provides. They use that little hat, blanket, and bassinet for such a short time and I think it’s important to document it. You can always bring you own swaddles or outfit if you wish but with so much already going on, I don’t want you to stress about extra stuff.
How long to Fresh 48 sessions last?
I try to keep Fresh 48 sessions as quick as possible. There is so many people coming and going from your hospital room and I never want to get in the way of anyone. I keep sessions to about half and hour and we always end up with a varied and full gallery in this short amount of time.
How do you book a Fresh 48 if baby’s arrival is unpredictable?
I book Fresh 48 sessions the same way I book newborn sessions. By paying the retainer, you are guaranteeing a spot on my schedule. Since most mamas only get 24-48 hours in the hospital, I ask that you send me a quick text or email with any updates (induction dates, c section dates, once you’re headed to the hospital etc). Once baby arrives you, or your support person should reach out to me as soon as possible and we will then decide on a time for me to come to the hospital.
What I’m doing to keep baby safe:
I am fully vaccinated and up to date on all vaccines including:
Covid 19
Influenza
TDaP
I will be wearing a mask to all Fresh 48 and in home newborn sessions. My oldest child caught RSV as an infant and I believe it’s so important to do what I can to prevent spreading any germs.
I will use hand sanitizer when entering your room and I won’t handle your baby.
What’s happening with visitors in hospitals?
Most hospitals in the greater Seattle area are now open to visitors. You will want to double check with your hospital to make sure visitors are allowed.
What is included with a Fresh 48 session?
Fresh 48 sessions include forty digital images for you to share and print as you wish. If you want a Fresh 48 session on it’s own, the price is $650 with a $150 retainer required at the time of booking. If you wish to book a newborn session too, the package deal is $1,175 with $300 due at booking. You will also receive high quality 4x6 prints of every image in your gallery as a gift.
Are you ready to schedule your Fresh 48 session? Please reach out to me so we can get you on the calendar!
A Beautiful New Family of Three {Edmonds Newborn Photographer}
I am so, so happy we were able to make this session happen at the last minute. This sweet first time mama, contacted me on a Thursday. Baby Luca had already arrived and she wanted a session as soon as possible so that she could have him photographed while he was still tiny and squishy. It’s always a good idea to book your session while you’re still pregnant so that I can guarantee you a spot, but if baby has already arrived, I will try my best to squeeze you in. I missed out on newborn photos with my oldest and I know how devastating that can be. I’d hate for anyone to miss out on the opportunity to capture this special time. Anyway, like I was saying, she reached out to me on the Thursday and thankfully, I had Saturday afternoon open. I’m so pleased it worked out. Little Luca is adorable and he’s surrounded by so much love. Thank you guys for allowing me to photograph your very beautiful love story.
Welcoming Henry {Edmonds Newborn Photographer}
Welcome to the world little one.
What you Really Need for your Newborn Session {Everett Newborn Photographer}
The best part of a lifestyle newborn session is that we really don’t need a ton of stuff. We can use whatever you have in your house, but some families do choose to purchase some things for their newborn session. Some stuff can be bough locally in and around Seattle, but I’m going to post some links for you to book online. Here are my top recommendations for your lifestyle session.
A plain colored onesie or sleeper
I always recommend that babies are dressed in simple clothing for their newborn session. This keeps the focus on your sweet baby’s face, rather than their clothing. I recommend sleepers from Bonsie Baby. Plain colored onesies from Jamie Kay photograph beautifully.
Muslin Swaddles
Sometimes babies are a little fussy and swaddling them can work wonders, but it’s always nice to have one on hand that photographs well. SpearmintLove has a great selection. I also love the muslin quilts from Brixton Phoenix. They are larger than a typical swaddle so you will get plenty of use out of them.
A place to sleep
Sleepy newborn photos are the sweetest and by placing them in their crib, you really get a sense for how tiny they are.
A comfortable chair
One of my favorite images to take is of the parents rocking the baby in their arms. A comfortable chair is the ideal spot for this.
As you can see, there isn’t really a ton of stuff that you need for your newborn session. I truly believe that a lifestyle session should be all about you, your new baby and your reality. We really don’t need props or anything else to create a beautiful gallery full of images you’re going to love. If you’re ready to book your newborn session, please contact me today.
Welcoming a Sweet Baby Boy
Welcome to the world little Sebastian. It was an honor to take your newborn photos!
