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.

1. Little details you’ll find only in the hospital can be captured such as, the hospital bracelets, the plastic bassinet, the little hat.

2. There are so many little things that only a tiny baby has that can be photographed like the umbilical cord stump and flakey feet.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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:

1. By waiting a week or two after baby’s birth, mothers often feel more put together and ready for photos.

2. We can incorporate spaces you’ve put so much time and energy into, such as the nursery.

3. 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.

4. If there are siblings, they can be involved. Pets are also welcome!

5. 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.

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!

What is Lifestyle Photography?

“Don’t shoot what it looks like, shoot what it feels like” - David Alan Harvey

Lifestyle photography falls somewhere in the middle between a completely journalistic photography style and a smile-and-look-at-the-camera posed style. Lifestyle photography captures families loving on one another while still being somewhat directed by the photographer. The majority of my lifestyle sessions take place in your home. Newsflash - you do not need a newborn to have an in-home session! That seems to be a common misconception. Many people think that in-home sessions are for newborns and outdoor sessions are for families with older kids, but I have photographed many families in their own homes with breathtaking results. There are many reasons why I love in-home sessions but one of the major reasons why I love shooting in-home is because that’s where you’re most comfortable, and when you feel comfortable, it shows in your images.

When I arrive, I will take a quick walk around your house to determine where the best light is. Once that’s complete, I’ll slowly get out my camera while chatting with your kids until they feel comfortable with me. A lot of people feel awkward having their photo taken. Please know that this is completely normal! My goal is to make this as relaxing as possible. I will always help guide you into position, however, I’m not going to ask you to look and smile at me. Once you’re in position, I’m going to ask you to look down at your kids, tickle them (if that’s their thing), snuggle with them, read to them, play with them. This will help create meaningful images that show your kids how much they are loved.

How should you prepare your house for an in-home session? First of all, your house doesn’t have to be perfect. You have kids, it should look like they live there, however, please keep in mind that anything left out has the potential to be photographed. If you don’t want it in your images, put it away. I usually use the main bedroom, living room and kids rooms / nursery so if you want to tidy up, focus on those areas.

What should you wear to your in home session? I recommend that all family members are barefoot. I will have you sit on your bed, or snuggle on the couch, places where you wouldn’t normally wear shoes. It’s also easier for you that way because it’s one less thing to worry about! I have an online styling service for all my families and you are more than welcome to use it to pull together outfits. You can be as casual or as dressed up as you like. The most important thing is that you’re comfortable!

Any questions? Reach out! I’d love to chat with you.

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 a New Baby Girl {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

It’s always such an honor when a family trusts me to capture their precious memories as their family grows. This sweet family welcomed baby number three and their session couldn’t have been any more beautiful!