General Session Info
What to Expect
I’m a natural light photographer, which means I don’t use flash. As a result, sessions are typically scheduled in the mid-day when natural light is at its best. If you're unsure whether you have enough light in your home, feel free to send me a few photos, and I can help guide you!
During your session, I’ll capture moments with your family and newborn, but I also love focusing on the little details, like the nursery, crib, and any special items that hold meaning for you. When I arrive at your house, I will have you walk me through some of the rooms you are thinking of using and offer any suggestions based on the lighting and get started from there.
How to Prepare
- Tidy Up, But Don't Stress: While you don’t need to make things spotless, it’s helpful to organize any visible clutter in the rooms we’ll be using. This includes toys, clothes, or any items that might unintentionally make their way into the background of your photos. I understand that with a newborn, things can get a bit chaotic—so just take a few moments to clear away the obvious items. You’ve got enough to juggle already!
- Get Your Family Ready: Try adjusting nap and feeding schedules so everyone (including older siblings) is well-rested and content for the session. Babies usually do best after a feeding, and toddlers tend to be much happier when they’re not hungry or tired. I know this can be tricky, but I promise it’ll make a difference in getting those sweet, candid moments! Feel free to feed the baby right before I arrive or give older children a snack to keep them happy during the shoot. Mess free snacks are preferred so your toddler doesn't ruin their outfit. I am not above a bribe during sessions so I often recommend using marshmallows as there are sweet but low mess! Don't forget to give your spouse a run-down of what to expect and feel free to send this resource along to them so they feel comfortable going into the session.
- Set the Temperature: To keep your baby comfortable and content during the session, aim for a room temperature around 72°F (22°C). This will be ideal for swaddling, outfit changes, or even any photos you may want of your baby in just a diaper or bare skin. A warm room will help your baby feel relaxed and ready for those precious moments! If your family runs warm and you are worried you may be glistening during photos, feel free to drop the temperature a bit. I want you as the parents to also fee comfortable!
During Your Session
Kids will be kids! Newborns might get fussy, and older children can be shy, distracted, or just plain unpredictable. I don't expect your little ones to be perfectly behaved—sometimes the best moments are the ones when you’re all just being yourselves. A little bit of chaos is part of the fun! Don’t hesitate to play games, act silly, or offer a treat or bribe if it helps keep the mood light.
Sessions typically last 45-60 minutes, giving us plenty of time for breaks and a laid-back experience. If your baby needs a cuddle or a feeding, just let me know! I can use this time to get some detail shots of the nursery, grab some candids of you and/or any other family members. For older children, feel free to share any of their favorite activities or interests so I can help grab their attention and get them to engage with the camera.
Most importantly, have fun! The more you lean into the experience, the more relaxed and joyful everyone will be—and that energy is contagious. Kids and babies can easily pick up on how you're feeling, so try not to stress. I can't tell you how many times I've managed to get the kids to smile, only to find that the parents are tense or distracted. Let go, enjoy the moment, and allow me to capture the magic of your family in all its beautiful, chaotic glory!
Style Guide for Portrait Sessions
To help you prepare for your upcoming portrait session and achieve the look you see on my Instagram, Facebook, and website, here are some styling tips that will complement my light, warm, and airy photography style.
Dressing for photos postpartum can be intimidating and stressful. Remember that your body grew a whole human and then birthed it into the world, it is an amazing, beautiful thing! Wear something that you are comfortable in and won't be feeling like you have to adjust constantly. I will likely have you sitting for photos and often know that some people are self-conscious in sitting so tryin out your outfit in standing and sitting in areas that you anticipate you will want photos (a chair in the nursery, on your bed, on a couch etc.) to make sure you are comfortable.
Gone are the days of everyone in matching outfits. Instead, focus on coordinating colors and textures. Aim for a palette of at least three colors to help create balance in your photos while keeping everything cohesive. Mix and match shades of neutrals and accent tones to complement each other and add depth to your family’s look. The coordination makes your photos feel more natural and timeless, without looking like a throwback to those JCPenney family photos from the ’90s 😉 I suggest choosing your outfit first and then styling the family around you so that you know you are comfortable with what you are wearing!
Outfit Recommendations:
- Neutral Colors: Timeless hues like white, cream, grey, and beige photograph beautifully and complement the soft, natural vibe of my work. Soft greens like sage and olive, as well as muted shades like dusty rose, mauve, and slate blue, also look amazing on camera.
- Avoid Harsh Colors: Bright colors like black, bold reds, neon oranges, and deep purples can create harsh contrasts and cast dark shadows on your face. I recommend steering clear of these shades to keep the focus on you, not your clothing.
- Simple Patterns: When adding patterns, try to keep it minimal—one or two patterns are best. Simple designs that don’t overpower the shot will keep attention on your face, rather than distracting from it. I’ll share examples of great patterns on the next few pages.
- Comfort is Key: I want you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and beautiful during your session. If you’re constantly adjusting your clothing, it could distract from the natural moments we’re aiming to capture. Choose clothing that allows you to move freely and confidently!
- Be Yourself: It’s important to choose an outfit that feels true to your personal style. Avoid wearing something drastically different from what you’d typically wear—you want to look back on these photos and say, "That’s me!"
- No Logos: For timeless photos, it’s best to avoid clothing with large logos or graphics. You don’t want to look back years from now and be reminded of a cartoon character or brand name!
Other things to think about...
- Shoes: For at home sessions, I often recommend families go barefoot, wear clean/new slippers, or some visually appealing, clean socks so the images from your session feel comfortable and cozy. I don't want you looking back at your session annoyed at the addidas logo on you or your spouses socks.
- Diapers: If you have other children that might be wearing a dress and diaper, I suggest adding bloomers or plain underwear underneath. Unfortunately, I can’t fully edit diapers out of photos, so this helps keep things looking smooth and neat.
One last tip: if you're planning on hanging these photos in your home, it’s worth considering how your outfits choices will complement (or clash with) your home decor. A little thought about how the colors fit in with the spaces where you’ll display these portraits can make a big difference in how they’ll feel in your home.