Preparing For your NEWBORN SESSION

YOUR HOME

Prepare 1 or 2 rooms (primary bedroom, nursery, living room, front porch) that have ample window light coming through, enough that we do not need to turn on the lights. Light and airy portraits require a natural lit setting.

Clean, tidy and declutter the space as if you were ready to sell it to a potential buyer. Staging is key. Light bed spread, surfaces clear of water bottles, plugged in alarm clocks, electronics, water bottles, baby gear etc.

Prepare your sentimental baby items for photographing : baby first items, a book, shoes, blanket etc.

Home temperature to be set to comfortable, not too warm, I have a space heater that I bring for baby close ups.

THE NEWBORN

Baby outfits - select well fitted onsies, neutral swaddles, any knitted items, I will help you choose to dress the baby. I have a limited number of neutral colour options I will bring just in case. A diaper and swaddle sometimes works the best. (See below images)

Feeding - baby should be fed to the maximum at the start of our session. Fed and freshly changed, ready to be handled and swaddled. We will take breaks to feed and change to ensure they are most comfortable during the session.

OUTFIT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOM

Your Under garments - Nude in colour and seamless in style are highly recommended. These will allow the for lacey overlays, light colours and tight fitted areas to look perfect.

CLIENT CLOSET add on ($25 care and cleaning fee)

I have limited sizes and pieces available. Please let me know if you wish to add this option onto your session. 2 piece maximum. Send me an email with your measurements and I can recommend some options.

CLIENT PIECES

Shop your closet or at your favourite store so you can reuse the garment in the future. I highly recommend a midi or maxi dress with some type of sleeve (pouf sleeve, shoulder revealed, short to long, thick strap) or if you prefer straps or strapless style go for it! Something feminine, delicate and light in colour.

Postpartum you may not fit into what you want so prepare a couple options and see how you will feel the day of. It is worth the investment to purchase something new as you will look back at your time with a fresh newborn and want to look your best.

Styles of dress that work best with a bump include: smock, wrap, V neck, babydoll or fitted bodycon. These types are most flattering and feminine for maternity, and can be worn again in the future.

Top and pant option - Go for a flowy, loose fitting top with a white or light wash jean/jegging option.

Light colours photograph the best - creams, whites, blues, greens, pinks, mauves, khaki, peach. Solid in color, ditsy floral, or patterns are nice alternative.

Steam or iron out your options the night before.

Recommended Brands - Nothingfitsbut.com, Balticborn.com, LuLus.com, Zara.com, Mango.com, Aritzia.com, Dex, The Bay, H&M

*If there is a dress you love from the above sources and it does not suite your budget AND it fits my CLIENT CLOSET Style I can offer to purchase it from you after the session for a reasonable offer, this will help me and you with costs. Always check the SALE section for last seasons dresses/tops.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Hair and make up is a must. Even if you don’t wear make up a base foundation, bronzer, blush mascara and liner can really brighten up your look - fresh glowing look. You can absolutely do this yourself or plan to get it done for the full pampering experience. Manicured clean or painted nails. Simple delicate jewelry. Don’t worry about foot wear, these sessions at home are meant for bare feet.

MEN

Tops - Dress shirt, Henley Cotton, Crew Neck cotton or a sweater steamed or ironed

Bottoms - Long pant simple style in brown, navy, khaki or light wash jean

Footwear - None. We are going barefoot at home

CHILDREN

Same advice, keep them in comfortable fabrics, light in colour and barefoot !

Recommended Shops: Zara Kids, H&M, Old Navy, Etsy, Gap Baby + Kids

Let me know if you have any questions, I am here to help you plan for a successful session.