Lifestyle Newborn Session Prep

I am so excited to photograph your family in the comfort of your own home! Welcoming a new baby is such a special time, and it is an honor to capture your family's story with images you will cherish for many years to come.

When I first arrive: I will start off by walking through the various rooms in your home to find out which rooms have the best natural light. The rooms I generally focus on for lifestyle newborn photographs are the master bedroom, nursery, and family room, although I am happy to use whichever rooms offer the best light. Once I decide which areas we will use, I may adjust a few things like opening or closing blinds and repositioning furniture so that optimal lighting can be utilized. If siblings are present, I like to have them show me their rooms and their favorite toys. It's a good time for me to connect with them and for them to get comfortable with me in their home. I know what it's like to have a newborn, so please don't feel like you have to clean up the house before I arrive! We can easily clean up the areas that we decide to use for photos. I have three kids of my own, and I know how impossible it is to try to keep toys put away, etc., and I certainly don't want you or your kids feeling stressed about that on the morning of your session. Life with little ones is a bit chaotic, and I fully embrace that!

Your Baby: The wonderful thing about lifestyle sessions is that your baby is perfect exactly the way he or she is! I don't have any expectations for how your baby should behave (awake or asleep), and I don't place him or her in any contrived or unnatural poses. In terms of clothing, a simple, white onesie always works well. I will likely take it off for some semi-nude photos. For these images, it's nice to have a few favorite swaddling blankets nearby. Please plan to feed your baby about 15 minutes before I arrive, but feel free to feed your baby, if needed, while I walk around your home scouting out the light, or any other time you feel he or she needs a feeding. The baby guides the session, and, although the sessions typical last 1-2 hours, I allow as much time as needed for feeding, diapering and soothing. I will be photographing these moments as well, as they’re often some of the most treasured images. If you are breastfeeding, you can let me know if you would like images of you feeding your baby.

Parents and Siblings: I know what it's like to have a new baby in the house. It is both wonderful and exhausting, and it's an adjustment for both parents and siblings. I usually try to do sibling photos soon after I arrive since little ones can quickly lose interest. Just like with your baby, I have no expectations for the siblings and will never try to force them to smile or do anything they aren't comfortable with. Some siblings love to cuddle their new baby and others are indifferent, and that's ok. It's good to prepare your children for my visit by telling them that a friend is going to come to take some pictures of your family. It is best not to surprise them. As far as parents go, I just want you to enjoy the experience and feel relaxed. I will guide you during the session so that you end up with images that reflect the true essence of your family in a beautiful and connected way. You and your family are perfect just the way you are, and it is my job to document that.

Clothing: The most important thing is that you and your children are comfortable. I recommend neutral colors like cream, taupe, gray, and other similar tones. Avoid clothing that is neon in color or has distracting logos, characters or slogans on it. Bold patterns and prints can be distracting as well. Textures like knit sweaters always look lovely in photographs. Clothing should be comfortable to move around in, and despite my suggestion to wear neutrals, don't be afraid of colors or patterns if that is most consistent with your personality and style. It also helps to envision where in your home you plan to display your finished images, and to plan your clothing colors accordingly. I am happy to discuss your wardrobe with you further if you'd like. Just let me know.

After Your Session: Approximately two weeks after your session we will meet for your viewing and ordering appointment where you will see your beautiful images and decide how you would like to enjoy them. Some of your options include wall, albums, print boxes and digital images. Albums lend themselves especially well to in-home newborn sessions because they beautifully tell the “story” of your family and can be enjoyed for generations. All of our products are printed at the best professional print labs and are meant stand the test of time. Once your printed artwork has arrived, we will contact you for pick-up/delivery, approximately 6 weeks after your ordering appointment.

I can’t wait to meet your new little one! Please let me know if you have any questions. You can reach me at andrea@reverie-images.com