hello!

It is such an honor for me to be chosen to capture some of your child’s first moments. My goal is to help freeze this incredibly short stage of life and give you timeless, fine-art images that will help you remember all of the sweet, tiny details.

This guide will cover both studio and lifestyle newborn sessions, as many of my families book a combined package, so please take some time to review the sections that apply to you!

I have a daughter and it was only four years ago I was in your shoes. I blinked and she went from a newborn to a little girl. As a baby, my daughter had a variety of feeding issues, so I have been both a breastfeeding and bottlefeeding mom. I mention this because it continues to be a source of stress for many moms and I want you to know that I relate to and support both experiences during the time we will spend together.

My studio space and home are pet and smoke free, and I have all of the vaccine boosters recommended for adults who spend time with newborns.

I looking forward to seeing you again or meeting you for the first time!

setting a date

Once you book your newborn session, I create a large amount of flexibility in my schedule during the weeks around your due date. Because I limit the number of sessions that I take overall, this allows me flexibility to schedule your session at an optimal time for your baby and family.

I ask that you contact me as soon as you are able after your baby is born so that we can choose a day for your session, which will ideally be in the first 5-10 days of life for studio sessions, and in the first 30 days for in-home lifestyle sessions.

I find that newborns are typically the sleepiest and most content in the mornings. You can expect me to suggest a morning start time around 10am for all newborn sessions, with the exception of lifestyle sessions in homes that do not get good morning light. More about that later in this guide!

I suggest that we correspond via text about scheduling, as you may not be checking your email regularly in those first couple days. My cell number is 410-804-5375. If your due date gets adjusted as it draws closer, please remember to keep me in the loop!

After the session, I will begin hand editing your images. I deliver all galleries within 30 days, but in most cases clients receive them within 2 weeks. Images are presented in an online gallery where you can view, share and download high and low-res versions of the files, as well as order prints. While a print release is included in all packages and you are free to print wherever you choose, ordering prints through my professional print lab of choice ensures they will look as intended and also helps me to keep your session prices affordable! Because I am a partner photographer with Minted, your images will also be uploaded directly to their site for easy ordering of newborn announcements and holiday cards, if applicable.

studio sessions

Newborn studio sessions are held in my in-home studio in the Hallsley neighborhood at 16400 Binley Rd., Midlothian, VA 23112.

Style
My newborn photography style is simple and classic with a touch of vintage. I use a lot of solid colors, simple, floral headband tiebacks and delicate wool hats that coordinate. I like to consider seasonality but also want to give you a collection of images that are cohesive so that they can be displayed together if you wish. I will always have ideas and certain elements that I have gathered and want to use in your session, but I also LOVE to know more about your style and the colors you love so that I can bring that into the mix. I typically create or commission at least one new custom piece for each newborn session, so please do fill out the questionnaire so that I can incorporate your favorites. 

Time
Newborn sessions last longer than regular sessions, typically at least 2-3 hours, as we have no idea how the baby will be feeling that day and it is a time intensive process to settle baby into sleeping in different positions. This also allows time for the feedings, diaper changes, and mood swings that can occur. I always use a professional posing beanbag for newborn shoots, along with clean blankets and wraps. 

Supplies
I have plenty of blankets, hats, headbands and other props that I will provide for your baby’s session. Please bring along a pacifier to help make transitioning from one pose to another easier for the baby. Extra diapers and wipes are a good idea as well.

before & during studio sessions

Food & Sleep
A tired baby with a full tummy results in a sleepy and cooperative newborn model. Plan to interact with your baby and try to keep him/her awake for the 1-2 hours before our session. Giving the baby a bath on the morning of the session is a stimulating experience and can also help make for an especially sleepy baby. Ideally try to feed the baby about 2-3 hours before our session, so that you can do another feeding again just before you leave your home to come to me, if you live within 15 minutes. If you are coming from a longer distance, shift the timing so that you can feed the baby here just before we begin. Know that you may have to feed the baby more frequently during the session than you would normally. Changing wraps and posing may wake the baby, but a feeding can settle him/her back to sleep.

Heat
The studio space will be VERY warm to keep the baby comfortable, and he/she will be in little clothing for much of the session. You should dress lightly or in layers so that you can remove some clothing when you feel too warm. Expect it to be 75-80 degrees. 

Dress
When doing diaper changes prior to the session, err on the side of loose to avoid red diaper marks on the legs/belly and dress him/her in something easy to remove. Otherwise, you do not need to worry about bringing any clothing for the baby. If you have any sentimental blankets or objects that we haven’t yet talked about incorporating, please let me know.

siblings in studio

I would suggest dressing your older children in something simple and neutral for sibling images. I will wrap the baby in a complementary color. Solids can be flattering, including cream, grey, black, navy, etc. Muted florals are also lovely for big sisters, but please avoid bright or neon colors. 

Studio sessions tend to flow best if images with siblings are done at the end of the time we spend together. I typically wrap the baby for sibling images, which works very well towards the end of the session when baby may become more alert. At the beginning of the session when baby is sleepy, we want to do the poses that require full sleep. Because newborn sessions can last three hours, it is ideal if another parent or family member can bring the siblings to the studio towards the end of the session.

If you need for your older children to be photographed with your baby at the beginning of the session, please plan for someone to take the children elsewhere until the session is finished. There is a nice park in the neighborhood and Westchester Commons with shopping and many restaurants is 10 minutes away.

If you need for your older children to be photographed with your baby at the beginning of the session, please plan for someone to take the children elsewhere until the session is finished. There is a nice park in the neighborhood and Westchester Commons with shopping and many restaurants is 10 minutes away.

lifestyle sessions

Timing
As mentioned earlier in the guide, newborn sessions are typically scheduled during the morning hours. However, please take note of the amount of natural light in different rooms of your home. You will find that each room has a time of day when it gets the most light. Prior to baby’s arrival, I find it helpful for families to identify what time of day their nursery and master or guest bedrooms get the most light. Please let me know what you notice so that we can schedule your session for the best time of day.

Clothing
If you have a favorite simple outfit for baby that fits well and is not too big, please dress the baby in that prior to my arrival. Oftentimes outfits do not fit in those first few weeks, so a plain white onesie is also a classic choice that photographs well. A cute printed muslin swaddle blanket may be helpful as well for sibling images where the baby can be more securely held if he/she is wrapped.

For mom/dad/sibling clothing choices, solid mid-tone neutral or light colors are good choices. Moms and sisters can also wear muted florals. White is an excellent choice if your home doesn’t get tons of natural light, as you will act as a reflector of light onto your babies face as you hold him/her! A tiny baby means that your hands, and possibly your feet, will play a role in the photos.

Siblings
Please have real-time bribes available for siblings, such as a small chewable candy (no chocolate!), or whatever else will gain cooperation in a pinch.

before & during lifestyle sessions

Weather
I know you are thinking that the benefit of an indoor lifestyle session is not having to worry about weather, right? In fact, lifestyle sessions do typically need to be rescheduled if there is heavy cloud cover or rain, as it reduces too much of the available natural light. I will monitor the radar and hourly forecast and contact you if things we need to reschedule.

Preparing Your Home
Please open ALL of the blinds and curtains in your home as wide as they will go prior to the session. This helps me to quickly find the best areas of natural light and identify the best possible locations. We will likely photograph in 1-3 rooms of your home, depending on the light. I often find that guest bedrooms work better than master bedrooms. They tend to be smaller with the bed being placed closer to the windows, resulting in a better lighting situation for photos.

Please do NOT clean your whole house for me. Please do put away clutter and prepare beds before I arrive so that we don’t lose session time to that.

Food/Sleep
A baby with a full tummy is usually happy and sleepy, which makes for an easy session for all. Plan to interact with your baby and try to keep him/her awake for the 1-2 hours before our session. Giving the baby a bath on the morning of the session is a good way to keep baby awake and stimulated. Ideally try to feed the baby about 2-3 hours before our session, so that you can do another feeding again just before I arrive.