You’re in the midst of contemplating and preparing all the things: nesting the perfect nursery, committing to a baby name, preparing for the arrival of your little nugget’s life earthside.

Your sweet baby, after weeks of anticipation, finally here - every moment is special, a new milestone achieved.

Documenting the first few days at home moving into newborn parent mode is a lovely offering to your new nugget and your future self to truly reflect upon and celebrate the miracle of this 40 week transition.

Ease is something I constantly focus on cultivating within my sessions celebrating new parents. I feel it’s the most important element as it allows my subject to step into a space where they feel they can be the most true versions of themselves in front of the camera.

A few tips for cultivating ease:

1. Commission a newborn specific photographer that you trust. This might seem like a #shamelessplug but the truth is, it’s real. Would you hire a labor and delivery doc to perform your brain surgery?? Choosing a photographer that specializes in newborn photography is so critical in achieving beautiful images. This genre of photography is more technical than you’d imagine. Getting babe into a place of relaxation and contentment is paramount in creating ease for everyone. Feeling at ease in front of the camera will reveal itself in the images. Choose a photographer that makes you feel well cared for while being photographed. Offering feedback and subtle adjustments while allowing flow brings life into the bodies of my clients and their images.

2. Intentionality about wardrobe selections is EVERYthing. The biggest impact you can make in preparing for your newborn photo session is to choose outfits wisely. I typically suggest a timeless, textured solid, neutral or pastel palette for newborn sessions: Favorite wardrobe elements: textures like lace, knits, the texture of velvet, the flow of a gown and the way your husband looks at you in appreciation during these in-home sessions. Happy to be of assistance in your outfit selections! Thrilled connect and discuss your plan for wardrobe. I’d welcome a hair and makeup artist into your session prep to feel most confident while being photographed and while reviewing and enjoying your images.

3. The forever debate: props or no props? Props can be such a fun addition to your gallery. I love adding as much variety as possible to a session without going totally bonkers prop overboard. The struggle is real. Ha. Props I often see used during a newborn session: nostalgic elements like blankets or toys passed down from beloved family members, a special stuffed animal to use for milestone photos. Props are such a personal addition and I allow my clients full agency over the decision to incorporate props or to refrain. I do advocate swaddling baby for most lifestyle sessions and suggest limiting the number of outfit changes for babe.

4. Plan to take photos in the first 2 weeks after delivery. I typically aim to photograph newborn sessions in the first two weeks of life to ensure a flexible baby, distance from circumcision, and after mama’s milk supply arrival. All this said, I have also yielded gorgeous newborn session images at 4-6 weeks old.

5. Prep the residence for photography. Nursery or master bedroom items you prefer not be photographed may be removed from these spaces prior to our session. I often see parents remove photo frames with stock photos awaiting baby images, diaper genies, baby monitors, any clutter on the master bedside tables, etc.

These special moments are so fleeting. It’s such an honor to welcome new life with such love and celebration.

Gifting record of these lovely unforgettable moments with your baby somehow allows them a more complete depiction and comprehension of their story - there is only one opportunity to capture these moments. Feel so much pride for my client people for celebrating these precious, once in a lifetime happenings, making memories as a new family during this time of crazy transition.

It’s such a gift fo join you as you welcome your sweet nugget earthside.