Newborn & Fresh 48 Session Guide
Newborn photography that highlights the beauty of your story
Ten teeny tiny toes, wisps of soft hair, chubby rosy cheeks, that little button nose, and, of course that new baby smell. Ohhh how these sessions melt my heart!
It is important to me that your baby (and you) are completely relaxed and calm during our time together. It’s a real privilege to capture those precious first few days of your child’s life, so I like to allow plenty of time for newborn sessions – time for feeding, changing and settling. Working with you to perfect the style you envision, we will talk through the tender moments most meaningful to you that we want to try and capture.
I will treat your beautiful baby with as much care as if they were my own, so either in the hospital, your home, or in my cozy in-home studio, you can relax while I photograph your little babe’s first close-up. My aim is to create a calm and tranquil environment. I love to keep things organic when it comes to my photo/artistic style. Everything is kept natural and authentic.
Lets clear one thing up…
I am not a “sales person”. I dislike the hard sell just as much as the next person. If you do book me I want it to be because your heart feels its right, not because you feel pressured.
If you decide we’re the perfect match then I can’t wait to work with you. If I’m not your thing, hey… thats ok too. My packages and pricing structure are simple and all inclusive with no “hidden costs”. I want you to feel comfortable knowing exactly what it is you’ll be getting for your money. I also offer payment plans for those who prefer it.
For me, newborn and family photography is an important investment and I know you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t feel the same. These photos will be cherished for years to come. They will be your children’s favorites hands down. Why? Because YOU are actually IN them!
Fresh 48 sessions
When it comes to photographing a fresh 48 session, this is not a ‘glamorous’ newborn session. It's not full of props and wraps. It's about those special first couple of days. A celebration of parenthood, strength, and love. Where you wear your tiredness and scars like a badge of honor. Collecting memories of your sweet newborns tiny features, and squishy puffy faces that will all fade away within the next week. Its documentation of the huge amount of love that grows in a tiny 300 square foot room.
KEEP YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER UPDATED!! In the weeks surrounding your due date, contact me a LOT. Reach out to me after your last doctor or midwife appointment(s) to update me on any changes. The more I know, the more prepared I will be to arrive at the hospital after you have given birth. Typically fresh 48 sessions will take place between the first 48 hours after birth.
Wondering what you should bring with you to the hospital?
When it comes to fresh 48 photos, I love to come during the earlier hours of the day where the most natural light will be showing through the room. Anywhere between 12-4 Is when I normally like to schedule these. You will not need to worry so much on what you should bring for baby to wear. I love using the hospital blankets to wrap baby in, the hospital provides the cutest white line sleeve shirts and sometimes white onesies which are perfect because keeping things more natural and neutral are best for these. You are welcome to bring a hat/bow/bonnets for baby to wear and if you want to bring an outfit, I encourage anything simple, small or no prints, and neutral or earthy tones. You are welcome to text me anytime with questions.
For the moms: You could wear your hospital gown if you like those raw style of images. A nice neutral or earthy toned or floral robe is welcomed. You could even just wear a cute bralette and embrace the beauty of postpartum (I LOVE these images. want to see some Inspiration on what this is, just ask!). You could even pack a nice oversized sweater and leggings/jeans to wear if you’d like. Nothing is off limits and please know I am here to guide you on what will photograph best and to make this fit your style.
For the dads: V-neck t-shirts or something casual in solid neutral colors. Avoid baseball caps if you are comfortable with that so your face is not hidden by large shadows.
These are by no means rules and if you have more eclectic tastes and love lots of color I encourage you to put in as much of your personality into your clothing selection as possible.
Try to avoid: large logos, neon colors, and large text.
Many clients will bring meaningful items or jewelry. These are not only provide amazing stories for you to tell your children in the years to come, but they can make your photographs really pop.
I encourage both of you and your partner to pick out a separate set of clothes that can be worn after birth. Giving birth can be messy, and you may want to change out of what you’ve been wearing. Some people have purchased pretty robes that coordinates with something their partner or other children will wear. Those first family photos can be priceless. But at the end of it all, remember that what you wear matters far less than what you experience. Don’t stress too much about clothing!
If you need any assistance, I am always happy to help.
In-Home Studio Sessions
Those first few weeks are so fleeting. Baby changes so much, so quickly. Newborn sessions are a great way to document them here and now. The little toes, the chubby cheeks, the long eye lashes. Those tiny details that will long since be forgotten. The more naturally ‘Posed’ newborn sessions can take place in my home studio located in Nancy,KY. I have a selection of white and black fabrics and a few fluffs you can use. Since my At-Home studio is something new this year, I am slowly saving up to buy some new things here and there to offer for my clients. My goal is to stock up on Neutral and earthy-toned wraps and some simple items you can use for props in your images but my ultimate goal is to keep things as authentic and organic as we can.
You can expect these sessions to last 1.5-2 hours depending on baby. We can take breaks to feed and cuddle whenever necessary. These sessions can be booked while you're pregnant. Once baby is Earthside we'll set a date/time for you to come to my studio, usually when baby is 5-14 days old. Siblings and family members are welcome to join us, but my little studio can fit a small family of 4, depending on how old your children are. It might be a small area but magic can be created, I promise
What to wear and bring with you to the studio?
For Baby: If you have a certain color wrap you would love to use, nothing is off limits. However in my studio, neutral and earthy tones photograph best. My studio has a Boho style which I love, if this is something you’d also love for your images. Keeping things as simple and organic as possibly works very well. You can bring multiple outfits if you’d like. Basic onesies are always adorable. If you have a favorite toy or book or anything that is sentimental and helps tell your child’s story or your style, you can bring anything you’d like.
For Moms: Again, keep it simple. You are wear a simple oversized sweater and leggings or jeans, a simple neutral colored shirt with jeans or skirt, or I always love when my Mom’s wear a long and flowy dress. Whatever you feel comfortable in is welcomed. If you want some images of you breastfeeding your baby, I am always happy to capture those moments as well. I’m very laid back and ready to document this special time in your motherhood journey.
For Dads: V-neck t-shirts or something casual in solid neutral colors. Avoid baseball caps if you are comfortable with that so your face is not hidden by large shadows. Try to avoid: large logos, neon colors, and large text.
Those first family photos can be priceless. But at the end of it all, remember that what you wear matters far less than what you experience. Don’t stress too much about clothing!
If you need any assistance, I am always happy to help.
Lifestyle At Your home - Newborn SESSION DETAILS
In-home photography sessions are perfect for the colder months of the year or for when you need to keep your baby inside. In-home baby photos capture the details of your home throughout the year, which often change along with your baby, and tend to have a homey feel to them.
If you would prefer an outdoor baby portrait sessions, these are great for when the weather is nice and you want to spend time together as a family. Typically, I encourage you to pick something you already do together for your portraits. For example, we can go on a walk together, spend time on the deck, or visit the park. Photographing those real-life activities is really where the magic happens.
What to wear:
For Baby: If you have a certain color wrap you would love to use, nothing is off limits. The best thing about doing your newborn session in your home is everything is already there. I’d be happy to go through some selected outfits you have in baby’s nursery and help pick out the outfits that would look best in your home. Keeping things as simple and organic as possibly works very well.
For Moms: Again, keep it simple. You are wear a simple oversized sweater and leggings or jeans, a simple neutral colored shirt with jeans or skirt, or I always love when my Mom’s wear a long and flowy dress. Whatever you feel comfortable in is welcomed. If you want some images of you breastfeeding your baby, I am always happy to capture those moments as well. I’m very laid back and ready to document this special time in your motherhood journey.
For Dads: V-neck t-shirts or something casual in solid neutral colors. Avoid baseball caps if you are comfortable with that so your face is not hidden by large shadows. Try to avoid: large logos, neon colors, and large text. Choose clothing that isn’t too tight or too loose, doesn’t need constant readjustment, is a little more dressed up than casual (think knit sweater, cool jacket with layers) and a form fitting pant. Adding texture like a sweater, leather shoes, adds some visual interest as long as it doesn’t take away from you.
Those first family photos can be priceless. But at the end of it all, remember that what you wear matters far less than what you experience. Don’t stress too much about clothing!
Quick Tips
Scheduling in the morning seems to be the best with newborn sessions. It is advised that mother tries to attempt putting the baby to sleep before you arrive to the session. If you're lucky, you'll arrive with a sleeping babe for photos! You are encouraged to feed the baby just before the session. So basically a full belly and a little nap will help.
I wanted to inform you that I only work with natural light. I often have clients send me a quick cell phone image of the rooms they wish to shoot in. Most commonly, I will shoot in the master bedroom, the nursery, and family/living room to help better gauge what I’ll be working with in terms of light and sense of style. Otherwise, I pick the room with the most amount of light and try to be as diverse as possible in my shooting. Often, I’ll pull a nice chair close to the window and work with the mother and baby, father and baby, and baby alone. I will pull different perspectives from each combination for variety in their gallery.
Do not to worry if you feel like you only have a small space with limited lighting, there are always ways to provide beautifully lit images in small spaces. I like to get creative, think outside of the box, and let go of the vision you “had” and create a vision for the space you’re in.
Thinking of a Milestone Session?
Just as little one’s change so much in those first weeks they grow just as quickly. Milestone sessions are the perfect way to document those big moments throughout the first year. Those first gummy smiles, tummy time, sitting up on his/her own, and of course their first birthday. We can work together to find the perfect way to document your little one’s first year. If you combine your packages, you will receive a discounted price.
FAQ’s
What is a session like?
Awkward sessions make awkward photos and that is not my jam! I strive to keep my sessions as relaxed and comfortable as possible and I want to learn and capture what makes your family tick, what they do that makes you smile, and what makes this season in your life so incredibly full. Your session will be love-soaked, laughter-filled, and so fun.
I AM NERVOUS ABOUT BEING IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA…
Nothing to worry about because lifestyle photography is perfect for you. As a lifestyle photographer, I am all about taking time to guide you and your baby into authentic moments. We will not focus on the “look-at-the-camera-and-say-cheese” types of images during our shoot.
Truth be told, you’ll only have to look directly into the camera if prompted to do so. I am here to calm your nerves and to ensure even the most ‘camera shy’ individual will ease into relaxation and capture beautiful moments. During our time together, I will direct you into pretty light, ask you to hold hands, suggest you lean into each other, or even gently sing a favourite nursery rhyme. All of this is part of the process to help you get comfortable and create those magic candid baby portraits.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK BABY PHOTOGRAPHY?
You might have a three month old now. Or you might still be growing your little babe and planning ahead. Regardless, it is never too early or too late to inquire about baby photography with me.
If you are at all interested in session I recommend to submit an inquiry so we can start the process. Our first step together will be to select a date/time for your no-obligation pre-consultation. We can do this however you’d like best via email, FaceTime, inperson; This is where we make sure we are a great fit for each other, when you can tell me more about what you are looking for, and I give you a general quote. And then we go on from there.
How will I get my images?
Every image is created with intent, and authenticity, and is personally hand-edited. Every gallery is custom-designed and typically delivered within two to three weeks of your session. You will not be asked to choose your favorites. Every image I process is included in your gallery and becomes yours to download, print, and share.
how do fresh 48’s sessions usually go?
I am located in Nancy, Kentucky and currently accept sessions within a 30-mile radius of my home. Whenever possible, I will travel outside these areas for a travel fee. This session is captured in the first 48 hours after your baby is born and is the perfect way to remember those initial fleeting moments forever. I will come to your hospital room or birth center and photograph your new family in a candid, photojournalistic style. Just be as you are and let me record every precious detail. Investing in this package is something you will never regret. Your collection includes all of the best images in a mixture of color and black/white. This session typically lasts anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes and the package includes your online gallery, high-resolution jpeg image download and the print release.
How do Newborn Lifestyle Sessions usually go?
This session is captured in the comfort of your home within the first two weeks of your baby’s birth. I photograph your new family documentary style in your favorite nooks and crannies of your home, capturing the love, emotion, and connection that comes with experiencing life with your new arrival. I do not arrive at your home carrying baskets, buckets, draped backdrops, or artificial light. I do not pose your baby or photograph him or her in outfits. Your home does not need to be magazine worthy when I arrive. You do not need to be dressed to the nines in full hair and makeup. Just be as you are. Your home is my backdrop, your windows my light source, your favorite swaddles, textured fabric, wool blanket, or a simple clean onesie is all the wardrobe your baby needs. You are beautiful just as you are, sleep-deprived and all. These sessions typically last around 90 minutes (sometimes more, sometimes less) and your collection includes around all of the best images in a mix of color and black/white. This package includes your online gallery, high-resolution jpeg image download, and the print release. .