We know having a new baby is like getting your world turned upside down. There’s an abundance of laughter, tears and untimed baby smiles. We’re here today to give you any tips we can to help make your newborn photo session go as smoothly as possible.

WHERE :: Worried because your house is a mess? Don’t even stress out! You just had a baby and we have both been new moms, so we know that cleaning up is a thing of the past, at least for now, or until all of our kids are 30. We’ve shot in-home sessions in tiny spaces and totally rocked it. We usually just suggest having the nursery straightened up and a nice bedspread or blanket on the bed in the master bedroom. We will move things around as needed. Declutter the rooms you chose. This does not mean that you have to deep clean your entire home, but it is a good idea to stash away the unnecessary items for a few hours.

NATURAL LIGHT :: We are natural light photographers, so wherever we will be shooting make sure the blinds and curtains are opened for ample lighting! If needed, we will use flash, but nothing flatters more than natural light. Watch the light in your home. Most newborn sessions are held in the nursery, family room and/or your bedroom. Keep an eye out the week before your session just to get an idea of where the best light is in your house.

TURN UP THE HEAT! :: We recommend keeping the house a tiny bit warmer than you usually would to be sure your little one is comfortable since she may be dressed down to her diaper in some photos. (This part is up to you as a lot of babies run warmer and may get too hot . Use your mommy instincts for this one!)

SLEEPY & FULL :: A full baby is a happy, sleepy baby. Be sure to feed her right before our arrival so we have a milk-drunk little one. But it’s okay if she’s alert too! We have some adorable photos of wide awake babies so don’t stress about that.

PROPS :: If you are looking for a ton of props and items to put your new baby in, this is not the place for you. We’re just not the proppy type (i.e. we will not be carting in a ton of props into your home), but if you have anything you’d like to use in particular for your session (bows, blankets, family heirlooms, ect). just have them ready to use.

BOSS BABY :: Remember that time that you got to do whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted? Well, those days are long gone with a new baby in charge. This is also true for your session. If we are right in the middle of some adorable photos of your little family and suddenly someone starts to cry (no, we aren’t talking about your partner who is crying because they rather watch the game than take these photos) then we stop and allow you to tend to whatever needs must be met! It’s important that you are just as flexible and patient. We schedule this session with a little extra wiggle room just in case your baby suddenly begins cluster feeding on the day of your session! Please, try not to get stressed if baby is wide awake or crying, lifestyle sessions are just that: real life captured in the moment. Nothing works better for a crying baby than mommy & daddy’s snuggles!

GET IN THE PHOTOS:: This type of session focuses a lot on your new family member. But it does not focus ONLY on your new addition. We know this time in your life may not feel like the most glamorous, but we promise it’s well worth it. You’ll want to document these moments because, before you know it, you’ll be missing them.

TURN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS INTO TANGIBLE ITEMS:: Lifestyle newborn sessions include your images on an online gallery but there is nothing more valuable than having printed photos of your new addition in your hands. Whether you’d like a coffee table book to show off when your friends and family come over (if they haven’t called yet, they will.  And when they get to your house, ask them to let you shower peacefully, or, you know, eat without holding another human being.) or if you want a large canvas of your first family photos to hang above your fireplace, we’re your girls!

We hope we were able to help you prepare for your session even just a little bit! Try not to stress as you prepare for us to come into your home, although we know you will since that’s what new moms do (we’ve been there)!  We know this is a lot of information, but when it all comes down to it, you’re going to be spending 1-2 hours snuggling your new pride and joy while we document it., We’re so lucky to be the ones to capture his first days in this great, big world.