How To Prepare For Your Seattle Newborn Family Photo Session
Stephanie George Photography Newborn Session Prep Guide
I believe your baby should be photographed where they spend the most time - in your loving arms. This is why I take a lifestyle approach to newborn photography. Rather than spending hours posing baby in a “froggy formation” or trying to coax them to sleep in a basket, my approach is natural and documentary with your family cuddling together on the bed, gathering on the couch, or holding your little one near a window in the nursery.
Finding the right locations in your home for your family newborn photo session
Shorty after I arrive for your session, we will spend a few minutes exploring the rooms of your home to find the best spaces for photos. I use natural light, so finding the brightest rooms/areas will be my focus. Snuggling or standing near a window allows a “spotlight” effect on your family, bringing all the attention to your love and connection. As we look around your home, we will want to turn off overhead and artificial lights which cast an unflattering yellow hue onto your skin, and instead use the beautiful, soft, natural light that comes through your windows.
Please do not stress about your home being "deep-cleaned" before your session (dirty toilets and dust do not show in photos). Decluttering surfaces in your primary bedroom, nursery, or family room will create a calm environment and clean aesthetic, but we can also declutter as we go during your session. Again, the focus will be on your loved ones; your home is just the backdrop.
What to expect during your in-home newborn photo session
When thinking about and preparing for the session, please relax! I encourage families to go at their own pace during our time together. I will direct you into gentle poses, highlighting and focusing on your newborn while also allowing siblings to have their moment to shine. I want to capture your family's love and connection. I ask that you simply be with your children and be present in the moment - snuggle, kiss, hold, tickle and love on them.
This is your family's first time being photographed with +1, so we will take our time and let baby call the shots. If we need to stop for feedings or comforting, we will do so. If everyone is comfortable, I will continue shooting through the soothing period as that is all part of the wonderful newborn stage. Your job is to breath deep, relax, and spend time together as a family, relishing this new little life.
If baby has an older sibling, we will incorporate them at different times throughout the session depending on how much they want to be involved. An hour-long session can be a long time for a big brother or sister who is experiencing a lot of emotions surrounding sharing their life with this new little person.
We will capture siblings when and if they want to be involved, and let them come and go from the session. Forcing an older sibling to participate often backfires, but when the pressure is off, they are usually eager to be involved or show off their favorite things around their home.
At-home sessions are about capturing your children in the stage they are currently in - your life as it is now. A sibling’s portrait with their favorite lovey, pet, or toy can easily be paired with your newborn’s photos, so breath easy and don’t stress about everyone looking at the camera or your children’s perfect behavior. I promise I’ll make the most of whatever happens!
What to wear for your newborn photo session
Comfortable, simple, and soft clothing is best. During your session, you will find yourself snuggling on your couch or lounging on your bed, so consider which clothing makes sense for these locations. Minimal, simple patterns and solids with texture provide depth in your images while not taking away from our main focus, your tiny newborn! Cream, white, grey, baby blue, soft pink or any other soft, neutral tones work best.
You may also want to consider the size and practicality of any jewelry you put on for your session. Long necklaces can get caught up while holding baby, and large watches can be a distraction when focusing on baby’s tiny features.
For baby, have at least two (we know accidents happen often with newborns) well-fitted onesies available in soft muted tones. Simple is always best. Over-dressing baby can distract the viewer from his/her tiny size (and they are only this little once!).
A newborn's relaxed hands or clutched fists, tiny feet and toes, small nose and peering eyes are all beautiful, natural elements to focus on during the newborn stage, so we don’t want to swallow them up in over-sized or busy clothing or excessive accessories.
One or two soft swaddling blankets with minimal patterns are also nice to wrap and comfort baby during your session.
