Preparing for Your newborn Photos

Thank you so much for trusting me with such special photos. I work hard to make sure your baby is safe, and the whole family has a stress free experience. Use the tabs below to help you prepare for your session. But the important things to know (even if you don’t read anything else- read this!) : 

Relax — Everything Is Taken Care Of

 

Feel free to send me inspo pictures. We will work together to use the elements that you like and weave them into your simple, timeless session. You can also call or text me with any questions or ideas any time!

419-966-4520

Please contact me ASAP after baby is born to book your official newborn session. 
 
*you will get an email with a questionnaire after you book your OFFICIAL newborn session date. 
 
 

Day Before Session Check list

I suggest having your bag packed the night before photos to help keep picture day as simple as possible!

Things I have stocked for you, but you might want your own:

Suggested Day-Of Session Schedule

 

2–3 hours before your session:

  • Feed baby a full feeding

  • Allow baby to stay awake afterward if possible

1 hour before your session:

  • Try to keep baby awake so they’re ready for a deep sleep during the session

  • This can include gentle interaction, diaper changes, or normal activity

I know this can be difficult, and it’s not always possible — please don’t stress. Babies are unpredictable, and we will follow their lead.

When you arrive:

  • Change baby’s diaper

  • Feed baby a full feeding

This helps baby feel relaxed, comfortable, and sleepy right at the start of the session.

Sessions are fully baby-led, so we will always allow time for feeding, soothing, and breaks as needed.

What to Expect During Your Session

Your newborn session is calm, flexible, and fully guided. Each step is designed around your baby’s comfort, with time for feeding, soothing, and breaks as needed.

A typical session flow includes:

  • Arrive and settle in

  • Change baby and feed them so they are full and relaxed

  • Gently wrap baby to help them feel secure and comfortable

  • Family and sibling photos while baby is calm and wrapped

  • Parent photos together, as well as individual moments with baby

  • Baby photographed alone while wrapped, focusing on simple, peaceful portraits

  • Wrap is removed for more natural, lifestyle-inspired photos with parents and family

  • Gentle, lightly posed baby images without the wrap (as baby allows)

  • Detail shots capturing tiny features like fingers, toes, lips, and eyelashes


What If Baby Is Fussy?

Completely normal.

Your session is designed to allow for:

  • Feeding breaks

  • Re-wrapping for comfort

  • Snuggling and soothing

  • Extra time as needed

Some babies sleep deeply.
Some babies need more support and time.

Both are completely okay.

The timeline is always adjustable based on your baby and siblings. There is no pressure for baby to “perform.” Every session is fully baby-led, with comfort and safety guiding each step.

If your baby is having an unusually difficult day and you’re feeling overwhelmed, we can absolutely reschedule. Your experience should feel calm and positive, and we will always prioritize your baby’s needs and your peace of mind.

What to bring for baby

 

The only thing baby truly needs is plenty of food.

Babies often eat more than usual on photo day, and that’s completely normal. Full bellies help babies relax and drift into a deeper sleep, allowing us to capture those peaceful, timeless images.

Other helpful items (but I have some stocked!)

Diapers

Wipes

Vaseline for circumcision wounds

Pacifier

Special Items/Personal Details

This is totally optional.

Some families like to add special items that show off their favorite things, loved ones, or important moments in their life.

Some popular ideas are:

Special clothes
Special teddy bear/stuffy
Wedding Veil
Sports Jersey
Hunting equipment/deer antlers
Special blankets/name blankets

Check out this blog post for ideas! 

What To Wear

-Choose simple clothing that feels comfortable and truly feels like you. Neutral tones photograph beautifully and help keep the focus on connection.

-Choose simple, light colors- whites, creams, tans and light browns are all timeless and photograph well. 

-Add layers. A simple cardigan or textured sweater is always a beautiful choice. 

**It is WARM in the studio- dads should be able to take off any sweaters after photos! 

-Keep jewelry simple and minimal. 

AVOID: 

Bright and dark colors
Large Logos and Designs
Busy/Distracting Patterns 

 Or let me provide simple white shirts for the whole family! 

Older Sibling Tips

Siblings do not need to be on their best behavior—wiggles, giggles, and curiosity are all part of their story. Everything is cleaned after each session.

YOUR job is to look at your kids like everything they do is the cutest thing in the world! 

A few things that help the session run smoothly:

  • Feed older siblings before the session
  • Bring lots of snacks, water, and a favorite drink 
  • Pack a few favorite toys or comfort items
  • Choose outfits that fit well and are comfortable
  • EXTRA TIP! Have 2 outfits that you approve of. Let your child choose their favorite, and bring the other option as a back-up.

 

We typically begin with family and sibling photos first, while attention spans are fresh. If needed, we can always revisit sibling photos later in the session if that works better for both baby and siblings.

 

I do have snacks, water, and coloring pages available, but familiar favorites from home are always helpful.

After Your Session

If you chose the Classic or Essential session, your gallery will include 30 or 15 digital images. You have two options: 

1. You choose your favorites: I will narrow down the gallery to the technically beautiful photos and let you choose your favorites. I will edit your favorites and return the final gallery within 2 weeks of you returning your favorites. 

2. I choose my favorites: Your gallery will be delivered within 2 weeks of your session. 

 

You will receive a full print release, which means you are welcome to print your photos wherever you choose. However, when you order directly through your gallery, I can personally guarantee the quality, color, and longevity of your images.

If you’d like guidance, I am always happy to help you select and order your prints during a complimentary ordering appointment, so your photos can be enjoyed in your home exactly as they were meant to be.