If you’ve officially booked your newborn session with me — YAY! I truly cannot wait to meet you and your sweet new baby. Those first few weeks can feel like such a beautiful blur, and my goal is for your session to feel calm, comfortable and completely taken care of. There is quite a bit of information below, but I promise it is here to help your session go as smoothly as possible.
Please take a few minutes to read through this guide before your session day so you know exactly what to expect.
XO,
Jennifer
Preparing for Your Newborn Session
Your baby’s comfort and safety will always come before a photograph. I have spent years photographing newborns and have completed newborn safety education covering safe posing, wrapping, positioning, airflow, circulation and recognizing signs that a baby needs a break. Every baby is different. Some babies love being curled into certain poses while others simply don’t — and that is completely okay. I will never force your baby into a position they are uncomfortable with or continue photographing if they are showing signs that they need to stop. We will work at your baby’s pace throughout the entire session. If your baby has recently been discharged from the NICU or has any medical considerations I should be aware of, please contact me before your session so we can make the safest plan possible. Depending on the circumstances, I may recommend receiving clearance from your pediatrician before proceeding with posed newborn photography.
Your Baby Leads the Session
Because babies arrive on their own timeline, newborn sessions are scheduled a little differently than my other sessions. When you book, we will reserve a tentative session date based around your expected due date. Once baby arrives, please reach out as soon as you are able so we can confirm or adjust your session date.
For posed, unwrapped newborn portraits, I recommend photographing baby between 5–14 days old.
Wrapped newborn sessions can typically be photographed up to approximately 5 weeks old.
If baby arrives early, later than expected, or spends time in the NICU, please don’t worry. We will work together to determine the best timing for your session. Newborn sessions are typically photographed on weekday mornings, and weekend availability is rare and not guaranteed.
Scheduling Your Newborn Session
starting at $550
✦ You can include parents and or siblings in your session with your newborn. This includes your immediate family only and does not include extended family such as grandparents.
family
starting at $550
✦ Unwrapped newborn portraits include the classic posed newborn images you see throughout my portfolio — tiny toes, baby rolls, curled-up poses and bare baby portraits.
unwrapped
starting at $425
✦ Wrapped newborn portraits keep baby comfortably swaddled throughout their individual portion of the session.
wrapped
Wrapped, Unwrapped, Parents, Siblings
What do I want!?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Jenn
- My newborn style is intentionally simple and timeless, so I do not photograph newborns in traditional outfits, onesies, shoes or crochet costumes.
- Everything needed to style your newborn is provided in my studio.
- You will complete a newborn questionnaire before your session so I can learn more about the colors, tones and overall look you love.
- I will use your preferences to create a session that feels cohesive while still staying true to the timeless style you see throughout my portfolio.
- My studio includes a curated collection of wraps, blankets, backdrops, headbands, bonnets, baskets and other newborn props.
- If you have something sentimental you would love incorporated — such as Dad’s boots, a baseball glove, military item or family heirloom — you are welcome to bring one meaningful item and I will do my best to incorporate it safely.
- Parent + Sibling Portraits
- Family images are one of my favorite parts of a newborn gallery.
- For the most timeless look, I recommend wearing soft, solid, neutral colors such as cream, ivory, beige, taupe, muted earth tones or other soft shades.
- Avoid wearing large logos, any type of lettering, very busy patterns and neon or extremely bright colors
- Newborn family portraits are photographed closely and intentionally, focusing on your connection with baby rather than full-body posing.Sibling images will always be created with safety in mind. Depending on the sibling’s age, your newborn may be photographed beside them while lying down rather than being held.
- For younger siblings, bringing a small favorite snack or reward can be incredibly helpful.
- Parent and sibling portraits are typically photographed at the beginning of your session.
- Once we have completed the family portion, I strongly recommend having Dad, a grandparent or another trusted adult take younger siblings home or somewhere nearby while we finish baby’s individual portraits.
- Newborn sessions require a quiet, peaceful environment and can last several hours depending on your package and your baby’s needs.
- Children under five should not remain in the studio for the entire newborn session unless we have discussed another plan beforehand.
- If you do not have someone available to help with siblings, please reach out before your session and we will figure out the best plan together.
- For everyone’s safety, children must remain supervised and may not climb on or play with studio lighting, cameras, posing equipment or props — especially while I am handling your newborn.
- The Morning of Your Session
- A sleepy, full baby usually makes for the smoothest newborn session.
- If possible, try to give baby a little extra awake time the morning of your appointment. You do not need to keep them awake for hours or make them overtired — simply allowing some natural awake time before you leave can help encourage a nice, deep sleep once we begin.
- A warm bath before your session can also be wonderful. It helps relax baby and gives you an opportunity to gently clean around their eyes, nose, fingers and toes.
- Dry skin, peeling, newborn redness and baby acne are incredibly normal. Please do not pick or scrub at flaky skin before your session — I can take care of many of those temporary newborn skin concerns during the editing process.
- Feeding Baby
- Please plan to feed baby shortly before your session or once you arrive, depending on baby’s schedule.
- Please don’t worry if we need to stop again, we are on your baby's schedule!
- Newborn sessions include plenty of time for feeding, diaper changes, burping, soothing and snuggles. There is absolutely no expectation for your baby to sleep perfectly from beginning to end.
- If you are breastfeeding, you are always welcome to nurse comfortably in my studio. Feel free to bring your pump if you need it.
- If baby is bottle-fed, I have a bottle warmer available for you. Please bring enough breast milk or formula for your session, plus a little extra just in case.
You truly do not need to bring much! I provide nearly everything we need for photographing baby.
I recommend packing:
• Plenty of milk or formula
• Diapers + wipes
• Burp cloth
• A simple pacifier
• An extra outfit for baby
• An extra shirt for Mom and/or Dad — just in case
• Anything you personally need for feeding or pumping
• Your one sentimental prop, if applicable
• Even if your newborn does not regularly use a pacifier, I strongly recommend bringing one without a large stuffed animal or clip attached. It can occasionally be extremely helpful for soothing baby briefly between poses.
• While I Photograph Baby
- Once we begin baby’s individual portraits, this is your opportunity to relax.
- Newborn posing requires patience, very small adjustments and lots of soothing. I generally handle posing and settling baby myself so we can maintain a calm rhythm throughout the session.
- You are welcome to sit back, have some coffee, scroll your phone, read or simply watch.
- There may be certain poses where I ask Mom or Dad to sit beside me as an additional safety spotter, and of course I will hand baby back to you anytime they need to eat, nurse or simply need their parent.
• How Long Will We Be There?
- Depending on your chosen session, newborn sessions can range from approximately one to several hours.
- Some babies sleep almost the entire time, some want three snack breaks, some decide that being a professional newborn model simply isn't on their agenda that morning! All of these things are normal. We will never rush your baby simply because the clock is ticking.
- Feel free to bring a comfortable change of clothes, snacks, a book, your tablet or anything else that helps you relax while I work. Water, coffee and light snacks are also available in the studio.
- If baby is having an especially difficult day and we are unable to safely complete the majority of the session within a reasonable amount of time, we can discuss whether finishing the session on another day would be best.
•Arriving on Time
- Getting anywhere on time with a brand-new baby deserves an award, so I completely understand that newborn mornings require a little extra planning.
- However, because newborn sessions are intentionally reserved for specific windows in my schedule, arriving on time is very important.
- A few things that make the morning easier:
• Lay out everyone’s clothing ahead of time.
• Check your drive time to the studio before session day.
• Give yourself extra time for feeding, diaper changes and unexpected newborn surprises.
• Ask any last-minute questions before the morning of your session whenever possible.
If you believe you are going to be late, please contact me as soon as possible.
One Last Thing…
• Please do not stress about whether your baby will “cooperate.” They do not need to.
Your newborn doesn’t know we scheduled a photoshoot — and I completely expect them to need food, cuddles, diaper changes and breaks.
You simply bring me your baby.
I’ll take care of the rest.
I cannot wait to photograph this tiny chapter of your family’s story. 🤍
Important Session Information you need to know:
Send me an email with your name, your due date or baby's current age and what you are hoping to capture with me. Do not be afraid to ask tons of questions, it's what I am here for!
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I think i'm ready, let's talk!
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