In home newborn sessions are the perfect way to capture all of the nuance and details that make up the first few weeks with a new baby. As a mom of twins, I know that these days can be exhausting and stressful. That is why I specialize in natural newborn sessions. These in-home sessions that will capture all of those moments that you will soon forget once the baby has grown into a busy toddler.
Here are a few simple steps to make preparing for your newborn session easy breezy! Your life is stressful enough with a new baby without adding a clean house to the list. These six key steps are what you need to remember when you are planning your own newborn session.
1. Your Home
Your custom newborn session is done in the comfort of your own home. My style is lifestyle which means that I will come into your home and beautifully capture this fleeting time in your life. I normally shoot in 2-3 areas of your home that have “good” light. When I arrive, I will walk around your home and scout out the best lit areas for family and sibling shots. I often use the couch, master bed and nursery for photos. Please don’t feel like you have to clean the house before I arrive. We can easily clean up an area that we need to use for photos.
2. Your Baby
Your newborn is perfect jus the way he or she is. I don’t try and make babies sleep or place them in unnatural poses. I suggest you have your newborn in a simple onesie that is form fitting with no graphics or words. This usually means that you will need a premie or newborn sized onesie. I will likely take it off and get some nude or near nude newborn photos as well. Also, please gather a few favorite swaddle blankets for your baby to be wrapped in. I recommend feeding the baby as much as he or she wants about 15 minutes prior to my arrival. Newborn sessions can take some time and that is ok. Your baby is perfect as he or she is. I do not have any expectation on how the baby should behave (alert or asleep). We will let the baby guide the session. What is important is that we capture this beautiful time in your life.
3. Siblings
4. Again, I know exactly what it is like to have a new baby. I know that this is a big change for the entire house including the older children. I usually try and get sibling and family photos first because the sibling may loose interest in me quickly. I have no major expectations for the siblings and will not force them into doing something they they are not comfortable with. It is best to prepare the sibling for the session by telling them that a friend is coming to visit and will take some photos of your family. It is always best not to surprise them.
5. Mom and Dad
You are going to be thrilled and exhausted. You will likely be experiencing some of the highest highs and perhaps some of the lowest lows. My job is not to make this time in your life look perfect, my job is to show you just how beautiful it is. I want you to be relaxed and at ease when I am photographing your family. You don’t need to be anything but yourself.
6. Wardrobe
I recommend natural colors and comfort. Please visit my Pintrest boards for ideas on what to wear. What is most important is that you are comfortable. I am happy to discuss wardrobe with you further if you would like. Just let me know.
I hope that these tips help you inn planning your own newborn session. I am also available for maternity and Fresh 48 sessions which are available at a discounted rate for newborn session clients.
SENIOR | FAMILY | NEWBORN | SCHOOLS
Shelly Niehaus Photography is a Prosper, TX based senior and family photographer. I specialize in newborns, seniors, family, and school portrait photography in the Dallas Fort Worth area. I also offer adoption photography for local families through the Red Thread Organization and volunteer for The Gold Hope Project. For more information please contact me so we can start discussing your session.
