Newborn Experience Guide

Use these tips while shopping...
Say YES to the dress! Long, flowy skirts and dresses look most stunning because they really flatter every female body - especially on camera.

Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. I love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.   

Play around with fabric textures, they can add a lot of delicate detail to your photos!

Be careful when choosing patterns.  Subtle patterns photograph nicely and add visual interest, whereas bold patterns can be distracting.

Accessories...
Keep it simple. Large jewelry pieces will distract from where we want the focus: on the baby! Wear your wedding band and small earrings only, if desired.

Hair & Makeup...
Professional hair & makeup is typically at the top of my clients' checklists because it looks amazing on camera and takes away much of the stress of getting ready on your own. This is the time to treat yourself! Professional hair and makeup will last longer and give you that extra boost of confidence in front of the camera. Bonus tip: Always say YES to false lashes!

I work with some of the best hair and makeup artists in the area, who would be so thrilled to get you glammed up for your session. They totally get my style and will treat you like the queen you are in the comfort of your own home. If you need a list of referrals just let me know and I'll send you the list.

Manicure...
There will definitely be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!). Have your fingernails, toenails, and cuticles clean and manicured with a pale pink or neutral polish.

Use these tips while shopping...
Soft, neutral colors are the best choice. We want the mood to be calm and relaxing.

A soft t-shirt, henley, or dress shirt with jeans or slacks is ideal. Solid shades of white, light gray, blue, khaki, and soft pink are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye. I also recommend staying away from graphics, logos, and shorts. Simplicity really is the better choice!

Make sure Dad has bare feet or neutral socks. Shoes can stay in the closet for this occasion.

In my experience, every woman--regardless of her shape--has an area of her body that she's self-conscious about, so recognizing that area in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you'll love the way you look in your photos.  

It's absolutely normal to still look somewhat pregnant after delivering a baby. It takes time for your uterus to shrink back to it's pre-pregnancy size! This is why most moms choose to wear loose, flowy dresses versus tight-fitting clothing for their newborn photos. Plus, it's way more comfortable! Off-the-shoulder or long sleeve dresses have a slimming effect on all arms, while strapless, sleeveless, or spaghetti strap dresses have the opposite effect.  

When considering the length of your dress, factor in whether or not you'll have young children with you. If you have little ones, you'll likely be sitting or squatting next to them. Cute, cocktail length dresses are adorable, but make these poses difficult, as do low-cut tops and high leg slits.

Colors...
Clients often consider the colors of the nursery or home decor where they plan to hold the newborn session when selecting outfit color. You'll want your outfit choice to suit the space and blend well on your walls where you plan to display prints. A good tactic is to choose one or two featured colors and use complementary shades to add richness to your aesthetic along with whites, ivory, khaki, or grey to fill in the gaps. 

There’s no such thing as too much white. Don't be afraid of white! Having everyone in varying shades of white, or other very pale colors, will ensure that your images are in line with my bright and airy style. White, ivory, cream, and
champagne complement all skin tones. Yes, even if you don't have a tan! White clothing instantly brightens your images, no matter the decor or how much natural light is in your home!














Mixing it Up...
Skirts, dresses, and rompers...oh, my! If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress, while the other wears a skirt. One of your sons could wear a button-down, while the other one wears a long sleeve t-shirt. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces
will bring a great visual interest to the photos.

Prepping the Little Ones...
Snacks, treats, and lots of smiles Before your session, grab a little bag with snacks, water, and any small, neutral-colored toys that your child loves (just in case the toy ends up in your photos). Those may help to get their attention when it's time for them to look at the camera. I also suggest having your kids avoid screen time the morning of your session.

Have Fun!
Get ready for laughs and snuggles! A lot of families discuss and choose something fun in advance as a treat or reward for a job well done, like an ice cream date or bowling adventure. They're little, and I know things don't always
go as planned.

Give them (and yourself!) lots of grace. I've seen it all and will make sure to deliver some beautiful photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family!