A NEWBORN SESSION WITH AMY
Lifestyle newborn photography is very different from studio/posed newborn photography. It is more relaxed and free flowing with a focus on simplicity, connection and storytelling. This page highlights what the experience is like when you book with me and answers questions about what to wear, how to prepare your home and other session FAQ's.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY SESSION?
I always recommend booking during the second trimester since my schedule tends to fill up anywhere from 4-8 weeks in advance.
HOW OLD SHOULD MY BABY BE FOR THE NEWBORN PHOTOS?
I will photograph your little one during the first 5-14 days. The younger the baby is, the more likely they are to sleep soundly and allow for us to capture the sweet and dreamy state.
WHAT DO WE WEAR? WHAT DOES BABY WEAR?
I always suggest neutral tones, layers, textures, and being comfortable. I love bright, airy, whites, creams, and greys, and simplicity when it comes to newborn photos. You don't want your family to be too matchy-matchy, but you will want to coordinate. For baby, pick a simple and soft long sleeve onesie or sleeper that fits to the body. Swaddling baby in a sweet muslin blanket is always a go to of mine too. Before your session, feel free to send me photos and ideas and I will be happy to give you wardrobe advice.
WHAT TO WEAR: LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSION
SHOWN ABOVE: LOU LOU & COMPANY
SWADDLE BLANKETS: LITTLE UNICORN, ADEN + ANAIS
DELICATE HEADBANDS: NOTES AND KNOTS
TOP KNOT HATS: LOU LOU & COMPANY
HOW DO WE PREPARE OUR HOUSE?
Clean and declutter, but don't stress! I love "lived-in" homes, but the reality is that you don't want anything too distracting in your images. You also don't want sterile. So find the balance that is right for you. I love a messy bed with a snuggly family lost in the sheets! The main spaces I shoot in during a session are the master bedroom, the nursery and the main living area so these are the areas you should focus on when preparing for your session. Again, if you need some guidance you are more than welcome to send me some images of your spaces before your session. Ultimately I will only shoot in the areas with the best natural window light.
If your home lacks natural light, we can discuss doing the session in my small in-home shooting nook, which is decorated with a faux bed and all white linens.
TELL ME ABOUT AN ACTUAL SESSION.
I usually arrive with my camera and a coffee in hand, kick my shoes off and ask for a tour of your home. Here we will chat, go over the details we have discussed, I'll ooh & aah over your sweet new baby, become BFF's with your other kiddos, I'll get familiar with your space, the light and I'll give you a run down of the shot list and my plan for your session. At every newborn session I follow the baby's lead, or if there is a toddler running around, they are boss for the day. I have a loose order in which I shoot, but I keep that completely flexible depending on feed times, cuddle breaks and toddlers being toddlers. I give direction and guidance to a point, such as positioning you in the best light, asking you to look at each other, look at your baby etc but mostly I am just creating a space and opportunities for connections to happen naturally. We usually start in the master bedroom, move to the nursery/kids bedrooms and then to the main living area. Most sessions take around 3 hours.