Welcome, I am so excited to begin planning your newborn session

If you have already welcomed your little one into the world, congratulations! And if you are patiently (or impatiently) awaiting your baby’s arrival, I am so excited to be a part of creating and documenting authentic memories of this amazing moment of your life! Not only will these memories be special keepsakes for you to treasure, but someday when your little one grows up, you will have these precious photographs for them to look back on as well.

I have created this planning guide to help prepare you for our session. I hope this answers a lot of questions for you, but in case I missed something, please don’t hesitate to call, email, or text me anytime. I can’t wait to begin this journey into documenting your most special moments with your little one!

"From initial outreach Stephanie was detailed, efficient, organized, and radiated this warm and welcoming nature that immediately put me at ease. She was so easy to get in contact with and was always there with advice or suggestions. When we saw the finished product, we were in awe of her skill. They are better than we could have dreamed. We are so grateful for the photos and memories she captured."
K.P.

What To Expect for your Newborn Session

Whether in the hospital or in your home, the focus of these sessions is the same- the connection you share and bond you are building with your new baby. The first few days and weeks are truly indescribable, filled with emotion, wonder, and pure visceral love. So what can you expect from our time together? I always capture formal posed photographs, but you can also expect lots of beautiful and delicate details, incorporating keepsakes, capturing authentic candid moments, and timeless newborn portraits. While I go into every session with the same goal, each gallery becomes so beautifully unique to every family. No two galleries look the same. Your photographs will serve as a customized and treasured keepsake from a very memorable moment in time. I take direction specific to each family to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Some things to keep in mind

All sessions will take place mid-day (due to the best conditions for natural light), between 11am-1pm.
I ask that only immediate family members are present and in the room for the session. If you would like grandparents or other members photographed, please let me know.
I will send you my questionnaire before our session, in which we will review any specific requests you may have.
Please have on hand any sentimental keepsakes that you would like to have photographed.
Remember to embrace the moment! Babies can be fussy, overly sleepy, or may never want to leave their mamas arms. Whatever happens during our session is beautiful and unique to only your family. It is a representation of an amazing moment, that you will never get back. Honest connections and candid moments create real and specific memories. So, I ask you to embrace the unpredictable, relax, and we will have fun!
Prior to our session, I would ask that your hospital space or the home spaces that will be used for photographs are free from clutter to create the best ambiance for our photographs. I will also help to rearrange when I arrive.
My main goal is to capture connections made between family members, with your newborn being the center of it all. I may also guide you to certain activities such as reading, interacting, snuggling, etc. to keep the session moving along, yet also remaining natural.

Styling Considerations

Before our session, I will be sending you a link to access Style and Select- your personal styling tool. This service is easy and fun! All done from the comfort of your home, you will fill out a short questionnaire, and from there a list of stylist approved pieces will be given to you. Links for purchase are also provided.

Some other helpful info to keep in mind:

When in doubt, simple is best! Solids and neutrals always work- grays, browns, taupes, creams, and blues. Best to stay away from busy patterns, graphics, and logos- think timeless.
Mamas- Be sure you are comfortable! Loose clothing, flowing tops, layers and texture always works. Be mindful of your colors, and how they coordinate to Dad, siblings, and any swaddles you will have for the baby. Try to keep everyone complementing each other, without clashing patterns or colors.
If you have a special outfit for your little one, please have on hand. Once again, I recommend to think timeless here. Think about looking at these photos 5-10-15 years from now. I would recommend to avoid logos and graphics, and know that simple for newborns always works. If you don’t have any specific clothes for your little one, not to worry! Clothing for your baby is truly not needed as I will be focusing on all the details of your little one in these photographs. A diaper and swaddle can work perfectly.
For siblings – I would recommend no prints, logos or busy patterns. Simple, classic, and timeless always works!

INFORMATION

When do I get the photos?

You will get a sneak peek within 1 week of our shoot, with final galleries delivered in 2-3 weeks. You will receive your high resolution, professionally edited images via a downloadable online gallery.

After your Session: Printing

If you would like to purchase prints or canvas, you will be able to do so directly from your gallery! It is super easy and very convenient. If you would like to order a keepsake baby album with your images, you can contact me directly after receiving your gallery. I create the album just for you, from images that you select. It is a beautiful way to remember the first days and weeks with your little one! I use a high quality professional lab for all of my printing products, in which I guarantee color accuracy and calibration, and heirloom quality photographic materials. If you would like a preview of what I offer, including my keepsake baby albums, click here for access to all of the info you need for printing.