Natural Newborn Photos

• Also known as baby-led, simplistic, family-centered, unposed, or lifestyle newborn photography
• Most often takes place in the home, but can also take place in a studio setting.
• No props → occasionally special items (such as a baby blanket knitted by Grandma, for example) are incorporated at the family’s request, but wrapping, swaddling, and other elements are typically integrated into the newborn photos in a more natural way versus super posed.

WHERE YOUR SESSION MAY TAKE PLACE

Your Home → Here are some reasons you might consider an in-home newborn session:

• If it’s important to you to document your early memories with your newborn in your own home for sentimental reasons. Capturing the nursery and the details there as well.
• If you like the convenience of staying at home where everything is comfortable and familiar and right at hand
• If you prefer keeping your baby at home during the early weeks after birth to limit exposure to germs
• Artificial light may be used to achieve a natural light look in your home in case of bad lighting or overcast weather.

• A Studio → Here are some reasons you might consider a studio newborn session:
• If you like the convenience of going to a studio so you don’t feel like you need to tidy up your home for photos
• If you’re worried that your home may not have great light and it’s important to you to have the best, consistent lighting possible for your photos
• Artificial light may be used to achieve a natural light look in your home in case of bad lighting or overcast weather.

BEST AGE FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS

• Natural Newborn Photos are very flexible when it comes to the age of the baby because the baby doesn’t need to be in a deep sleep to pose them for photos.
• 1-2 weeks old – If it’s important to you to capture your baby when she’s the tiniest she’ll ever be, then this is the perfect time to schedule your newborn session. You typically get more photos of the baby sleeping in those first two weeks after birth, so we’ll want to schedule your newborn session soon after the baby is born if you’re hoping to capture your baby in that tiniest sleepy newborn stage.
• 3-4 weeks old – If you have your heart set on a mix of sleepy and bright-eyed, expressive newborn portraits, I recommend scheduling your newborn session for around 3-4 weeks old. I absolutely love all the variety and sweet expressions we capture at this age.
• 5-8 weeks old – This is right around the time when babies start smiling and interacting with their parents, and I guarantee your heart will melt when you see your baby smiling at you in your image gallery.

Full Family Newborn Photos

My recipe for full family newborn photos is pretty simple: snuggle, snuggle, snuggle! With young siblings, I try to keep things moving and just have fun tickling & kissing the baby. I usually start with young siblings in mom’s lap while dad holds the baby, and then we swap laps for a second sequence. I never go into my newborn sessions expecting young kids to sit and pose nicely for the camera–that’s just not real life in my experience, and those shots are never my favorite anyway.

Detail Newborn Photos

They will never be this tiny again, and I love capturing sweet detail shots of your baby’s tiny hands, toes, pouty lips, hair, and eyelashes to fully bear witness to these early newborn days.

SELECTING OUTFITS FOR THE BABY

I generally recommend and plan for two outfits during my newborn sessions. We will typically do 1-2 outfits, some swaddled, and some in diapers/nude if preferred.

• Neutrals are best
• A light-colored wardrobe is typically best suited to my editing style → white, ivory, light gray, pastel colors
• Outfits for the family
• Stay with a light-colored wardrobe as well. Doesn't have to be super matching, but complement each other. At home casual sessions may also look good in jeans and light colored tops or sweaters. Use textures, knits, and try to stay away from busy patterns and thin stripes.

where to shop

For Newborns → H&M, Zara, Carter’s (especially their Little Planet line) ~ Great for newborn & preemie size linen, cotton gauze, & knits

For Moms → Baltic Born, Joyfolie ~ Great for flowy maxi dresses

Zara, H&M, Banana Republic, Old Navy ~ Great for knit sweaters and sweater dresses

For Dads & Older Boys → J.Crew, Gap, Old Navy ~ Great for classic and stylish pants, henleys, and sweaters for men and boys

For Little Boys → Carters, H&M, Zara, Old Navy, Gap, Target ~ Great for rompers, jumpsuits, and overalls

For Older Girls → Joyfolie, Target  ~ Great for flowy dresses

For Little Girls → H&M, Zara, Old Navy, Gap, Target ~ Great for rompers, dresses, and knit onesies