Welcome

Thank you first and foremost for choosing me to be the very important person who gets to document the first moments of your precious ones life. This is more than a job for me and I take it very seriously. My hope is one day these images will be passed down and looked at with such sweet nostalgia. My only goal from these (besides amazing images of course) is to help you and your family create beautiful memories with your newest little sweetheart.

Pre-Session Planning

Step 1: Fill out your questionnaire. Your questionnaire I send goes over our session location, expectations, and other important information that will help us both plan together. If you are wanting a studio - here is a list of ones I recommend. Please let me know asap so I can check our dates & times with these. We also have the option of an outdoor session based on the weather.

Step 2: Book hair & makeup for our date if needed. I work with a team that offers discounted pricing for their services. Visit here to schedule an appointment. I suggest doing hair & makeup at least 4 hours prior. This step isn't required, but definitely can elevate how you look and feel about yourself on this once in a lifetime session.

Step 3: Select outfits! Below I have more information on how to dress for your session. Here I have a list of dresses you're more than welcome to use. I am always happy to help plan outfits with you too!

Step 4: If you have any other information or ideas you want to share about your session please please email me! I love to hear what YOU want. If you need special accommodations (such as you will have surgery, baby has special needs, etc, please let me know in advance).

I will send out a confirmation email about a week prior to our session. This gives the actual time, location, etc.

TO DO LIST VERY IMPORTANT

Pick 2-3 Rooms: Pick which rooms you'd like to take pictures in. This is such an important part to do before I arrive and will save us a lot of time. The best rooms are the ones with a lot of natural window light. Usually I find myself in the master bedroom, the living room, kitchen, nursery, or playroom. This will be totally dependent on you. These are lifestyle sessions so any room can essentially work.
Declutter those Rooms: Make the rooms look how you would if you were going to sell your home. All the unnecessary items can go behind me in the images. I promise I am not judging you based on how clean your house is (remember I have 3 small kids of my own). A majority of the images you see of mine have a million things we move behind me. It is a lot easier to do this beforehand and will also save us a lot of time. Your home doesn't have to be decorated in a fancy way. If you notice in my images you hardly even see items in the pictures with newborns anyways so don't stress over this 🙂
Open the Blinds: Open all of the blinds in those rooms. If it's a nice day outside you can even open the windows. Pull blinds up and take off window covers. Move larger furniture to the side that may be blocking windows. Please wipe your window seals too (I forget to do this all the time too haha).
Be Ready when I Arrive: I only add this if you have small children taking images also. I totally understand life with a newborn can be frantic at times, but being ready when I arrive will allow us to easily get those family pictures first before it's nap or lunch time for the other children. This can also mean feeding baby beforehand or eating breakfast yourself. The order I typically go is finishing any pictures with other children, then parents together, mom by herself, partner by themselves, and baby last. Feel free to let me know if you need me to get you coffee on the way too!

FOR BABY

Trim Nails: This is important to do a few days before the session as it helps prevent any serious scratches to baby. If they have some, don't worry!
Raise House Temperature: This is important for the moments when your baby is not swaddled. Newborns can have a hard time regulating their body temperature. It's best to raise your home temperature a few degrees or use a portable heater if you have one. A reasonable temperature is between 72-74 degrees.
Have a Solid Color Onesie: This is good for images without the swaddle. I suggest something such as a white, beige, tan, pale pink/blue/green, anything neutral and not distracting.
Try to Feed Before I Arrive: Of course this isn't always possible, but it helps start session with a full and happy baby. Do not stress if you need to stop and feed your baby any time during the session too as I highly recommend doing so! If you want breastfeeding pictures we can also do them during this time.
***Apply moisturizer for a few days before session:*** Newborns skin is usually very dry and is completely normal. Photoshop can help with most issues, but I do recommend using a hypoallergenic lotion or oil for your baby just to clear some of the newborn acne, redness, and patchiness. Here is a list of great natural lotions free of chemicals: https://www.blissfulmiss.com/natural-baby-lotion-ewg-safe

What to Wear

I am an avid lover of all things boho related. Anything flowing that creates movement is appreciated. Of course after having a baby though, all of our top priorities is for you to feel comfortable. Some maternity pants & a loose shirt also works for me. I *highly* suggest having a backup in case of a diaper explosion or spit up. I'll add below some of my favorite kinds of outfits and what not to wear, but please reach out to me if you find some outfits you want opinions on.

What not to wear:

Matching colors / patterns - why? - You will blend together in photos. This is especially important with your babys outfit. Two black shirts in an image becomes one giant black shirt. If you want to wear similar colors, considering wearing something like a dark gray dress against a light gray shirt for your baby. I think neutral and earthy colors will look best overall.
Neon Colors - why? - It will be distraction in the images and take away from the image overall.
Stripes / dots - why? - It creates a moire effect and could affect prints.
Short dresses / dresses with no diaper cover - why? - A lot of prompts will have you laying or sitting down, maybe jumping for kids.