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The last thing you're going want to do after having a baby is clean your home. I feel ya! You'll roll your eyes at me if I tell you "don't worry, it doesn't have to be perfect," so I'll skip that ;) I don't want this to feel intimidating, so I'll keep it simple: We're only going to shoot in the rooms that you want to.
Here's my priority for the look and feel of your photos:
1) Where you hang out the most
2) Where you'll be taking care of baby the most
3) The places you have the most light
In most cases, this ends up being the living room, the nursery, and your bedroom, but it doesn't have to be. I've done photos in a sunroom, on a back porch, and even the kitchen. Remember that these are YOUR photos and more importantly, YOUR MEMORIES. We will shoot where you feel most comfortable, so if your dining room table is covered in TV remotes, phone chargers and unfolded laundry that you don't want in your living room photos, then that is all good with me. (I have kids, I know how this goes. I also would want my house to look cute in photos, so I feel ya.)
The only thing you REALLY need to do is de-clutter the spaces you want to shoot in. You don't need to vacuum or wash your baseboards. That won't show in photos, and if something does, I'll catch it while I'm shooting.
Scroll through the tip box below, and as always, let me know all of your questions/comments/concerns.
Everything you need to know
for your in- home session
I'm an all natural light shooter, because I value the feel of it. It contributes greatly to my style: for your photos to look just like your memories.
So you may be thinking, cool, we're shooting inside, so it's fine if it's raining. Yes and no. If it's raining, that means it's overcast which means it's kinda dark out which means that by the time we put walls and windows around us to filter, we're drastically decreasing our light. I know re-scheduling is a hassle, but I want you to get the BEST photos possible with this experience (you're also investing a lot into them) so I may reach out before the day comes if the forecast is looking gloom and doom to check if you'd like to reschedule. You're not obligated to, I'll shoot whenever you want me to, but I feel it's my job to be upfront about light quality.
light quality
what to wear
next
You're always hearing you photographers shout about neutrals, and here's why: light reflection.
Especially when we're working with natural light, color reflection is a biggie in the overall look of your photos. If you're wearing red, that light streaming through the window is bouncing a red color cast on your face and anyone standing next to you.
Now "neutral" doesn't always mean gray, beige and black. There are neutral versions of every color. (for example: sky blue, sage green, etc.) Your outfits don't have to be void of personality either. If you do a pattern, think a smaller, simple design. Large patterns pull the focus straight to it instead of on what you're doing. Light colors work the best for inside photos.
For baby: I recommend 1-3 outfits. The more we change them, the more likely they are to get a little cranky since we are already moving them around a bit for these photos. As cute as little 3 piece suits and mini frilly dresses are, steer away from them as they tend to get a little bunchy around a newborn body and we'll be fidgeting with it more than taking photos. Simple swaddles, pj sets, and onesies work best to keep the focus on their features and details.
what to wear
day of prep
next
Enjoying anything means not having anything to worry about. I want you to be present in this as an experience and not just a newborn to-do list item. Here's a couple day of tips:
1) Feed baby about 15-20 minutes before we're set to start. It'll allow them to digest a bit before we're moving around. If you're still feeding when I get there, no worries! I'll take a look around and start documenting the nursery. I'd LOVE for baby to be awake for most of these so we can get all the deets, but that isn't always controllable and totally fine if they're snoozin' through it.
2) If we're working with siblings, invite grandma or a friend to help occupy and ease your mind when we aren't focused on the family shots. This isn't a must, but it might help you feel more relaxed to have a bit of help.
3) Have baby's outfits out and ready, and any other special items you'd like to incorporate.
4) Don't be afraid to let me know if you need a break. This is entirely normal during these sessions to feed baby/pump/get a drink/let the dog out/etc.