Congratulations! Whether this baby is your first, third or fifth, this is no doubt an exciting time for you and your family. Truthfully, newborn sessions are my favorite! There is nothing like their sweet scent and flaky, new skin. Newborn photography requires a large amont of planning and an insane amount of patience. You’ll be happy to know I’ve got you covered!
I truly love everything about motherhood and newborns. Rest easy knowing that I’m going to treat your baby like my own. I give my all to these sessions and I cannot thank you enough for trusting your newest family member with me.
See you soon!
Ashleigh
Planning For Your Session
Style
I like to keep colors neutral and textures simple. I want to create images you’ll love today, but will also love twenty years from now. Because of that, you’ll see a lot of simple setups. I tend to shy away from crocheted outfits and oversized headbands. Simple and timeless is always my first choice. I have a closet full of wraps, blankets, bonnets and headbands. Before we start your session, we will pick the items you’d like to incorporate.
What parents & siblings should wear
If we are going to photograph parents and/or siblings, I recommend wearing light colors. Whites, grays and pale colors are my personal favorite. Keep clothes easy - cotton and linens. Siblings look great in jeans or dresses. You are more than welcome to bring a few options so I can help you decide. You do not need to bring anything for baby to wear (unless you'd like to include some simple white onesie images).
Moms - if you normally wear makeup, I'd recommend applying it a tad thicker than normal. Also, don't forget a light lipstick or chapstick. Since we are going to be outdoors, make sure you are able to nurse in your outfit.
Start with one person. Mom, start with you and choose something you are confident in. Once you have one outfit set, start adding in other family members. It makes the process a little less overwhelming.
Coordinate. As you start to think about outfits, think about a color palette. For example: light blue, grey and blush. Each person/outfit will bring together a feeling of coordination. If you want light and airy pictures, stick to whites and pastels. If you are wanting bright and dramatic pictures, choose a vivid color scheme like navy and mustard yellow. Personally, I think you can never go wrong with pastels. Please do not wear extremely saturated colors (like hot pink, red, and orange) as they tend to throw a color cast on your skin.
Head to toe. Don't forget about everyone’s shoes! You don’t need to purchase everyone new shoes, but keep in mind that shoes will be part of the pictures… unless we are at the beach and then we can kick them off!
Things I LOVE:
Clothes your are comfortable in.
I love maxi dresses. They provide coverage while also looking beautiful while flowing in the wind.
For winter sessions, jeans and a cozy sweater looks great.
Shirts designed to be worn un-tucked. Less to fuss with during the session. I love more relaxed looking clothing.
What you Should bring:
If you are formula feeding, bring extra formula. If you are nursing, come prepared to possibly cluster feed.
If your baby takes a paci (or if they don’t, but you’re not opposed to one), please bring one.
You can bring one special item from home to include in your session. I recommend a personal blanket.
A change of clothes for mom and/or dad in the event of an accident.
The Day Of Your Session
Before we start
As a mom of two little ones myself, I know how difficult is can be to get out the door, especially with a newborn. Give yourself extra time. Babies love to suddenly become starving or need to clear their systems right as you are walking out of the door. Also make sure you allow time for traffic and parking. Sessions are planned around light so it’s important we start on time without too much stress.
Ideally, your baby is fed, changed and sleepy to start the session.
I am a firm believer that sleep promotes sleep. Do not feel the need to keep your baby awake or stimulated before the session. If you live close by, I recommend feeding the baby right before you leave. If not, you may feed as soon as you arrive (early) to the session.
Please dress your baby in a zipper or button sleeper. Pulling clothes over baby’s head could cause them to wake up and/or become fussy.
Family & siblingS
If we are including other family members, we will start with those images. There is usually more work, bribing and patience that goes into creating these sweet sibling images. Trust me, we will get it!
how sessions work
While I have a plan for the session, your newborn will set the pace. Sometimes we spend a majority of the session feeding and soothing while other babies come in ready to go. Every baby is different so we will work with their needs. I typically start with family and then end with just baby. Let me know your most important pictures and get as much variety as time permits.
Because we are trying to limit the number of times we move baby, I will take the lead soothing your baby.
Messes are totally fine and completely normal.
After Your Session
Post processing
In keeping with my natural style, I only make minor changes during post processing. I will clean up blotchy skin and baby acne. I will also clean up distracting flaky skin, but I think that is what makes a newborn a newborn so I do keep most of it on hands/feet. If your child has an angel kiss/stork bite or Mongolian spots, let me know if you’d like me to lighten them during post processing.
Your gallery
I’ll go through and touch up the best images from your session.
Classic Session: Within two weeks of your session, you’ll receive an online gallery via email to download. A print release is also included in your gallery.
Mini Session: Within two weeks of your session, you’ll receive an online proof gallery to select your images. A print release is also included in your final gallery.
I hope this packet leaves you informed and excited about your newborn session! If you have any questions, feel free to send them my way. I want this to be a relaxing experience for you so all you need to do is show up and I’ll handle the rest!
I’m so excited to meet your newest family member!
Ashleigh Lauber
