Every time I get an inquiry or request to book a newborn session two things happen: 1. I get very excited, because I LOVE the babies. There's truly NO other time in life you experience such a extreme shift ... of everything you know or thought you knew. I love to document that and I'm so honored to do so. 2. I stress extremely clear expectations for my style of newborn photography just in case they were reaching out without seeing the work as you see below. I let them know that the session is baby led, in your home and most likely 90% in your arms. I don't do props, backdrops, beanbags, hats, etc. That is not my style but if it yours then I'm super happy to recommend some of my amazing colleagues who will blow your mind. If they're still with me we dive into the details - here's my top 5 favorites that you'd like to know too:

1. Even Though We Are at home, There's Still Guidance on 'Posing.'

Don't worry, I won't just be a fly on your wall, I'll guide you and your baby and family members into the best light and direct you on how to move your bodies, your eyes, and hold the baby for the best possible image. I leave the connection and emotion up to you, that's the easy part. (But be sure to read THIS blog post if you need help getting in the right frame of mind for you shoot).

2. Let Go of House / Nursery Perfection.

I hear this a lot "but we don't have a fancy Pinterest house/nursery." That's totally fine. Don't get me started on how easy it is to go down the road of wanting to hide under a rock and wallow in our FOMO and our self doubt after one scroll through Instagram or Facebook, its a recipe for a piping hot plate of disappointment. I can't stress enough that the location of our newborn shoot is meant to be one to to make you feel safe, comfortable and at home with your new family. I'm there to photograph your CONNECTION - that's why you hired me. So, don't stress over perfection. Does it help ascetically to clean up the clutter, put away anything you don't want showing up in your photos? Totally. I'll be coming into your home and looking for the best LIGHT so make sure you know I could be in any room of your home.

3. Plan on the Session Lasting 1-2 Hours.

Like I mentioned above, in home newborn sessions are BABY led. If baby needs to eat, baby eats. If baby needs a break, we take a break. Usually this means these sessions can last a while. When siblings are involved, we also take their lead. Becoming a big brother or big sister is an amazing time for a little one, but also highly stressful and can need some special attention. I always try to direct equal attention to the older children and usually acknowledge them before I say hello to the new baby.

4. Identify What Is Important.

When I started my first year of college, I was so sure I'd be a journalist. I ended up going a couple different paths, but still consider myself pretty good at reading people and picking up clues. However, I can't read minds, I don't know your whole life story, hearing from you, specifically, about what is important for me to photograph is so key. I know I say I don't do props but let's talk about incorporating things or ideas into your shoot that are meaningful to YOU. Did your late grandma knit a hat for the baby? Did you keep mementoes from the hospital you want photographed? Is it important to have the baby's photo taken in a specific outfit? Let me know!

5. Mom, You.Are.Beautiful.

Similar to the worries about the perfect home, I hear worries from mom about how she is going to look and feel. Of course these are valid insecurities, you just gave birth. But let's take moment to reframe that and really believe it. You just gave birth. YOU nourished life inside you! You are amazing and this is who you are right now. Try and own that, love that. Most importantly, realize that your BABY will one day be a toddler, then a kid, then a teen then an adult. I'd bet my LIFE on the fact that that when your child looks at these pictures ALL they will see is love, wonderment, connection and the way you looked AT them. They will not judge what you looked like. I promise. Now that we've worked on getting your mind into the shoot, let's talk happy- mama-logistics. Wear something you feel comfortable to YOU in even if it is flowy lounge wear. Make sure to carve out time before the shoot that your partner is 100% on baby-duty so you can get ready, do your make up or whatever rituals help you feel your best. You got this Mama.

To book your in home newborn session with me simply click here. I can't wait to meet you and help welcome your new life into this world. The newborn days and weeks are so fleeting and honestly darn hard to remember. Having family newborn photos is one the best investments in your family archives you can make!