By Bonnie
Photography
Newborn Session Guide
Indoor & Outdoor Family Newborn Sessions and What to Expect
In my newborn family sessions, I try to capture your bond with baby.
I mainly focus mostly on mom, dad and baby! Of course, I do some photos of baby alone, but your family connections will be the star of the show!
Outdoor Sessions:
Did you know South Georgia weather actually lends itself to outdoor sessions?
Most babies like to be warm since they were used to the warmth inside mama! Warmth helps baby feel comfortable. For indoor sessions we like the home around 80 degrees, so Georgia does all the work for us keeping baby warm!
That being said, I keep your baby in the shade during our session! No direct sunlight!
What to Expect:
When you show up to your session we will meet and walk to desired area for photos.
Then we are going to relax, get settled and ready. This includes changing diapers and feeding baby if needed, and just taking a few minutes to chat and breathe! This will be a no rush no stress zone!
Baby Led:
My newborn sessions are baby led! Which means your baby is the boss! Yup! Baby will let us know if they are uncomfortable or hungry and I will follow their lead.
This means if baby is asleep upon arrival, I won't be asking you to undress or swaddle baby. I will try to get photos that focus on baby in this state!
On the other hand, if baby needs a diaper change it may be a good time to get those skin filled photos or change an outfit or blanket! In fact, I am going to want to photograph you changing baby and handing baby! Those are the real moments!
Posing:
A lot of posing will be you all snuggling together or standing together. I adjust or direct you, but you don't need to worry about being a model or getting things just right. I am more about the natural moments!
Props:
I am not a huge prop fan, but I do offer a few items as can you!
Since I desire a more natural feel for your images, I prefer props you would see outdoors in a real setting.
Props I Offer:
-Newborn Sizes Onesies (colors-light tan & gray. made with organic cotton)
-Handmade Bump Blankets (colors-tan or blue- these are added as cute padding, baby never directly touches them)
-Muslin Swaddle Blankets (colors-white, gray, tan, sage, blush & mint. made with organic cotton & bamboo)
-Baby Changing/Moses Basket (CPSC compliant with a foam pad for comfort & cotton cover)
-Blankets for Family Sitting Poses (colors-solid off white or white and grey checkered pattern)
-Handheld Basket (color -dark tan/gray - This is NOT for baby! for picnics or flowers etc...)
-Fresh Flowers - (local flowers, color depends on session & season - additional cost of $45)
Props You Can Bring:
-Outfits
-Blankets
-Moses Basket
-If you have another prop request let me know
What to Wear:
Newborn Baby:
I recommend putting baby in a clean, well fitting, solid color onesie.
If onesie is too big or too small, it doesn't photograph well.
Bring or have handy 2 other clean onesies! Just in case
Hair:
Some babies have more hair than other. Please do what you feel looks best for your babies hair. I recommend bringing a brush for touch ups since we will be changing outfits, blankets and feeding baby.
Hats & Bows:
I recommend well-fitting bows or hats and neutral colors. Too big and it will be in baby's face. The constant adjusting of bows or hats usually upsets babies. If they are too tight, they look funny and hurt baby. Side note, large bows can look quickly look outdated. Simple is always best.
Diapers:
Please put baby in a clean diaper just before session. Please bring or have handy a few clean diapers. Baby usually needs them!
Diapers with little writing or characters photography best.
Colors:
Neutral colors!
Whites, creams, and grays allow baby to be the star no matter their skin tone!
Special Outfits & Blankets:
Those cute, monogramed outfits or blankets with baby's name are so special but often don't photograph well. Solid colors or simple patterns are best.
If you have something special just let me know ahead of time.
Baby
Mom
Mom:
Pick something you feel comfortable and confident in. Something you can move freely in and shows off your personality.
Ideas: Dresses, pretty top with shorts or skirt, button up or easy access top for breastfeeding
Recommended Sites:
Colors:
I personally recommend neutral colors.
Example: whites, beiges, tans, grays, periwinkle, sage green and light blush.
Patterns:
Solids, small to medium florals or polka dots and simple or boho lace.
Dad
Pick something you feel comfortable and confident in. Something that shows your personality and goes well with moms outfit.
Ideas: Dress Shirt, Polo Shirt, Solid Tee, Bare Chest, Medium to Dark Washed Jeans, Khaki Pants or Shorts.
Uniforms:
Professional Uniforms can add a lot of personality and emotion to your session. If you want to wear a uniform, I recommend having another outfit or shirt to change into for more variety in the photos.
Shoes:
Shoes you can safely hold baby and walk in. You can be barefoot for sessions just bring a safe pair of easy slip-on footwear for in-between photos
Hats:
Hats add great versatility to your session. Feel free to bring one or two with you! Please just don't wear the hat to the session.
This way we can do some photos before any hat hair happens.
Hair:
Style your hair as you normally would. For a natural look have a haircut about a week before scheduled photo session.
Facial Hair:
Any facial hair should be trimmed up and styled as normal. For a natural look no major trimming right before the photo session
Self Conscious Concerns:
Flattering the Arms: Try three quarter length sleeves & jackets Avoid-thin straps, small cap sleeves or sleeveless
Flattering the Body: Skirts, dresses & jumpsuits that hit right at or just above the knee or just at or above ankle
Avoid: too tight or too flowy dresses or tops
jumpsuits, skirts, or dresses that end mid calf
Undergarments:
Choosing well-fitting undergarments is important!
Undergarments that are too tight will give your body unwanted bumps, and lines. If too loose they tend to slip around and can be seen. However, if you are breastfeeding wear undergarments for feeding baby
And ladies this is our little secret, but shapewear can be a girl's best friend as long as it fits.
Undergarments color should not be seen through your clothing choice.
Shoes:
Shoes you can safely hold baby and walk in
You can be barefoot for sessions just bring a safe pair of easy slip-on footwear for in-between photos
Hats:
Hats add great versatility to your session. Feel free to bring one or two with you! Please just don't wear the hat to the session.
This way we can do some photos before any hat hair happens.
Hair & Make up:
Simple makeup, hair, and nail polish photograph best. However do yourself up in a way that makes you feel good.
Dad
Colors:
I personally recommend neutral colors.
Example: whites, beiges, tans, grays, navy, and black
Having one much darker or lighter color in your outfit than Moms makes a great statement.
Example: If mom is wearing a light tan dress, Dad could wear a dark brown or navy shirt or a pair of jeans. Or if Mom is wearing a white dress Dad could wear a white shirt with jeans
Patterns:
Solids, textures, (Example: denims) small to medium patterns
Think opposite of Mom
Example: mom is wearing a plain solid color dress, adding denim to your outfit will add texture to your overall look.
Siblings & Children:
Pick something, they will be comfortable in. If children are uncomfortable, it will be hard for them to look happy in photos.
Ideas: Solid tees, shorts, jeans, and dresses
Shoes:
Any shoe choice is fine.
If you want children to be barefoot, please bring slippers or sandals for them to wear for walking and/or in between photos.
Hats:
Hats are cute, but at times hide adorable faces. Please bring one with you rather than having child wear it to the session. This way we can do photos without the hat first.
Hair:
Children's hair should be done so they aren't uncomfortable during the session. Remember children will run and play during the session.
Colors:
I personally recommend neutral colors, just like Mom and Dad's.
Patterns:
Solids, or small to medium patterns.
What Not to Wear
No logos, words, shiny or metallic material, no widely mixed patterns (example: stripes w/ florals) or very bright bold colors.
No large buttons or characters on children's clothing.
Siblings & Children
Other Clothing Thoughts
Overall, don't overthink it! Don't worry about perfectly matching but rather think of blending together.
Rather than thinking "does this match?" think "does this go?"
Remember to just be mindful of things like the weather, temperature, and photo session location. We don't want any overheating, freezing or tripping!
If in doubt ask me! I am here to help!