NEWBORN PREP GUIDE & PACKAGES-
Newborn photography is best done within the first two weeks (5 days to 14 days old) of life when babies are still very sleepy, flexible, and easy to pose. During this time, babies are more likely to be calm and curl into those adorable, natural poses, making it easier to capture the peaceful, sleepy shots many parents love.
Booking early allows you to secure your photographer's availability around your baby’s arrival, as newborn photographers often have limited spots due to the timing sensitivity of these sessions. It also gives you peace of mind, knowing your session is already scheduled and ready to go once your baby arrives.
I put together a Newborn Prep Guide to help ease any stress you might have for booking a newborn session and wanting some suggestions to maybe help it run that much smoother!
(Optional to follow guide!) But it truly helps with getting sleeping baby photos
For Baby:
Newborn Session Preparation for Baby
-If nursing or bottle-feeding breast milk, try to avoid caffeine for 72 hours prior to your session to help your baby stay calm and relaxed.
-For bottle-fed babies, whether breast milk or formula, please bring 1-2 full bottles to feed your baby during the session. A hungry baby will be more likely to stay awake and less cooperative during the shoot, so we want to ensure they’re well-fed and content!
-Feeding Before the Session: Aim to feed your baby 30-60 minutes prior to your session. A full baby is more likely to sleep soundly and remain calm throughout the photoshoot.
-Keeping Baby Awake Before the Session: Try to give your baby some “awake time” 2-3 hours before the session. This can include activities like giving them a bath, letting them kick around in just a diaper, gently tickling their toes, or even allowing them to fuss a little. Engaging in light play or reading to them helps them tire out, so they’ll be ready to sleep during their photos. The more awake time you can give, the better the chance of getting those peaceful, sleepy newborn shots! If you’re driving to the studio, try to keep them awake during the ride (especially if it's longer than 15 minutes).
-Dress Baby Comfortably: Dress your baby in a button-up or zip-up outfit to avoid disturbing them too much when changing clothes, especially if they fall asleep during the trip. Avoid outfits that go over their head.
-Pacifier: Please bring a pacifier (preferably the soothie pacifier the hospital gave you, as it won't leave marks). Even if your baby doesn’t usually use one, it can be helpful to soothe them during the session. If you prefer not to use one, that’s completely fine—just make sure to bring a full bottle of milk (breast milk or formula) in case they get hungry.
-Bring Special Items from Home: If there's something important or sentimental to your family that you’d like included in the shoot, please let me know ahead of time, and I’ll do my best to incorporate it into the session.
By following these simple steps, we'll ensure a smooth and successful session with those adorable, peaceful newborn photos! :)
*For (PARENTS):
-Outfit suggestions for in home or in studio sessions is always going to be white, ivory, light pinks, navy blue, dark green, light purple, grey's. Just nothing with crazy patterns or anything with logos on them.
If you choose black please bring a lint roller and try to get off as MUCH dog hair and fluff as you can, its hard to edit every dog hair and full out in a timely manner. :)
-Bring snacks/food for the little siblings, little bribes kind of helps to keep them going! fruits, yogurt, crackers and cheese, juice or a drink they love!
-We will be focusing on your newborn photos of JUST BABY first- then the remaining 20- 30 minutes or a little more will be focused on Family, Parents/Sibling Shots.
-If you are planning on parent photos, please bring a dress up shirt button up or dress!!! :) no crazy patterns please (if black please bring lint roller) Bring something you feel comfortable in and confident in! <3 I can help if you need help picking out a outfit
I do love photographing the connection between you and your baby! Even if you don’t think you want a photo with you and your baby, please do reconsider. For the most part, parent shots are taken chest up and take just a few minutes. They are only little for a little while :)
If you do decide to have parent and/or family photos, please be sure that your nails are manicured (nothing fancy, just not chipped polish ideally :)) as your hands will make their way into the photos. Also, please know that I aim to photograph using flattering angles and light to create beautiful images you will cherish.
For siblings:
-I typically photograph siblings (and parents) at the end of the photo session.
Bring a few clothes options. Bring treats/food and drink for them while they wait :) If you have a tablet or something they love to play with/ or a stuffed animal they want to hold (for littles of course) or any age! that isn't to to loud during the session , I can put something on the tv for them!
-Photos are done in my in home studio in (North Spokane, WA) - I took over my entire living room and have room to offer newborn sessions! I have lots of wraps/props/backdrops/ect! I can travel to clients home, will need to know more details of what you're wanting and looking for - I can bring a handful of props and wraps to get some baby only photos, but highly recommend some lifestyle photos for newborn photos or I can set up a simple white/ or grey / black backdrop and do some family portraits!
ALL NEWBORN packages goes beyond standard editing to refine every detail, making your photos truly breathtaking. Every Newborn session comes with:
✨ Premium Editing Enhancements Included:
Every photo is carefully edited to bring out the beauty of your baby’s delicate features while maintaining a natural look.
-Gentle Skin Smoothing – Softens skin while keeping newborn details like tiny wrinkles, peach fuzz, and natural texture intact. I normally skin smooth every family member but super light on Dad's! I try and keep it natural for all.
-Artistic Touches – Every image is refined into a beautiful, timeless piece of art!
-Soft Background Blurring – Enhances focus on your baby and family connection.
-Color & Tone Adjustments – A warm, dreamy aesthetic for a stunning final look.
-Subtle Perfection – Removing distractions while keeping your baby’s natural beauty front and center.
Newborn sessions are perfect for capturing those precious early days with your little one in a relaxed, intimate setting. Let’s create something truly special together!
Please let me know if you have any requests for newborn photos, I'd love to hear what you had in mind for your newborn photoshoot!
I help with all the posing! I believe in Safety first! Client's will need to sign a photoshoot contract to book as well as a non-refundable retainer once we plan your newborn session! I have wraps, props, different set up options, but please do send me any inspiration photo ideas and see what I can do for you :)
Package #1
$600 + tax
Session Details:
*1.5 hours up to 2 hours photoshoot time
* All the best edited images. A mix of family portraits / baby-only images.
*Online photo gallery.
*Clients Can Purchase High Quality Prints and Canvases right from your online photo gallery given.
(It's recommended to allow extra time for newborn sessions to capture those precious sleeping poses and baby-only portraits. Working with a variety of props, poses, and setups takes time, ensuring we create the most adorable and beautifully styled images during your session.)
Package #2
$350 + tax
Session Details:
*45 minutes photoshoot time
* 30-35 digital edited images. A mix of family portraits /a couple of baby-only images.
*Online photo gallery.
*Clients Can Purchase High Quality Prints and Canvases right from your online photo gallery given.
Package #3
$175 + tax
Session Details:
*20 minute mini photoshoot!