I’m honored to be your photographer and truly humbled that you’ve trusted me with the responsibility of helping you create memories you’ll look back on and cherish for a lifetime.

The goal is simple: for your session to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible! That’s why I’ve created this guide just for you. The following tips will help you get the absolute most out of your photos. By the time you’ve read through it, you’ll have all of your questions answered and feel ready and prepared for your session!

These tips are merely recommendations. You know your baby best, so feel free to improvise based on what works and what doesn’t. However, I’ve discovered that using these strategies can really help us get the most out of our time together and lead to a successful session.

Please don’t worry if you’re not able to follow all the recommendations. It’s a hectic time adjusting to life with a new baby and finding a routine that works. Just keep an open mind, be flexible with your plans, and remember, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

BEFORE THE SESSION:

It’s important to take some time a few days before your session to prepare everything you’ll need so nothing essential gets left behind. To help you get ready, I recommend packing and bringing the following items:

• Plan to dress baby in a sleeper that zips or snaps up the front. This makes it easier to undress them without waking or disturbing them by pulling anything over their head.
• Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing. The studio will be kept between 72–74°F for your baby’s comfort, so please dress accordingly.
• Pack a spare change of clothes for yourself just in case of any little accidents.
• Bring a pacifier (if your baby uses one). It can be incredibly helpful during the session for soothing.
• If formula-feeding, be sure to bring it with you in case your baby needs more than expected.
• For older siblings, bring along a couple of their favorite toys or books to help keep them entertained during the session.
• Don’t forget essentials like your baby’s hairbrush, extra diapers, wipes, and burp cloths.
• Please dry clean or iron any outfits you plan to wear in the photos, and bring them hung up to avoid wrinkles or spills during the trip to the studio.

For all the nursing moms: If possible, try to avoid foods that can cause gas a few days leading up to your session, and skip caffeine the morning of. This can help your baby feel more comfortable, especially after feeding, leading to a smoother session overall.

WHAT TO WEAR:

I typically recommend that parents wear casual, comfortable clothing in light-colored neutrals or soft pastels, and avoid loud patterns or logos.

The softer the color palette (think white, ivory, grey, or tan) the dreamier and more timeless the photos will feel. The goal is to keep the focus on the love and connection between you and your baby, so simple and understated clothing always works best.

FOR MOM: I offer a few pieces in the studio that you’re welcome to borrow for your session. However, if you prefer to wear something of your own, I encourage you to keep a few things in mind when making your final selection. Chiffon blouses, simple solid-colored sundresses, or feminine sheer nightgowns all photograph beautifully. Even a soft, lace-detailed top paired with jeans can look timeless on camera.

Since your hands will be visible in many of the photos, I recommend having a fresh manicure or polished nails in a clear or neutral shade. Try to avoid wearing bulky jewelry, such as watches, fitness trackers, or large bracelets. A wedding ring and a pair of simple stud earrings will give you a clean, classic look without drawing attention away from you and your baby.

Unless you’ve requested full-body images, you won’t need to worry about shoes, as most photos are taken from the thighs or hips up.

Finally, while it might seem like a good idea, I recommend avoiding spray tans before your session, even subtle or professional applications. Spray tans often photograph with an orange tint, whereas your natural skin tone will always look the most beautiful on camera.

A natural, “no makeup” look is preferred for your session. The softer and more minimal, the better—but be sure to apply enough coverage to create a flawless, healthy complexion that enhances your natural beauty on camera.

Many new moms choose to cut their hair shortly before or after giving birth. If you’re considering a change, I recommend doing it before your newborn session, especially if I photographed your maternity session with longer hair. It’s a beautiful way to visually capture the full transformation of your journey into motherhood.

Loose, styled hair photographs beautifully, whether it’s a soft updo or worn down. If you’d like to add volume or texture, soft waves are a popular and flattering choice. Of course, if you’re one of the lucky ones with naturally straight, curly, or coily hair, embracing your natural texture is always a wonderful option.

And if you’d prefer to sit back and be pampered, I work with a few trusted professional hair and makeup artists I’d be happy to recommend. Just let me know!

How to Prep Your Man (If He’s Not Into It): Even if taking photos isn’t his favorite thing… you are, and that’s what matters most.

Most men aren’t overly excited about photo sessions, and that’s completely normal. It’s usually because they don’t know what to expect or fully understand the meaning behind it. That’s why I recommend setting aside just five to ten minutes to sit down together and give him a little insight.

Share with him why you chose me as your photographer and what you love about my style of photography. Show him a few of your favorite images I’ve captured, and tell him what makes them special to you. Most importantly, let him know how much this session means to you, not just for the photos themselves, but for the memories you’re creating as a new family.

Trust me, once he sees how important it is to you, he’ll want to show up, support you, and bring his A-game for both you and the beautiful little one(s) you’ve just welcomed into the world.

FOR DAD: The go-to outfit is usually a white, long-sleeve button-down shirt (without an undershirt) paired with khaki pants and a belt for a dressier look, or jeans if you’d prefer something more casual.

Other great options include textured thermal shirts or Henley-style tops in soft, neutral colors like white, grey, or tan. These tend to photograph really well and help keep the focus on the connection between you and your baby.

Whatever you choose to wear, I recommend bringing it ironed and hung to the studio to avoid wrinkles. There’s no need to worry about shoes, as they typically won’t show in the photos.

A fresh haircut is important, so try to make time for a visit to the barbershop a day or two before your session.

And don’t forget a few grooming details the night before: clip your fingernails, trim any visible nose or ear hair (since most of the photos will be close-ups), and either trim your beard or go for a clean shave, whatever feels most like you.

Taking care of these little things ahead of time makes a big difference.

FOR SIBLINGS: Setting expectations before your session is key to getting great photos and happy kids.

Before the day of your session, I recommend packing a bag with water and your children’s favorite snacks. If they’re too young to follow directions, bring anything you think might help me get their attention, like a small toy or a favorite stuffed animal, for when it’s time for them to look at the camera. It can also be really helpful to bring along a close family member or friend they adore. Not only can that extra person help coax out natural smiles, but after the family photos, they can take them for a walk around Riverwalk or Esplanade Park, or even visit the Science Museum just steps from the studio.

If bringing someone along isn’t an option, or if you prefer to keep your older child at the studio, I suggest bringing something to keep them entertained, like a favorite toy, books, or an iPad. I also have books, games, and a TV with Netflix and Disney apps in the studio, so they’ll have plenty to do while we focus on other parts of the session.

If your little one(s) are old enough to understand, it helps to talk to them ahead of time about what to expect. Let them know how much these photos mean to you, and encourage them to do their best to listen and participate. A lot of families choose a little reward afterward, something fun like ice cream or dinner at their favorite pizza place, as a way to celebrate their cooperation.

It also makes a big difference if the kids come to the session well-rested and with full bellies. But more importantly, after you’ve done your best to prepare them, give yourself (and them) some grace. I’ve worked with lots of kids, and if someone isn’t in the mood or things don’t go perfectly, I promise, there’s no judgment here.

My goal is to make this experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible for you and your family. I know this season of life can feel long and tiring, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s fleeting. Even if the day doesn’t go exactly as planned, I promise that one day, you’ll look back and be so glad you took these photos.

FOR GIRLS: A simple solid-colored dress in a neutral tone or a pretty blouse paired with jeans works best. For younger girls, please have them wear bloomers under their dresses to cover diapers. Hairstyles can be worn down with a delicate halo hairpiece or small decorative clip, or pulled back in a ponytail with a small bow, whatever feels most comfortable and natural.

Just like mom, it’s best to avoid bright or chipped nail polish. If your little one doesn’t want to remove their polish, consider offering a fresh color that coordinates nicely with their outfit.

FOR BOYS: Older siblings tend to feel most comfortable wearing a simple, solid-colored neutral t-shirt or thermal shirt paired with jeans or khakis. Collared shirts can work well for older kids but aren’t ideal for toddlers, since collars often cover their faces and need constant adjustment. For little ones, I recommend avoiding collars altogether. Please steer clear of clothing with words, graphics, patterns, or bright colors to keep the focus on your children and the family connection.

Since younger children are often picked up by a parent during the session, their feet will likely be visible at times. For boys, closed-toe shoes are best, while girls do well with ankle-strap sandals.

Lastly, be mindful of temporary tattoos, stickers, or coloring residue on their hands and arms. While I can easily remove tattoos or stickers from photos, altering skin color is much more difficult. To keep your images clean and timeless, it’s best to avoid these altogether.

Your session can last between two to three hours, so please plan accordingly. Since baby(ies) truly run the show, the length of the session depends entirely on how much we can comfortably accomplish together. Most of the time, feeding, soothing, and diaper changes take up a good portion of our time, that’s completely normal and expected.

Your baby’s comfort and safety are my top priorities, so it takes time to carefully place them in each wrap, outfit, or pose. I don’t typically photograph babies fully undressed, but if that’s important to you, please be sure to let me know in advance.

If your baby starts to get fussy or cries, it’s natural to want to pick them up right away. During those moments, I ask that you trust me to soothe your little one while we continue posing. I handle every baby with patience and gentle care. Of course, if you ever feel uncomfortable, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Babies are incredibly sensitive and can pick up on their mama’s stress or tension, if you stay calm, it often helps your infant relax as well.

I encourage you to take this much-needed mini break, sit back, and enjoy watching the session unfold.

I can’t wait to get you in front of the camera and look forward to seeing you soon!