Category: newborn

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What to Wear to your Photography Session!

The wardrobe you select for your photoshoot will make a huge impact on the final appearance of your photographs. Most importantly – first decide the vibe you’re going for! Do you want your photos to be casual? semi-formal? cool? timeless? vintage? classic? elegant? whimsical? pick a word or two and use that as the guiding style for everyone’s outfits.

In general, I recommend to lean towards natural, earthy, rich tones, and away from from harsh, neon colors. Florescent colors can bounce color onto others as well as onto skin or faces.

If you want to be colorful – it can be done and look GREAT! You just have to be a bit more mindful. Begin by choosing a color palette and coordinate your partner or family’s outfits, but do not match. Avoid super busy prints, logos, and too many patterns.

WHAT TO WEAR: HER

Dresses are always beautiful because they flatter every female body. I recommend long, flowy, and textured dresses. If dresses aren’t your thing – that’s OK! Make sure what you choose makes you feel comfortable. SHOP AT: Baltic Born, Free People, Anthropology, Old Navy

WHAT TO WEAR: HIM

Keep it simple and neutral. Solid shades of gray, white, beige, soft blues, and greens. Button downs, henley shirts, and soft t-shirts look great. SHOP AT: J. Crew, Banana Republic, Zara

WHAT TO WEAR: KIDS

Say YES to classic and timeless pieces! If you have multiple children, I recommend coordinating their outfits vs. matching. SHOP AT: H&M, Zara, Old Navy

WHAT TO WEAR: NEWBORN SESSION

Try to dress in neutral outfits. Remember, we want the baby to be the star of the show! Small details or subtle colors are fine but be careful with bright colors or bold patterns. Feel free to dress up or be casual, whatever makes you feel comfortable! Also, think about how the clothing would look in your space, if you have a nursery color theme you may want to coordinate with it.  Plan adult clothing well as well… even down to your shoes (or no shoes since we’re at your home!). I do travel with a few neutral swaddles and outfits if you are struggling with figuring out exactly what to put the baby in!
DON’T FORGET: Shoes! They can make or break your outfit. Opt for neutral “shoes” over sneakers…unless that’s apart of your vibe. Just be intentional and don’t forget how important they are!
MORE SESSION SUGGESTIONS:
1. ADD ACCESSORIES: If you’re in neutrals, you can add dimension by layering with sweaters/cardigans or jackets!
2. Empty your pockets: Phone, keys, wallets, candy…whatever fils your pockets – please remove! Otherwise your keychains or phones will be showing through your pockets, making your pants look bulky. I will do my best to remind everyone during the session but leaving important things in the car or in a bag will help a lot, especially if we are moving spots during your session.
3. LOOK SHARP: Be sure to iron your clothes, so there are no distracting wrinkles. Feel free to wear “car clothes” and change when you arrive to avoid spills & accidents (especially with kids!)
4. WATCH OUT FOR GREEN: Think of the surroundings where the session will take place. Avoid wearing colors too similar to the background. If our session is in a forest, don’t wear dark greens or you will blend into the background too much.
5. GO ALL OUT: if you want these photos to fill your gallery wall for years, make sure you look your best! Get your hair/makeup/nails done – you will never regret it!
and finally – have fun, be yourself (and make sure your outfits represent your love). If you are comfortable, that will show in your photos. Can’t wait to see you soon!
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Preparing for your Newborn Session

Capturing the Miracles of Those First Months: The Newborn Session

Tips on what to expect and how to prepare

Consumed with joy while unfathomably exhausted. Marveling at those tiny toes through a dim nursery nightlight.

The first few weeks with your little one are just so paradoxical! Each moment is exciting and challenging. New and miraculous. And unquestionably…fast! 

A newborn photography session slows you down for some of those precious moments, capturing the beauty of your baby’s first phase of life. You will not regret booking a newborn session–trust me!

First things first. Schedule with me!

Of course, due dates are never firm, but having a rough idea of the month that the baby will arrive is helpful. I only take a few newborns per month so I’m flexible and accommodating for my families. Once the baby is born, we’ll communicate via email to work out the details – sometimes, families need a few weeks to get themselves together, others are ready the moment they bring the baby home! Whatever works for you, works for me – I had my first baby in 2021 so I completely understand how you feel. 

 

What to Expect During your Newborn Shoot

While everyone is acclimating to life with one another, newborn sessions are generally best set in the comfort of your own home. This allows you to feed the baby with ease and feel relaxed in your element. When I arrive, I’ll take off my shoes, find the best light in your home, and guide you through every step of the shoot! It’s that simple! Personally, I love early mornings for newborn shoots. 

Here are a few other tips to help you make the most of your session:

Plan who you would like to be a part of your photos. 

Siblings, grandparents, and pets are all welcome! If it’s important to you to include others with the baby, just remember that we’ll need more time for more people. 

Choose your wardrobes.

Generally, neutral tones and minimalistic patterns allow the baby to be the star of the show! Subtle colors are fine, but bold patterns and bright colors might be distracting. Consider what colors might compliment the nursery decor or other living spaces where we will shoot. Feel free to dress up or be casual, whatever makes you feel comfortable! Feel free to have a wardrobe change during your session for just babe or the whole fam!

Don’t stress about your home being impeccable. 

You’ve got a full plate with a newborn, so don’t feel like your home needs to be perfect! If you’re like me, you’ll take any clutter and throw it in a closet or spare room 5 minutes before the session. A quick tidying up will go a long way. Keep your home warm the day of the shoot to keep the baby comfortable while changing clothes. I will move things around during the shoot if needed as well and I promise – I come with a no-judgement attitude!

Relax and enjoy some quality time together.

Look at your baby with awe and amazement–you deserve a little time to take it all in! My style leans to natural, real-life shots with genuine expressions, so I really love when parents are present and relaxed. I will, of course, get you some posed shots for birth announcements as well. 

Years from now, your newborn photo gallery will allow you to reminisce on those sweet early days. Stress and sleepless nights? Sure. But one look at those precious little fingers and your heart will swell with nostalgia. 

xo,

Natalie