Session Information

Newborn Sessions

Those first few weeks of life are such a blur and so important to document. Their little faces change so quickly!

Usually, clients contact me in their third trimester, or sooner and let me know their due date. After the baby is born, we select a date for the session, typically within the first 2-3 weeks of life. Anything after the 2-3 week time frame, we tend to run into common newborn issues, like baby acne, or colic, and, they just don't sleep as deeply, making newborn sessions a little (ok, a lot) more challenging. On the scheduled day, I always recommend the parents bring snacks/drinks/lunch if she would like because the session could last up to 4 hours. I know, 4 hours?! Why so long? Well, because the tiny human is in charge of the session. If he/she gets hungry, we stop, they eat. (I have both a bottle warmer and a nursing pillow for your convenience.) Some babies take a long time to eat, and that's ok. We want their bellies nice and full so they take a nice long nap. Once we get baby fed and settled, I go to work. If you want family photos, we will do these first. If you have older children, after we finish the family photos, your partner and the older kid(s) can be on their merry way! You don't have to bring any props or clothes, unless you have something special you would like your new bundle photographed with. I do request parents bring diapers/wipes and a pacifier, but if you forget (you know, sleep-deprived-mommy-brain), I have these items as well.

Within 3 weeks, I will e-mail you a link to your gallery. From there, you choose your images and then I will release them to you. You are free to print, post, or share your images as you wish. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. I would love to meet you and your new baby! Thank you for considering me to be your photographer!

You will have access to all of my props and sessions will take place in my home studio.

Lifestyle Newborn Session

Lifestyle sessions take place in the baby's new home. Focus will be on the baby in their new environment, which could include the nursery, living and/or family rooms and family interactions.

Fresh 48

Fresh 48 sessions take place at the hospital, birthing center, or home, within the first 48 hours of life. These lifestyle sessions are perfect for families wanting to document the first precious days of life.

Baby and Children Photography

Do you know what newborns do so quickly? They grow up! Before you know it, they are sitting, standing, eating solids, walking, and getting into all kinds of trouble! I offer milestone sessions for 3 months, sitters (usually 6-8 months, or can sit unassisted), and birthday sessions.

For birthday sessions, parents can bring 1-2 outfit changes. If you would like to do a smash cake, I request that the parents supply the cake (to avoid any known allergy issues) and a cute diaper cover or cloth diaper. I usually make a color coordinated banner for each birthday session, but if you have additional props, let's chat, I love getting creative. I also have large numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.) as well as a variety of chairs/stools/crates for the kiddos to sit on.

Milestone and birthday sessions can also be done outdoors, weather permitting. Smash cake sessions must be done at my in-home studio unless it is done on your property. I would hate to cause a big cakey mess at a public park.

Since kids are so unpredictable, here are a few tips to help the session go a little more smoothly:

1.) bring TREATS! I usually have some on hand, but you know what your kids love best, bring them something to reward good listening

2.) bring NEUTRAL colored treats, a blue sucker is great for AFTER the session, but not so great during, unless you want your kid to have a blue mouth in the photos

3.) get SILLY! Kids love to see their parents having fun, they will think it's way more funny if mom or dad make funny noises, faces, dancing, singing, than if I do it. Plus, it's hard to get an in-focus shot if I'm dancing around.

4.) MUSIC. Bring your phone, play your kid's favorite song(s) to get them smiling and dancing around.

5.) Be prepared to take breaks, short breaks, but breaks. I'm not trying to make your kids cry, and I don't want this to be a bad experience for them. Depending on their age and my/your ability to bribe them with treats, we will take as many photos as they will tolerate, and when they are done, we will take a short break. After break, we'll shoot some more. Rinse and repeat until we get the desired result.

Family Photography

I do my family sessions outdoors. You choose the location or I can help you choose. My favorite family sessions are done in the evening, about an hour before sunset.

In my opinion, family sessions are so important to document your time together. When your kids grow up, not only will they want to see photos of themselves through the years, but photos of their family through the years!

WHAT TO WEAR

Families should wear coordinating colors, but not all exactly matching, and clothing without words or busy prints on it.

I've pinned a whole bunch of ideas for family outfits on my pinterest board, if you are looking for some ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/jeanine3/family-outfits-inspiration/

PLEEEEASE, if it's cold, dress warm. Nothing will upset a kid quicker than being cold. If you are not sure, it's better to bring extra clothes ( think:extra undershirt at the very least, hats, gloves, coats) than to have your kids shivering and noses turning red because they are cold.

TIP: When I choose clothing for my family's portraits, I start with the person that has the least options (usually the youngest, because he mostly lives in comfy clothing, so he has the least dress clothes), then I try to pick coordinating colors for everyone else to match his colors.

Also, if you have kids that are of bribing age, bring treats!