Baby Session Basics
Getting ready to welcome a baby into your world? Here are the basics about Maternity and Newborn sessions to help you plan and prepare for creating photos you and your family will cherish.
Welcoming a baby into the family is filled with so many special moments. From the instant you get that positive test result, to feeling those little flutters in your belly, to the moment you finally get to touch their skin and hold your newborn in your arms.
Every time a new life is about to enter your world, it’s monumental. You will never forget it. All the thoughts and emotions, the physical sensations, the preparations… This is a time to cherish!
Of course, it’s not all happiness and rainbows, and not every part of it is fun. I’m currently pregnant with my second, and this pregnancy started off with constant nausea. I felt so icky but thankfully I’m out of the morning-sickness phase and am beginning to feel better. This means I have more energy to share in the joy of it all with my current only child/soon to be ‘big brother’, Kai.
When I’m playing with him and he talks about what’s going on in my belly, I can’t help but look back at my first pregnancy with some regret.
I didn’t get maternity photos taken or do a newborn session.
It’s kind of embarrassing to confess that as a lifestyle photographer I skipped over these mega-important photo shoots. Not because I didn’t want amazing photos of my preggo belly or my precious Kai, but because I didn’t want photos of myself.
I’d gained an ass-ton (literally) of weight, felt bad about how I looked and just never got to the point of feeling picturesque enough to book those sessions.
I totally wish I had gotten past my insecurities back then so that I could’ve been able to book at least one, if not both of those sessions. Because I realize now that it wasn’t just about me. I wish I had those photos for Kai to look at now and to look back on when he’s older. And, possible to be able to share with his children, and his children's children… I mean, the list goes on.
That is what is so beautiful about lifestyle photography. It’s about capturing the big milestones of life. The phases that you never want to forget. That you wish you could freeze in time.
Five years later I’m still looking back with regret, but I’m glad I have a second chance to do it over and get those pics taken! And as a photographer, I’m using my regretful choice to make sure other parents don’t miss their chance at beautiful maternity and newborn photos, either!
My Maternity Sessions
When booking, plan your session around the beginning of your 3rd trimester (around 7 months) when your belly is poppin’ and you’re still feeling comfortable moving around. You can book later, but you might not be up for a lot of walking at your session or, as I’ve had happen, you could have your baby earlier than your due date and miss your maternity shoot!
Your session can be just for momma or you and your partner. You know I love a good outdoor, candid-filled shoot. And while I don’t provide props, you’re welcome to bring whatever meaningful or fun items you’d like incorporated into your photos. (i.e. ultrasound pictures, baby shoes/clothes, Mom/Dad apparel, ect.)
My Newborn Sessions
When booking, you’ll want to choose 1 or 2 session dates/times the week of your due date. Unless you’ve got a planned birth, I keep my schedule a little lighter the week before and after your due date to make sure we get your newborn session done right away. I try to do this type of session within 2 weeks of birth and it’s a daytime session.
Your newborn session can be of just you and baby, partners and baby, or include your other kiddos and beloved pets. I love doing newborn sessions at and around your own home. Using your baby’s nursery and all your cozy, comfortable nooks is always a little easier during that time. You won’t have to bring anything! Need an emergency outfit change for baby or parents? Diaper changes? Feeding time?... or whatever comes our way, you’ll have all you need right there with you. I’ll dote over your new little bundle and have my camera at the ready!
Simply make sure you’ve got whatever you want to include and have the photo shoot areas cleaned/declutter and well-lit (preferably with lots of natural daylight.) Your space doesn’t by any means have to be perfect… that’s kinda the beauty of parenthood too, isn’t it? Life with littles can be a little chaotic and messy sometimes and it’s ok for us to capture that, too.
We’ll capture you in all the sweet moments you want to be remembered. Maybe it’s when your pup is curiously sniffing the baby's head, or when big sibling is giving sweet kisses, or when you’re feeding/breastfeeding your baby. (As a mom who nursed, I love a good nursing photo!)
Alright, are you ready to book one or both of these sessions? Check out my Maternity Sessions, my Newborn Sessions, and if you’re looking to book both I’ve got a Belly to Baby special offer package on the Maternity page.
