Having a newborn for the first (or 2nd, or 3rd, or 4th time) can be overwhelming, but guess what? Your newborn session doesn’t have to be! In fact, my goal is to make it as stress free as possible. Below you will find what questions I ask clients to answer before the session even begins in order to ensure their newborn session is what they always dreamed it would be.
One of the things that I’ve learned in my nearly 10 years in this business is that being prepared isn’t just about showing up on time with the right clothes on and a charged camera. In fact, one of the best ways to ensure a smooth session that both me and my client are proud of, is putting in the work at the start of the booking process. This starts with the client themselves and getting to know as much about them as I possibly can.
5 Key Questions
When does your home receive the most/brightest amount of natural light?
What direction does your house face – specifically rooms we will use during your newborn session?
I start with this question so we can establish where and when the session will take place. Homes face all different directions and receive varying amounts of natural light based off of lots of factors (do you have large trees that block your windows? Are your windows set deeper into your house with an overhang outside?, etc.). Having this information will help me guide you in choosing the best time. My goal is to utilize the time of day when the natural light in your house is the brightest.
Another factor to consider is which rooms you want to use for photos. Most people think “oh the nursery, of course”, which is typically a good place to start. However, that doesn’t have to be the only place. One of my favorite/most “obscure” rooms to take photos is in the kitchen/dining area. I know, it sounds kind of strange but a lot of homes were built with a lot of windows in this area of the house. And when I see windows, I see opportunity (for beautiful photos of course).
Do your windows have darkening screens on the outside of them?
This question was probably not on your bingo card, which is precisely why it made this list! Honestly, you might not even know if you windows have these screens. Most of them pop off and on quite easily. If you look at your window and see a black mesh looking screen go ahead and pop that bad boy off before your newborn session. Having more light will make a world of difference with your images.
Do you want help deciding what to wear for your newborn session?
I promise I am not asking this because I don’t think you have good taste or don’t know how to dress your family! I ask this questions so I can help guide you in choosing things that photograph well and that coordinate! The goal with outfits for photos is not match/matchy, it should always be compliment and coordinate! Knowing how to choose colors that compliment your setting (aka the decor in your nursery/home) and yourself can be a challenge – especially when you have so much going on already. I have seen A LOT of color combos, textures, and patterns and I know what works and I know what doesn’t work. I just want to share my wealth of knowledge with you!
What does your family like to do together?
Don’t worry I am not going to show up at the park park while y’all are enjoying a Saturday stroll! I ask this question because I want to know YOU! I want to know what your family values and what you find fun. I want you to think about what makes your family special because I want to highlight that during your session.
Does someone in your family play an instrument? Let’s jam!
Is someone super artistic? Let’s paint or draw!
Do you all like to play board games together? Set up your favorite and let’s see who wins.
My point is that your session should be about YOU and YOUR family. A newborn session doesn’t have to be your cookie cutter “let’s swaddle baby and all stand by the window” unless you want that! Your newborn session should reflect the heart of your family. I want you to look at your delivered images and think “man, this feels so true to us.”
What do you want out of this newborn session?
I want to know what you dreamed up in your head about your newborn session when you first found out you were expecting. I want to know if you have a vision for how it will go. This can be as simple as giving me descriptive words about how you want to feel when you see your gallery for the first time. Or, you can go so far as to share more specific ideas like “I would love a photo of all of us listening to my husband play the guitar on the front porch”. Or any where in between! I want to know if you value solo shots of baby more or if you would prefer a gallery heavy on family photos. The more I know about what YOU want, the easier it will be for me to create something meaningful to you.
Want to read more about preparing for a session with me? Head over here!
Looking for things to wear for your session? Head to Zara for all things baby and kid. Check out Madewell or CJLA for moms and GAP for dads.