Newborn/ Infant
Session Guide

Thank you for trusting me to document these precious early days with your little one. As both a mother and photographer, I know how quickly this time passes, and it's an honor to help preserve these moments for your family.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for your newborn session. I've designed the experience to be gentle, baby-led, and unhurried, ensuring a calm and comfortable environment for both you and your baby.

From timing your session to selecting outfits, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create images that capture your newborn's personality and your family's connections.

Welcome

Thank you for trusting me to document these precious early days with your little one. As both a mother and photographer, I know how quickly this time passes, and it's an honor to help preserve these moments for your family.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for your newborn session. I've designed the experience to be gentle, baby-led, and unhurried, ensuring a calm and comfortable environment for both you and your baby.

From timing your session to selecting outfits, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create images that capture your newborn's personality and your family's connections.

Welcome

Keep reading for more details on how to prepare for your newborn/ infant session, what to wear, including siblings, pets, and more.

My newborn and infant sessions are designed to be relaxed, natural, and baby-led, ensuring a calm and comfortable experience for both you and your little one. I'll gently guide you throughout our time together, but the best images happen when you simply soak in the moment and enjoy time with your baby.

This guide provides simple, stress-free tips to help you feel prepared and confident before your session. From choosing outfits to creating a cozy space, these small steps will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

After your session, I'll carefully curate and edit your images, and your gallery will be ready within four weeks. I'll also provide guidance on how to best enjoy and display your photos.

Preparation

What to Expect

Your Session Experience

Savoring the Details and in-between moments

Our roughly two-hour session is designed to be relaxed and baby-led, capturing natural moments of connection and love. Here's what you can expect:

Before your session

During your session

My approach

  • We'll have a pre-session phone consultation to discuss your vision and preferences
  • You'll complete a detailed questionnaire about the moments you'd love to capture
  • I'll create an individualized plan with a loose schedule and flexible approach
  • We'll discuss outfit choices, lighting, and any meaningful details you want to include

  • Sessions are completely baby-led—we follow your baby's needs and natural rhythms
  • Expect lots of snuggles, feeding breaks, and gentle interactions
  • I'll capture everyday moments—diaper changes, feeding, soothing, and tiny details
  • No need to pose! I'll provide light guidance, but my goal is to document your family as you are
  • If siblings are involved, I'll keep things fun and natural, encouraging their unique connection with the baby
  • We'll aim for a mix of lifestyle portraits, candid interactions, and beautiful detail shots

  • Baby-led & natural – Following your baby's cues for a calm, stress-free experience
  • Relaxed & flexible – Sessions are unhurried, allowing time for feeding, soothing, and breaks
  • Connected & emotive – Focused on capturing your family's love, interactions, and tiny details
  • Varied shots & compositions – A mix of candid moments, lightly guided portraits, and close-up details

Most importantly, Relax and be yourselves! When families feel comfortable and connected, that's when we capture the truly meaningful photos you'll treasure forever.

Your Session Experience

Savoring the details and in-between moments

Quiet moments, natural connections. These are the moments you'll want to remember.

Quiet moments, natural connections. These are the moments you'll want to remember.

Mornings are typically ideal for in-home sessions, offering soft, natural light and fresh, happy little ones.
 
Babies and siblings tend to be at their best earlier in the day—before tiredness sets in. While nap schedules can be unpredictable, morning sessions often align well with natural rhythms.

You know your baby's routine best, and we'll discuss any specific timing considerations during our pre-session phone call to ensure a relaxed and stress-free experience.

Timing and Lighting

the best time to take photos

I will do my best to make sure you're looking just fine at all times. But really the most important thing is to just enjoy this time together and be yourselves.

If you're worried about not knowing what to do with your hands or how to pose—don't be! I'll gently guide you so you feel comfortable and natural.

Think Natural,
Not Posed

  • Keep your home tidy but lived-in—no need for perfection! I can move small distracting items if needed.

  • We'll typically use your living room, bedroom, and nursery, following the best natural light. During our pre-session call, we'll go over which spaces work best and whether any small furniture adjustments would help.

  • Bedding matters, but don't stress—neutral colors and simple patterns tend to photograph best, but what you have is totally fine. If needed, we can remove a busy comforter cover for a cleaner look.

  • Keep your home at a comfortable temperature—a little warmer than usual helps keep baby cozy, especially during outfit changes.

Preparing Home

Things to keep in mind

Session Checklist

What to Have Ready

Have these items ready:

✔ Special blankets, hats, or meaningful keepsakes
✔ Burp cloths
✔ A change of clothes for everyone
✔ Any sentimental items you'd like to include
✔ A prepared bottle (if you'd like to capture feeding moments)

For the best natural light photos:

✔ Turn off all indoor lights
✔ Tuck away visible cords and chargers
✔ Clear bedside tables of electronics and clutter

Don't forget outdoor spaces:

✔ Tidy your front porch and backyard—we may capture at least one family photo outside
✔ These outdoor moments help preserve the memory of your first home with baby

How to Prep Older Siblings

The most important thing? Keep it simple and fun! While it might be tempting to coach your children about smiling and following instructions, that's not my goal. I want to capture genuine moments of joy and connection as your family adjusts to this beautiful new change.

My Approach

  • I'll meet your children at their level—playing, making silly faces, talking about their interests, and doing whatever helps them feel comfortable
  • Every child is different, and we'll follow their lead
  • Some need time to warm up, while others jump right in—both are perfectly fine
  • With my background in early childhood special education, I'm experienced in working with all personality types and needs

Making Siblings Feel Special

  • I love involving older siblings as my "special helpers"
  • We can spend some one-on-one time in their room, where they can show me their favorite things
  • This gives us a chance to capture portraits just of them and celebrate their role as a sibling
  • The session is about your whole family, not just the new baby

Helpful Tips

  • Let your children know we're going to have fun together
  • Small rewards throughout the session often work better than one big reward at the end
  • Favorite toys or activities can help children feel more at ease
  • Share any insights about your children before our session—you know them best!
Remember:
The goal isn't perfect poses—it's real, heartfelt moments. Adjusting to a new sibling is a big transition, and we'll make sure everyone feels included and special during our time together.

Your only job during our session? Enjoy these moments together. The most beautiful images happen when you simply focus on each other—looking at, snuggling, and caring for your baby while I capture those natural connections.

Even the youngest babies can sense our energy, so try to keep the morning calm and stress-free. Take a deep breath, be present, and let me handle the rest. This session is all about documenting this fleeting time as your family grows.

Keep Things Natural & Relaxed

Tips for  a Fun and Relaxed Session

Let your children be themselves. If they get excited, wander off, or don't follow every suggestion, that's okay—these moments often lead to the most genuine photos.

We'll have a loose plan, but I'll also follow their lead. Kids love when they get to take charge, and their ideas often create the most joyful and authentic images.

Don't be afraid to be silly! Your children will LOVE seeing you laugh and play. If you're having fun, they will too!

  • Let your children be themselves. If they get excited, wander off, or don't follow every suggestion, that's okay—these moments often lead to the most genuine photos.

  • We'll have a loose plan, but I'll also follow their lead. Kids love when they get to take charge, and their ideas often create the most joyful and authentic images.

  • Don't be afraid to be silly! Your children will LOVE seeing you laugh and play. If you're having fun, they will too!

Tips for a Fun and Relaxed Session

Simple Tips

  • Plan outfits in advance—choose soft, comfortable clothing that makes feeding and snuggling easy.
  • Try to time feeds so baby is content when we begin—but don't stress if timing changes! We'll go with the flow.
  • Pack extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for everyone—just in case.
  • Reach out anytime if you'd like guidance on what to wear.

Before the Session

relax & Enjoy

  • No need to worry about schedules—we'll follow your baby's natural rhythms.
  • Let go of expectations for "perfect" poses—babies are beautiful just as they are.
  • Focus on soaking in these early moments with your little one.
  • Trust that I'll handle the details while you simply enjoy this time together.
Before Your Session: 

  • Plan outfits in advance—choose soft, comfortable clothing that makes feeding and snuggling easy.
  • Try to time feeds so baby is content when we begin—but don't stress if timing changes! We'll go with the flow.
  • Pack extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for everyone—just in case.
  • Reach out anytime if you'd like guidance on what to wear.

Relax & Enjoy:

  • No need to worry about schedules—we'll follow your baby's natural rhythms.
  • Let go of expectations for "perfect" poses—babies are beautiful just as they are.
  • Focus on soaking in these early moments with your little one.
  • Trust that I'll handle the details while you simply enjoy this time together.

Simple Tips

Styling Tips

Encourage outfits without characters or logos for a timeless look. That said, if your child has a favorite costume or T-shirt that's part of who they are, we can absolutely include it in a few photos!

Minimize Prints and Logos

what to wear

Muted tones and earthy hues keep the focus on your family's emotions and connections. Avoid neon or overly bright colors, as they can be distracting and may reflect onto skin.

Opt for Softer Colors

A little pattern adds visual interest, but bold, busy prints can steal attention from the moments we're capturing. Stick to subtle, classic patterns for a balanced look.

Keep Patterns Simple

Layers add depth and warmth to your images! Since Bay Area weather can be unpredictable, cozy sweaters, light jackets, or textured fabrics (like knits and linen) work beautifully, especially if we sneak out for outdoor photos.

Incorporate Layers & Textures

You can never go wrong with neutral tones—they coordinate effortlessly, photograph beautifully, and complement any setting, indoors or out.

Consider Neutrals

Before the session, remove phones, keys, or bulky items from pockets—they tend to show up in ways you won't want in your photos!

Empty Your Pockets

For newborns, comfort is everything. We'll keep the space warm and peaceful, so dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics—skip anything with scratchy tags or stiff seams. Choose simple, easy-to-remove outfits for those sweet bare-skin photos, and bring extra layers to keep your baby cozy between shots.

Keep Your Little One Cozy

These photos capture your family's early days together. Choose clothing that allows you to hold, feed, and connect with your newborn effortlessly. When you're comfortable, your bonding moments shine through naturally.

Dress for Intimate Moments

Your newborn session is all about gentle cradling, feeding moments, and endless newborn snuggles. Wear soft, stretchy fabrics that let you move freely and focus entirely on your little one—especially if you plan to incorporate nursing or skin-to-skin moments.

Choose Outfits for Comfort

Comfort & Connection in Your Session

Rather than perfectly coordinated outfits, choose clothing that complements each other naturally. This keeps the focus where it belongs—on your baby's tiny details and the love between you.

Blend, Don't Match

Before we begin, take a moment to empty pockets of phones, keys, and other small distractions. If using a pacifier, consider bringing a clear or neutral-colored one that won't stand out in photos.

Check the Little Things

Prioritize Parent Comfort

For new moms, comfort is key. Loose-fitting tops, flowy dresses, or soft fabrics that allow for nursing and movement are ideal. Neutral tones photograph beautifully while letting you focus on your baby without worry.

For newborns, comfort is everything. We'll keep the space warm and peaceful, so dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics—skip anything with scratchy tags or stiff seams. Choose simple, easy-to-remove outfits for those sweet bare-skin photos, and bring extra layers to keep your baby cozy between shots.

Keep Your Little
One Cozy

Your newborn session is all about gentle cradling, feeding moments, and endless newborn snuggles. Wear soft, stretchy fabrics that let you move freely and focus entirely on your little one—especially if you plan to incorporate nursing or skin-to-skin moments.

Dress for Intimate Moments

These photos capture your family's early days together. Choose clothing that allows you to hold, feed, and connect with your newborn effortlessly. When you're comfortable, your bonding moments shine through naturally.

Choose Outfits for Comfort

Rather than perfectly coordinated outfits, choose clothing that complements each other naturally. This keeps the focus where it belongs—on your baby's tiny details and the love between you.

Blend, Don't Match

Before we begin, take a moment to empty pockets of phones, keys, and other small distractions. If using a pacifier, consider bringing a clear or neutral-colored one that won't stand out in photos.

Check the Little Things

Comfort & Connection in Your Session

Prioritize Parent Comfort

or new moms, comfort is key. Loose-fitting tops, flowy dresses, or soft fabrics that allow for nursing and movement are ideal. Neutral tones photograph beautifully while letting you focus on your baby without worry.

  • Babies are perfect just as they are. Simple onesies in white, neutral, or soft tones photograph beautifully. Pair them with easy-to-remove pants for close-up detail shots. Outfits without feet are best so we can capture those tiny toes!

  • We'll likely take photos with your baby both swaddled and unswaddled, depending on their age and comfort. If your baby is warm enough and up for it, I also love capturing diaper-only shots to highlight little rolls, belly buttons, hands, and feet.

  • I recommend skipping bows or headbands, as they can be distracting. The focus should stay on your baby's sweet face and natural features.


Dressing Your Baby

Keep it simple

The most important thing is that your baby is comfortable. If you already have outfits you love, perfect! But if you're looking for something simple and timeless, here are a few great options:

Shopping Guide

places to shop for Your Baby

If you prefer secondhand, local consignment shops or online stores like ThredUp can be great options for finding soft, neutral, and cozy pieces.

Not sure what to wear yourself? I’m happy to help with suggestions—just ask!

Make your session your own

Incorporate Special Hobbies

I want your session to feel personal and meaningful. If your family has a special hobby or tradition, I'd love to capture it! Maybe you enjoy playing music together, tending to your garden, or having spontaneous family dance parties.

Think about the small, everyday moments that bring you joy—those are the moments worth remembering. If there's something special you'd love to include, just let me know!

I love when families include their pets in their session! After many pet-friendly shoots, I've found that starting or ending with pet photos works best since they likely won't be in every image.

Some pets need time to adjust to a new face, so you know best when they'll feel most comfortable. If needed, we can set aside a calm space for them during the rest of the session.


Happy to include your furry family members

Pets

Tips for a Smooth Session:

  • Have treats ready to reward calm behavior.
  • Give your pet some exercise before the session to help them relax.
  • Consider having someone available to take your pet to another room if needed.
  • We'll always prioritize safety and follow your pet's comfort level.
  • If your pet is still adjusting to the baby, we can capture sweet moments from a distance.


I love when families include their pets in their session! After many pet-friendly shoots, I've found that starting or ending with pet photos works best since they likely won't be in every image.

Some pets need time to adjust to a new face, so you know best when they'll feel most comfortable. If needed, we can set aside a calm space for them during the rest of the session.


Happy to include your furry family members

Pets

Tips for a Smooth Session:

  • Have treats ready to reward calm behavior.
  • Give your pet some exercise before the session to help them relax.
  • Consider having someone available to take your pet to another room if needed.
  • We'll always prioritize safety and follow your pet's comfort level.
  • If your pet is still adjusting to the baby, we can capture sweet moments from a distance.


"Not only did she take stunning photos to capture precious moments with our new baby, but she was so knowledgeable and thoughtful when it came to our baby girl. I'm so grateful for the photos Sara took and already can't wait to have her back for our 1st birthday photos!"

"Sara was absolutely wonderful to work with."

kind words from families

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Newborn and Fresh 48 session?

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Newborn sessions take place in your home anytime within the first 3 months, focusing on capturing the baby’s details and moments together. Fresh 48 sessions are done within the first 48 hours after birth or before you’re discharged, capturing those raw, early moments in the hospital.

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Timing for newborn sessions is flexible based on my style. Some families want to capture the earliest moments and some prefer to feel more settled at home first.

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When is the best time to schedule an in-home newborn session?

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Newborn sessions at home typically last about 2 hours to allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and to capture a variety of images. I’m flexible and don’t place timeframes on these sessions because I want to be sure we capture all of the important moments. I do try to keep Fresh 48s shorter since you will have just had your baby and want to provide plenty of time for you to rest.

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How long do newborn sessions last?

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Newborn sessions are baby-led, so we take breaks as needed for feeding, soothing, and diaper changes to ensure your baby is comfortable.

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What if my baby is fussy or needs to be fed during the session?

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Keep your baby comfortable with a warm room and have extra diapers, wipes, and blankets on hand. For Fresh 48, just have a few simple outfits ready; the focus is on capturing natural moments.

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What should I prepare for the session?

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Don’t avoid an indoor session just because you are worried your home is not picture perfect. I promise it doesn't matter. I have techniques to minimize background clutter by changing angles and moving in closer. What is important is documenting this special time. Of course, it looks best to tidy up before the shoot, but you still want it to look like your home. I’ll provide more specifics in the Newborn/Infant Session Guide and during our pre-session phone consult, but this part is easy and not something I want you to worry about at all.

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How do I prepare for a session at home?

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Keep it simple. Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and most like yourself. If you are breastfeeding, it might be best to find something that makes feeding easier or changing is also an option. Partners should also dress comfortably, but avoid shirts with logos or that are too busy to keep photos timeless. For babies, I recommend a neutral onesie and we can add color and warmth with swaddles. We’ll discuss this more and you’ll also receive more information about this in your Session Guide.

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What should we wear?

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I frequently hear from folks that they feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. My goal is to make everyone feel relaxed and to enjoy the session because I believe sessions should be easy and relaxed. I provide gentle guidance to support connection and enhance lighting and composition. Primarily, I want you to be yourselves so we capture this moment in time.

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What type of direction do you provide?

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It is a big transition having a new baby around, so I like to keep it very easy for older siblings. I’m a parent and early childhood special educator, so I happily will play and engage your older children. I share more details in your Session Guide after booking and we’ll work together during pre-planning to make sure everyone feels comfortable on the day of the session.

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How do I prepare older siblings?

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Absolutely! Your pet is part of your family, too, so I’m happy to include any pets during in-home sessions.

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Can I include my pet in the session?

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You may reschedule once if you notify me at least 48 hours in advance. We can transfer the session payment to a new date as long as it is within 6 weeks of the original booked date. This does not include rescheduling due to weather (rain, extreme cold) or a conflict out of my control. If I'm sick, I will also reschedule because I would never want to expose your family. In the event of session cancellation for any reason (other than weather), the retainer will not be refunded. If you cancel, all retainers paid are not refundable.

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What happens if we need to reschedule or cancel?

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You’ll receive your edited high-resolution digital images within 4 weeks. A private online gallery will be provided for you to view and download your photos.

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How soon will I receive my photos after the session?

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I provide light edits that may include adjustments in lighting, color, tones, and cropping. While I take pride in my craft and want to create beautiful and meaningful images for you, I don’t make extensive changes since my goal is to create natural and authentic photos. I'll remove little blemishes and polish things up, but I want your photos to represent reality. Please let me know in advance of your session if there's something specific you're sensitive about and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

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How much do you edit the photos?

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I do not share RAW images. The photos I take with my camera are not the final product and are considered unfinished works of art. I spend a great deal of time in post-processing and it’s the combination of capturing and processing the photos that allows me to artistically create the final images included in your gallery.

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Do you share RAW images?

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Yes, additional digital images and prints can be purchased. I offer various collections and print options to accommodate a range of needs.

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Can I purchase additional images or prints?

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Booking is easy! Contact me via my website to schedule an initial call. A retainer is required to secure your booking. If you decide you’d like to book both, you’ll receive a discount on your second session.

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How do I book a newborn or Fresh 48 session? Can I book both?

A work of art, printed with archival ink on museum-grade canvas.

Canvas Prints

Modern box-style frames with a thick mat, ready to hang and display in any setting.

Matted Frames

A classic and beautiful way to capture your big and small moments. 

Everyday Albums

From prints that become keepsakes and albums that become heirlooms, bring your images to life with the magic of prints. Ordering details will be provided with your gallery.

Heirloom Prints and Albums

Transform your images into timeless treasures

A work of art, printed with archival ink on museum-grade canvas.

Canvas Prints

Modern box-style frames with a thick mat, ready to hang and display in any setting.

Matted Frames

A classic and beautiful way to capture your big and small moments. 

Everyday Albums

From prints that become keepsakes and albums that become heirlooms, bring your images to life with the magic of prints. Ordering details will be provided with your gallery.

Heirloom Prints and Albums

Transform your images into timeless treasures

When to expect your photos

You'll receive access via a private email link within 4 weeks of your session date. You can view, download, share, and favorite these images directly from your gallery based on the collection you've selected. Be sure to use your print credit and save your photos in a secure location. I recommend saving in multiple places.

Online Gallery Delivered

To Select Photos & Use Print Credit

Four Weeks

30 Days

Sneak Peeks

72 Hours

when to expect your photos

You'll receive access via a private email link within 4 weeks of your session date. You can view, download, share, and favorite these images directly from your gallery based on the collection you've selected. Be sure to use your print credit and save your photos in a secure location. I recommend saving in multiple places.


I truly believe your photos shouldn't just live on a hard drive. They are timeless keepsakes to hold onto—both literally and figuratively—and to pass down through generations.

Technology changes quickly, and images stored on old devices (remember floppy disks?) can become difficult to access. Printing your photos not only preserves these special moments but transforms them into art you can enjoy every day.

Bring Your Images to Life with Prints 

Next Steps

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As your session date approaches, I'll send you a detailed questionnaire to help me plan and get to know your family better. The more you share, the more personalized your session will be!

Once I receive your questionnaire and photos of the spaces we'll likely shoot in (for home sessions), we'll schedule a pre-session phone call to finalize details and answer any questions you may have.

Before your session, I'll send you a personalized session plan so we're on the same page for the day. And of course, you're always welcome to reach out anytime if questions come up!

Explore, learn, and enjoy

The Journal

 Sara

I’m honored and grateful to capture this glimpse into your world and document the moments and connections as your family grows. If you ever have a question or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. No question is too small. See you soon!

I'm here for you!

i can't wait To capture these Early memories for you and your family!

—  Sara

I’m honored and grateful to capture this window into your world and document moments and connections as your family grows. Whenever you are unsure or have a question, let me know. No question is too small. 

I'm here for you

i can't wait for your session

I’m honored and grateful to capture this glimpse into your world and document the moments and connections as your family grows. If you ever have a question or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. No question is too small. See you soon!

I can't wait TO capture These Early Memories for your family!

Sara