Session Guide
Newborn and Infant
Newborn/ Infant
Session Guide
I’m so glad you’re here.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know before your session — from what to wear to how the time will unfold — so you can feel comfortable and relaxed.
My approach is simple: we focus on you caring for your baby. I’ll gently guide you while leaving space for natural interaction, so your images reflect who you are together right now.
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
Your Session Experience
How Our Time Unfolds
Newborn and infant sessions are relaxed and baby-led, focused on natural connection and everyday moments. Here’s what you can expect:
Before your session
During your session
- We’ll connect before your session to discuss your vision and any meaningful details you'd like to include.
- You’ll complete a short questionnaire to help me understand what matters most to your family.
- I’ll create a flexible, personalized plan so the session unfolds naturally.
- We can also review wardrobe, lighting, and spaces within your home.
- Sessions are baby-led and typically last about two hours.
- We follow your baby’s needs, including feeding, soothing, and diaper changes.
- I’ll capture natural moments — snuggles, feeding, quiet interactions, and tiny details.
- There’s no need to pose. I’ll offer gentle guidance while keeping everything relaxed.
- If siblings are involved, we’ll keep things playful and natural.
Most importantly, relax and focus on being together. I’ll take care of the rest.
Your Session Experience
How Our Time Unfolds
Newborn and infant sessions are relaxed and baby-led, focused on natural connection and everyday moments. Here’s what you can expect:
Before your session
- We’ll connect before your session to discuss your vision and any meaningful details you'd like to include.
- You’ll complete a short questionnaire to help me understand what matters most to your family.
- I’ll create a flexible, personalized plan so the session unfolds naturally.
- We can also review wardrobe, lighting, and spaces within your home.
During your session
- Sessions are baby-led and typically last about two hours.
- We follow your baby’s needs, including feeding, soothing, and diaper changes.
- I’ll capture natural moments — snuggles, feeding, quiet interactions, and tiny details.
- There’s no need to pose. I’ll offer gentle guidance while keeping everything relaxed.
- If siblings are involved, we’ll keep things playful and natural.
Most importantly, relax and focus on being together. I’ll take care of the rest.
Mornings often offer soft light and content babies.
I photograph newborns anytime within the first three months — whenever feels right for your family.
We follow your baby’s natural rhythm so the session stays calm and unhurried.
Timing and Lighting
the best time to take photos
You might find yourself cuddling your baby, soothing them, or laughing at something unexpected. Those unscripted moments — the real ones — are what make your images meaningful.
The goal isn’t perfect posing. It’s presence.
You don’t need to worry about how to stand or what to do with your hands. I’ll offer gentle guidance when needed, but most of our time will simply be spent interacting together.
Think Natural,
Not Posed
- Tidy, but don’t stress – Focus on the main areas we’ll use. I can move small distractions if needed.
- Follow the light – We’ll use the rooms with the best natural light. Small shifts, like moving a chair or crib, are easy.
- Keep bedding simple – Neutral tones and subtle patterns photograph best.
- Have key items ready – Blankets, burp cloths, or special pieces you’d like included.
- Turn off overhead lights – I use natural light whenever possible.
- Declutter gently – Tuck away cords or small distractions.
- Outdoor spaces count – We may step onto a porch or yard for a few photos.
Preparing Home
Keep it simple and relaxed. There’s no need to coach them to smile or “be good.” I’ll guide gently and follow their pace.
Adding a new sibling is a big shift. Some children jump right in, while others need time — both are completely okay.
How to Prep Older Siblings
What to Expect
- I engage children through play and interaction rather than rigid posing.
- We move at their pace.
- Breaks are always okay.
- Real connection matters more than perfect cooperation.
During The Session
- Focus on each other, not the camera.
- Your energy sets the tone. When you stay calm and present, your children will too. I’ll guide the rest.
If there’s anything helpful for me to know ahead of time, feel free to share. I want your child/children to feel comfortable and included.
Adding a new sibling is a big shift. Some children jump right in, while others need time — both are completely okay.
What to Expect:
- I engage children through play and interaction rather than rigid posing.
- We move at their pace.
- Breaks are always okay.
- Real connection matters more than perfect cooperation.
During the Session:
- Focus on each other, not the camera.
- Your energy sets the tone. When you stay calm and present, your children will too. I’ll guide the rest.
How to Prep Older Siblings
Let them be themselves.
It’s okay if they’re excited.
It’s okay if they need time.
We’ll follow their lead.
It’s okay if they need time.
We’ll follow their lead.
Let them be themselves.
- 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
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. Cozy sweaters, light jackets, or textured fabrics like knits and linen photograph beautifully and add dimension.
Incorporate Layers & Textures
Neutral tones help create a calm, cohesive look and photograph beautifully in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Consider Neutrals
Before the session, remove phones, keys, or bulky items from pockets—they tend to show up in ways you would not expect.
Empty Your Pockets
Comfort & Connection
- 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.
- Have extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for everyone—just in case.
- Simple onesies in white, neutral, or soft tones photograph beautifully. Outfits without feet work best for capturing tiny toes and details.
- We’ll likely photograph your baby both swaddled and unswaddled, depending on their age and comfort. Diaper-only moments highlighting little rolls, belly buttons, hands, and feet often work beautifully.
- I recommend skipping bows or headbands, which can sometimes distract from your baby’s natural expressions.
- We'll keep the space warm and peaceful, so soft, breathable fabrics work best—skip anything with scratchy tags or stiff seams.
- 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.
- Have extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for everyone—just in case.
- Simple onesies in white, neutral, or soft tones photograph beautifully. Outfits without feet work best for capturing tiny toes and details.
- We’ll likely photograph your baby both swaddled and unswaddled, depending on their age and comfort. Diaper-only moments highlighting little rolls, belly buttons, hands, and feet often work beautifully.
- I recommend skipping bows or headbands, which can sometimes distract from your baby’s natural expressions.
- We'll keep the space warm and peaceful, so soft, breathable fabrics work best—skip anything with scratchy tags or stiff seams.
Comfort & Connection
If you’re looking for ideas, here are a few reliable places families often find pieces that work well. If you’re happy with what you already own, that works too.
Shopping Guide
For Babies & Kids
Kate Quinn | Mabo Kids | Gap | Primary | H&M | Old Navy | Janie and Jack | Burt's Bees Baby | Target | Hanna Andersson Preloved
If you prefer secondhand, local consignment shops or online stores like ThredUp can be great options.
Incorporate Meaningful Moments
Your session can reflect what life naturally looks like for your family right now. If there’s something meaningful—reading together, playing music, or spending time in a favorite space—we can incorporate it.
I’m always happy to include your furry family members. Whether we’re at home or outdoors, we’ll find a natural way to bring them in — often at the beginning or end of the session so everyone feels relaxed.
If your pet needs time to warm up, that’s completely okay. We’ll move at their pace.
A favorite toy, treats, or a little exercise beforehand can help them settle in.
Pets
I’m always happy to include your furry family members. Whether we’re at home or outdoors, we’ll find a natural way to bring them in — often at the beginning or end of the session so everyone feels relaxed.
If your pet needs time to warm up, that’s completely okay. We’ll move at their pace.
A favorite toy, treats, or a little exercise beforehand can help them settle in.
Pets
When to expect your photos
You’ll receive a private gallery within four weeks of your session. From there, you can view, download, share, and select images based on your collection. Be sure to download and back up your photos in multiple places for safekeeping.
Online Gallery Delivered
To select your images and apply your print credit
Four Weeks
30 Days
Sneak Peek
72 Hours
when to expect your photos
You’ll receive a private gallery within four weeks of your session. From there, you can view, download, share, and select images based on your collection. Be sure to download and back up your photos in multiple places for safekeeping.
Your gallery will remain available for 30 days from the date your gallery link is sent. Your print credit can be used directly through your private gallery store during that time.
You’ll have access to professional-quality prints and albums designed to last for generations. Photographs are meant to be held and displayed — not just stored — and I’m always happy to help you choose pieces that feel personal in your home.
Print Credit and Gallery Access
Helpful Resources for Your Session
The Journal
— 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
Sara
I’m honored to document this time in your life and the connections that shape your family.
If you have questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out.
I look forward to our time together.
I'm here to help.
Your only job is to show up and be together.