Crawfordville & Tallahassee, FL Branding & PORTRAIT Photographer

maternity | newborn

Session & Style Guide
Peaceful sleeping newborn baby wrapped in navy knit blanket and beanie on soft gray fur background.

Welcome


Congratulations on your new edition! Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of this beautiful journey  you are on. I am excited to share a small part of it with you.


Having a new baby is very rewarding, but also extremely demanding so I have put together this guide to help ease your mind and prepare you for your session.


The goal is for your session to go as smoothly as possible so we can capture timeless portraits of your growing family that you can treasure for a lifetime.


Before the Session


Before your session, we will discuss all of the specifics of what you are looking to capture. Some of the things we will discuss are colors, wardrobe, who will be in the photos, etc. Don't worry if you are unsure what to wear if you plan to be in the photos as well. I have some styling tips below to help with that.


Once your little one enters the world, contact me as soon as possible to share the joyful news! I'll respond during my office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm) so we can get your session scheduled promptly!


I am dedicated to capturing the beauty of newborns and infants at all their precious stages, so we'll find a session date that suits you best (whether your baby is several days or several weeks old). In fact, waiting a bit can have some fantastic benefits. Your baby will have time for full feedings and a settled tummy. Moms can take the time they need to heal and feel their best, and older siblings have a bit more time to adjust to their new roles as big brothers or sisters.


DURING THE SESSION


Newborn photography is very hands on so you must be comfortable with me handling your little one a lot during the session. Although the goal is to create beautiful portraits of your new addition, the safety of your baby is my TOP priority! 


Once you arrive to the studio and get settled, we will begin your session. The room will be warm and a sound machine will be playing to keep your baby comfortable and calm . Expect to feed baby at least once during your session. I usually ask parents to try to keep baby awake 2-3 hours prior to your session so baby is nice and sleepy. Sleepy babies pose the best!


For lifestyle sessions, if in your home, I ask that you turn up the heat so that it is nice and warm for baby. My rule of thumb is if you are a feeling a little toasty, baby will be nice and comfy. Please prepare the nursery and other areas prior to my arrival so you get the most out of your session time. I also suggest putting away noisy pets and turning off phone ringers to keep noise to a minimum. 


AFTER THE SESSION


A few weeks after your session, you will receive your gallery, where your stunning portraits will be revealed. I've designed a convenient system that simplifies the process of selecting and ordering your favorite portraits, making it simple, relaxed, and stress-free.


This unique experience unfolds in the comfort of your own home, allowing you to enjoy the reveal in a warm and cozy setting where you can enjoy a glass of wine, a cup of coffee, or your favorite beverage. This gallery reveal is all about you and your experience. I want you to remember those sweet moments from your session as you view your beautiful portraits.


Whether you desire your portraits in prints, albums, or just digital format, this is the time to select the perfect way to cherish your memories. Feel free to choose the portraits that resonate with you and pull at your heart strings the most. If you need any guidance during the process, I am here to help! My hope for this reveal is that it is an enjoyable and memorable experience for you and your family.


styling tips

Simple is best!

START WITH MOM'S OUTFIT

Women's clothing comes in a multitude of designs, colors, and styles, and most times, women are more particular with their clothing than men, so having this as a foundation for the other outfits makes it easier to choose a color palette and style for your outfits. Start with one outfit, and build on it one-by-one.


compliment don't match

A good place to start in choosing your outfits is to choose a color palette that has colors that compliment one another, rather than too many of the same or similar colors. It's also important to make sure colors don't clash.


Go neutral

I highly recommend choosing outfits that follow a softer tone and more neutral color palette, whether your session is at a location in nature or in the studio. It's great to have Earthy colors that compliment, yet pop against the backdrop. Neutral colors allow the subject of the portrait to shine and are also a great way to make sure your images remain timeless and beautiful.



Limit patterns | logos

This tip is especially crucial when choosing outfits, as busy patterns and logos can be extremely distracting and if there are too many outfits with patterns in your group, can clash. Incorporate mostly solids in your outfits, and include patterns only when the majority outfits are solids, and when patterns are not distracting. 


Confidence is key

The most important factor in choosing your outfits is to wear something that you feel comfortable and confident in. You'll want to choose something that fits you well and makes you feel good about yourself!


If you have any additional questions that weren't addressed here, please feel free to reach out and ask! The more prepared we both are for the session, the better.