How do we plan a newborn session when I don’t know when baby will come? I write down the due date and play it by ear. I keep days open each week for coming babies, so I will always have a spot for you. Still, it is very important to book as early as possible. When baby comes, call or text me to let me know and we plan for about 5-7 days after that.

When do newborn sessions take place? Ideally within the first 5-7 days, although we can do a session up to 14 days old. If baby was a preemie, we have a little more flexibility with that range. If you or baby needs to stay in the hospital a bit longer, we plan for when you come home, regardless of the said age range.

What exactly happens in a newborn session? I come to your home with an assistant and everything we will need for the session. My assistant and I set everything up in an area of your home where there is good natural light and try to get baby sleeping. If baby is awake when I arrive, we may do open-eyed pictures first and sleepy ones after. We will take pictures of baby by themselves and then with siblings or parents if you’d like. Some parents want to be in pictures, some don’t. Totally up to you and you can decide that day. We may do some pictures in baby’s room, so just be aware of that. When baby fusses, my assistant and I will soothe them first. If baby needs to eat, we will pass them on to you. Most parents really enjoy their baby’s newborn session because they get to relax for 3 hours.

I have a beautiful blanket my mother made for my baby. Can we use it? Although I provide all props and blankets, feel free to have out anything special you may want in your pictures. This includes blankets (especially knit ones or quilts), headbands, hats, accessories, etc.

Baby came and our session is in a couple days. What do I need to do?

• Biggest thing: make sure your house is warm when I get there. Whether that means turning up the heat or turning off the air, just make it hot. I usually recommend turning the heat up, etc. about a half hour before I arrive. It gets a little unbearable for us, but it really helps baby sleep.

• Get out any special items you may want in pictures. Baby will be in the buff most of the time, but you can have an outfit or two ready. For family pictures, we usually go for simple onesies as full-on outfits can overwhelm the tiny baby.

• If you are doing sibling pictures, try to stay away from the “big sister/little sister” shirts. Adorable, I know, but they don’t photograph well in pictures. I go for a very timeless look in all the images I provide you and these shirts can date your pictures. Instead, maybe pick outfits that are dressy casual. No writing or graphics on the tops. Boys often wear jeans or khakis and collared t-shirts or button-ups. Girls often wear dresses, but could also wear jeans and tops. It is really up to you, but these suggestions have looked the best in the past. Remember, simple and timeless. Do you want to see that t-shirt up on your wall for 10 years? Baby can wear a little outfit, a onesie, or be swaddled in sibling pictures.

• If you want to do a family picture, Mom, pick out what you feel most comfortable in. If you are rocking jeans already, go for it and good for you. If you prefer a looser sundress or top, do that. You want to feel good when you see your pictures, so make yourself a priority. As for colors, again, whatever you look best in. Many choose black but that is not necessary. Then dress your man in a coordinating outfit. It does not have to be matching. If you’re wearing a blue dress, he could wear jeans and an oxford shirt with blue in it. If you want to wear black, he could wear a gray sweater with black in it. Think about store windows. If your outfits look like they could stand next to each other on the mannequins, you’re good to go. Don’t worry about baby, I’ll help you figure it out.

• If you don’t want to do a family picture, still have a white or black shirt ready. I may need your arms or hands in some pictures.

My house is a mess. This baby is taking over everything. Don’t judge. Don’t worry. I won’t. I see it all. If we need to move some things to find a spot with good light, we will. That may mean moving kitchen tables or couches, but we will put it all back after. If you want to try to pick up an area, make it baby’s room because we may do something in there. If you don’t have time, don’t stress. We will move whatever we need to.

I’m just getting the hang of nursing. What if we need to stop to feed? Then we stop. Nursing tends to be pretty frustrating and painful those first few days. I totally understand. If your boobs are hurting while we are in the session, baby is all yours. Don’t worry if it takes a while. We understand.