Newborn Session Preparation Guide
A Note For You
Inviting someone into your home just weeks after giving birth is a brave thing to do.
This season is tender. Your body is still healing. Your routines are new, if they exist at all. There may be dishes in the sink, laundry on the couch, and a baby who doesn’t follow a schedule. That’s normal and expected.
This session is not a performance, and it’s not a shrine to how things used to look. It’s a way to document life exactly as it is right now. My role is to move gently and work around what you and your baby needs.
Thank you for trusting me with this season of your life. I’m honored to document it for you!
- Ellen
Preparing For Your Session
Setting The Space
We’ll use the room in your home with the best natural light, often near a window. If it helps, think less about “prepping” and more about creating room to breathe. Opening curtains, turning off overhead lights, and setting aside a few neutral blankets or swaddles is more than enough.
A quick tidy of the main areas is plenty — clear surfaces matter more than a perfectly clean house. Keeping the space warm helps everyone stay comfortable, especially during swaddled or skin-to-skin moments. The goal is a calm, comfortable space, not one that feels staged.
Following Their Lead
Every baby is different, and there’s no right way for this session to go. Feeding beforehand can help, and we’ll pause as often as needed for feeding, diaper changes, or soothing. Simple things like warmth, time, and white noise can help babies settle, but nothing is expected. We’ll take things slowly and respond to what your baby needs in the moment.
Session Style Guide
These are simple guidelines, not rules. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you feel comfortable and like yourself!
Soft, Neutral Tones
Creams, warm whites, soft grays, muted earth tones, and gentle pastels photograph beautifully and keep the focus on connection rather than clothing.
These tones reflect light softly and create a timeless look that won’t feel dated years from now. When in doubt, lighter and more neutral almost always translates better on camera.
Coordinate, don’t match
Choose colors that work well together rather than identical outfits. Rather than everyone wearing the same color, aim for a palette that feels cohesive.
Mixing complementary tones and textures adds visual interest while still feeling natural and relaxed. Think “together,” not identical—this keeps the images from feeling stiff or overly styled.
Simple & Unfussy
Clean lines and minimal details photograph best, especially in close, intimate moments.
Avoid large logos, graphic tees, or bold patterns that can pull attention away from faces and emotion. Simple outfits allow the story—and the baby—to take center stage.
Thoughtful Details
Knits, linen, cotton, and light layers add warmth and texture without overwhelming the frame. These materials move softly and photograph beautifully in natural light.
A few intentional details go a long way—simple accessories and comfortable layers often create the most timeless images.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about preparing for your session, what to expect, or timing, I’m always happy to help. And if you’re reading this while considering a session, I’d love to talk through whether this experience is the right fit for you. My job is to guide you through the process and make it feel as easy and supportive as possible—before, during, and after your session. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.