lifestyle newborn prep guide
welcome
I am honoured to be documenting your little one’s very first portraits; these are the images that will be treasured for years to come and will beautifully chronicle your family’s history.
Once I arrive at your home, I will ask that someone gives me quick tour so I can see the different rooms and the available natural light. This light will guide me on the best places to shoot in your home. I may move things in your home around, for the sake of simplicity in the photos or better lighting.
We will work to get acquainted and familiar, but we will get started right away, unless baby is fussy and needs a feed. Your session will last about an hour, unless baby needs to take a feeding break, which may add some time.
I understand there are many options out there, at many different price points, and many different styles. I trust you selected Hope + Salt Photography because of the images you have viewed in my portfolio, the extensive line of fine products, and because my vast network of referrals tell you that this is the place to be!
This welcome page should provide you with a full overview of what you can expect from your newborn session.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
things to remember
1 day before the session
If you are nursing or giving baby pumped breastmilk, please avoid eating any foods that could make baby gassy. A quick search on the internet will give you a list of what these could be.
Please send me baby’s First Name and Date of Birth
Tidy up as much or as little as you'd like. I do my best to create images that focus on your family, and are free of distractions. However, dishes in the sink, or a pile of laundry won't bother me, and nothing has to be perfect!
Important to note: if your baby has been circumcised within 2-3 days of our session date - please email me as it might be better to find a new date.
Likewise, for older babies, if they have received vaccine shots the day before our session, they will likely be fussy the next day so please reach out to me to discuss.
day of the session
The following information are all tips I have found helpful to make newborn sessions smoother. If there are any questions at all please do not hesitate to reach out to me!
Please crank the heat up in your home a few hours before I arrive to keep baby warm and comfortable. In my studio I set the temperature at 80 degrees so aim for that. That means the rest of us will be really hot, so dress in light clothing.
Shortly before I arrive give baby a bath. Then go ahead and give a good full feed and burp baby. A full belly makes for a sleepy baby! I know babies have a mind and schedule of their own so if that doesn’t work out that’s ok. It’s just ideal for baby to eat so we can get started right away.
Dress baby in a plain onesie if you have one or a knotted gown. If not, undress baby to just a diaper. You can even wrap him or her up in a swaddle blanket so they stay warm and comfy until I arrive.
Clear off your bedside tables, getting rid of anything that you don’t want photographed. ie: water bottles, alarm clocks, tissue boxes. Framed photos and lamps are fine. We just want to simplify the background of your images from clutter.
what i bring
Here's a list of some items I bring to make our time run smoother:
what to wear
classic, clean and simple
I always recommend parents and siblings to wear a neutral palette. You do not all need to match exactly, but wearing neutral calming colours will keep the focus of the images on your faces and the new baby and not on any busy patterns or colours. Your outfit choices, bedding, wall colours and furnishings all have an impact on the look and feel of your gallery. If you prefer light & airy images, dress in light colours like whites, creams, greys or pale pastels. If you dress in dark colours and the decor in your home is dark, your resulting images will have more of a dark and moody feel.
For Dads, avoid t-shirts - instead choose a button down shirt or polo in a neutral or muted colour like white, cream or grey.
For many newborns, clothes don’t always fit perfectly so most of the time I will keep them in a swaddle or just a simple knit outfit, diaper cover or onesie. I'll bring these items with me so you don't have to worry. Outfits with wording or images are very cute but are often hard to read since someone will likely be holding baby most of the time and fabric folds, so simple is best. I will of course help you with any selections when I get there if needed!
I recommend that everyone be barefoot (no socks!). I find that it looks better in images unless you've got an objection to having your bare feet show from a distance. ;)
Check out my What to Wear for Newborn Photos Pinterest board for lots of visual inspiration.
Here are some of my favourite places to shop for picture perfect outfits for the whole family.
borrow from my studio wardrobe
I have a full studio wardrobe for mamas you are welcome to borrow from. The dresses and tops are all very loose and forgiving and work lovely for postpartum. See the gallery here . If you'd like me to bring a few pieces, please reach out the day before your session to let me know which ones.
I have a few polos in the studio wardrobe for Dads to use in case you are stuck. Don't run out to the mall just for this. ;)
I'm starting to build a collection of toddler/young child pieces as well. If you'd like to see what I have, please email me sizing info and I'll get back to you.
siblings
Lifestyle sessions are great for siblings! They can come and go as they please, in the comfort of their own environment. Often young toddlers take a few moments to warm up to me and that’s perfectly fine. Usually once I start taking photos of baby they become very intrigued and wish to be involved.
where to shop
Here are some of my favourite places to shop for picture perfect outfits for the whole family.
Christmas Photos
Sessions in November + December can include some Christmas Photos if you wish.
Please read through my CHRISTMAS PREP GUIDE for some tips on how to prepare your home.
final notes
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. It is my pleasure to photograph your family and I look forward to the fun we will have!
Thanks for taking the time to prepare for your session. I will be in touch a couple days before our session with any last minute details.
illness
On the day of your session if anyone in your household is not well, please give me a call or email. I will do the same.
