I always feel honoured when being invited to capture a newborn in their first few days or weeks. Having gone through it twice myself I know that those first few weeks are mainly a blur of sleep deprivation, milk, poop, amazingness and lots of tears. Preparing for a stranger to come in to your home to capture the little wonder you have just brought in to the world might seem very daunting. The memories of those first moments with your baby is something I think is so important to capture and am sure you will treasure them forever.
They change so quickly..
My aim with a session is to capture yourself and your baby in a relaxed a loving way. We will do a variety of settings in different parts of your home, with baby on it's own, as well as with each of you separately and as a complete family. I tend not to pose babies much (like you see on some Pinterest boards) but want to keep everything as natural as possible; more of a lifestyle shoot. If you have any requests or if there are any images on my website that you love just let me know.
When I come to your home the first thing I do is to have a look around your house to see where is more suitable for the session in terms of backdrops and lighting, I usually set up where the natural light is good but also try to use rooms such as the living room, the master bedroom and the nursery.
How to prepare for a Newborn photography lifestyle session
Planning the day with a new baby is not an easy task but there are a few ways you can help to make the session run smoothly.
Your baby
It would be great if you can give baby a full feed before I arrive, this way baby will be full when we start. If they are still feeding then I'll have a little look around and a chat, I will be there for you for as long as it takes so please do not feel stressed if things don't go to plan. Little one might still need a feed or two during the session and that is absolutely fine. We can get some lovely images capturing that (if you wish)
Your home
When I arrive I will have a little look around your home, please do not worry about the pile of dishes in the sink - you have a brand new baby to take care of, the last thing you need is to stress about tidying up.
I will ask you to please have clutter put away or hidden under the bed or in closets before I get there. I love to see whats you, stuff, etc., but we need things like breast pumps, water cups by the side of the beds, papers on counters, etc. put away. I am looking for the most suitable places for the session in terms of backdrops and lighting, I usually set up where the natural light is at it's best but also try to use most rooms such as the master bedroom, nursery and perhaps the living room. I might move things around to get a more suitable backdrop or to get a better light.
Please keep the heating in your house up, it helps baby being calm during the session. We will be warm but they will not. Babies can not regulate their internal temperature yet so need it warmer as they will be mostly lightly clothed.
Lastly, if you or your husband have the chance to run out and get some fresh flowers the day before would be lovely. We will use them as accents in the background. White or colour, do what is your style.
YOU
Being a new mum can be overwhelming. The first few weeks you might just want to spend in your pyjamas, you will probably not feel like yourself yet and might ask me to focus on photographing just the baby. That is absolutely fine and I completely respect that. However, this is a chance to capture the first bond you had with your brand new baby. I absolutely love to see the connection between a mother and her new baby, there is nothing else like it. If you have the chance, take some time for yourself before I arrive, see this a a chance to pamper yourself like you used to. Ask your husband to look after baby the night before, take a long bath, have a blow-dry and in the morning - put some make-up on to make you feel gorgeous.
Clothing
I would suggest to keep it natural, think white, beige, grey etc. Please avoid logos. Light colours and textures or small patterns always look lovely in indoor sessions but that is just up to personal taste. Most importantly, you have just had a baby and I want you want to feel comfortable in what you are wearing.
For your baby -please prepare one or two outfit changes as well as any personal belongings you might want included - such as soft toys, hats and blankets. I do not bring any props with me to a session as I want photos to feel as personal as possible. I want it all to be about your baby, your home and your family.
For inspiration check out this Pinterest link https://www.pinterest.co.uk/asa_bell/what-to-wear-indoor-sessions/
If you feel unsure about what to wear, please take a picture of the outfits (lay them on a bed) and send me pictures on Whats app, I am always happy to give advice.
I hope this guide has helped, if you have any questions at all please give me a call. Can't wait to meet you and your family!
Best wishes,
Åsa x
Credits:
Åsa Bell Photography