NEWBORN DOCUMENTARY PREP & STYLE GUIDE

Hello! I am so excited to be documenting such a sweet, special time in your lives. There is nothing quite like bringing your new baby home. Those first days and weeks are full of moments that deserve to last forever. In order to help create gorgeous images together, I have put together this prep & style guide to help you be as ready as possible for your session.

Colors

The colors you wear to your session have a huge impact on your final images.  It’s important to carefully select your clothes colors.

I always try and tell my clients to stick to natural, earthy tones- white, black, dark green, navy blue and beige or jewel tones- deep yellows, reds, green, and blues. Bright or neon colors tend to reflect on your skin in photos.

Also, it’s always good to stick to versions of colors. For example, instead of blue, look for navy blue or instead of yellow, try mustard.

Patterns

Solids are ideal for photos. Patterns can be a bit distracting. 

If you do want to incorporate a pattern, make sure only one person is wearing a pattern to avoid clashing.

Try avoiding small patterns and thin lines. These can sometimes distort in photos.

Please do not wear clothes with large logos, words, etc.

Comfort

This is a big one- wear something you are comfortable in!

If you are uncomfortable it will show all over your face.

Make sure when buying new clothes to sit in them and lift your arms to make sure every part of it is comfortable.

Allow room for movement in your clothing.

Hair + Makeup

If you are able to have a professional do your hair and make up, I always say go for it!  It’s a fun treat and makes for gorgeous final images.  Doing your hair and make up at home yourself if perfectly acceptable too. 

The day of your session is not a great time to try something new yourself.  If you are wanting to try out a new look, experiment beforehand.  This avoids a lot of panic the day of in case things do not go as planned.


Accessories

I LOVE ACCESSORIES.
Layering a scarf or cardigan is perfect for these cooler months.

Nothing beats a cute hat you feel great in.

Choose jewelry that compliments your outfit choice and be sure that colors of any accessories do not clash with other parts of your outfit.

Preparing

Preparing for your session will help things to go as smoothly as possible.

Set the temperature in your house to 80 degrees in advance of our session. That will allow baby to be comfortable and warm without having to be bundled. It also helps keep baby sleepy and content- meaning really beautiful images for you.

I am always very happy to document breastfeeding / feeding times. If you prefer not to have these type of images, please be sure to feed baby just before our session time is set to begin.

If you have meaningful items you would like to be in the images, please be sure to have them set aside and to tell me about them at the beginning of our session so that I can incorporate them.

Be sure to tidy up your house before our session. I know life with a newborn is hard as well as anyone. There is no need for perfection here. Just know that the tidier the house, the more the focus is on your baby and new family in the images.





Most importantly, take a few minutes before our session to relax. These past days have no doubt been a whirlwind. Take a moment to breathe. Years from now you will want to be able to look back on the wonder and beauty of these days. Focus on that for a few moments before I am scheduled to arrive.


If you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here for you!