Hello and welcome!
I hope you are all doing well! I'm very excited to meet your little one! Please use this as your guide for what to expect and how to prep for your lifestyle newborn session. If you have any questions, please let me know!
WHAT IS AN IN-HOME NEWBORN SESSION?
In-home newborn sessions are unique to each family. They tell your story, from the comfort of your home. There is no rush getting everyone out the door, making sure the diaper bag is packed and baby is strapped in the carseat. In-home newborn sessions use your home, your surroundings, and items from your nursery. There is gently guided posing of you as a family but your baby will not be posed like some of the images you see on my website. I will document your family, in your home including diaper changes to feedings to relaxing on the couch.
WHAT TO WEAR - PARENTS AND SIBLINGS:
Simple neutrals are always best. Comfort is key and if you're comfortable, it will show through in your images...they will feel relaxed, authetic, and natural. Dresses are often a great option for moms because they are light and move with you and aren’t restrictive. Keep colors neutral but don’t be afraid to add a little bit of color. Whites, creams, greys, tans, and subdued colors always photograph the best. Always avoid bright and bold colors (neons), very dark colors like black and navy blue, and busy patterns and shirts with large logos on them because all that can take away from the overall feel and look of your images. We want the focus to be on you and your little one, not what your shirt says. The same rules apply to siblings. Avoid clothing with characters, sequins, and bright colors. From a cozy oversized sweater and leggings, to a pretty floral or flowy dress, the options are endless for you mamas! Make sure you feel good in what you’re wearing.
Clean nails are also important…this goes for siblings too. Since we will be focusing a lot on your family holding the baby, nails should be cleaned and trimmed. Nails should be bare or freshly polished in a neutral shade. Chipping nail polish and nail colors can not be changed, even with the magic of Photoshop.
Some moms choose to have hair and make-up done for their session. This is by no means a “must,” but it does sometimes make you feel more put together. If stray hairs and flyaways or frizz are a concern, please be sure to address that in your prep. What you see in the mirror is how your hair will photograph. Stray hairs, hair in your face, flyaways, and frizz can not be fixed after the fact. Try to stand with a light source behind your hair. If you see frizz and flyaways, the camera will too. This goes for little ones also. Headbands and neatly pulled-back hair are great options for keeping your littles faces visible.
WHAT TO WEAR - BABY
Simply put, a swaddle is KING for your newborn session. Most babies love to be swaddled and it helps to keep them happy for your lifestyle newborn session. I will bring a few neutral swaddles and do a quick wrap if needed to settle baby. You can put whatever you want under the swaddle, but I really do suggest a simple, neutral onesie for comfort. We don’t want anything itchy on them, and definitely not something that will cause them to get too hot when swaddled. Don’t worry, I will do all the swaddling for you!
Try to select one outfit for your baby. I know you have received a ton of cute things for your baby to wear. This one is hard for mamas, but it’s so important. Newborns really don’t like changing clothes. If you change a baby’s clothes, they wake up. When they wake up, they can be grumpy. When they are grumpy, we have to soothe them again, etc. Of course, it’s never a problem to soothe your baby! We just want to make sure that we are maximizing our time together and not exhausting your family with a 4-hour session.
I like to tell my mamas to pick one outfit that they love and that fits well. This is key! Fit is so important because we don't want baby to be swimming in their clothes. We want to see hands and not have them lost in a sleeper. Your baby is more likely to be awake when they are unswaddled. Keep in mind that newborns do not have control of their movements, so sometimes their eyes and hands will be in positions that aren’t best for photography which is why we'll try to keep them sleepy.
HOW TO PREP:
Once we narrow down our session date and time (they usually take place between 9:30am - noon, for lighting purposes) I will ask what areas of your house you would like for the session to take place in. I like to have clients pick one or two rooms that have the best natural light. Master bedrooms, living rooms, baby’s nursery, and spare bedrooms are most common but we can also use a bright kitchen or entryway space…it is all about the light. Opening all blinds and curtains before my arrival will help me to figure out which spaces are best.
DECLUTTERING MATTERS
Please do not feel the need to hire a cleaning crew to deep clean your entire house before I come. There is zero need to impress me, like at all….. I’m a mom… of two teenagers. Literally, nothing scares me. However, if you can, try and declutter items on counters/floors in the spaces you’d like me to photograph in. Less is more when it comes to these type sessions.
Things to declutter:
-nightstands
-cords
-dressers
-countertops
-end tables
-anything that shows underneath your bed
Also, keep in mind your bedding. There are some really wonderful colors and patterns out there (which is amazing) however, if you have a white sheet/blanket/comforter definitely bust that out and lay it on top. The reason being, bright and bold colors will cast shadows and colors on skin, leaving a tint of whatever color the blanket is. So if you can, keep it simple and plain. Whites and creams are always ideal to ensure esthetically please images to the eye.
If you have other kiddos, let me know before we schedule a time. I always like to make sure we aren’t heading towards a nap while I’m there. I try my best to be flexible on the time of day we shoot to accommodate for such schedules.
If possible, try and keep your house warmer than usual. Babies love being warm and cuddly and when the house is cold, they’ll let you know if they don’t like it. I also have a portable heater to help if needed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
My baby is so fussy I’m afraid they’’ll cry the entire time you’re here!
-This is the wonderful thing about in-home sessions. We can stop at any time. I give you all the time you need to relax and recompose. Babies cry. It’s totally ok. It’s totally normal.
Their sibling is afraid of the baby or want’s nothing to do with them.
-There are a lot of changes happening in their world right now. It’s ok. It’s normal. A new addition is a huge adjustment to a sibling! I never force or coerce kids to get in the frame. Sometimes a simple game of “can you show me baby’s nose?” does the trick, sometimes it doesn’t and we let them be. The goal is to never force a child or punish them if they’re not feeling it.
My house isn’t Pinterest perfect.
-Mine isn’t either. And it definitely wasn’t when I had little ones. The goal for in-home sessions isn’t about the state of your house. It’s so much deeper than that. And really, all I need is one room with some good light and I can create magic.
I live in a small place with just a few windows. We don’t even have a crib!
-Some of my most favorite sessions had taken place in such a space! It’s all about angles and light. Cribs are not necessary to show you have a newborn. There are so many other places inside your home that we can use! Couches, beds, even the floor!
How long does a typical session last?
- Most sessions last around 2hrs. I like to leave extra time for feedings, diaper changes and fussy babies.
Do you use or bring props or do specific poses? I love the posed photos on your website and social media.
- No props or poses are need for a lifestyle session. I may have a few neutral blankets or some support pillows if we’re photographing siblings but I’ll be using items from your home and nursery for the session. My goal is to capture you and your family organically in your space with your things.
*If you’d like to session with lots of posing and props, please book one of my fully posed collections that take place exclusively in my studio space.
We are so awkward in front of the camera. Will you help pose us?
- Yes of course! I totally understand being awkward, because I am too! I will definitely help guide you into a pose and then ask you to engage with your family.
The Day of Your Session Prep:
1. Please bathe your newborn about an hour or two before your session. A nice warm 5-10 minute bath should wake them up and get them all nice and squeaky clean for their modeling debut! Don't worry if they have flaky skin, just lotion them up after their bath. Try and keep your baby awake for the hour before the session. Typically the bath does the work for you!
2. Try to time baby’s feeding RIGHT BEFORE I ARRIVE for your session. Feeding your baby before I arrive can allow a relaxed feeding in your own home (especially if you are still mastering breast feeding together). During the session we will feed your baby as they need to be fed and are showing signs of hunger.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BREASTFED BABIES:
If breast feeding, please try to avoid eating the following foods 24 hours prior to the session as it may upset baby’s tummy:
Lateness/Sickness/Etc.
If there is a problem the day of the session, please call or text me as soon as you can (610-780-1100) Getting a little person, yourself, and your family ready can be a task. While beginning on time is important, so is your stress level. If you are stressed, baby may be stressed. Take your time, allow for more time than you think you’ll need, and try to stay relaxed. The last thing I want is for you to feel frazzled on a day when you should be enjoying time with your baby.
I take illness very seriously and do not permit anyone to be photographed who is sick or has been sick until they are fever/vomit free for 48 hours without medication. This applies to anyone being photographed and their guests. If I show up and anyone is visibly ill, your session will be terminated and you will be charged a rebooking fee of $250.00. I hate to be so strict but since newborns have a fragile immune system, I need to protect them as much as I can from exposure and that includes protecting myself. I have no problem rescheduling a session for illness if I know in advance. So to avoid a fee and the aggravation, when someone is sick, please be in touch with me if that should occur and we will find another time for your session.
Turnaround time for your session gallery is approximately 3-4 weeks until you receive your final images. This may vary depending on the time of year and my schedule but I can explain this more during your session!
XOXO,
April
Find me on Facebook and Instagram! Be sure to “like” and “follow” me.
www.facebook.com/aprilcphotos
www.instagram.com/aprilcphotos
Join my VIP group on Facebook for the latest specials and to stay up to date on any offers!
www.facebook.com/groups/921994961277770
WHAT IS AN IN-HOME NEWBORN SESSION?
In-home newborn sessions are unique to each family. They tell your story, from the comfort of your home. There is no rush getting everyone out the door, making sure the diaper bag is packed and baby is strapped in the carseat. In-home newborn sessions use your home, your surroundings, and items from your nursery. There is gently guided posing of you as a family but your baby will not be posed like some of the images you see on my website. I will document your family, in your home including diaper changes to feedings to relaxing on the couch.
WHAT TO WEAR - PARENTS AND SIBLINGS:
Simple neutrals are always best. Comfort is key and if you're comfortable, it will show through in your images...they will feel relaxed, authetic, and natural. Dresses are often a great option for moms because they are light and move with you and aren’t restrictive. Keep colors neutral but don’t be afraid to add a little bit of color. Whites, creams, greys, tans, and subdued colors always photograph the best. Always avoid bright and bold colors (neons), very dark colors like black and navy blue, and busy patterns and shirts with large logos on them because all that can take away from the overall feel and look of your images. We want the focus to be on you and your little one, not what your shirt says. The same rules apply to siblings. Avoid clothing with characters, sequins, and bright colors. From a cozy oversized sweater and leggings, to a pretty floral or flowy dress, the options are endless for you mamas! Make sure you feel good in what you’re wearing.
Clean nails are also important…this goes for siblings too. Since we will be focusing a lot on your family holding the baby, nails should be cleaned and trimmed. Nails should be bare or freshly polished in a neutral shade. Chipping nail polish and nail colors can not be changed, even with the magic of Photoshop.
Some moms choose to have hair and make-up done for their session. This is by no means a “must,” but it does sometimes make you feel more put together. If stray hairs and flyaways or frizz are a concern, please be sure to address that in your prep. What you see in the mirror is how your hair will photograph. Stray hairs, hair in your face, flyaways, and frizz can not be fixed after the fact. Try to stand with a light source behind your hair. If you see frizz and flyaways, the camera will too. This goes for little ones also. Headbands and neatly pulled-back hair are great options for keeping your littles faces visible.
WHAT TO WEAR - BABY
Simply put, a swaddle is KING for your newborn session. Most babies love to be swaddled and it helps to keep them happy for your lifestyle newborn session. I will bring a few neutral swaddles and do a quick wrap if needed to settle baby. You can put whatever you want under the swaddle, but I really do suggest a simple, neutral onesie for comfort. We don’t want anything itchy on them, and definitely not something that will cause them to get too hot when swaddled. Don’t worry, I will do all the swaddling for you!
Try to select one outfit for your baby. I know you have received a ton of cute things for your baby to wear. This one is hard for mamas, but it’s so important. Newborns really don’t like changing clothes. If you change a baby’s clothes, they wake up. When they wake up, they can be grumpy. When they are grumpy, we have to soothe them again, etc. Of course, it’s never a problem to soothe your baby! We just want to make sure that we are maximizing our time together and not exhausting your family with a 4-hour session.
I like to tell my mamas to pick one outfit that they love and that fits well. This is key! Fit is so important because we don't want baby to be swimming in their clothes. We want to see hands and not have them lost in a sleeper. Your baby is more likely to be awake when they are unswaddled. Keep in mind that newborns do not have control of their movements, so sometimes their eyes and hands will be in positions that aren’t best for photography which is why we'll try to keep them sleepy.
HOW TO PREP:
Once we narrow down our session date and time (they usually take place between 9:30am - noon, for lighting purposes) I will ask what areas of your house you would like for the session to take place in. I like to have clients pick one or two rooms that have the best natural light. Master bedrooms, living rooms, baby’s nursery, and spare bedrooms are most common but we can also use a bright kitchen or entryway space…it is all about the light. Opening all blinds and curtains before my arrival will help me to figure out which spaces are best.
DECLUTTERING MATTERS
Please do not feel the need to hire a cleaning crew to deep clean your entire house before I come. There is zero need to impress me, like at all….. I’m a mom… of two teenagers. Literally, nothing scares me. However, if you can, try and declutter items on counters/floors in the spaces you’d like me to photograph in. Less is more when it comes to these type sessions.
Things to declutter:
-nightstands
-cords
-dressers
-countertops
-end tables
-anything that shows underneath your bed
Also, keep in mind your bedding. There are some really wonderful colors and patterns out there (which is amazing) however, if you have a white sheet/blanket/comforter definitely bust that out and lay it on top. The reason being, bright and bold colors will cast shadows and colors on skin, leaving a tint of whatever color the blanket is. So if you can, keep it simple and plain. Whites and creams are always ideal to ensure esthetically please images to the eye.
If you have other kiddos, let me know before we schedule a time. I always like to make sure we aren’t heading towards a nap while I’m there. I try my best to be flexible on the time of day we shoot to accommodate for such schedules.
If possible, try and keep your house warmer than usual. Babies love being warm and cuddly and when the house is cold, they’ll let you know if they don’t like it. I also have a portable heater to help if needed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
My baby is so fussy I’m afraid they’’ll cry the entire time you’re here!
-This is the wonderful thing about in-home sessions. We can stop at any time. I give you all the time you need to relax and recompose. Babies cry. It’s totally ok. It’s totally normal.
Their sibling is afraid of the baby or want’s nothing to do with them.
-There are a lot of changes happening in their world right now. It’s ok. It’s normal. A new addition is a huge adjustment to a sibling! I never force or coerce kids to get in the frame. Sometimes a simple game of “can you show me baby’s nose?” does the trick, sometimes it doesn’t and we let them be. The goal is to never force a child or punish them if they’re not feeling it.
My house isn’t Pinterest perfect.
-Mine isn’t either. And it definitely wasn’t when I had little ones. The goal for in-home sessions isn’t about the state of your house. It’s so much deeper than that. And really, all I need is one room with some good light and I can create magic.
I live in a small place with just a few windows. We don’t even have a crib!
-Some of my most favorite sessions had taken place in such a space! It’s all about angles and light. Cribs are not necessary to show you have a newborn. There are so many other places inside your home that we can use! Couches, beds, even the floor!
How long does a typical session last?
- Most sessions last around 2hrs. I like to leave extra time for feedings, diaper changes and fussy babies.
Do you use or bring props or do specific poses? I love the posed photos on your website and social media.
- No props or poses are need for a lifestyle session. I may have a few neutral blankets or some support pillows if we’re photographing siblings but I’ll be using items from your home and nursery for the session. My goal is to capture you and your family organically in your space with your things.
*If you’d like to session with lots of posing and props, please book one of my fully posed collections that take place exclusively in my studio space.
We are so awkward in front of the camera. Will you help pose us?
- Yes of course! I totally understand being awkward, because I am too! I will definitely help guide you into a pose and then ask you to engage with your family.
The Day of Your Session Prep:
1. Please bathe your newborn about an hour or two before your session. A nice warm 5-10 minute bath should wake them up and get them all nice and squeaky clean for their modeling debut! Don't worry if they have flaky skin, just lotion them up after their bath. Try and keep your baby awake for the hour before the session. Typically the bath does the work for you!
2. Try to time baby’s feeding RIGHT BEFORE I ARRIVE for your session. Feeding your baby before I arrive can allow a relaxed feeding in your own home (especially if you are still mastering breast feeding together). During the session we will feed your baby as they need to be fed and are showing signs of hunger.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BREASTFED BABIES:
If breast feeding, please try to avoid eating the following foods 24 hours prior to the session as it may upset baby’s tummy:
- spicy or gassy food (such as broccoli, beans etc)
- heavy dairy
- caffeine
- chocolate.
- **PLEASE AVOID DRINKING COFFEE ON THE MORNING OF YOUR SESSION IF YOU ARE BREASTFEEDING**
Lateness/Sickness/Etc.
If there is a problem the day of the session, please call or text me as soon as you can (610-780-1100) Getting a little person, yourself, and your family ready can be a task. While beginning on time is important, so is your stress level. If you are stressed, baby may be stressed. Take your time, allow for more time than you think you’ll need, and try to stay relaxed. The last thing I want is for you to feel frazzled on a day when you should be enjoying time with your baby.
I take illness very seriously and do not permit anyone to be photographed who is sick or has been sick until they are fever/vomit free for 48 hours without medication. This applies to anyone being photographed and their guests. If I show up and anyone is visibly ill, your session will be terminated and you will be charged a rebooking fee of $250.00. I hate to be so strict but since newborns have a fragile immune system, I need to protect them as much as I can from exposure and that includes protecting myself. I have no problem rescheduling a session for illness if I know in advance. So to avoid a fee and the aggravation, when someone is sick, please be in touch with me if that should occur and we will find another time for your session.
Turnaround time for your session gallery is approximately 3-4 weeks until you receive your final images. This may vary depending on the time of year and my schedule but I can explain this more during your session!
XOXO,
April
Find me on Facebook and Instagram! Be sure to “like” and “follow” me.
www.facebook.com/aprilcphotos
www.instagram.com/aprilcphotos
Join my VIP group on Facebook for the latest specials and to stay up to date on any offers!
www.facebook.com/groups/921994961277770