Let's Prepare!
Newborn Studio Sessions (Royal & Stork)
Preparing for your newborn session helps create a relaxed, enjoyable experience for everyone. A little planning before you arrive allows us to keep your baby comfortable, safe, and sleepy, which leads to beautiful, natural images.
This guide will walk you through simple tips on feeding, clothing, timing, and what to bring so you can arrive feeling confident and ready to enjoy this special milestone. My goal is to make your session as stress-free as possible while capturing timeless memories of your newest little love.
About your session:
First and Foremost:
This session is for YOU, YOUR FAMILY, and YOUR SWEET LITTLE ONE(S)!
Try to relax and let me do all the work. I will be more than happy to rock, cuddle and love on your new bundle(s). It’s important to note that newborn studio sessions range from 2-3 hours due to the extensive set ups, posing, feeding, changing and soothing of the baby with tork Sessions last about 1.5-2 hours and Royal Sessions last about 2.5-3 hours.
Session Expectations:
You may have seen a variety of poses and setups in my portfolio, and I absolutely love creating a unique gallery for every family. Please keep in mind that every newborn is different, and each pose is completely baby-led. Some poses may take 10–20 minutes to achieve, depending on how your little one is sleeping, settling, and feeling during the session.
On average, we typically complete 3–6 setups, along with a few timeless black-and-white close-up portraits of your baby at the end of the session.
If you have a favorite pose or setup you've seen in my work, I'd love to know! Please share it with me before your session, and I'll do my best to make it a priority. While I can't guarantee every requested pose, my goal is always to create a beautiful, varied gallery while following your baby's comfort, safety, and pace.
For the STORK SESSION:
Upon arrival, we will briefly go over the format of the session and discuss the color schemes, poses, etc. I suggest leaving all other young ones at home or with a caregiver since the focus is solely on the baby. I will provide 3-6 posed setups of the baby only. This typically includes a basket/bucket/bed, flokati or wrapped pose and of course the tranditional table poses if the baby cooperates.
For the ROYAL SESSION:
Please make sure to inform the other parent and/or caregiver(s) about the length of time beforehand. Upon arrival, we will briefly go over the format of the session and discuss the color schemes, poses, etc. I normally shoot both family and sibling portraits first so that parents do not spend hours “melting” in the 80+ degrees room. The studio is not quite set up to entertain small children, so having a family member or other parent help with little ones following their poses is key! In addition to the family and sibling portraits, I will provide 3-6 other posed setups of the baby only. This typically includes a basket/bucket/bed, flokati or wrapped pose and of course the tranditional table poses as seen in the picture above.
Selecting the Date and Time:
Unless there is a planned induction or c-section, I always wait to book the actual session date once the baby (or babies) arrive. Typically these sessions are scheduled during the morning hours during weekdays. Studio sessions have the best results within 1-3 weeks. Once babies hit 3 weeks, baby acne, instability with sleep patters and cluster feeding tends to start. This does not mean we cannot do your session, but it may result in more wrapped poses.
Please note I do not conduct newborn studio sessions on Saturdays or Sundays unless under certain circumstances.
Clothing & Styling Guide
When planning outfits, the key is simple: complement and coordinate—don’t match exactly. Choose a color palette you love and build everyone’s outfits around it so each person looks cohesive without being too “matchy.”
Soft neutrals and muted pastels photograph beautifully and help keep the focus on your family connection. Baby will be wrapped in studio swaddles, and you’re welcome to bring a simple outfit or onesie if you’d like. We can also include some images of baby in just a diaper for a natural, timeless look.
Helpful Tips
- Start with mom’s outfit—choose something you feel confident and comfortable in, then build the family palette from there.
- Keep things simple—avoid large patterns, logos, and neon colors so the focus stays on your family.
- Mix textures (knits, lace, linen, etc.) for added depth and interest.
- Show a little skin if you’d like—short sleeves, tanks, or off-the-shoulder styles photograph beautifully, especially for skin-to-skin moments.
- Pay attention to details like clean nails, removed hair ties, and minimal accessories.
For Kids
Please check for temporary tattoos, marker, or chipped nail polish the day before and again before your session.
Most Important
Wear something you feel good in—your comfort and confidence will shine through in your photos.
Need Help?
You’re always welcome to browse Pinterest for inspiration (try “newborn family studio session”). If you’d like extra guidance, feel free to send me photos of your outfit options—I’m happy to help you put everything together!
What to Bring:
- Extra diapers
- Wipes
- Pacifier (even if baby doesn't normally use one—it can be very helpful in soothing during posing)
- Extra formula/bottles if needed
- Burp cloths
- Any sentimental items you'd like included
- Change of clothes for baby
- Change of clothes for parents/siblings after portraits are finished
- Snacks, drinks, and quiet activities for siblings
Before the Session:
Preparation for Siblings
- I absolutely love including siblings in your newborn session! Since little ones often have shorter attention spans, we recommend bringing another adult (such as a grandparent, family member, or friend) who can take them for a walk, to get a snack, or to play once their portraits are finished.
- Sibling and family photos are typically taken at the beginning of the session so your older children can be done first. Feel free to bring a few quiet activities, books, or snacks to help keep them happy and entertained if they'll be staying at the studio for part of the session. This helps create a more relaxed experience for everyone while allowing us to focus on your newborn afterward.
Feeding
- Feed baby immediately before arriving or upon arrival.
- Bring extra bottles if bottle feeding.
- Nursing moms may want to feed once more during the session.
Keep Baby Awake Before the Session
- A bath
- Playtime
- Changing diaper
- Gentle interaction for 30–60 minutes beforehand (if possible)
During the Session:
Studio Temperature
To keep your little one cozy and comfortable, the studio is kept warm—typically between 80–85°F. This warm environment helps baby stay relaxed during wrapped and unwrapped poses. We recommend dressing in light layers, as parents may find the studio a bit warm during the session.
Typical Posing Format:
This format is usually followed if baby will allow. At times we may need to modify and change the structure.
- Family portraits (if applicable)
- Sibling Portraits (if applicable)
- Parent portraits (if applicable)
- Wrapped poses
- Prop setups
- Table Poses (without diaper)
- Black and White Mugshots (baby awake)
Props & Styling:
I provide a variety of wraps, headbands, bonnets/hats, and props for your session, all carefully selected to keep your baby comfortable and beautifully styled. My color palette is focused on soft, neutral, and timeless tones to create classic images that won’t go out of style. If you have any special items you’d like included—such as sentimental blankets or heirlooms—you’re welcome to bring them along, and I'll be happy to incorporate them into your session.
For Parents:
Relax and enjoy this special time with your little one! Newborn sessions are baby-led, so feeding, cuddling, soothing, and diaper changes are all a normal part of the process. Trust that I'll work at your baby's pace to create beautiful images while keeping them safe and comfortable.
After the Session:
Now it's my turn! After your session, I’ll carefully select and hand-edit the best images from our time together. Each image is thoughtfully retouched while preserving your baby's natural features and the timeless style you see throughout my portfolio.
Your online gallery will be delivered within the turnaround time outlined in your contract. Once your gallery is ready, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to view, select your favorite images and purchase your digital image collection and/or prints.
Thank you again for trusting me to capture such a special season in your family's life.
It is truly an honor, and I can't wait for you to see your beautiful gallery!
Health Policy & Safety:
Health Policy
Family are asked to reschedule if:
- Baby has a fever or illness.
- Parents or siblings are sick.
- Anyone has been exposed to a contagious illness.
Safety First
- Baby is never forced into a pose.
- Baby's comfort comes first.
- Composite images are used when needed.
- Spotters are used whenever appropriate.