Newborn Session Day Experience in Coatesville, PA // Coatesville Newborn session by Angelique Jasmin Photography
So many mothers are apprehensive about what their newborn session day experience will be. “How long will the session take? Do I need to clean my whole house? What if my baby is fussy? Will I have time to nurse? What if my toddler melts down? Can my husband get back to work on time? What can I wear that doesn’t make me look like a blimp?”
First of all I want to say, take a deep breath and relax. I’m here to try to make this experience as easy as possible and capture you with your baby and family in the best light. You would be amazed at how little of a space in a home I can take and use to make stunning images you will cherish forever!
Now let’s get down to the those nagging questions:
How long will the session take?
Generally speaking, I plan on 1-2 hours for a newborn session. I take it slow and easy both because we want to keep the baby sleeping if possible, and because I know you are tired and sore. A baby isn’t following an schedule at 2 weeks old, or even at a month old. So it may take a while for him/her to settle down for me to get the best images. Once baby is sleeping, I work as quickly and smoothly as I can.
I generally plan to take all the photos of the family together right off the bat while everyone is fresh. Then I take sibling photos, parents with baby, dad with baby and mom with baby. Then hopefully we can send dad and the other kids off to get in comfy clothes, have a snack and be done with photos. Your husband could also leave to go back to work then if he isn’t off of work that day. I then finish off the session with photos of the baby alone, both full length and up close details.
Do I need to clean up my whole house?
No, you certainly do not. I like to shoot the session in the best light of your home, but also in a cozy spot that reflects your family. I recommend the living room, nursery and possibly the master bed room be picked up and free of clutter. But sometimes I just see something that will distract from your photos that you might not have noticed. So please don’t be offended if I move or hide something out of the frame of my camera. I also recommend having your mom, mother-in-law or a sister at the session to just care for the little details and other children so you don’t have to. They can even do dishes while you are having your photos taken and then feed a snack or meal to your toddler while we finish the session.
What if my baby is fussy?
Babies have a mind of their own when it comes to the newborn session day. I highly encourage you to take the time to feed the baby, change his/her diaper if needed and gently rock your sweet baby to sleep. This is why I don’t rush things. I can take detail photos of your nursery while you soothe your baby, or I can take a few snap shots to update photos for big brother or sister by themselves.
What if my toddler melts down?
I have seen so many toddlers melt down or do the exact opposite of what the parents or I ask of them. Please don’t be stressed out about this. Just do your best to encourage your toddler to play and interact for the session. Let them know how much you love them in this season of transition. Their whole world has just changed forever with the birth of their sibling and they don’t always know how to handle this by the time the newborn session rolls around.
What do I wear that flatters my postpartum body?
I highly encourage you to start looking for a dress or outfit before your baby is born. I know this is hard because you don’t know what your body is going to look like postpartum. You don’t know what is going to fit well. I encourage you to look for natural fabrics in stretchy or loose designs. Also I HIGHLY recommend lighter color tones for newborn sessions. Black might make you feel thinner, but it doesn’t photograph well for this type of session.
One of my favorite places to recommend is Nothing Fits But. Many of their dresses work well for a freshly postpartum body. Also check out Neuflora. They have many stretchy or loose options as well. But please choose a forgiving style that reflects your personal tastes. You want these photos to look and feel like YOU!
Please don’t be offended if I give you a moment to go check yourself in the mirror before the session. I’ve had a few moms forget to put on their earrings or mascara for a session. I will think you look beautiful, but want you to be the final judge of how you look before we start photos. I want your newborn session day experience to be truly the best!
Final Thoughts
I’ve covered many concerns in this post, but maybe you have one that I didn’t cover, please contact me HERE and I would be happy to chat with you about your concerns. My goal is to simplify this process for you, give you a pleasant newborn session day experience and ultimately images you will adore for years to come!
Edited using The Archetype Process
Newborn Session Day Experience in Coatesville, PA // Coatesville Newborn session by Angelique Jasmin Photographysmin Photography
About the Artist
I’m Angie, a photographer based in Lancaster County PA, where I live with my husband and our three wonderful children. I adore reading books, creating a home for my family and baking goodies for my family and friends.
Inspired by my deep love of family and home, I love to spend my days capturing the kinds of images that make you stop, smile and ask time to please slow down. I want you to see that your story, the legacy you’re building with your family, is so unique and beautiful!
I believe in savoring each ordinary moment and heartfelt interactions with your little ones. With elevated artistry, I strive to remind you of the joy that can be found in the simplest of moments together. From frolicking in a field, dipping your toes in a creek to snuggling on the couch at home, let’s connect and capture those sentimental moments for you!
P.S. If you want to join my email list to be the first to hear about special offers, session availability and simply a few of my favorite things from time to time, sign up HERE.
Newborn Session Day Experience in Coatesville, PA // Coatesville Newborn session by Angelique Jasmin Photography
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