Lifestyle Newborn Session Guide
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! This season of life is so life-altering and spectacular! Sometimes that beautiful and hectic newborn phase goes by so fast it feels like a blur. Let me capture those tiny baby toes and the way your baby grabs your finger, for your family to look back and remember how sweet it all was. Newborn sessions are one of my absolute favorites and I would be honored to photograph your growing family!
What to Expect:
Newborn sessions are usually done within the first 2-ish weeks after baby is born. Once you book with me officially, I write your due date on my calendar. Then you contact me again once your new bundle of joy arrives and we find a mutual date to set your session! These sessions can last anywhere from 1-3 hours if needed. This all depends on your baby's feeding/sleeping/diapering schedule. I never rush these sessions so please do not worry about the time- I certainly am not! Babies each have their own schedule and I am happy to work with it. So please feel free to nurse, attend to your other children or pets, eat, whatever you need to do! I keep these sessions extremely relaxed. I offer gentle posing of the whole family together, and all the combinations. For example: mom with baby, dad with baby, siblings with baby, each sibling with baby, mom and all children, dad with all children, baby alone, etc.! I typically swaddle your newborn and take photos of them on their back on the bed/comfy chair/floor (rug)/couch, etc., as naturally as possible. I do not offer super styled studio-like posed shots of your newborn. If you have older siblings I will definitely let them play and be goofy all while capturing your special memories! Pets welcome for some shots as well if you'd like!
Location:
All lifestyle newborn sessions take place in your home! Usually when I arrive I ask for a brief tour of your home and for you to show me any locations in your home you might have already in mind for us to use! When I am walking through your home I am searching for as much natural light from windows/doors as possible, tidy and simple spaces, and a more neutral color palette. I typically utilize your bedroom, the nursery, family room, etc. I might even find some unique little nooks in your home with great light you haven't thought of! I know after having a newborn the thought of having to clean your whole house can seem daunting!!! So don't!!!! Take a walk around your home and see which rooms get great light/feel bright/have big windows, and those will most likely be the rooms we end up in. If nothing else, clearing a neutral wall next to a window will act a bit like a studio and provide a great little nook! We can always stick to tight, up close shots as well if that's your preference!
Outfits:
I definitely recommend trying to keep it simple! Simple solids, small patterns, textures, and neutral colors always look cozy and sweet for newborn sessions! Think creams, tans, whites, grays, light colors (light blues, pinks, greens, etc.) always photograph well and look classic! However, you can definitely add some pops of richer/darker/more bold colors into this palette as well and have beautiful results! I just wouldn't go overboard! Adding pops of one or two bolder colors looks great, or maybe having just one or two people in the family with bolder colors while the rest stick to neutrals. I do not want outfit choices to feel overwhelming- so please feel free to contact me and we can work one-on-one to pick the perfect color palette/outfits for your family! I would love to be a second opinion and give advice! You are also welcome to do outfit changes! Especially for your newborn!
Tips & Advice:
My first tip is to try your best to have baby very recently fed and changed when I arrive. This doesn't always guarantee baby won't be hungry right away, but it gives us a good chance! Please also try to keep your little one AWAKE for about 30 minutes or so before I arrive. NO NAPS right before my arrival. I want baby as sleepy as possible during our session. They can sleep the entire session with me instead of sleeping beforehand! You are also welcome to pull out any blankets you have that you like! It also wouldn't hurt to maybe purchase a pacifier that coordinates with your newborns outfit(s) you have planned in case it sneaks in for a few photos. A simple white onesie is also perfect to have on hand for some shots of your newborn alone.
Payment Information and Gallery:
All sessions require a $100 non refundable deposit to book your date, as well as a signed contract. Newborn Sessions are $550, and the remaining balance is due in full at the time of your session. I accept cash, checks (payable to Emily Metcalf), Zelle (614-648-1994), or Venmo @heyemilymetcalf. You then receive your fully edited gallery within about 3-4 weeks of your session! Clients receive anywhere from 150-180+ images- woo hoo! I also give you color and black and white options! Anything I make black and white (which is just up to my creative discretion), I also give you the exact same image in color! Just because I like it in black and white, doesn't mean you do. So I make sure to offer my clients both options! You will receive your gallery via email where you are free to download/print/share as you please! Easy peasy!
