FAMILY AND NEWBORN PORTRAIT SESSION
WELCOME!!
I’m glad you’re here. This page gives you a clear and simple look at what to expect for your family or newborn session.
These sessions are meant to feel relaxed, comfortable, and true to everyday life, and this guide will help you get familiar with how everything works. You’ll find tips on preparing your home, helping kids settle in, choosing outfits, and getting ready for the day so things feel easy and manageable.
If you ever have a question along the way, you can always reach out.
“The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.” – Andy Warhol
Managing Little Ones
Helping kids feel comfortable from the start
One thing I've learned over the years is that our experience of our children is different from what others experience. For example, if you’re at the grocery store with your three year old son and he starts yelling, you probably think he’s irritating other customers more than he is. Most likely, those other customers just see a cute (slightly loud,) three year old. The same holds true for photo sessions. Your child is in a new element and a stranger is holding a big camera in front of their face. They’re likely not going to entirely be themselves. They may show off more than usual or your extrovert may suddenly become shy.
Rest assured, it’s all okay. The best thing you can do for your kids to take any unease out of the session is talk with them before hand. Tell them how much fun the session will be, and that their “job” is simply to be themselves. During the session remember to make it a fun event, go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your little one (or big one,) is to get on board.
It can also be helpful to pack a few treats and bribes for younger children. Favorite toys, special snacks and the promise of a little reward afterwards work wonders.
I'm incredibly patient with kids and have a few tricks up my sleeve to help get even the smallest ones to cooperate.
Newborns
Preparing your Baby
Feed and change your little one’s diaper right before our session. This helps ensure that they are ready to go as soon as I arrive. However due to the tiny size of their tummies, it’s also likely that they’ll need another feed (and maybe a diaper change) during the shoot. Keep in mind, babies can be a bit messy. So, it's a good idea for all members of the family to plan an extra outfit just in case.
Please don’t worry about pausing the session to feed your little one. This is normal! I plan extra time for newborn sessions.
Newborns
Preparing your home
Your home doesn’t need to look like it’s ready for Pinterest. The beauty of in-home newborn sessions is that they’re meant to feel lived-in and real. A few simple touches can make a big difference.
Tidy up just the spaces where we’re likely to spend time, such as the nursery, your bed, or a cozy spot near a window or on the couch. Soft, natural light photographs beautifully, so if there’s a room that feels bright and inviting, that’s where we’ll focus.
Don’t worry about the rest. You just brought home a baby, and life is full right now. I’ve seen it all, and I’m not looking for perfection—just connection,
Newborns
Preparing yourself
This is a season when you might not quite feel like yourself, and that’s completely normal. Choose something that feels comfortable and helps you feel like you soft fabrics, relaxed fits, and neutral tones tend to photograph beautifully. Your photos should look timeless and classic, so choose soft, neutral colors like cream, gray, beige, etc . Avoid bright and neon colors, and make sure clothing has no logos, words or pictures that will draw attention away from your
If anyone has offered to help, now’s the time to say yes. Let someone bring you a meal, fold laundry, or hold the baby while you shower and get ready. A little breathing room makes a big difference.
You’ve done so much already. Take a moment to rest, feel good in your space
Styling Your Family
When selecting your wardrobe for the session, I encourage everyone to do this one thing to save time and energy. Before you lose sleep to late nights spent online digging through google looking for the perfect outfits create some visual inspiration by using my interactive styling site.
This styling resource is a simple and convenient way to help you create and purchase beautiful photo approved outfits that will help set the mood and tone for our session. It provides you with hand-picked clothing options for every person in the session, so whatever your family style your personalities are is able to shine through in your photos.
Choosing Locations
The best session locations are often meaningful to our individual families; If you already know where you want to shoot, that’s amazing- however, I'm also happy to make recommendations. Are you drawn to the mountains?
Is there something about the movement of tall grasses that speaks to your soul? Do you love the modern feel of urban environments? Or the romance of rustic country buildings?
I love a location that allows us freedom to mix things up a bit with walking/running/leaning/sitting/laying down or standing up.
If it's hard to get everyone dressed and fed and out of the house on time? Maybe an at-home session will suit you better! There is so much beauty in the everyday moments at home. From candid moments around the kitchen table to rolling around in tickle fights on the bed, I am a huge fan of in-home sessions because they authentically capture a snippet of your family's everyday life. Where everyone is comfortable, snacks are on-hand, and the weather isn’t as much of a concern,
From open fields to mountain tops or college campuses, I’m always up for discovering new places and the options for session locations are endless!
Downtown Perry
Flat Creek PFA
Forest Hill Park
The Wedding Barn at L'Horne
Iron Horse
Macon City Autiutorium
Washington Park
Amerson River Park
Ocmulgee National Monument
Coleman Hill
Lone Pine Ranch
Tatnall Square Park
SUNSETS & BEDTIME
In the warmer months, sunset sessions can fall right in the middle of the evening rush. Sometimes they even run into bedtime. Because we’re aiming for the best light of the day, the schedule may feel a little different than your normal routine. If our session is close to dinnertime, a quick meal beforehand usually helps everyone feel their best. If your little one will be staying up later than usual, you can adjust their nap, let them sleep a bit longer, or bring pajamas so they can head straight to bed when you get home.
Kids handle this small shift better than you might expect, and planning ahead keeps things easy.
SEASONALITY
things to keep in mind
If your session takes place in the fall, while it might be tempting to dress your little one in a pumpkin costume to eternally remember the cuteness that babies in costumes in giant piles of leaves holds, I advise keeping attire a little more neutral.
Yes, that image would crush it on the ‘gram, but if you’re hoping to print these images for your walls, will you always want to see that pumpkin costume?
The same holds true for images taken for Christmas cards. While those red and green sweaters might be worthy of the Minted hall of fame, are you really going to want to look at photos of yourselves in holiday sweaters in the summer?
If you’re looking for outfit advice, feel free to send ideas our way! I'm happy to help with suggestions for a wardrobe that not only feels coordinated, but that looks beautiful for years to come.
Winter
things to keep in mind
If you your session takes place during the winter, we could begin shooting as early as 4:30pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running. Pocket warmers and thick socks hidden in cute boots can help keep everyone warm without showing up in images.
Spring
things to keep in mind
Even though Spring begins in March, I typically don’t begin shooting for another 3-4 weeks because trees haven't quite come into bloom yet. . When we schedule spring dates, we typically schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date because #aprilshowers.
Summer
things to keep in mind
In spite of the heat, I'm actually a big fan of summer sessions. Especially if you're up for a travel adventure to the beach, or a fun nostalgic session at home. The later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
Autumn
things to keep in Mind
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast and because of all the absolutely breathtaking colors. It's truly my FAVORITE SEASON. You get to play up the weather with fun layers, and textures and colors. Really, I LOVE FALL. However, with all its awesomeness, it is also the busiest season which mean locations on the weekends are usually crowded! As days begin to get shorter faster, it's all the more important that we are on time.
Pre-Session Huddle
With young children, it’s usually a little bit scary interacting with someone they’ve never met before. So, arriving about 10 minutes early helps your child get comfortable before we start. It gives me a chance to say hello, learn their name, ask a few quick questions, and get a feel for their personality. Some kids warm up right away, and others need a few extra minutes. Either way is completely normal.
This small buffer makes a big difference in how relaxed your child feels once we begin.
Before your session, take a minute to fill out your pre-session questionnaire. It’s short, and it helps me understand your kids’ personalities, what they enjoy, and what moments matter most to you. You’ll find the link in your confirmation email.
During the Session
Expect a mix of simple direction and natural interaction. I will guide you to the spots with the best light, help you find comfortable positions, and give you small prompts that feel easy and natural. You do not need to worry about posing or keeping everyone perfectly still. Kids can move, babies can wiggle, and real moments are always welcome.
We move at a steady but flexible pace so no one feels rushed. Pauses for feeding, soothing, diaper changes, snacks, or quick resets are completely normal. This is especially true for newborn sessions, where we often follow the baby’s lead. If someone needs a moment, we take it and keep going when everyone is ready.
After Your Session
You will receive a small set of preview images within about a week so you can see a few favorites right away. Your full gallery will follow soon after and will be delivered through an online portal where you can download, share, and order prints.
Your gallery will stay open long enough for you to choose your images, save them, and order anything you would like printed. Everything you need is in one place, and I am here if you have questions about accessing or using your gallery.
