Wondering what to expect at your San Jose in-home lifestyle newborn photo session?
If you're wondering what to expect at an in-home lifestyle newborn photoshoot in San Jose, let me elaborate on the session experience. First thing to remember, lifestyle newborn photo sessions are designed to be relaxed and stress-free for both the parents and baby. Plan for the session to last up to two hours, which will allow us to photograph many different poses and typically allows us to get photos of the baby both sleeping and awake, which makes for a diverse and amazing photo gallery!
I'll ask that you quickly show me around your house so I can scout for the best light. Typically, we will want to use the master bedroom, the nursery (if you have one), and maybe the living room. All we really need is one good window for amazing images.
Don't worry about cleaning the house before I arrive, as we can quickly clean any area we want to use for photos. If you do want to tidy, my recommendation is to clear anything off the bedside tables and close closet doors (stashing anything in drawers or closets temporarily). But if you don’t have time to tidy up, don’t worry! I always tell my clients that they are doing enough just by caring for their new baby. If we need to clear something during the session, I’m more than happy to help! We’ll create stunning images that capture the essence of your family without the stress of a spotless home.
We typically will use the master bedroom for photos of the family on the bed. There is often good light in master bedrooms and the bed makes for a cozy backdrop. We may also do solo newborn photos on the master bed. I recommend having a neutral, white, cream, or light-colored bedspread. (Hint: If your comforter is too busy, consider using a solid-color blanket for a clean look. We can also use a neutral-colored sheet under the bedspread if desired.)
If you'd like for your baby to be photographed in multiple outfits, please have those outfits nearby and easily accessible. Same for swaddles. I will bring (freshly laundered in baby detergent) neutral-colored swaddles that photograph well, so you can also use my swaddles if you'd like.
Your Baby: Your new baby is perfect just as he or she is. I do not have any expectations for the baby - alert, asleep, or some of both, are all fine. I do recommend feeding the baby as much as they want about fifteen minutes or so prior to my arrival. My recommendation is to put your baby in a simple neutral-colored onesie (with no graphics, words, or bright colors) that is form fitting (this is typically newborn sized or preemie). We may take the onesie off to get some nude or near nude newborn photos as well if you'd like to do so. If your baby wants to eat during the session, we can also get feeding photos (if you want breast-feeding photos you can let me know at the session).
Mom & Dad: I recommend wearing neutral colors and clothes that are comfortable. You will likely be both thrilled and exhausted during this time in your life, as having a new baby is both wonderful and tiring at the same time. My goal is to capture this fleeting and beautiful time in your lives. I want for you to be relaxed and enjoy the experience while I'm photographing your family, so just be yourselves!
Siblings: I don't have any big expectations for the siblings and won't ask them to do anything they are not comfortable with. I usually try to get sibling and family photos at the beginning of the shoot as the sibling may lose interest in me quickly, and that's okay. Please prepare the sibling for the session by telling him or her that a friend is coming to visit and take some photos of your family and it will be fun, as it is best not to surprise them. Plan to have Dad spend a good portion of the session time keeping them entertained before and after their turn. Perhaps offer a treat (e.g., ice cream or a fun snack) for after the photoshoot, which will give them something to look forward to and be excited about.
I'll have posing suggestions for you throughout the photoshoot. I'm also happy to incorporate your ideas if you have any particular photos you'd specifically like to have, just let me know. While I don't bring props, if you have any family heirlooms, such as a blanket knitted by grandma or something else special you'd like to include in the photos, just be sure to let me know in your questionnaire before the session or at the beginning of the session and I'll be happy to include it.
Finally, just relax and be yourselves! We'll have fun making memories together and capture some great moments that you will treasure forever!
