Newborn Session at Home and Pet Goats too! - Duvall, Wa

Newborn sessions at home really allow you to just relax and stay in your cozy newborn nest. I love when bigger siblings get to be there too and get to be themselves during your session! They are still getting to know their new sibling as well. We always just go with the flow during your session. Nursing, baby bath, more nursing, playing, cuddles, a trip outside to say hi to the goats… whatever you feel up for doing at home, like you would any other day, we do. And while 90-95% of your session is unscripted, and true documentary, I also always do a quick and painless family portrait for posterity as well.

LOOKING FOR A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER?

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Baby Elliott - Fresh Newborn Session at Home - Shoreline, Wa

A quick sneak peek from Elliott’s in-home fresh newborn session! What’s a fresh newborn session? Sometimes even with the best laid plans a Fresh 48 Session turns into a home Newborn Session that we schedule as soon as everyone is home and feeling good. I am pretty flexible when it comes to the unexpected and work with you when plans change. The bonus was, as a result, we got some cute photos of their pup with baby as well!

Welcome baby Elliott!!

Summer's End - Seattle Documentary Newborn Session

So newborn session myth #1: Newborn sessions have to be scheduled within the first 2 weeks after birth.

NOPE!

Guess what? You can schedule them whenever you want or whenever works for your family.

Because I had taken their birth photos too, this family wanted to wait a little for their newborn photos. And that totally works!

While many people want to schedule newborn photos within the first two weeks at home, in reality there’s nothing wrong with waiting a few more weeks. If you think you missed your window because you didn’t schedule something sooner, I’m here to tell you, don’t stress about it. Just take the photos. Babies don’t last.

This family became so special to me. Not only was I their birth doula & photographer, but I had also taken (documentary) maternity photos for them as well. It was so fun to watch their family grow in front of my eyes and camera. As summer crept to a close it was fun how I had spent that entire season of the year and life with them.

LOOKING FOR A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER?

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How to prepare for a documentary newborn session

A documentary newborn session is different from a traditional newborn photoshoot, as it aims to capture truly candid and natural moments of your newborn's first few weeks of life. Here are some general tips to help you prepare for a documentary newborn session:

1. Find a photographer: Look for a photographer who specializes in documentary newborn photography, not lifestyle or studio photography. Check out their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with what you are looking for. - Congrats you already found me!

2. Schedule the session: As with traditional newborn sessions, it's best to schedule your documentary newborn session during your pregnancy to ensure availability. However, with a documentary session, the photographer will work around your baby's schedule, so there is more flexibility. - When you book during your pregnancy I use your week 41 date just as a placeholder on my calendar that almost certainly will be shifted once baby arrives. You can still book a newborn session after baby is born though!

3. Plan the session: Discuss with your photographer what you want to capture during the session. Make a list of important moments, such as feedings, diaper changes, and snuggles with family members. Decide if you want the session to take place in your home or another location. - I will send you a short questionnaire after booking that will ask you what important parts of newborn life you’re hoping to have documented.

4. Prepare your home (sorta): If you're having the session in your home, prepare the space by lightly decluttering and ensuring there is enough natural light. Your photographer will likely want to use areas with the most natural light. - I also invite you to just leave the mess! Or task your partner or a helpful family member to prep your space for you! You have a newborn and this is all about real life! Embrace it!

5. Keep your baby comfortable: Dress your baby in comfortable clothing and keep the room/home warm to ensure they are comfortable throughout the session. - Babies really are on their own schedule. Feeding, sleeping… it’s all going to happen while I’m there. No need to stress about those details ahead of time. Just listen to baby’s cues during your session as you would without me there.

6. Embrace spontaneity: The essence of a documentary session lies in capturing genuine moments. Relax and be yourself, engaging with your baby and loved ones naturally. Allow your photographer to seize these fleeting yet precious instances. - The joy of documentary means you don’t have to worry about smiling at the camera. Just enjoy your baby and leave the rest to me! If an older kiddo wants to go outside and play while I’m there, lets do it! It’s all about going with the flow and trusting the process.

If your heart is saying this sounds like the perfect newborn session for you, let’s make it happen!

Documentary Newborn Sessions: What to Expect

The newborn days are one of my favorite to document. Why? Because they really truly are a blur. Without photos, videos, or strict journaling, you’ll reflect in a few years and wonder: “How’d we do it?” and “What did we really do during those days?” If you’re considering a documentary newborn session but wondering exactly what to expect, here’s a quick run down of what you need to know!

1. We’re on Baby Time. This means, whatever happens, happens, I don’t arrive with a schedule, instead I just go with the flow. Photos happen naturally as you go about your new routine.

2. Don’t stress about “getting the shots.” I have a mental checklist I go through of things and moments to document in a natural way. I also love to capture those moments that just can’t be scripted, so when those happen I’ll be ready! I’ll also ask ahead of time if there are any must have memories you want documented.

3. Two hours allow for a good mix of you going about your normal family routine. When I see some nice light and I also see a quiet moment, I may ask you to move into the light for a family portrait. If you all happen to cuddle together in some beautiful light all by yourselves I may not even need to step in!

4. This is not a photoshoot you have to prep or clean for. Seriously. I know you just had a newborn. Embrace the rawness of this time. It is fleeting. Let the mess be. On a similar note, just wear comfortable clothes. Or if you really want to embrace the rawness I do not mind you wearing the same clothes you’ve been in for the past two days. That’s very often part of newborn life and I do not judge! However you want to remember this time I’m here for.

5. I’ll arrive, chat about how your morning is going and then start taking photos when it feels natural and I see you in your normal routine. We’ll just go from there. Easy peesy!

6. Think of this session as a friend with a camera is coming over. And do not “host” me! You have a new baby and I show up already caffeinated.

7. I’ll check in with you ahead of time if you’d like me to document you nursing or pumping.

8. Due to being vigilant about germs and newborns, I won’t be touching baby at all. And by default I always mask up for newborn sessions as well.

9. I love to start newborn sessions around 9am or 10am because babies are often ever so slightly more alert at that time of day. I can get some natural interactions and photos with their little eyes open and also some of them fast asleep as well.

10. Trust the process. I know documentary isn’t the normal pose and smile for the camera photo session, so you might be still wondering if it’s this simple. Often people remark afterwards that their documentary session was the least stressful of any photo session ever. My job is to let you see the beauty in these hazy newborn moments. Because like everyone says, it really does pass by faster than you can imagine.

P.S. - I love pets! I always make sure to include them in your story as well.

Ready to book a newborn session or have a few more questions? Let’s chat!