Book during your second trimester — ideally between 20 and 28 weeks. We schedule your session around your due date and confirm the exact timing once baby arrives. The ideal window for the session itself is within the first 5 to 14 days after birth, when babies sleep more deeply and curl naturally into those sweet, snuggly poses. That said, beautiful portraits can be captured up to three months — if life had other plans, just reach out.

The single most helpful thing you can do is keep baby awake for 1–2 hours before the session — a warm bath or some playtime works well. A tired baby settles into poses much more easily. Feed baby right before you arrive, and plan to feed again throughout the session as needed. Everything else, I'll handle. There's nothing you need to prepare, purchase, or stress about in advance.

A well-stocked diaper bag: diapers, wipes, any cream you use, and extra milk or formula. A pacifier (even if baby doesn't usually use one — it can be a lifesaver between poses). A comfortable, easy-to-remove outfit for baby — a zip-up sleeper or loose onesie, nothing that pulls over the head. Snacks and a drink for yourself if you have special dietary needs. I typically provide a veggie and fruit tray for you to snack on during your session.

That's truly it — I provide everything else, including props, wraps, hats, and all the studio supplies.

The studio is kept warm for baby — bring a short-sleeve top for yourself. It gets cozy in there!

Plan for 2–3 hours. Newborn sessions are the only ones we never rush — we follow your baby's lead completely. There will be feeding breaks, diaper changes, settling time between poses, and moments where we simply wait for baby to drift back to sleep. All of that is built into the session.

The result of that patience is images that are peaceful, beautiful, and entirely worth every minute.

Your baby's safety is my absolute top priority — above any pose, any prop, any image. I have over 30 years of professional experience and specialized training in newborn safety. Every pose, every prop, and every setup I use is chosen with your baby's safety and comfort in mind.

I work slowly and gently, always following your baby's cues. If baby shows any sign of discomfort, we stop — no exceptions. Certain poses you may have seen in photographs are composite images (two photos layered in editing) — I never put a baby in an unsafe position for the sake of a shot. No image is worth more than your baby's well-being.

This is so common, and it's always okay. Babies have their own schedule and their own needs — and I've learned to work around all of them. If baby needs to eat, we feed. If baby needs to be held, we hold. If baby needs 20 minutes of white noise and a gentle bounce, that's exactly what happens. This is why we allow 2–3 hours — there's room for everything.

I will never rush or force a pose on a baby who isn't settled. If a session runs long or we need to pause, that is completely normal and expected. Please don't stress or feel rushed. It is important that you are calm so baby remains calm. We will get the images or move on to a pose baby settles into better.

Absolutely — and those sibling moments often become the most cherished images in the entire gallery. We start the session with siblings so they feel included and celebrated right from the beginning. After their photos, one parent can take them for a walk or let them play in another part of the studio while we shift to quiet time with baby. I keep Legos and snacks in the studio for little visitors.

Pets are welcome too. Bring their favorite toy or treats, and we'll work them in gently — usually at the beginning or end of the session. Just give me a heads up who will be accompany you to your session so we can plan accordingly.

This is completely normal, and nothing to worry about. The spotlight isn't on them today, and kids feel that shift. Starting with sibling photos first helps a great deal. After that, giving them something engaging — snacks, a screen, a walk with one parent — usually does the trick. There's no version of this session that goes wrong. Patience is built into every minute.

Yes — I offer at-home newborn sessions for families who prefer the comfort and familiarity of their own space. At-home sessions have a warm, lifestyle feel and can be absolutely beautiful. Keep in mind that lighting conditions vary by home, and I'll bring portable lighting to ensure gorgeous results. View my at-home newborn session packages on the Investment page.

Keep it simple and soft. Neutral tones — creams, beiges, whites, and soft grays — keep the focus on your baby and create a timeless, cohesive feel. Flowy dresses and cozy knit sweaters are lovely for moms. For partners, a solid neutral shirt and comfortable pants or dark jeans. For siblings, match the soft palette. Avoid bold patterns, logos, and bright colors.

My client closet has a few statement pieces to borrow if you'd like. And remember the studio is warm — dress in layers so you can adjust.

I do — and it's one of the most meaningful programs I offer. Starting with your newborn session, the Baby's First Year Program documents every milestone through your baby's first birthday: 3 months, 6 months (including a family session), and a 1-Year Cake Smash celebration. You'll end the year with a beautifully consistent collection of portraits that tells the complete story of your baby's first year.

See the Baby’s First Year Program FAQ for full program details, or reach out and I'll walk you through everything.

Yes. My Sweet Blessings Wrapped Newborn session is for baby only - a simpler, more streamlined newborn portrait experience focused entirely on the most timeless newborn images — your baby beautifully wrapped and swaddled in beautiful textures.

It's an accessible, meaningful option for families who want professional newborn portraits in a relaxed, unhurried session.

For more information, visit our Sweet Blessings Wrapped Newborn Session information page HERE.