Your Studio Newborn Session
What to expect & how to prepare
First of all, congratulations on your newest little love! 🤍
Newborn sessions are all about capturing the tiny details, the sweet connections, and the beautiful, sometimes messy, in-between moments of life with a new baby. My studio provides a calm, light-filled space for us to slow down, settle in, and create natural, timeless images of your growing family.
You don't need to know how to pose or worry about getting everything just right. I'll gently guide you throughout our time together while leaving plenty of room for genuine moments to unfold.
What to Expect
A relaxed, baby-led experience
Newborn sessions are typically scheduled within the first few weeks after birth, when babies are still tiny and sleepy. We'll take our time and work around your baby's needs, allowing for feeding, changing, cuddling, and soothing whenever necessary.
A variety of meaningful images
During your session, we'll capture a natural mix of portraits and little details, including:
Baby on their own, including tiny fingers, toes, eyelashes, and other sweet details.
Sibling portraits, if applicable, with opportunities for cuddles, kisses, and natural interaction.
Each parent with baby individually.
Both parents together with baby.
The whole family together, including siblings.
Natural, connected moments as you hold, soothe, and love on your newest addition.
My approach is simple and timeless, with gentle direction rather than stiff or overly posed setups. The goal is to create images that feel like you and that you'll treasure for years to come.
How to Prepare
1. Choose simple, coordinating outfits
Neutral, soft, and earthy tones photograph beautifully in the studio. Think cream, ivory, beige, warm brown, muted blue, soft green, and other understated colors.
Choose comfortable clothing that makes you feel confident and at ease.
Coordinate rather than match exactly.
Avoid large logos, bold graphics, and distracting patterns.
Soft knits, linen, simple dresses, and well-fitting basics are wonderful options.
For baby, a simple neutral onesie, sleeper, or swaddle is perfect.
I'll send along any additional outfit guidance if needed. The most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and looks like themselves.
2. Keep baby's needs in mind
If possible, try to have baby fed shortly before we begin. A full tummy can help little ones feel settled and sleepy, although every baby is different!
Please don't worry if baby needs another feeding when you arrive or during the session. We will absolutely make time for that.
3. Prepare siblings
If older siblings are joining us, let them know we're going to take some sweet pictures with their new baby. There's no need to practice smiling or expect them to sit perfectly still.
We'll keep things easygoing, follow their lead when possible, and capture the genuine interactions that make your family unique. A small, quiet snack or favorite comfort item can be helpful to have on hand.
What to Bring
A little preparation goes a long way, but you don't need to pack the entire nursery!
Baby's essentials: diapers, wipes, a pacifier if you use one, and anything you need for feeding.
A spare outfit: newborns have a way of surprising us!
A swaddle or special blanket: especially if there's one you'd love to include in your photographs.
A backup outfit for baby: a simple sleeper or onesie is perfect.
Sibling essentials: a small snack, water, or a comfort item if needed.
Anything sentimental: a meaningful blanket, heirloom, or special item you'd love to incorporate.
The studio is prepared for your session, so you can leave the extra props and complicated setups at home.
On the Day of Your Session
Please arrive with a little flexibility in mind. Newborns don't always follow a schedule, and that's completely okay!
We'll begin with whichever portraits make sense for your family that day. I may photograph baby alone while they're sleepy, then move into parent portraits and family combinations. If baby needs a break, we'll pause and pick things back up when everyone is ready.
For family portraits, I'll offer gentle guidance on where to stand, how to hold baby, and where to look. You don't need to worry about what to do with your hands or whether you're doing it right — that's my job!
If baby is awake, fussy, or wants to be held the entire time, we can still create beautiful images. Some of the most meaningful photographs come from those real moments of connection.
A Few Little Reminders
Arrive with baby dressed in something easy to remove, if possible.
Give yourself extra time to get everyone out the door without feeling rushed.
Try to have everyone dressed and ready before the session begins.
If you have a preferred side, outfit, or family combination, let me know!
Please don't worry about a little spit-up, crying, or needing extra cuddles. All of it is part of life with a newborn.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to simply enjoy this season. You don't need a perfectly sleepy baby, perfectly behaved siblings, or a perfectly planned day.
I Can't Wait to Meet Your Little One
These early days pass in a blur, and it's an honor to help you preserve them. My hope is that your session feels easy, comfortable, and full of the little moments you'll want to remember long after your baby has grown.
We'll take care of the photographs together. You just bring your beautiful family. 🤍
See you soon!
Athena Joyce
