INFORMATION
style
At-home lifestyle newborn sessions are about the connection and love that family members already have for this new life. I'll capture special moments with each family member and the baby as well as the family all together. If siblings are involved, we usually take care of those photos first so that they can go and play during the rest of the session. I love when family pets can join in too. It can be helpful to have a friend or family member at the house who can watch siblings during the rest of the session so that Mom and Dad can be in photos with the baby. There will also be time for photos of the baby alone; these are usually done when the baby is sleepiest and while I'll pose the baby a little, I keep it very natural. I take photos of babies swaddled or undressed and they are posed in a way you'd find them naturally.
location
Where will we shoot?
The session takes place in the your home, preferably in the nursery, master bedroom, and living room. Do not worry about your house being a mess—you just had a baby! All you need to do to prepare is open the blinds/curtains to let in as much light as possible. I'll quickly push things out of the area I'm shooting so that your home will appear to be spotless in the photos.
*Note: The only thing I will ask you to do is have your bed made with a neutral quilt/comforter on top. Your bed makes for a great place for cuddly family photos!
length of session
A typical lifestyle newborn session takes 2 - 2.5 hours. When it comes to a newborn session, the baby is in charge, so we allow time to enough feeding and diaper changing breaks. :)
when
A newborn session is traditionally done within 10 days of the baby being born. I scheduled these in advance within 10 days of the due date. And will reschedule if necessary. I photograph these sessions on weekday mornings except Fridays.
wardrobe
Mom & Dad: I recommend keeping it simple and comfortable. Neutral, light (creams, whites, grays or pastel tones) work best as they don't take away from the natural beauty of your baby. Skip the busy patterns for this type of session; you want the viewers eye to be drawn right to the baby. Solid tops (and textures like big knits and lace) work best. Stay away from prominent logos or writing on clothing.
Baby: I prefer babies dressed very simply in plain onesies, swaddles, or just diaper - whatever their comfort level is. If you have a special outfit(s) to wear have those handy as well.
FAQs
Do you use props or specialize in stylized newborn poses?
The style of newborn photography that I specialize in is lifestyle sessions. Rather than posed newborn shots, I love to capture the relationship between the new baby and his/her parents and siblings. This doesn’t mean that I won’t take individual photographs of the baby and capture some great detail shots of his/her little toes and fingers. I am happy to incorporate any ideas you might have! Feel free to incorporate any special family quilts, heirlooms or baby blankets that you would like to use in the photos.
How can I make sure my baby is comfortable and cooperative during the shoot?
Newborns are unpredictable and this shoot is all about them. Please do not worry about your baby crying or needing to eat during the shoot—newborn sessions are purposely longer to allow for plenty of breaks, feedings and even diaper/outfit changes. It’s usually a good idea to try and feed your baby right before the session so they’re sleepy and content.
What can I do to prepare for the session?
This is such a special time in your family’s life. There will be so many emotions during the shoot—love, excitement, wonder, amazement. It will be tough, but try to relax. Moms tend to stress out because this is a new experience and because they want things to be “perfect.” I will take your baby’s lead and allow him/her to be the focus of the shoot. If your baby cries, or poops, it’s okay. I promise! Focus on relaxing and cuddling with your sweet new addition and I will create images that you will cherish forever!
COLLECTIONS
collection I: $2,900*
120 minute lifestyle portrait session
unlimited shots taken
private online web page gallery of 50 images
download, view, and share all your high resolution images for a period of ten years via custom web page gallery
pre-portrait consultation
pre-portrait style consultation
one 20"x30" fine art print
collection II: $1,900*
90 minute lifestyle portrait session
unlimited shots taken
private online web page gallery of 40 images
download, view, and share all your high resolution images for a period of ten years via custom web page gallery
pre-portrait consultation
collection III: $1,500*
60 minute lifestyle portrait session
unlimited shots taken
private online web page gallery of 20 images
download, view, and share all your high resolution images for a period of ten years via custom web page gallery
pre-portrait consultation
collection IV: $1000*
45 minute lifestyle mini-portrait session
unlimited shots taken
private online web page gallery of 10 images
download, view, and share all your high resolution images for a period of ten years via custom web page gallery
pre-portrait consultation
*Prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final. Stacey Pentland Photography retains copyright of all images taken and reserves the right to use all images and works in portfolios, competition, exhibition and promotion of Stacey Pentland Photography and associated products.
