Planning your newborn session can be such a daunting task, trying to think about everything you need to get to be prepared for when the baby arrives can be overwhelming. Well, just call me your fairy god mother. I’m here to help and put you at ease. Welcome, I’m Stacey your Northern Virginia Newborn Photographer, helping capturing growing families all over Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland.

There is a huge variety of skill levels, styles and experiences offered amongst newborn photographers. Literally anyone can call themselves a newborn photographer. Therefore, you need to do your research. Google newborn photographers in your city and compare their portfolios. Your first question should be – do you love the style of their work?

Check out their testimonials or google reviews. Ask about pricing. Don’t base your decision wholly on price – it is better to use your favorite newborn photographer and purchase fewer photos than choose a cheap photographer with low skill level who won’t provide you with images that you love. You only get one chance with newborn photos!

CONSIDER THE STYLE OF NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY YOU PREFER

Newborn photographers generally fall into one of 2 styles: traditional posed or lifestyle. Consider which style you prefer and find a photographer experienced in that style whose work you love. Lucky for you, I offer a mix of both. I love the idea of combining both styles and making your gallery completely unique to you.

DESIDE ON YOUR IDEAL LOCATION FOR THE SESSION

Depending on your photographer, your session may be held in their studio or in your own home. Think about which location would be your preference. Would you prefer the blank canvas backdrop of a studio session? Or would you prefer the personal elements of a session held in your own home.

A session at home means you don’t have to go out with your new baby but can stay at home. If you have pets, they may be included. It is also easier with siblings as they won’t need to sit quietly in a studio but can stick to their usual home routine with a few appearances in the photos.

A studio session means you will have to be organized to get out of the house and be able to stay with the photographer for up to 3 hours.

SCHEDULE THE DATE OF YOUR NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION

If you are booking the newborn session before baby has arrived, your photographer will probably ask for your due date and schedule your session around 5-14 days after that. Then if baby happens to arrive early or late the date will be moved to accomodate that. It’s always best to get your booking in before baby arrives if you can as some photographers limit the number of sessions they take and can book up well in advance.

If your baby has already arrived, get in contact with your chosen photographer right away to schedule a date.

THINK ABOUT WHAT YOUR MAIN PRIORITY SHOTS ARE FOR YOUR SESSION? DO YOU HAVE ANY MUST-HAVE SHOTS?

Different families have different priorities for their newborn photo session. Unless you have booked a shorter “baby only” newborn session, most newborn photographers will aim to get a variety of images during a session including baby alone, baby with siblings, baby with mom, baby with dad, whole family. However, it is great to think about what your main priority shots are and let your photographer know.

While I think of it, the trickiest shots to get during a newborn session usually involve young siblings in the 1-4 year age-group – if a 2 year old decides they will not have a photo with new baby it can be very difficult to talk them around!

PLAN YOUR OUTFITS

Deciding on what to wear can be daunting because you have no idea what size you will be after you give birth. Trying to find something that will fit can be stressful, but I’m here to help you. I have created a list from amazon to help you choose outfits that would be beautiful during your session. I have also included some newborn outfits as well. I offer wraps and newborn outfits for your convenience but if you’re looking for ideas to purchase on your own here’s my very own list to help you. Keep it simple and clean, and nothing distracting so that the focus is on the baby and your beautiful family.

I offer maternity and newborn photography services in Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. I am located in Ashburn, Virginia. If you like my work, please be sure to show your support by liking my page on Facebook and following me on Instagram.