Hello!
After starting my own family in 2010, I realized how quickly the newborn stage of life passes by. Before you know it, middle of the night feedings turn into learning how to walk to field trips at school.
When you look back on your own childhood photos, which are your favorites? If they are the ones where you are snuggled into your mom or dad’s lap reading a book, or playing with your favorite toy, lifestyle photography is the perfect choice for your baby’s first photo session.
It’s about telling the story of your new family. All of the details in the nursery you’ve worked so hard on; the details of life with your incredible baby.
What To Expect
Newborn sessions are scheduled on week day mornings approximately 2 weeks after your due date to ensure availability and flexibility for when Baby arrives.
I usually arrive with my camera and a (very large) coffee in hand, kick my shoes off and ask for a tour of your home. We will chat, I’ll fawn over your sweet new baby, become BFF’s with your other kiddos, and I’ll get familiar with your space.
Each baby and newborn session is different. Because my newborn sessions are baby-led, we are going to have a relaxing photo shoot chatting about parenthood (and, if we’re being real, poop) while I’m snapping away and you are loving on your precious new baby. There is no set schedule or plan; as a parent myself, I’ve learned to be adaptable.
If you have a toddler, they are boss for the day. I will encourage siblings to participate in a way that gives them flexibility and control. This is all new for them, too, and it may take some time to warm up. The same goes for your fur-babies.
Although this is a lifestyle session, I do offer gentle guidance for posing to get the ball rolling and help you settle in. I will also be sure to get one where everyone is looking at the camera, in addition to beautiful candid moments.
The average in-home newborn session or Fresh 48 will last around 2 hours. If you’re opting for an outdoor “golden hour” vibe, those are booked 75mins before sunset.
In-home, Fresh 48, or “Golden Hour” newborn session retainer $299
Session retainers are due with a contract at booking to secure your spot and include your pre-session planning and consultation; everything that happens on my end before, during, and after your session; and a copy of my exclusive style guide.
Session retainers do not include digital files or printed artwork. Please see below for my price menu.
You also have the opportunity to add on a complimentary maternity mini session, which includes a 15 minute session and 5 digital files. Available only at select locations in Leesburg and must be scheduled at the time of booking your newborn session to ensure availability. If your baby is already here, we can schedule a family mini session instead for within 15 weeks (around 3 months) of your newborn session.
Your images will be ready and uploaded to a password-protected online gallery within 2 weeks of our session for viewing and ordering. I highly recommend the heirloom album to remember your newborn session.
Click here to view product samples.
Frequently Asked Questions
“What is my house is a mess?” When I arrive I will look around for the rooms with the best light. Please have blinds/curtains opened but do not feel that you need to have a perfectly clean home for me. (You should see my house after a weekend of playdates!) In particular, I like to focus on the nursery, living room or den, and master bedroom. But what it comes down to is needing one good window, and we can build from there. I recommend having a solid cover on your bed, as a strong pattern can be distracting or clash with clothes. Other than that, I can take care of the details when I arrive.
“Will you pose my baby?” I think babies are beautiful as they are. Their natural unfolding when they stretch, the way they curl up when placed on their side, the way they yawn when comfortably swaddled. All of that is so simple and beautiful and my goal for you is to always be able to relive the feeling you get when you see them like that.
“What should my baby wear?” A new baby can get lost in a big distracting outfit, so I always suggest using a light muslin wrap or a properly fitting onesie (not one that’s too big!) Solids and subtle patterns work best, perhaps one that complements their nursery theme. Check out SpearmintLOVE for unique muslin swaddles.
“What should I wear?” I’m documenting one of the most exciting times in your life, so keep it real by wearing what you’re most comfortable in and by being yourself. I encourage neutral colors, staying away from big logos or bold patterns.
“What if we just started cluster feeding?” Please always feed your baby as needed. I am more than happy to document your breastfeeding journey (if you’re comfortable with that!) or give you space and hang with your other kiddos or your dog. Also, don’t worry about making sure baby eats before I arrive because I do not need a sleepy baby for lifestyle photography; during my sessions, babies spend most of their time secure in their parents arms.
“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” — Aaron Siskind
2022 Newborn New Client Welcome Guide from internationally published Northern Virginia photographer Blaire Ring, Second Ave Photography. Prices and collections subject to change at any time without notice. All prices are subject to 6% Virginia state sales tax as applicable by law. Location/permit fees mare not included in the session retainer. Travel fees may apply to areas outside of Northern Virginia and Washington DC.
Please review my illness policy here: https://www.secondavephotography.com/illness-policy/
Every portrait session and school booked allows me to support local animal rescues, The March of Dimes, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, and offer free portraits for parents riding the NICU roller coaster. In 2019 I donated over $3500.
