Welcome Guide – Newborns

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 or Fresh 48 newborn session fee: $1500

Session retainers are due with a contract at booking to secure your spot and include:

• 50 digital images, via download
• behind-the-scenes keepsake film, uploaded to youTube for easy sharing
• your pre-session planning and consultation
• all the magic that happens on my end before, during, and after your session
• option to book a complimentary maternity mini session (mini sessions are 15mins and include 5 digitals, available at select locations.)

Your images will be ready and uploaded to a private online gallery within 2 weeks of our session for viewing and ordering. I highly recommend the heirloom album to remember your newborn session.

Additional digitals will be available for $50 each, or upgrade to your entire digital gallery for a 50% discount, so you can choose what works best for you.

First Year Membership

The first year membership includes 5 full sessions (maternity, newborn, 4 months, 8 months, and 1 year) all with the usual number of digitals and at the end you’ll receive a gorgeous heirloom album showing your baby grow over their first year. $1075 due with each session ($7350 value).

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Frequently Asked Questions

“What if my house is small/dark/messy/not straight out of a Pinterest board?” Neither is mine, so as a professional (and a mom!) this is totally OK. Everyone has one good window, and I can build your entire session around it. I may even find incredible light that is being overlooked. There’s also no need for a full makeover—just tidy up the spaces where we’ll be shooting, like the nursery, master bedroom, or living room. Open curtains or blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. I will also do whatever additional de-cluttering needs to be done to prep your space for pictures, and, I’ll guide you in choosing areas with the best light and composition.

If you’re still unsure about your space but love lifestyle photos, I can help you choose a beautiful alternate location that perfectly reflects your taste and style. We can move outside if weather allows—or, perhaps, a creative alternative indoors, like a local bookstore or your favorite coffee shop.

“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?” I recommend keeping it simple with a white well-fitting onesie and a swaddle blanket. Check out SpearmintLove for unique swaddles that complement every nursery theme. Keeping it minimal ensures we keep the focus on their delicate features and your deep connection with them.

“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. Personally, I love dresses for my mamas because they add movement and are very flattering for that postpartum stage. And don’t forget about your nails!

“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 newborn sessions, babies spend most of their time secure in their parents arms.

“What should we do if our baby arrives earlier or later than expected?” As a preemie mama myself, I get it – babies are unpredictable! When you book your session, we’ll plan for an approximate timeframe based on your due date. Once your baby arrives, just let me know and we’ll finalize the exact session date.

“How do you balance posed shots with candid moments in a lifestyle session?” Each newborn photography session is different. Because mine are baby-led, we will have a relaxing photo shoot chatting about parenthood while I’m snapping away and you love your precious new baby. There is no set schedule or plan; as a parent, I’ve learned to adapt. Although this is a lifestyle photo session, I will 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.

“What advice do you give to parents with toddlers to help them participate in the photos?” 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!

“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

Digital images are provided in high-resolution via direct download from the online gallery and include a personal-use release for printing and sharing online. 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 photo session and school booked supports my volunteer work for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.