Prepare for stress-free newborn pictures in your home with Kellie Henriksen Photography in Lakewood, Colorado. Preparing in advance is the best way to have stress-free newborn photos. I would love your session to be relaxed, calm, and welcoming. But, again, the best way to achieve this is preparation. 

Because I am a mom of three young children myself, I understand the worry of hiring someone to document a vulnerable season of life in the intimacy of your home. My goal for each photography session is to give you newborn portraits or other photos that will make it all worth the effort of planning and prep. 

Life with a newborn is equally beautiful, comforting, exhausting, and overwhelming. So let's portion our preparation into bite-sized pieces and take it one step at a time. Keep reading to see step one and adorable baby pictures.

Comfort is Key! 

Whether I am working as a photographer or being a mom, either hat, I wear demands that my focus is on the comfort of the people around me. Therefore, if my clients are uncomfortable, the photos will show that. 

When I enter your home for newborn pictures, I want to ensure that everyone is at ease before starting. When older siblings are involved, I understand the need to gain an element of trust with them to proceed with the intimacy of capturing this enchanting season of life in your home. Therefore, I like to start with the more formal, family photos to release the older kiddos to play sooner. 

What To Wear?

After booking our session, choosing clothing for your newborn pictures is the first step. Color coordination is at its most stunning when a palette of colors is complementary to each other, rather than everyone wearing matching outfits.

You don't have to make your photos match current trends, especially if doing so adds stress. However, if you plan several months out and want to match colors or trends, these are just suggestions, not a must-follow blueprint. For example, according to Home & Gardens, the 2022 colors of the year are hues of emerald green and light purple with a neutral color base.

Once you have your chosen clothing options, be sure to store them in a set-aside place, or put them all together in a garment bag, and mark the bag that these are for your photo session. Preventive measures like this help prevent postpartum helpers from accidentally using the newborn pictures outfit before its time. 

Should I Clean The Whole House?

I understand how difficult housekeeping can be with a baby, and you want beautiful photos. However, please don't feel pressured to clean your entire home when preparing for your in-home newborn pictures. 

Only the areas where we will photograph need to be tidy. We can easily hide or reposition items as required, and please do not stress, remember the goal, a calm, peaceful photo session.

I may peek into other rooms to assess the best lighting and turn off all artificial light in pursuit of natural light. The natural light will add to the new baby glow already present. But, I promise I will respect your space and ignore the mess unless it detracts from the photo. We can take very serene images without drawing attention to life's mess. 

Changing your sheets to the lightest color options will give us a neutral base so that the bedding won't draw attention aware from the subject of the photo. A big part of our newborn sessions will be in the bedroom, enjoying the cozy atmosphere, where you can keep cuddling your newborn. 

A tidy house and photography space will make our session flow smoothly. However, I have tricks up my sleeve to create beauty, even with life flowing around us. So please, don't clean your entire home or stress about the typical disarray of the transition into parenthood. 

All About That Baby

Session day is all about spoiling you and your loved ones and highlighting the beauty and intimacy that is already present in your home. Of course, your sweet newborn will be the star of our photography session for newborn photos. So, your baby or toddler's comfort, care, and happiness are my priority. 

The internet has a lot of recommendations about the best time to feed the baby before photography sessions. My suggestion is to feed the baby right after I arrive. This method allows a family member to show me around, gives me time to set up, perform lighting checks, and gives us all time to transition into being with each other. 

I will need some breaks in shooting the photos to change settings, wardrobe changes, or more baby feeding times. Breaks are a normal and welcomed part of any photoshoot with me. The most important thing is that the baby and mama are happy. 

Practicalities For Newborn Pictures Sessions With Me

Sickness happens. If someone in your family is unwell. Please get in touch with me as soon as possible. "They," say, "A picture is worth a thousand words." If someone is unwell, it will show in the photos. So it's best to reschedule. 

In the case of sickness, we will work together to reschedule at the earliest convenience. 

If rescheduling is not possible, you have the option to cancel your contract or book a session at a different time. I only refund if I have to cancel your session. 

Use Of Images

Social media is a beautiful way to share photographs with family and friends. However, I understand that there can be many reasons why you are not able or comfortable sharing your photos on social media. Therefore, I include a questionnaire on social media use in all of my sessions.

I am a photographer. Showcasing my work is a significant factor in growing my business. If you are comfortable and able, I am grateful for the clients that allow me to show their photos on my website and social media for portfolio purposes. 

Contract Signing & Photography Sessions

I do ask my clients to sign a contract to book our session. This contract protects my clients' rights and privacy. The agreement also covers my business. I ask that my clients sign a standard photography contract before booking each session. 

Baby Pictures! The Best Part!

Now, to the best part! The reward for our work. Newborn baby photos! 

A week after your session, we’ll view your edited photos and you’ll choose your favorites. For any photos that you purchase, you’ll be able to share on social media, make prints and use as you’d like. I’ll also share some of my favorites on my social media. However, the privacy of my clients is essential to me; I will not share your photos anywhere unless given express permission. 

Two weeks after your session, you will receive access to an online gallery, with your re-touched high-resolution photos in a gallery to preview. After previewing your photo gallery, you can choose which photo collection you desire to purchase. Finally, after the hard work of determining which photos to buy, you will receive links to download your pictures and film. 

Book Your Session…

If you have already booked a newborn session with me, I am honored! I look forward to meeting your newest addition and documenting the journey into a new season of life. 

If you are new to Kellie Henriksen Photography, Welcome! You can book a session by using my bookings page. Lastly, congratulations!