Welcome! I am so glad you are here.

Please take some time to read over this information - it is esp important for newborn! If you have any additional questions I am happy to answer!

WHAT TO EXPECT……

+ + We will have fun. People usually leave the session saying “wow that was better than I thought it would be!”. The session does NOT have to be hard, if you relax and let me take control you will see how easily it can unfold.

+ I am a modern, lifestyle photographer which means I aim to get my clients at their natural best and not perfectly posed. I will pose you and then wait for it to naturally "de-compose", often that is when we get the best shot. This is where I explain to my clients that I am not a “baby in a basket” newborn photographer. Props used at props like parents hands and a siblings’ lap!

+ I am here to capture this point in time. The newborn stage is such a fleeting moment and I want you and your family to have the memories of those first months all together at home. I take a lighthearted approach to the session and will often step back and just let our time together unfold. In order for you to get the most out of our time together, I ask that during the session, you leave the cares of the world behind and vow to love each other, giggle, and have fun!

+ I will give you direction and poses and then just let things flow naturally. I will pose mom in a flattering way - don’t worry about that!

+ I know this time can be stressful so I ask that you try to not worry! I have seen it all - I have had three babies myself and I have photographed hundreds. It doesn’t matter what your house looks like and it doesn’t matter if you need to stop to feed the baby.

+ When I arrive please plan to show me around the house, I will want to look for the best light and the best seating set-ups. I often use the parents bed or another bedroom in the house for newborn sessions. Bedrooms typically have excellent light and beds are excellent places to pose a baby and a family. Some clients however do not like the style of using a bed, so please let me know if you are opposed to this in advance, it is super helpful.

PREPARING…….

Newborn sessions take a bit of preparation so please do read through and think about the preparation!

Preparing the baby(s)

+ Please try to feed the baby just before the session starts.

+ Awake / Asleep: If you would like a sleepy baby during the session try and keep your baby awake for at least 1 – 2 hours before the session. Personally, I love sessions where the baby is awake because I love to see their bright sparkly eyes. So which ever they are - awake or asleep, please do NOT stress about it, it is up to them, haha and either is GREAT and will work.

+ Please have the room where the session will take place warm and cozy for the baby.

+ Please have outfits laid out and any heirloom items you wish to use during the session laid out as well. When I arrive we can have fun going through it all and planning out our time!

Preparing your home

+ I use natural light for my photography so I will drawn to the best natural light in the home.

+ If you have older children - you can prepare you family by explain to them what you expectations are for them and that they are going to “play games” with Claire! Sometime younger kids need to be told I am not babysitting them, esp during this time.

+ It I always important to remember the calmer you are the calmer the family is…..and that makes for a better session together.

+ I have seen and heard it ALL. So come with an open mind and do not worry about judgement. I don’t care what your house looks like or how your kids act (remember I have 3 crazy kids, who are HORRIBLE at family photo sessions)

Preparing me!

+ Prior to the shoot I will be sending you a questionnaire. It is very helpful for me to have these short questions filled out so that I understand your family and goals for the session and I can make the best of it. It is very important to me that I know what you are looking for going into the session!

+ Communicate any goals for the session with me before or at the beginning of the session. Is there a certain look you are going for?

+ Do you have something particular in your mind that you want to do – a photo that you love, a setup, a location, etc. Feel free to send me any sample photos in advance.

WHAT TO WEAR…….

+This is always a big question for newborn sessions……What is most important is that you are comfortable in what you wear. Be comfortable enough to cuddle up with the baby.

+ At home sessions look best without shoes

+ Matching is out. Coordinating is in. Be creative! So how do you coordinate without matching? Start by choosing a color group or category. Examples color groups would be: pastels, deep colors, primary colors, earth tones, etc. Coordinating color is what really brings wardrobe together. For newborn sessions I love neutral and soft colors.

+ And then there are things to stay away from:

• Steer clear of fluorescents. Fluorescent colors tend to color cast on faces, necks and hair. They’re harsh sometimes. I always recommend versions of primary colors. Yellow (mustard), red (maroon, brick), and blue (navy, royal).

• No small checks....gingham and small checked men’s shirts sometimes make photos look fuzzy. While I have had successful shoots with both, it is ideal to stay away from these.

• Stay away from green when taking photos in grassy/wooded areas, it can be too much green

• Avoid loud patterns and graphics: I’m not anti-pattern. It is the giant logo across the chest or a cartoon character on their shorts that draws attention away from the beautiful little subject! I prefer clients not choose clothing that draws attention away from their face. I also feel that big logos or images on clothing takes away from the peaceful, beautiful moment I am hoping to capture and have you treasure for a life time!