LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSION
If you’re in the final weeks of your pregnancy, you might be wondering how you can best prepare for your at-home lifestyle newborn photos! Taken during the first 10-14 days of your baby’s life, these images serve to document your first weeks with your newest family member and the abundance of love that fills your home! Taking these images in your home will reflect the true life that is to come over the sleepless nights, joyous milestones and happy memories.
The only downfall of welcoming a photographer into your home just days or weeks after the birth of your new baby is that it can feel a bit overwhelming. But it shouldn’t be! I have some tips, links and examples to help you make this session feel easier. Everything from how to prepare your home to what your baby should wear is covered below!
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I AM CHOSEN FOR THE TEAM?
Applications are due by July 1st. Spokesmodels will be chosen by July 15th. You will receive an email from me regarding the acceptance of your application.
WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A SPOKESMODEL?
Your number one responsibility as a spokesmodel is to refer friends and family to Maddie Ray Photography for their senior portraits. This includes sharing on social media frequently, as well as excitedly participating in spokesmodel-related events.
WHAT DO I RECEIVE AS A SPOKESMODEL?
If you are chosen as a 2020 spokesmodel, you will receive countless perks including but not limited to: a complimentary mini session, participation in a group styled shoot, your customized senior session experience, group events (including get togethers and other fun activities), the ability to earn cash back through referrals and more!
DO MY PARENTS NEED TO BE INVOLVED?
Yes! I ask that you please make your parents aware of the spokesmodel program and let them know that you are applying. I will reach out to your parents about the spokesmodel program if you are chosen as a part of the team to ensure that they are on board and aware of your responsibilities as a spokesmodel. Let them know about your application so they aren't surprised by my email!
DO I RECEIVE DIGITAL IMAGES TO SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
YES, always! You will receive fully edited, high resolution images from all of our shoots together to share on social media as well as print, if you'd like!
HOW LONG AM I A PART
OF THE TEAM?
Your term as a spokesmodel begins in August 2019,
when your application is accepted, and ends on June 1st, 2020.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION
- Aside from prepping outfits, preparing your baby for a peaceful state of sleepiness is very important. A sleepy baby is very critical to the success of our time together. Keeping your baby awake in the several hours before my arrival is helpful. Try things like a bath, simple playtime together and singing to keep babe awake! We need them to save that sleepiness for our session time together.
- Plan to give your baby a full feeding right before my arrival. Do whatever you need to do during this feed to ensure that baby isn’t just “snacking” because a baby with a full tummy is a sleepy baby. Be prepared to nurse or feed them other times as needed during our session for relaxation. If you are bottle feeding, it’s helpful to have a few bottles already prepped and ready to be warmed for when we might need them.
- If you are able, focus on de-cluttering two of the rooms with the most natural light. This might be your living room and your master bedroom. It’s completely optional for us to shoot in the nursery. I’ll also open up your curtains and turn off lamps and artificial overhead lighting. It might seem dark but artificial lighting can both be unflattering and ruin an image with orange or yellow color casts.
- Please put any hats, headbands or other props that you’d like to use out in a prominent place where we won’t forget about them (the kitchen table is always a great “home base”).
- We will capture lots of poses and combinations with the family and also your baby alone starting with the family, transitioning into baby on their own and finishing with baby and each parent separately.
- When I’m photographing the baby on their own, it may feel like time is going so, so slow. It often takes several minutes and a lot of patience to get babies settled, comfortable and looking cute before I can even take a single photo. My goal is to focus on your sweet darling child’s natural beauty so the set-ups and poses will be simple but they still take time.
- We can take as many breaks as you and your baby need. Please don't stress if you need a break. If baby needs to feed. Anything. I totally understand. Been there myself. Just breathe.
Helpful Tidbits
- If you have a sound machine, please have it handy for me!
- If you plan to use a pacifier, having it close by can help the session go more smoothly.
- Please be relaxed and comfy, wear your pajamas if you want! Seriously! If you’re not feeling all that great, skip the flowing dress and go for some cute loungewear.
- Please avoid any visitors for your session day. One big thing per day is stressful enough.
- Please avoid making any appointments on your session day. Sometimes those are stressful also, ya know?!
What to expect
- The session will usually take about 60-90 minutes depending on baby and any siblings.
- When I arrive, I’ll spend probably 5-10 minutes just setting up and getting acquainted with the light in your home.
- The temperature should be a nice and warm to help baby be sleepy so keep that in mind while planning your outfits!
- Your gallery will be delivered within 2-3 weeks of your session date.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I AM CHOSEN FOR THE TEAM?
Applications are due by July 1st. Spokesmodels will be chosen by July 15th. You will receive an email from me regarding the acceptance of your application.
WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A SPOKESMODEL?
Your number one responsibility as a spokesmodel is to refer friends and family to Maddie Ray Photography for their senior portraits. This includes sharing on social media frequently, as well as excitedly participating in spokesmodel-related events.
WHAT DO I RECEIVE AS A SPOKESMODEL?
If you are chosen as a 2020 spokesmodel, you will receive countless perks including but not limited to: a complimentary mini session, participation in a group styled shoot, your customized senior session experience, group events (including get togethers and other fun activities), the ability to earn cash back through referrals and more!
DO MY PARENTS NEED TO BE INVOLVED?
Yes! I ask that you please make your parents aware of the spokesmodel program and let them know that you are applying. I will reach out to your parents about the spokesmodel program if you are chosen as a part of the team to ensure that they are on board and aware of your responsibilities as a spokesmodel. Let them know about your application so they aren't surprised by my email!
DO I RECEIVE DIGITAL IMAGES TO SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
YES, always! You will receive fully edited, high resolution images from all of our shoots together to share on social media as well as print, if you'd like!
HOW LONG AM I A PART
OF THE TEAM?
Your term as a spokesmodel begins in August 2019,
when your application is accepted, and ends on June 1st, 2020.
What you decide to wear for your session is very important to the overall look in your images. Although something may look great in person, it doesn’t always mean it will photograph well. Please read over all of the below suggestions carefully and refer back to them as you are selecting your outfits.
Choose outfits that are earth tones, neutrals, or soft pastels. – These colors look the best in combination with my style of photography.
Wear solids or florals. – Stay away from text, stripes, or patterns; however, florals photograph beautifully as long as it isn’t a bright or bold print (remember, soft colors and neutrals photograph best!)!
Dress comfy, Mama. – If you’re comfortable wearing a flowing dress, it can photograph the best. Otherwise I recommend soft, flowing clothing like modal or pima cottons. A lounge or athleisure style is totally appropriate and leggings or joggers are more than acceptable for these images if you’re not up for a dress.
Coordinate outfits with everyone, but don’t match exactly. – Consider the group as a whole when choosing all of the outfits; however, don’t have everyone match exactly.
Stores I recommend for little ones: Zara is my very favorite for little boys and girls. They have so many great options! H&M is also a great option and sometimes you can find some great neutral finds on Amazon!
My favorite outfit for baby girls and baby boys alike is the knotted gown from Lou Lou and Company! I also bring a couple non-patterened neutral/muted swaddles (white, navy, blue, pink), but if you’d like to provide your own swaddles, the jersey knit stretch ones (from Lou Lou, Copper Pearl or Milkmaid Goods ) are best for photos!
Below are some outfit examples perfect for mamas! These can be found at Morning Lavender, Vici Dolls, Red Dress Boutique, Lulu's, Baltic Born, and Free People. I can always send over specific links for amazing dresses!
CHOOSING YOUR OUTFITS
