It’s no lie that I love indoor photos, but there’s something special about an outdoor session in spring. Spring is a great time for family photos in the Seattle area. The weather is normally starting to warm up, flowers are in bloom, sunset is at a reasonable time, and spring fashion is so fun. Spring sessions are perfect for families, and maternity sessions, and can be booked directly from my website here.
When should I have my family photos taken?
If you’re thinking about having a family photography session, you may be wondering when the best time to have one is. The answers will depend on where you live. This blog is going to be about when to have family photos taken in the greater Seattle area. This will also apply to the majority of towns in western Washington. I believe that there is no wrong time for family photos so I’m not going to say I prefer one time of year over another, but hopefully this will help you decide what works best for your family.
What time of year should I have my family photos done in Seattle?
We all know that Seattle weather can be cold, rainy and gray. If you want your family session done at your house, then we never have to worry about rainy days. Winter is the perfect time for a cozy, snuggly in-home photography session. However, if you want your session outdoors, it’s probably best to avoid having family photos done in November through March. Spring is a great time for family photos as the weather has normally started to improve, and sunset (the best time for family photos) isn’t too late. In summer, we’re most likely to get that beautiful golden hour light, however, in Seattle sunset in the summer is pretty late. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it, just that you may want to make plans to make it easier if you have little kids. Take a look at some tips on late sessions with young children. Everyone loves Fall images! It’s the busiest time of year for most photographers. Sunset isn’t too late, autumn light is beautiful and flattering and the leaves are such beautiful colors. Fall does fill up quickly so if you want a fall family session, you’ll want to schedule it early.
What time of day should I have my family photo session?
This will depend on whether your family photos are scheduled to take place at home or outdoors. If your session will be at home, I recommend starting at 10am. By this time, the sun won’t be directly above the house so you’ll be getting light coming in through the windows. If you have little kids, they’re normally happiest at well rested by mid-morning. If your family photo session is taking place outdoors, the best light is in the hour before sunset, commonly known as “the golden hour”. This is the prettiest and most flattering light. Obviously, the actual time will depend on the time of year. As mentioned above, it can be difficult for young children but it’s certainly doable.
Once you’ve decided what time of year you’d like your family photos, let’s get you officially scheduled. I can’t wait to meet you!
How Should I Dress My Baby for a Newborn Photo Shoot
Now that you’ve booked your newborn photography session, you may be wondering how to dress baby. Here are some of my top ideas for baby’s outfit.
A plain colored sleeper:
If you want to keep it simple, a plain colored sleeper is perfect. These are great for the colder months as baby will stay warm and comfortable. I adore Bonsie Baby. They have a great range of colors and the front opening makes them fantastic for skin to skin. I used these for my youngest baby and highly recommend them for every day wear as well as for your newborn session. Colors that photograph well include oat, peony, fog, and avocado.
A plain colored onesie:
For your summer babies, you may want to dress them in a plain onesie. You can pick these up almost anywhere. Pinks, greys, light blues, and creams are all beautiful options for newborn pictures.
If you want something a little more fancy:
I absolutely love the clothes from Jamie Kay. They have the cutest little bloomers and onesies, as well as knit overalls and cardigans. If you are doing an outfit like this for your newborn photos, it’s really important to make sure it fits your baby well and isn’t oversized. When outfits are too big, they can take swallow the baby. We still want your beautiful baby to be the focus during your photography session.
You should have a swaddle on hand for your baby’s session
I personally love the quilts from Brixton Phoenix. The are larger than a typical swaddle and there are many beautiful prints.
Keep your home colors in mind while dressing baby:
If you’re going to display your photos fro m your newborn session (and you should), you’ll want to keep your home’s decor in mind. This is why neutrals are so great.
The most important thing is to keep in simple. You baby is so beautiful, more beautiful than any outfit so let’s focus on that sweet face, rather than what they’re wearing.
What is the best age for a newborn photo session?
One thing I love about lifestyle newborn photography is that we can do a session any time in the first month or two. A session with a month old baby wouldn’t really look much different to a session with a 6 day old baby, however each age will have it’s benefits. Here are some reasons why you’ll want your newborn session in the first two weeks:
Baby will be more sleepy
While I don’t think babies have to be sleeping for their newborn session, a sleepy baby normally means a calm baby and a session that moves along quickly.
Baby will have more of the newborn look
Little details of a newborn disappear so quickly such as flakey feet, and the umbilical cord stump. If you want these little details documented, the earlier your session is, the better.
Baby acne hasn’t kicked in
Most babies start developing baby acne around the one month mark. This can be edited out so don’t worry if your baby has baby acne, but it may be something to think about if you’re not sure when you would like your newborn session to take place.
There are also some advantages to having your newborn session a little later:
Mom has had a little longer to recover from the birth
Some moms need a little longer to get ready for a newborn session. By delaying your session until week 5, 6, or even longer you may feel a little more on top of things.
You’ll have more time to figure out outfits
While some people have all the details sorted before baby’s birth, by having a newborn session a little later, you can take your time planning outfits.
Jaundice is not normally an issue
Some babies can look pretty yellow those first few days. An older newborn has normally passed the jaundiced stage.
As you can see, there are advantages to either age so it is really up to you and what works best for your family. I’m happy to chat with you more about the best time for your newborn session.
Should I have a fresh 48 session or an at home newborn session?
Now that photographers are allowed back into hospitals, you may be wondering whether you should have a Fresh 48 session or an at home newborn session. Both options have benefits. Here is what I love about each option:
Fresh 48 Sessions
Fresh 48 sessions take place in the hospital, in the first day or two after baby’s arrival.
Little details you’ll find only in the hospital can be captured such as, the hospital bracelets, the plastic bassinet, the little hat.
There are so many little things that only a tiny baby has that can be photographed like the umbilical cord stump and flakey feet.
You don’t need to do anything special for your session, no cleaning up, no special outfits. I’ll photograph you exactly how you are.
Fresh 48 sessions are quick. With all that is going on in the hospital, I can be in and out with all the necessary images in no more than thirty minutes.
The time spent in the hospital is so special but fleeting. A photo session is the perfect way to remember what life was like those first few hours of babies life.
In home newborn session:
Newborn lifestyle sessions can take place at your home any time in the first month of baby’s life:
By waiting a week or two after baby’s birth, mothers often feel more put together and ready for photos.
We can incorporate spaces you’ve put so much time and energy into, such as the nursery.
Baby’s are still tiny and will often sleep for the majority of the session so you can still get sleepy images (most of the time), just like a Fresh 48 session.
If there are siblings, they can be involved. Pets are also welcome!
Everyone is relaxed and comfortable in their own home.
Still can’t decide? How about both! A Fresh 48 + newborn bundle is $1,275.00. A $350 retainer is required to book with the remainder being split into two payments due at the time of the sessions. Any questions? Send me a message.
Is Three Weeks Too Old for a Newborn Session? {Seattle Newborn Photographer}
Your baby has finally arrived and the last few weeks have been a whirlwind full of love, wonder, and exhaustion. The dust is starting to settle and you suddenly realize that your baby is changing by the day and you never booked a newborn session. You might be wondering if it’s too late. Good news! It’s not!
While I always recommend booking your newborn photography session while you’re still pregnant, the good news is that I am almost always able to squeeze families in last minute. I missed out on newborn photos with my oldest, and almost 12 years later, I still regret it. I would hate that to happen to you. The best part about lifestyle newborn photography is that it doesn’t matter if your baby is 3, 4, or even 5 weeks old. I will photograph them the exact same way as I would photograph a 6 day old. You may find that your baby doesn’t sleep as soundly as they did when they were a tiny newborn, however, I’ve found that the majority of older newborns will fall asleep at some point during the session, If you want to increase the odds of your baby sleeping for some sweet sleepy images, I recommend a tight swaddle and a warm house. You may also find that your baby has developed some baby acne around the month old mark. If that’s the case, I can edit it out, or leave it if you prefer it to be an accurate representation of how they looked at the time. Other than that, I will photograph your baby just the same as I would have if you had booked your session a few weeks earlier. If your baby is already here and you’d like to get a newborn session scheduled, please reach out. I would be honored to photograph your family.
When is the Best Time for a Sleepy Newborn Photography Session {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}
Tips for a Sleepy Newborn
If you’re about to welcome a new little baby into your lives, you may be wondering when the best time to have your newborn session is. I believe that newborns of any age deserve a newborn session, in fact, I often photograph three or four month old babies, the exact same way I photograph week old babies. There is however a golden spot if you’re wanting images of your baby sleeping. I will never guarantee a baby will sleep but we can increase the chances of it by photographing baby in the first two weeks of life. In my 11 years or so of photographing newborns, I have noticed that babies aged between 6-8 days almost always sleep throughout their whole session.
Book your session for as early as possible:
I’m never going to guarantee a sleeping baby. I’m not a posed newborn photographer and an awake baby is just as beautiful as a sleeping baby, however, the earlier your session, the sleepier the baby normally is.
Keep your house nice and warm
Don’t worry, you can turn the heat down once I leave!
Swaddle your baby
I have a magic little swaddle that works wonders and can be used underneath your own blankets. It’s pretty amazing at getting babies off to dreamland quickly.
Make sure baby has a nice, full belly
Whether your breast or bottle feeding. you’ll want to try to get baby’s belly nice and full. Don’t worry, we will take plenty of feeding breaks if baby needs them.
Change diapers, clothes etc before baby drifts off to sleep
If baby falls asleep before they’re in the outfit you want them in for their session, we may end up waking them too soon. Try to have them in their outfit before the feeding and swaddling begin.
If you’re ready to schedule your newborn session, please get in touch. I would love to photograph your family!
How to Celebrate the Whole Family During a Newborn Photography Session {Newborn Photographer Kirkland}
I love photographing all family members during a newborn photography session. While the main focus is always on the newborn baby, I strongly believe that when a baby arrives, all family members have a new role to play and those new roles should be celebrated. A former mom of two becomes a new mom of three. Same goes for the dad. An older sister now has two new little siblings. And the former youngest sibling is now a big sibling for the first time.
Some of my favorite images to take at newborn sessions include:
The big siblings looking at their newborn baby in the crib
This is one of my favorite ways to photograph sibling pictures. This works especially well for older siblings who aren’t quite old enough to hold the baby.
Each parent with all their kids
It’s a huge deal to become a parent of multiple children. Capturing each parent with all their kids, whether it’s two kids or six kids, is a beautiful way to celebrate them and their children.
Siblings all on the main bed together
This is another great image that works particularly well for siblings that aren’t old enough to hold the baby.
Parents together with baby
Whole family images are so important but I always think it’s nice to get one or two images with the parents with just the new baby.
Each parent alone with the new baby
They probably have a ton of images with their oldest alone so this new baby should get that too!
If siblings are old enough, images holding the baby
If there is a bigger age gap and the parents are happy for the siblings to hold the baby, then I love to photograph the newborn in the arms of the parents.
