WS
South FloridaMelissa Arlena
Photography
Photography
Your step-by-step guide to planning your lifestyle newborn session
Thank you for choosing to work with me. I am so excited to get started on your portrait session.
I want to make this experience helpful and stress-free so I have created a step-by-step guide to plan your perfect portrait session. Simply follow each step below to get started.
Step One
My style is classic and timeless so I encourage clients to start our session with baby in a simple white onesie. This allows the focus to be on the baby and not on what the baby is wearing. We will do about half the session in this outfit and then we can either swaddle the baby in a fun swaddle blanket or switch to a knotted gown. Below you will find links to my favorite brands!
I don't recommend having several outfits for the baby to wear because every time you change them it will wake them up and get them upset. This will eat into our time to actually take the photos. If there is one special outfit you really want them to wear I'm happy to do that at the end of the session.
(be sure to choose a swaddle blanket)
Step Two
The wardrobe you choose to wear can really change the overall look of your final images. What kind of style fits you? Look for outfits that are similar to these tones and styles. Always keep your colors in the pastel and neutral range so we don't get weird color casts on baby's skin.
Check out my Pinterest boards for more ideas on what to wear for your session!
Step Three
Getting ready for your portrait session doesn't have to be stressful. Here are some simple tips to have a stress-free and fun portrait session.
Select an outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful. When it comes to your portraits, your attitude will reflect greater than your actual outfit. When you feel beautiful and confident in your own skin, the other style details will all fall into place.
So don't get overly stressed about your outfit selection. Go with your gut and what makes you feel like you! Here are some general tips for getting ready:
If you're like most guys, then you dread taking photos. I challenge you to throw out all your doubts, insecurities, and frustrations toward taking photos because this is NOT your average portrait session. If you promise to have an open mind I promise that I will do everything in my power to make you feel comfortable and excited during your portrait session.
If you have a 2-3 year old older sibling take a deep breath and lower your expectations. I find at this age they are sweet and silly and someone new in the house ramps them up.
I have a bag of tricks up my sleeve to get them to interact but sometimes that takes time and if Mom or Dad get frustrated with them they can tell and that usually ends in tears. We like to avoid tears and keep things fun!
If they aren't interested in being in photos at the beginning I find by the end they will jump in and we can get what we need!
Step four
Personalizing your session is how you make your images feel unique to you.
Yes we can absolutely include your pet in your newborn session. I love pets! Be sure to keep your dog out during the session so they can relax and get used to me. I've found from personal experience if you lock them away they become insane when it's time for their photo.
If you have a cat I find they are naturally curious and will just show up at some point to check things out. I can usually get a photo without having to force them into anything.
A little pampering can make you feel like a million bucks! I love it when clients opt for professional hair and make-up because of course they look beautiful but they feel it too. Remember you'll be looking at these photos for the rest of your life! I've linked some local make-up artists in the tips above.
While I don't recommend props for your photos in general I do understand that sometimes you have something fun you'd like to incorporate. Let me know if you have something like that so we can add it into some of your photos!
Step five
If you haven't noticed already I'm big on printing your photos to display in your home. Before your session is the best time to think about how you want to look at these photos in the years to come. We can even plan out certain photos for your session that will fit perfectly in your desired space. So visit the link below to check out the products I offer and get started!
