Lifestyle Newborn Session Guide

what to expect during your
lifestyle newborn session
with magnolia + grace photography
www.magnoliaandgracephotography.com

Welcome!
I am so excited about your interest in a lifestyle newborn photo
session and hope to be a part of welcoming your new baby into the
world!
I’m sure that you have been doing research on finding a photographer
that is the right fit for your growing family! Because each photographer
has their own unique approach to providing you service,
this guide is designed to help you understand the Magnolia + Grace
experience and what you can expect from me.
This is why it is important for you to read through this guide so that
you can make a decision if I will be a good fit for you and your family.
I hope this guide answers all of your questions and concerns. But
if not, as always, just let me know and I’ll be glad to clear anything up
for you!

What is a lifestyle newborn session?
This approach to photographing newborns is less about capturing
the baby alone and more about photgraphing the experience of
welcoming a new child into your family. It takes a newborn and their
family exactly as they are - without expectations.
I fell in love with lifestyle photography before I ever started my career,
because it allows people to be imperfect, to be real, and for me
to capture emotions and interactions that would be otherwise lost in a
formal, studio setting.
With your lifestyle newborn session, I capture you and your baby
in the comfort of your home in a real-life way. I have you snuggle up
and hold your newborn as you naturally would. I have you cuddle up
alongside your significant other and document the way you two look
at the little human you so beautifully created.
Lifestyle photography is a chance for you to embrace how much
stinkin’ love you have for your new baby and capture those sweet,
candid moments with them.
I do not do high-end newborn posing (that is a craft to master all
on its own), but I love to wrap up your little one in a blanket and capture
their sweet face, those eyes just like dad’s, their tiny fingers and
toes in a natural way.

Where does my session take place?
Your session will take place in the comfort of your home. I absolutely love
coming to your home, because it puts you more at ease and is the most convenient
for you. Your newborn already knows your home and is comfortable
there, which allows me to capture the most raw and organic images.
Figure out what time of the day you get the best lighting in the rooms that
you would like to use. The brightest and sunniest lighting will help me produce
high quality professional images. So, let’s open up those curtains and blinds!
What is the cost of this session?
A newborn session cost is $250. If you live more than 25 miles outside of Baton
Rouge, LA, I do add on $0.50 per mile beyond those 25 miles. If you have
questions on what my travel rate would be for you, please reach out – but most
of the time it’s only a few dollars more to help me cover travel time and fuel.
With the above session price you get:
- A pre-consultation and planning session over email or the phone
- A 1 to 1 ½ hour session in the comfort of your home
- A minimum of 50 edited images
- Private, online gallery of your final images
- Digital download of all final images
- The print release; so that you can print your images anytime
However, since you spent hundreds of dollars on your session, you invested
time into deciding on outfits, and poured out your love for your little one on
the day of your session; I would hate to see your investment go to waste by ordering
low quality prints through places such as Walgreens, Target, Walmart,
Costco or Shutterfly. Usually for only a few cents more, you can easily order
high quality, professional prints from www.mpix.com that are delivered directly
to your door.

How do I book?
If you have decided to go ahead and book your newborn session, I cannot
wait to help welcome your newest addition into the world!
I only book a limited number of newborn sessions within a certain timeframe
so that I am able to be 100% committed to scheduling a time that works
with you after your baby is born. If you reach out to me for the first time after
your baby is already born, there is a chance that I will not be able to accept
your session because of my commitment to the parents who I have already
booked in that time-frame.
Because of this, I always recommend reaching out to me at least a few
months prior to your due date, so that I can get you scheduled within a time
period around your due date. This way, I know I can absolutely guarantee a
flexible session time with you once your baby arrives.
When your baby is born, have someone notify me. I will gather some available
session options and we will decide on a date and time that works best.
Lifestyle newborn sessions generally take place within the first two weeks,
but they could be done within the first four weeks. I like to give you and your
family time to adjust and figure out routines. I am always willing to be flexible!
To book your session, all that is required is a $50 non-refundable retainer
fee and a signed contract. The remaining balance will be due two days before
your session date.

What do we wear?
It is very important to stay true to your natural style and dress for comfort.
White, grey, and beige photograph beautifully against a babys skintone.
Choosing neutral tones for your clothing will also keep your photographs
timeless.
For mama’s, comfort is key. If you decide to wear jeans or leggings try to
avoid tight fitted tops. Camisoles are great for skin to skin contact with the
baby, so I recomment adding a kimono or soft sweater to your top layer. Don’t
be afraid to dress casual. Just dress in something you feel beautiful in!
For dads, relaxed is the way to go. Jeans/shorts and a plain t-shirt or a button
down is best. Try to avoid large colorful logos.
For siblings, I reccomend a neutral palette. For girls, a dress or leggings/
tank top look great. For boys, typically a plain t-shirt and jeans/shorts look
great.
For the baby, plain white onesies are one of the most classic outfits you can
put your baby in. Pick out your favorite outfits and have them nearby. I recommend
only 2-3, (one for a backup incase we have any accidents). There’s
always the option of no outfit with a plain diaper/bloomers, adding a bow/
bonnet for the girls.
You are welcome to incorporate any special items, as well. But remember,
babies are most comfortable in simple outfits.

Session Preparation
Tidying up — Being a mother myself, I completely understand that there’s a
lot going on during those early days. Please, please, please do not stay up the
whole night before sweeping, mopping, dusting, etc. Trust me, it’s fine. All that
I ask is to remove any clutter from the rooms that we will be using. Such as
clothes on the floor/chair, any extra items on night stands, etc. Don’t worry, if
I see something distracting I will move it out of the way.
Home Temperature — Living in Louisiana, I know we usually have the AC
around 70 degrees. But babies love to be warm. Try to let the temperature get a
little wamer than usual to make sure your babe will be comfortable.
Before your session — Try to allow baby to have some awake time before our
session. Right before I arrive, feed your baby so he or she has a full belly. Full
Baby = Happy Baby. Also, make sure they are in a clean diaper before we begin.
An interactive activity — Think of something “routine” you do with your
baby that we could also photograph during my time there. Maybe it’s just a
simple diaper change, feeding, giving baby a bath, but something that would
be fun to document, because even the most ordinary things are something you
won’t want to forget.
Music — I always love to play music at all of my sessions. It helps fill any silence,
create a happy vibe, and can even calm your baby. If you have a playlist
you prefer, please feel free to play yours. If not, I will have one available.
Upon arrival, I will meet and say hello to your family. From there, I’ll ask
someone to give me a quick tour of the rooms we’ll be using. In the first few
minutes, I will photograph the details of the nursery. Then I will focus on photographing
any siblings while they are still in their happiest mood.
From there I will go with the flow; photographing your baby alone, with
mama + daddy, the whole family, an activity, moving to other rooms, etc. If we
have to stop to change diapers or feed your baby, no worries. Most importantly,
relax and enjoy yourselves. Soak these moments in.

After your session.
My turn around time is anywhere from 2-3 weeks. If
for any reason it will take longer than that I will notify
you to let you know. Once your gallery is ready, I will
send it via email.
You’ll be able to download them all to your computer.
I highly suggest uploading them to a USB drive or a
website such as www.flickr.com.
You’ll also be able to share with family and friend
easily. You will have the option to order prints and
products through the online gallery which is the only
way I can guarantee 100% color accuracy.
I always love to post a sneak peek on social media
(facebook and instagram) within 1-2 days. So watch for
that!
Thank you for allowing me to capture this special
time in your families lives, it means SO much to me!