Your baby’s due date is right around the corner, and you are in full nesting mode. This time can be exciting, anxious, and everything emotion in between. Therefore adding another thing on your to-do can seem daunting, but there is one more thing you should do and trust me you wont regret it — securing a newborn photography session! Because I am beyond passionate about capturing your little one’s first pictures, I wanted to share the process of having a newborn lifestyle photoshoot with me. Let’s dive in!

Before The Newborn Session

You’ve seen examples of my work on my website and socials, and now you’ve reached out via my inquiry page. What’s next? Well of course I jump up with joy and I will email you back. The email will contain the

• A response if I am available that day
• Details of pricing
• What comes in your package
• My style and approach of photography your baby and family
• Questions about the location of the shoot
• Ask about your due date
• And would ask to connect with you further about your vision of the shoot

After discussing what you needs, you’ve decided that we are a great fit. You now want to make it official –brb I’m doing my happy dance!– then I will send over your contract, questionnaire to get to you know your better, and the invoice which would include your 25% deposit and your prep guide. The prep guide helps you prepare! It gives you a better idea of what to expect during our time together. Advice on what to wear, the best time for photos, how to prep your home etc.

This is very collaborative process, and we chat about everything, with the most important — what you should wear. Feel free to wear what you’d like or email me examples of what you’re thinking if you need feedback! I give advice on what photographs best. However if you’re unsure, I will show you the dresses I have available for no additional charge. I can even show you what I have available for your baby to wear as well! Like I said, I am here for you and want you to have the best experience during your newborn session. Check out some of session outfits below.

During The Session

Whether you choose in your home or in my studio, the process is the same: we go with the flow! This day should be as stress free as possible! We are here to capture your little one’s first days into the world. Additionally, my method is following you baby’s lead. If he/she needs to eat, we take time for that. If the he/she needs to be soothed, we soothe.

Some babies get straight to business with the photographs, some need some assurance that they are ok to relax. The point is that every baby is different. The poses we work on depend on how the baby is feeling. They don’t want to be put down for solo shots? No biggie. They only want to turn their head to the left and not the right, no problem, we’ll work around their needs. My job is to keep my eye on their comfortability.

I’m a nurturing mother at heart and I read their cues well. Once the baby is settled, we go back into poses and positions. Not all of the shots will be posed, I love candid shots and quite honestly, that’s where we can capture the most tender and authentic photos.

After The Newborn Session

Once we’ve all of photos, its a wrap! Now, this step may be the hardest part — waiting! My turnaround time is typically 3 weeks. During those three weeks I am tediously editing and naturally fine tuning the best of the best photos to deliver in your gallery.

Many babies have bumps on their skin, nursing blisters on their lips, scratches on their face, dry skin on their face and scalp, which are completely normal! However, I like to lightly edit these things. My style is not to overly touch up, rather a natural edit. Once it’s completed, I will email you your gallery of images where you can download them and print them as you use them. I will also send over a feedback questionnaire to get a better idea of how you felt about your photos and ideas you might recommend for me to deliver even better service in the future.

My goal is to make sure you have the best experience from start to finish. This session is to celebrate birth of your baby. A child is such a gift, and I want my session to reflect that. Are you ready to book your newborn session? Then let’s connect and make it happen!

Hi, I’m Lauren, the creative and nurturing mind behind Lauren Mitchell Photos and I am a Seattle Newborn Photographer