NEWBORN SESSIONS IN THE HOME 
When l arrive, I will ask you to show me around your home to find the best spots for our session. I will be using your home environment mostly as a backdrop for my images; a wall near a window and furniture in the nursery or living room. No worries about the post baby "mess." I only notice it long enough to move things out of my picture frame. If I don’t find adequate light for a natural light session, I will use artificial light recreating the look of window light.

I love creating images of the family! Babies tend to be happier in their parents’ arms, featuring that special connection you have. I will also photograph your baby by themselves on soft blankets and in the nursery; in the crib, nursery chair, or decorative rug. Baby will be kept in their diaper for these images, but it will be covered. I will help calm babies if they are fussy, but they may be awake or asleep … whatever baby decides to do. I will bring a few neutral backdrop blankets, but feel free to lay out a few of your own baby blankets you would like to use. Blankets that have been passed down or handmade are especially nice and personalize your images.

Please Note: If your session is scheduled outdoors in the Fall or Spring, please have optional outfits or layers for cooler weather since it can unexpectedly go back and forth during those times. It's best that the children be as comfortable as possible.

I love bare feet in the summer, so shoes are definitely optional and add to a more natural looking photograph. If shoes are preferred, please make sure they are in good shape, and not scuffed. Some children prefer to not walk around outside without shoes. If this describes your child, you might want to bring shoe options you wouldn’t mind seeing in the pictures.

CLOTHING SELECTIONS
Simple clothing is best for creating timeless portraits. If children or families are being photographed together, clothes that are similar in style and tone give a more coordinated look. I suggest picking two or three colors and using those as your color palette. An example of this might be tan/white/gray or blue/green/beige.  If there will be 3 or more people being photographed, be sure to repeat each color at least once for a coordinated look.  Please NO neon colors, they do not photograph well and aren't a good timeless option for your portraits. 

You can click here to see my Pinterest style boards for color ideas for family sessions.   

TIPS: Lay out your family’s outfits on a bed and squint your eyes. If one piece of clothing stands out more than the others, it will in the pictures too. If you are unsure about a clothing selection, bring a few outfits that you are considering and allow me to help you make the final choice. You can also email me pictures.  I am more than happy to help!  

FAVORITE THINGS
Does your child have a favorite toy, lovie, book, or other object? Bring it to the session and I can include it in some of the images. This is a great way to record the memory of this favorite item. If they are heavily attached to the item, it might be a good idea to wait till the end to bring it out.

IMAGES WITH INTERACTION
I will also take pictures where your family will be interacting and “pretending I’m not there.” For these I will ask you to tell jokes, sing, hug, kiss, etc. For older kids (preteens, teens) you might just talk about things you know your kids will smile about (girlfriends/boyfriends, a fun trip coming up, etc). Try to think about this before the session. For sibling images I might ask them to tell each other secrets, sing a song together, play with a toy, etc.

IMAGES WITH EYE CONTACT
I ask that you give me a bit of space while I am photographing your child(ren). Many of the images you see on my web page were taken with just the child and myself interacting, with no parent involvement. Sometimes an older child will feel the need to perform in front of a parent, and that can mean unnatural smiles and expressions. There is no need to stand behind me and make funny faces or jump up and down. If they are looking at you, they are not looking at the camera. Doing this can also overwhelm babies and very young children.

I will let your child(ren) be my guide. If he or she doesn’t feel comfortable without you closer, you will be quickly asked to come back. Some children or babies just don’t smile for adults they don’t know. I get that, but please give me a chance first to see how they react to me. If it’s not working, I will ask you to help and then say something like this “Ohhhh, what is daddy doing, he’s so funny!” This way we get the smile and then I will redirect them to my camera for the eye contact.

For family portraits, I will be taking some pictures where everyone is looking at the camera. I ask that you let me direct your children and be the one that gets them to smile. I know it’s hard not to look down to see what they are doing, but when you do this YOU aren’t looking at the camera. If I ask them a question or say something that makes it seem like they aren’t cooperating, try to resist the urge to see what they are doing.  I am just redirecting them to get the image I want.

INTRODUCTIONS & BEHAVIOR
At the beginning of the session I will briefly touch base with you again on any ideas or vision you had. Then, the focus will turn towards getting to know your child(ren). I want them to be comfortable with me and warm up to the idea of getting their picture taken.

Your child may be shy around new people. I always respect a child’s personal space and gently work on getting them to open up to me and my camera. First you’ll see me get down on their level and introduce myself. From there I will engage in conversation and ease my way into the photo session.

During our session we will walk around to different locations that I have chosen and will ask them to sit, stand, or play in a certain spot. If the child is unwilling, I will often distract, redirect, or change locations. A positive, safe, and relaxed atmosphere is essential to keep your child happy and excited about getting their picture taken. A happy kid equals happy pictures!

BUMPS, SCRAPES, & BRUISES
Please be sure to clean your child’s face before the session with a wipe or wet cloth. My close-up shots will show even the smallest detail. It’s much easier to clean beforehand, than editing several images in Photoshop afterward. Thank you!

If your child has a bruise, scrape, rash, or other abrasion that you would like removed from the images, please notify Holly prior to the session. Some Photoshop work is time consuming and/or difficult and may need to be hired out for a fee.

It is my hope that you will find this information helpful as you prepare for our session together. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

WHO SHOULD COME TO THE SESSION?
Please bring only those who are going to be photographed to the session. Other people can be a distraction, making it difficult for your child to make eye contact with the camera.

WHAT IF SOMEONE IS SICK IN MY FAMILY?
While Covid is still a concern, you MUST reschedule if anyone is sick.  Please see information above for specific Covid policies.  Pre-Covid policy:  If your child is not feeling well, please call me to reschedule. I want your child to enjoy the photo session, and a sick child may not feel like having his or her portraits taken. I would appreciate if you call to reschedule as soon as it’s apparent he or she is ill, even if it is the day or morning of the session. Rescheduling is not uncommon and time is left in my schedule for this. Thank you for your consideration on this matter. 

RESCHEDULING FOR WEATHER
We may need to reschedule if the weather isn’t cooperating. Rain or extremely dark skies will cause the session to be rescheduled. Overcast days are fine and actually work to our advantage.

Session Information