Preparing for a newborn session can feel like a lot when you’re juggling postpartum recovery, a fresh baby, sleepless nights, and a mountain of diapers. The good news? These sessions are beautifully simple… and completely baby-led… which means you don’t need to pack half your nursery in the car or deep-clean your house to get ready.
Whether you’re visiting my natural-light studio here in Manistee or having me come for an in-home session, my goal is always the same: keep your baby comfortable, keep mom and dad comfortable, and photograph the honest beauty of this brand-new season.
Below is a guide to help you know exactly what to bring (and what you can leave at home).
My Newborn Sessions Are Completely Baby-Led
Every baby moves and settles in their own natural rhythm… I like to observe and follow their lead the entire time. I’ll ask you questions about how your little one likes to be held, soothed, and swaddled, and we’ll use that information as our foundation.
I don’t use props, buckets, costumes, or staged set-ups. Instead, I keep everything simple, soft, and timeless so your baby’s little details shine… the wrinkly skin, peach-fuzz shoulders, flaky newborn skin, the way they tuck themselves into your arms… all the things that disappear far too fast.
A large portion of your session will take place with baby in your arms, because that’s where newborns are happiest. I also have a posing bag for a handful of classic newborn portraits, but the heart of the session is always connection.
Because these sessions are baby-led, they can last anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours. We take breaks to feed, soothe, change, snuggle, and reset whenever needed… so the whole experience feels slow and calm.
Hey there momma! Are you ready to create something beautiful together?
I’ve spent 16 years photographing newborns, babies, and all the tender, messy, beautiful seasons of motherhood. My sessions are slow, connection-focused, and fully baby-led… no props, no pressure, just your little one as they are.
Whether we’re in my natural-light studio in Manistee or in the comfort of your home, my hope is that you feel supported, relaxed, and cared for every step of the way.
What I Provide (So You Don’t Have to Pack It)
I keep things intentionally simple so you don’t have to bring much at all. Here’s what I have ready for you:
- Neutral-toned swaddles
- Simple bows + bonnets
- Soft bum covers
- A comfortable space for feeding, pumping, or resting
- Toys for siblings
- Refreshments (and you are always welcome to bring your own food + drinks)
I also have plenty of space for you to spread out, settle in, and take your time.
What You Don’t Need to Bring
- Props
- Elaborate outfits
- A full diaper bag of extras
- Anything that adds stress or clutter
Truly — keep it simple.
What Helps Comfort Baby During the Session
✔ A Pacifier
Even if you don’t use one often, it can help soothe baby between poses. If you’re avoiding pacifiers, that’s totally okay… just let me know how your little one likes to be soothed (a certain hold, pacing, rocking, etc.).
✔ Milk (breast or bottle)
Newborns tend to eat more during sessions, even if it’s off their normal routine. Bring whatever you need for feeding, including your pump if you might need it.
✔ Diapers + Burp Cloths
Enough for 2–4 hours of feeding, snuggling, and changing.
✔ A Loose, Easy-Open Outfit
Dress baby in something soft that opens down the front… like a zipper or snap-front onesie. We want to avoid tight elastic, marks on their skin, or anything that has to be pulled over their head.
This helps keep them cozy, sleepy, and undisturbed.
🤍 Hey Momma!
IF YOU’RE PLANNING A NEWBORN SESSION… I MADE YOU SOMETHING TO HELP YOU FEEL PREPARED.
Newborn fog is the real deal, so I created a beautiful one-page checklist with all the essentials for your session (and none of the overwhelm) — plus a few postpartum pampering tips to help you look and feel your best. Just a little guide to help you feel confident and prepared. Save it or print it!
What to Bring for You (and Your Older Kiddos)
✔ A Comfortable Change of Clothes for Mom
Accidents happen during newborn sessions… and I want you to feel relaxed. If you’re wearing pieces from my studio wardrobe, please bring nude undergarments so they don’t show through.
✔ Clothes for Dad + Siblings
Soft neutrals and mixed textures photograph beautifully, especially with a newborn. For outfit inspiration, you can peek at my What to Wear for Your Newborn & Baby Session blog for simple guidance and visual examples.
You’re welcome to bring a small suitcase of options if you’re unsure — I’ll help narrow things down. And whether we’re in the studio or in your home, you’ll have full access to me during planning, and I’m always happy to look through what you have and help you choose pieces that feel like you and work well together.
✔ Snacks + Activities for Siblings
- A snack they love
- A tablet or small toy
- A book or game
I do have toys in the studio that kids adore, but something familiar helps too.
✔ Any Postpartum Essentials
Water, nursing pads, peri spray, chapstick, breast pump… anything you reach for often in this season.
Optional: Bringing a Meaningful Item
If you have a special family item… a handmade blanket, your own baby bonnet, a loved stuffy, or a sentimental piece from someone important… feel free to bring it.
Is the Studio or In-Home Right for You?
Studio sessions are quiet, cozy, and very controlled… but in-home sessions have their own beautiful ease too. Both options create a calm, baby-led experience — it simply depends on where you feel most comfortable in those early weeks. If you’re choosing an in-home session, here’s a little glimpse of what that looks like:
In your home, everything your baby already knows is right there:
- Your scent
- Their favorite spot to feed
- The creaks in the floors they’re familiar with
- The natural flow of your family and routines (especially helpful with older kiddos)
And please don’t worry about the state of your home. Life after a baby is tender and messy and a little upside down — I never expect a clean space. We’ll use small pockets of good light, and I’m more than happy to shift a blanket, move a pillow, or tidy the frame as we go. Many families feel relieved knowing they don’t have to pack up a newborn and leave the house; everything you need is already right there, and we can create beautiful, connected images right in the midst of real life.
The Beauty of Preserving These Memories in Print
Newborn days are hazy and tender… and they change so quickly you almost can’t feel the ground beneath you. That’s why I photograph your baby’s little details and the way they fit perfectly in your arms: these are the memories that will matter years from now.
Many parents choose to print their favorites as:
- an heirloom album
- a framed wall piece
- or a small gallery for their nursery
There’s something grounding about holding these moments in your hands… especially the moments you barely remember living. And these babies love seeing themselves as smaller versions as they grow… their sweet voices asking, “Was that me?” and wanting to hear every story wrapped inside those photographs.
A Simple Checklist for Your Newborn Session
For Baby
- Loose, easy-open outfit
- Diapers + wipes
- Burp cloths
- Pacifier (if using)
- Milk (breast or bottle)
- Any soothing items
For Parents
- Neutral clothing
- Nude undergarments (if wearing studio wardrobe)
- Comfortable change of clothes
- Postpartum essentials
- Snacks + drinks
For Siblings
- Simple outfits
- Snacks
- Activity (tablet, book, small toy)
Optional
A meaningful item (Heirloom, blanket, outfit, book, bonnet, etc.)
