3. Room requirements
4. family outfit recommendations
2. lifestyle session planning
1. Booked - now what?
Jump to:
7. session checklist
Check out planning details for your booked session below.
Lifestyle Newborn Guide
6. session day details
5. notes for nursing moms
You booked - now what?
Once I have confirmed your session, my system will block days around your due date to ensure you have an available date once your little one arrives.
Within 24 hours of baby's arrival, I do ask that mommy or daddy - or even grandma if you want to task her with the assignment, text me at 618-889-6025 or email me at hello@tobistimelesstreasures.com to let me know baby is here.
Then I will ensure you are sent an email with the available date for your session and we will get everything finalized!
In the meantime you get to plan for your session.....so here is my advice for that part of the process.....
Lifestyle Newborn sessions are best conducted when baby's are between the ages of 7 and 21 days of age.
Why? Well this is the age of sleepy time. They are less reactive to touch, some more than others of course. But we have a greater chance of your little one being able to fall into a deep sleep, relaxed, and comfortable during the session - which is the requirement for the session running smoothly and your newborn being a happy participant
Since babies come when they are ready you currently don't have an actual final session date with me just yet. So then you may be wondering - NOW WHAT?
Lifestyle Session Planning
I will bring everything we need for the newborn images and for the newborn during the family images.
let's talk planning for perfection!
As I mentioned above capturing images of your newborn is best completed during the 7-21 day window. This is the age they tend to easily fall back asleep as they are transitioned into poses and being held by family. While all newborns tend to sleep great - most of the time they aren't being "messed with" but in newborn photography we are safely wrapping and posing them in a secure step-by-step process. So the more comfortable and sleepy they are - the better!
Newborn sessions are held Monday through Friday. Sessions typically begin at 9:00 am, but I am happy to accommodate an earlier start for families with school age siblings.
Lifestyle Newborn sessions are broken into two parts and typically take 2 hours to complete.
Reminder - I absolutely conduct newborn sessions outside this recommended age range; however, sometimes when baby is older they have a harder time resettling and that potentially results in less images for your proof gallery. So if you really want images of your little one in all their tiny perfection snuggled together with your favorite humans then let's ensure we get them in during those ideal days!
step 1 - general need to know
step 3 - Your turn
When you received your confirmation and welcome email that included a link to this guide there was a questionnaire included. This is our planning document!
Once you have reviewed this guide fully, go into this questionnaire and fill it out.
Now you may be wonder - what if....
Yes you can always update the questionnaire after baby is here however it will be due 24 hours after we set your final session date so I like to tell mamas to go ahead and get that questionnaire fully completed BEFORE baby is here. That time after your little one arrives is best spent snuggling and resting - not on my crazy questionnaire so preparing early means you get extra snuggle time!!
To ensure newborn safety I only used items provided by me and purchased by vetted newborn vendors for your session. If you have something you were hoping to use for the session such as a prop, outfit, etc....it must be approved 7 days before your final session date.
You will want to think of this session as two sessions in one since - well that's basically what it is.
The first part of the session is the newborn session. I will arrive and set up in a room of your house (see room requirements) to take photos of your little blessing all by themselves. This portion of the session takes place at the beginning just after I arrive and set up (see "what I do" for details!
The second part of the session is all about your family bond. This portion of the session is conducted in a different space - usually the living room, master bedroom, or nursery. These are all the cute cuddly moments between your family, you and your baby, and you helping siblings hold their new little love. So yes, mama and daddy are in the photos. If you have siblings over the age of 5 I do let them hold baby or lay down with baby so we can capture sweet sibling moments, but if they are under 3 then be prepared to be in all the photos since that age can be a little unpredictable - and newborn safety is what is most important.
You will find tons more details in the remaining part of this guide so let's move on to your next steps (aka your homework)!
step 2 - Two Sessions in ONE!
Which room should you choose?
It takes TWO!
aka which rooms will make you and your family shine!
Remember how I mentioned this session was like two session in one?
When it comes to room planning you really will need to think of it this way.
I will need two separate rooms to use for the session. Now lets discuss which is which and the requirements for each.
Room ONE - baby time
I will bring a full prop based set up in the colors you note in your questionnaire to capture precious images of your little one all swaddled up in a bed, basket, etc.....
I will be bringing all my lighting equipment as well as a heater to ensure the environment is perfect for your baby.
All I will need from you is a room that:
- Has at least 8x8 foot of floor space
- A door I can close to keep the room warm and free from sibling/pet family. If you don't have pets or other kiddos any room will do!
- This room ideally will not face the east since that is the side of the house the sun will rise and that tends to leave sun marks on the floor of the room - so make sure to check that on a sunny day before you settle on the room you want me to use.
Mommy or daddy (or even grandma) are welcome to be in the room with me of course but this will ensure I can capture those sweet solo images in a space that is free from the household moments outside the door. AND hint hint.....this is usually when mommy takes a moment to get ready herself :)
Room TWo - family moments
I have had clients choose living rooms, nurseries, guest rooms, master bedrooms. Honestly, as long as it fulfills the requirements below I am game for whatever you decide.
Go into the rooms you are choosing between at aprox. 10:30 am, turn off all over head lighting, open the curtains/blinds and check based on the information provided below.
Room requirements for family photos:
- Large enough to fit the full family and myself along with my light which will take up about a 3' circular space
- Doesn't have huge sun spots! If the sun rises on that side of your home please make sure that there aren't bright sun spots shining in. I will raise the blinds and pull back the curtains for natural light so if the sun is shining in that will make for not great spots on your family or environment.
- Walls need to be a neutral color - no bright paint since that will color your overall photo in that tone. AKA if the nursery is barbie pink - that's a nope :)
Now here is where we say the real stuff. If you have a toddler that has taken over or plan to have all the baby's things downstairs in your living room to make your life easier on a day to day basis I totally get it!! Truly consider if you are going to feel like moving all of those things the day before the session so the room is clutter free and you don't have toddler playpens, swings, toy boxes, etc in the images.
Planning those outfits...
general Items to remember when planning outfits:
aka how to dress for photo success!
Make sure to try on the outfit to make sure it fits. And make sure it's wrinkle free... yes those wrinkles will show in your images so make sure you iron the outfits for best results!
Try it on + iron it!
Your due date will sneak up on you. I always advice parents to plan the outfits early.
One, they are due to me within 24 hours after the final date is selected so that a rush for sure.
And two, its so much easier to have them purchased, ironed, and sitting in the back of the closet ready to go than rushing around the morning of and having wrinkled, ill-fitting clothes on the day of the session
plan early
I know there are super cute shirts out there for new parents and siblings but I like to remind parents that these photos are meant to show your family bond. I will have you close in together and snuggling baby and shirts with words won't really be visible.
Not to mention sometimes when all the letters aren't visible - it can look wonky in the photo since you won't know what it's supposed be.
No writing or words
I recommend you keep the outfits simple and well fitting in classic colors like cream, black, grey, light blue, pink, light green, tan, cream, white, etc...
Coordinating with the space you plan to conduct the session will make the look cohesive and styled!
Keep outfits CLASSIc
They can color cast on skin and are a little too bright next to a small baby.
Avoid primary or neon colors
For Baby
I will take care of the baby's wrap for both the individual newborn images as well as the family photos.
what will baby wear?
I will use the answer you provide in you questionnaire to plan the full newborn set up.
If you haven't yet text me details, once baby is here I will ask that you text me a photo of what your family plans to wear for the session. I highly recommend you plan this portion before baby arrives. If I don't receive the details before I have to pack up I will bring a white wrap for baby.
If I do have your outfits, then I will use your photo as guidance as to the best color wrap for baby.
for family Basic recommendations:
It is very possible your feet will show in these photos. I highly recommend making sure to check your polish and to grab fun socks for anyone that prefers to have something covering their "pigs" (looking at you dad).
Plus if you are conducting the session on the couch or bed you probably wouldn't normally have shoes on in those spaces so it might look awkward.
No shoes - fun socks
Reminder - for kiddos 4 and under this is a BIG adjustment in their world! They may love their new baby but not be as excited to hold or participate in the session. So now is the time to start talking to them about how excited you are to have a picture of them! And show them examples from my website, instagram, etc so they know what to expect.
For all siblings under 5 and for the safety of the newborn I do ask that parents participate in the sibling photos. I will gladly attempt to grab sibling-newborn images but if safety is a concern then we will get sweet photos of you "helping" them hold baby!
- Simple neutral colored clothing coordinated with mom and dad is perfect.
- Bright colors are highly discouraged since those tones will reflect and show on both sibling and baby skin.
- Remember no large logos or shirts with words.
- Remove any stickers, stamps, nail polish, etc that could show on hands, legs, or arms.....if you don't want to see it forever....remove it before the session.
SIBLINGS
I am here to help.
My general guidance is as follows:
- Keep the colors very neutral (cream, white, ivory, grey, black, light blue, light pink, light green are all great options) coordinating with your choice photo room.
- Simple and well fitting is key.
- Tanks, camisoles, simple solid colored wrapped or empire waist dresses are perfect as is jeans and a comfy t-shirt.
- If you are uncomfortable with your arms stick with a simple soft shirt that covers your mid-upper arms.
- Wear only your simple jewlery: wedding ring/band and simple stud earrings.
- Be sure to check your nails. No bright or chipped nail polish since your hands and sometimes your feet will be seen in the photos.
MOMMY
- Well fitting t-shirt or v-neck shirt. Please refrain from wearing a plain white undershirt. You will want a shirt that isn't "see through".
- Texture in your shirt is great so a 3 button henley works perfect.
- Keep the colors very neutral (cream, white, ivory, grey, black, light blue, light pink, light green are all great options).
- Colors and tones of dad's shirt need to compliment mom so if mom is wearing light blue dad can wear a range of blue, cream, and even navy (just remember no primary colors)
- Wear jeans
- Don't worry about shoes but grab those fun socks!
- Take off the apple watch
- Wear the ring :)
DADDY
- Keep it simple - jeans/pants and a well fitted shirt are ideal.
- For shirts wear a v-neck, tshirt, henley style will look best.
- Try to stay clear of collared shirts for kiddos under 5. While they look great this age tends to be squirmy so they will move and cover their faces so keeping the collars to older children is best.
- For boys 4 and under I love little soft overalls so you can ensure everything stays tucked in and in place for sibling images.
- No suspenders or bow ties please since those are too distracting and tend not to stay in place for photos.
- Simple dresses are perfect but if you are having trouble finding one a basic well fitted t-shirt or tank top will be great!
- Keep hair down and styled simply without large bows and such that can shift during the session - especially for toddlers.
- If their hair tends to flop into their face when moving about pull it back a little with a small band, clip, or barrette.
- If your toddler is wearing a dress please don't forget bloomers to cover diaper or underwear - and yes patterned undies will show through light colored dresses.
Notes for Nursing Mamas
Baby's are exceptionally sensitive to a variety of things. Most commonly it deals with mama's diet when she is nursing. The frequent culprits are: dairy, spicy, and caffeine. So I ask that all my mamas stop taking in those three irritants 4 days before their session. If you just have to have a cup of coffee please bring that with you the morning of your session and avoid drinking any caffeine the morning of your session.
Dairy sensitivity definitely will impact their gut and skin....it tends to cause belly aches and newborn skin rashes.
Spicy foods are a guilty pleasure of mine so I get it, but this is where the access gas and gut pain can start.
YES - I know I am asking A LOT of you, but if you can do these two things it will lead you to greater success & a restful newborn.
Ok so this is the age old debate - nursing vs bottle and more. Personally I have zero votes. I did nurse both of my kiddos but one was way easier than the other and one nursed till an older age. Im an advocate for you do you mama!!! I just want to support my mamas in any way I can!
No matter if this is your first little love or your fifth each time you choose how to feed your baby is your call and yours alone!
Some mamas have their milk come in pretty quickly and some don't! Some babies take to nursing immediately and others need help or just aren't able. And some mamas make enough to feed a football team and others just don't. On a personal note - I was the latter - I made just enough for my kids but that was it - pumping was wasted effort! There is no predicting what will happen for any one mama.
2days before the session
AVOID COMMON CAUSES OF CONFUSION
You may be thinking, "ok Tobi, that's great so why are you bringing it up?"
Well the open honest answer is because it helps me to help you have the best session you can. There are a few things that no one tells new and established parents about nursing that can impact how your baby will rest.
OFFSET THE CLUSTER
Baby's can begin cluster feeding at a variety of ages and stages of development. This is the time when, before they have a new jump pattern in growth/development, they will begin telling your body to "make more!" This is so when they are ready for that extra nourishment your body is ready to deliver. In order to offset this stage starting on the day of the session, I like to tell mamas to nurse as often as possible 2 days before the session date. This means during the day try to get baby to eat every 2 hours or so especially the day before the session.
all recommendations are based on my professional experience working with newborns. This is not medical advice. Please contact your ob or pediatrician for medical based consultative advice related to your newborn
Remove all items from the center of the floor including rugs if possible so I can have an 8x8 space to set up
room for newborn images
Pacifier (prefer the hospital one - but 2-3 options if you have them)
Baby Supplies
Checklist for Session Day...
Prep the pets
- a bath and unswaddled awake time will help.
Place the following in the room you prepared for me to use for the newborn only portion of the session
(sometimes they just need a little top off and bottles make it easier) - full feedings will be done by mama if nursing!
Necessities - 4-5 diapers, wipes, burp cloths, etc
Feed and fully burp the baby just as I arrive to set up
Step back and look at the space - remove any items you would prefer not be in the photos
Prepared newbie
Baby dressed in a NON-elastic simple easy on/off onsie - no pants/top outfits please and no undershirts
Make sure to keep baby awake for 1 hour before the session
1-2 bottles - even if you are nursing
Baby safety always comes first so only pets that can follow basic commands are asked to participate in the session.
space for family photos
I am known for being super great with pet - probably a requirement given my name, however, if your pet is too hyper or is having a hard time settling I will make the decision on if we move forward with photos for baby safety.
Pet photos are always saved for the end of the session and only if time permits. Ensure dogs under the age of 5 have had a good walk the day before and day of the session will help them to be a bit more relaxed.
If you have cats - good luck - it's their world. We just live in it!
pay special attention to side tables and rooms that connect to one another (like kitchens & living spaces) the photos may be taken at a variety of angles so clearing out spaces of clutter will help make your images look how you prefer.
Session Day Details
session TIMELINE
All sessions are conducted M-F with a start time of 9:00 am.
I will arrive aprox. 20 minutes before your session is set to begin to unload my gear and begin setting up.
when will i arrive
Once the newborn only images are completed we will go right into the family photos.
I typically will hand baby to mommy or daddy just in case they need another "top off" while I set up in the room you have chosen for the family photos. (see room requirements for details). This is a great time to have a bottle handy so they can eat without messing up mommy's outfit if you are nursing.
We will then have all the cuddly fun with you and your freshly grown family capturing images you can treasure for a lifetime!
At this time everyone should be dressed and ready for the session to begin.
how to dress baby
what do i bring with me
I will bring all the supplies for the newborn during our session.
This begins with a full wrapped prop set up coordinated in the color/theme/style you choose on your questionnaire (remembering that is due 24 hours after your newborn session date is finalized)
I will bring flooring, the prop, lighting, and the rest of my gear.
I will also bring accessories for the newborn to vary up the look of the session.
All I will need from you is the room requirements discussed here and an outlet I can use for the small space heater I will bring with me.
For the family portion of the session, I will set up my light in the room we are using and wrap the baby in a wrap that coordinates with the family outfit colors.
Last step - family photos
I ask that you wake baby 2 hours before our session time is set to begin.
Give them a good solid feed and then try to keep them awake until I arrive.
This is a great time to give them a bath and leave them unwrapped so they can kick and squirm to get their awake moments out.
Then, once I arrive I will ask mama to walk me to the rooms you want to use and while I unload and set up you can give baby that next full feeding.
Once I am set up I will be ready to wrap your little one and let the newborn portion of the session begin.
newborn schedule for success
Please make sure to dress your baby in a loose onsie - one layer only please!
No elastic cuffs, t-shirts or undershirts.
When it is time for that last feeding I will ask that you feed your baby in nothing but a diaper - this is a little trick I have learned over the years that helps babies to eat more thoroughly and not fall asleep before they have gotten their belly full!
You will not need to provide any outfits or wraps for baby. I will bring everything we need and all of my supplies are specialized for newborns at this age and stage so I know they will be safe and sound in everything I bring. I know sometimes parents have outfits they want to use but I like to remind that, while the outfits are probably adorable, these sessions are with wrapped newborns especially if you have older siblings under the age of 6 so for baby's safety they will be wrapped for the session.
