Baby Portraits Newborn and Baby Series
What to Wear, Themes and Prop Ideas
Make the art in your home reflect the beauty in your heart. ™ ARTFUL IMAGES | EXEMPLARY PRODUCTS
Newborn PORTRAIT IDEAS - baby in a basket, box, bag, suitcase, wooden bowl, etc. (we have lots of these props) - baby perched atop pile of blankets/ towels - body parts - close-up images of specific body zones, emphasizing baby’s tiny size - baby in a sling ( we can provide sling) - baby in wraps, curled in cute little positions - “A Gift from God”
THINGS TO BRING – highlight or take notes so we can tailor your baby’s newborn session to your family’s interests and preferences Mom – a simple cami for bare shoulder shots (with strapless bra if needed), long sleeved black shirt, long sleeved white shirt Dad – long and short sleeve black and white shirt, if Dad is comfortable having baby against bare chest/ arms these make for beautiful images Siblings – long sleeve black shirt and jeans, a simple outfit that coordinates with other siblings Blankets, especially simple, colorful and homemade – steer away from white Extra clothes for parents in case of little “accidents” - usually one or more of us will need a change of clothes after working with a naked baby – come prepared Fear not, we have lots of spare towels, etc if needed. Baby ideas for your images: Nude Wraps Simple Outfits
Nude is beautiful—discretion is always used, a diaper cover up is helpful only if you already have one—but not a necessity
Wraps - Swaddled in a simple blanket
or wrap is cozy and lovely – keeps baby swaddled, warm and happy
Partial outfits such as bloomers, tutus, small overalls without shirts photograph well. Full outfits usually do not photograph well on a newborn because they tend to be oversized and have lots of “bulky” fabric, especially around the chin and neck.
IMPACT SHOTS For our ah-hah shots (something unique and catered to your family’s interests), please request or bring items that tell about who you are and what you love. If it’s meaningful to you, then it’s important that I document it in an artful, beautiful way. These types of keepsakes make great additions to your images! These portraits will become even more treasured by your family in years to come.
Impact Shot Prop Suggestions - baby’s name/ initials spelled out in baby blocks - anything with baby’s name, birth date etc on it - musical props—guitar, amp, drum, etc - flag - US, MD, Italian, etc - antique family keepsakes - a bassinet, an antique doll, a homemade blanket - silver rattle - wedding rings, rosary, your pearls or keepsake jewelry, something from your wedding - fresh flowers from a baby bouquet you received at birth - saddle - baseball glove, lacrosse stick, football, tennis balls/ racquet, skateboard, surfboard - fun colorful hats and cute headbands with big flowers (I have a lot of these on hand) - tutu - religious items - christening gown, rosary, baby bible, etc.
Baby Connection Suggestions 2 - 3 months Your baby can sport an adorable favorite newborn outfit, but plan for some shots with a bare bottom and/or diaper (cloth diaper or diaper cover recommended). Overalls can be challenging when baby is seated. Baby and Me – baby with Mom and Dad Baby and Bears – bring lots of Teddy Bears and we will place baby in the bear den Body Parts – focusing on Hands, Feet and Face First Smiles
6 -9 months Your baby, growing in independence, should be able to sit alone for this session--with you nearby, of course. Clothing choices for baby might include jeans with no shirts, tutus, skirts, angel wings, cute dresses, or overalls to name a few. Baby in the bassinet, basket, antique tub, etc Grins Galore – Baby Faces
1 Year - Stepping Out Captures baby’s first steps, you holding baby’s hand see your legs and baby’s body.
1 Year - Happy Birthday Baby – Birthday Cake Session -- It’s a party and the camera’s invited! Your baby, growing in independence, may be able to stand with support of a chair or piece of furniture for this session. To celebrate baby’s first birthday, this session includes engaging portraits of your emerging toddler in the celebrated Birthday Cake Series. Don’t forget to bring the balloons, cake and party hat! Birthday Cake available by pre-order ONLY for $40. Each cake is custom designed for your session.
18 Months - Grandma/Grandpa’s Little Angel Make sure to bring along the proud grandparents! A session tailored to include grandparents during baby’s first year. Parents and grandparents should wear long sleeved comfortable clothing.
1-2 Year – First Family Your first all inclusive real family portrait (with parents and siblings).
Make the art in your home reflect the beauty in your heart. ™ ARTFUL IMAGES | EXEMPLARY PRODUCTS