- I LOVE in-home sessions SO MUCH! They showcase your brand new family member in the comfort of their own home with their parents, siblings, and pets! Babies change SO MUCH in those first few weeks, so I love being able to capture that new goodness for parents.
- Best time for in-home newborn sessions is 10:30am – 12pm during the daylight hours when the lighting is best.
- We will be embracing the natural light so please open up those window blinds and turn off the overhead lights so we can take advantage of the natural brightness as much as possible. I’ll put you all next to the windows as much as possible!
- If natural light is not sufficient, I will use my flash at a very low power to bounce off the ceiling to add just enough light to illuminate you all in your space.
- The first thing we are going to look at is locations in and around the home for the session so please give me a tour once I arrive and I will take some test shots. Prime locations are Master Bedroom, Nursery, Living Room or Guest Bedroom. Please do not feel the need to deep clean your entire house before I come. Please. There is zero need to impress me, like at all…I’m a mom of three. So literally nothing scares me, However, if you can, try and declutter items on counters floors in the spaces you’d like me to photograph in. Less is more when it comes to these types of sessions. That’s why spare bedrooms are always a clients favorite. Also keep in mind your bedding. There are some really wonderdul colors and patterns out there, however, if you have a white sheet/blanket/comforter definitely bring that out and lay it on top. Bright bold colors will case shadows and colors on skin, leaving a tint of whatever color the blanket is. Simple is best.
- Try and feed baby shortly before your session time. This ensures baby has a full belly and will hopefully be happy and cooperative for pics! If you would like any feeding/nursing pictures, we can absolutely do this at the beginning of the session…so hold off feeding baby until I get there and we’ll get some of those done first!
- Turn up the heat! Babies are much happier in a warm environment. It also allows for baby to be comfortable for any naked/diaper pictures and isnt so upset to have their clothes changed if the house is extra warm.
- What to wear? Think neutrals, neutrals, neutrals!! White, cream, beige, gray and soft pastels. They create a clean cohesive look that draws attention to your smiling faces rather than colors and patterns that can potentially clash colors. Here are some links to help.
- Since this is a lifestyle, very heavy on the candid and documentary nature of a session, I leave any ‘props’ that you want to include up to your discretion. You can absolutely round up your own items to incorporate into the photos, such as swaddles, hats, baskets, headbands, outfits etc.
- I’ll be taking candids 95% of the time documenting your interaction with your baby and significant other. My goal is to get genuine emotions!
- Here are some examples of what I will have you do: “sit close together on the bed and kiss and cuddle the baby”, “lay down with baby between you both”, “feed baby (breast or bottle)”, “burp baby”, etc.
- When do we schedule newborn sessions? Within the first 2 weeks but if you want more time to settle in, within a month is ok – the sooner the better.
- How long do newborn sessions last? Typically between 30 and 45 minutes. I know how precious those first few weeks after baby has arrived to I don’t want to overtake that fror your family, so I try and be quick and efficient in getting you all of the snaps you want.
- When will I get my pics? I try and have teasers up on my social media within 48 hours and then have your proofs ready to choose within 1 week. Final edited images are sent 3 weeks after you choose your favorites.
- I also like to mention, I am fully vaccinated against COVID19, as well as up to date on all others including but not limited to Tdap, flu, and MMR.
- When in doubt, just ask me! I respond quickly and always want to ensure things are clear before my arrival.
Ready to schedule? Click below to contact me!
Vanessa Montano is a Pofessional Photographer specializing in Newborn, Family, Maternity and Weddings serving clients in the East Bay including Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, Brentwood and Oakley.
