San Francisco Newborn Session photographed by Allison Menke
This San Francisco newborn photography session was what dreams are made of! Angelic, sleepy newborn baby girl, check, light streaming in through large windows, check, adorable new parents, check, beautiful flower arrangements throughout the house, check, sweet and cooperative dog, check. I could just go on and on. Read below to hear my tips to prepare for your newborn session!
Bringing your newborn home can be stressful, especially if you’re new parents. I’ve been there, I get it. There is SO much to think about and while you want to document this special time, you’re running on zero sleep. As a Bay Area newborn photographer, I will work with you before your baby arrives and shortly after they’re here to take as much of that stress and worry off of you as possible so you can just enjoy the sweet newborn bubble together as a family while I create timeless photos of those fleeting moments for you cherish forever.
Here is some of my best advice for getting the most out of your newborn photography session.
1. Book a newborn photographer in the beginning of your third trimester (or before). That way you have your date reserved in advance and you and your photographer can do some of the prep work beforehand so that you don’t have to think about it later in your pregnancy when you have so much else to prepare for. If you’re looking for a Bay Area newborn photographer, reach out via my contact page and I’d love to work with you!
2. Once you’re booked, start to pay attention to the light in your house throughout the day and take some quick pics to send to your photographer. This way, you can work together to have a rough idea of the best places in your house and the best time of day to have your session. Light is king, and although usually we can make it work no matter what, doing this in advance really helps to ensure we’re optimizing for the dreamiest, light-filled images.
3. Pick out some simple, special swaddles or blankets you’ll want to use for the session. Newborns are best photographed in a simple onesie or swaddle. The softer, lighter colors and simple outfits allow all of the attention to go to that sweet little face!
4. Choose outfits for you and your partner. Pick something comfortable and unfussy for yourself since you’ll still be recovering! Long, flowing dresses are great for this. It will be comfortable and still allow you to move with ease. By choosing soft tones and lighter, muted shades, you’ll create a styled look that feels fresh and simple, allowing the focus to remain on your family and the emotional connections in each image. Did you know that with each session booked, I’ll work with you to create a personalized style board for you and your family to help take the guesswork out of designing the perfect outfit combinations? Reach out if you’re interested in learning more!
5. Feed your little one right before the session so they’re nice and sleepy!
6. Lastly, relax and enjoy this time. It goes by so fast and your baby will grow and change in a blink of an eye. You’ll treasure these photos for years to come. Spend your session smiling, snuggling and gazing together at your precious little one and let your photographer do the rest
San Francisco Newborn Photo Session by Allison Menke // Bay Area Family Photographer
I’d love to work together! If you’re looking for a Bay Area newborn photographer, reach out or read a little more about the experience here.
I’m a Bay Area family photographer located in San Jose, specializing in maternity, newborn and family photography. My goal is to artfully capture all the light, love, joy and tender moments of your family.
