A FEW NOTES BEFORE YOUR IN-HOME NEWBORN SESSION:

Step into the heart of your family's story with BMann Studios' in-home newborn sessions. Embrace the cozy familiarity of your own space as we document the precious moments that define your journey into parenthood.

With no need to rush out the door or worry about packing essentials, our sessions offer a relaxed and stress-free environment for you and your little one. From capturing the loving bond between both parents to including siblings, grandparents, and even furry friends, every aspect of your family is celebrated in our sessions.

The beauty of in-home sessions lies in their flexibility. There are no time constraints or rigid schedules to adhere to, allowing us to work around nap times and let older siblings be themselves without the pressure of posing for portraits. Your furry companions and older children will feel right at home, ensuring a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for everyone involved.

And should a little one need a snack or a break, the comforts of your kitchen are just a few steps away. At BMann Studios, our priority is to create a space where your family can truly be themselves, capturing authentic moments that reflect the love and joy of this special time in your lives.

After your baby arrives, I like to have my mama’s shoot me a quick email/text after their little one is here, that way I can start to clear my schedule and find a good day for our session. Most all my newborn sessions take place when baby is anywhere from 5-10 days old. This is important because I like to shoot when baby is still in the womb-like stage and very sleepy. (you know… when their days and nights are flip-flopped). Since this is a lifestyle, very heavy on the candid and documentary nature of a session. I also offer to include a few posed prop photos during these sessions as well. Usually near the end we will do these photos. My newborn lifestyle sessions include access to my prop catalog. If you would like to incorporate some posed prop photos we can definitely do that. This means you can choose from my props at my studio to bring along for your session. You can absolutely round up your own items to incorporate into photos, such as your own swaddles, hats, basket, headbands, outfits, etc… for babe.  

WHAT TO WEAR:

Comfort is key. Keep colors neutral but don’t be afraid to add a little bit of color! Whites, creams, grey, and subdued colors always photograph the best. Try and avoid bright and bold colors, super dark colors, big patterns and shirts with large logos on them because all that can take away from the overall feel and look of your images. I tell moms to pick their outift first and build others outfits around that. I do encourage moms to wear something comfortable and flowy so as not constricting on their fresh postpartum body. Having a light sweater or cardigan to go over your outfit works well too for pictures. We can also do outfit changed if you have special outfits you would like to capture like matching robes for you and baby or matching shirts for siblings. 

CHOOSE LOCATIONS:

Once we narrow down our session date and time (they usually take place around noon, for lighting purposes) I will ask what areas of you house you would like to session to take place in. I like to have clients pick one or two rooms that have the best natural light. Send me photos of the rooms if you have any questions or concerns. I can make almost any space work but if you are unsure send it over and we can chat. Most common spaces I shoot in are primary bedrooms, living rooms, baby’s nursery or even a spare bedroom. Spare bedrooms are always clients favourite rooms to shoot in because most of the time, those are the rooms with just a bed and little to no mess to clean up. Also, keep in mind your bedding. There are some really wonderful colors and patterns out there however, if you have a white sheet/blanket/comforter definitely bust that out and lay it on top. The reason being, bright and bold colors will cast shadows and colors on skin, leaving a tint of whatever color the blanket is. So if you can, keep it simple and plain. Whites and creams are always ideal to ensure esthetically please images to the eye.

LIGHTING:

Opening all blinds and curtains before my arrival will help me to figure out which spaces are best. Turning off the overhead lights and taking advantage of the natural brightness as much as possible. I’ll pop you all next to windows as much as possible for those pics — we will take full advantage of the light coming into your house. If the natural light is not sufficient enough (trust me I get it, some houses are dark - my own house included!) I will use my flash at a very low power to bounce off of the ceiling to add just enough light to illuminate you all in your space. 

Feeding: Try and feed babe 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 absolutely can do this at the beginning of the session…so hold off feeding babe until I get there and we’ll get some feeding/nursing pics done first!

TEMPERATURE:

Turn up that heat!  I’ve found that baby is soooooo much happier in a warm environment.  This allows for babe to be comfortable for any naked/diaper pictures and isn’t so upset to have their clothes changed if the house is extra warm.

If you have older kiddos, let me know before we schedule a time. I always like to make sure we aren’t heading towards a nap while I’m there. I try my best to be flexible on the time of day we shoot to accommodate for such schedules.

THE MESS:

Please do not worry or stress about thinking your house is a mess!   You JUST had a baby!  It’s completely normal to have baby clothes and items all about, a basket full of laundry waiting to be washed or folded and dishes in the sink!  Clutter is definitely expected! 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 type sessions. 

Embark on a journey of love, laughter, and precious moments with BMann Studios Lifestyle Newborn Sessions. Book your session today and let us immortalize the magic of your family's love story.