My desire when I opened the studio...


...was to have a place families can come for their newborn session, that mimics an in-home lifestyle setting. While some people are happy to have a photographer in their home within the first couple weeks of their little one's life (and some people prefer not having to leave their home), some people just aren't ready to host a photoshoot, but still want the vibes of a Lifestyle Newborn Session.


What to expect


I try to keep these sessions between 90-120 minutes. The studio is located at 501 College Street near downtown Macon, Georgia. All my sessions include family pictures focusing on the new little one, as well as individual shots of the newborn, with a combination of lifestyle poses and swaddled prop shots. Each session includes 2-3 swaddled prop shots. Babies are happiest in their parents arms when they are unswaddled, so for the sake of time (I have found most siblings and dads do not prefer a 4-hour newborn session), and keeping baby happy, any unswaddled shots will take place in mom and dad's arms.


You don't need to bring anything, but are also welcome to if you have a sentimental blanket or outfit you'd love pictures of your baby in! The studio is stocked with lots of neutral wraps, bows, blankets etc.


I love the classic, bright nature of neutral colors, and how they lend themselves well to drawing your attention to baby rather than the props/colors/set up. I do most of the infant pictures in whites, creams, tans etc.


What to Wear?


All of my clients have access to a service called Style and Select (Style&Select) Style and Select will help you decide on how to coordinate your family's outfits, and you can order your outfits directly through the site (or use the "looks" they create to guide you when you shop local)! Outfits aren't everything, but they are pretty close to everything! If you are planning to hang your session images in your home, you want the colors to complement and coordinate with the decor of your home.


If you don't plan to order new ones for your session, here are some styling pointers:


The goal is to coordinate, not match. There are a few times matching is great (think, "mommy and me" matching floral dresses, or both big brothers wearing suspenders and khakis) but generally, follow these rules of thumb:


Coordinate, don't match

1 or 2 patterns max

Add textures and accessories (sweaters, jewelry, layers etc.)

Build the rest of the outfits off of a floral pattern you have for mom's dress, or a plaid Dad is wearing. When I plan my family's outfits, I usually find a dress that I love for me and/or my daughter, then I pick coordinating pieces that compliment our outfits for the boys. If I were to buy a cream dress with rust and sage florals, I'd buy my husband a tan plaid, Jude a rust sweater, Owen a cream colored Henley, Lyla either a dress that matches mine, or a flowy sage dress to match my flowers.

It's ok to have color, but stay away from primary colors like fire engine red, royal blue etc. Instead, pick the more muted tones of these colors! Like rust rather than red, or navy rather than blue.

Stay away from fluorescent colors like fuchsia and lime green! They actually cast color back onto the neck and chin of the person wearing them, which is fine for every day life, but doesn't translate well into a photograph!

FAQ

Do you do naked baby pictures?

I am happy to document your little one in their birthday suit in an organic, lifestyle way! I do not do naked poses on the poser like many studio newborn photographers do. This is not a traditional studio vibe, but leaning into a more in-home-lifestyle vibe, in the Lifestyle Studio!

What props do you use?

I try to order fresh, neutral props here and there throughout the year! I buy from the best newborn prop vendors, so the outfits and hats fit a newborn perfectly, and the swaddles are soft, organic, and long and stretchy to accomplish that perfect little round swaddle. I have lots of little neutral knits for baby if you need an outfit for when they're in your arms/family pictures! Many of these were purchased from H&M, Baby Gap, Carter's Organics, etc.

Can I bring my own props?

If you have something sentimental you'd like for me to use, feel free to bring it! But you don't have to bring a thing! Oftentimes props that don't come directly from a reputable prop vendor, don't fit well, or are made from a lower quality yarn that is scratchy or shiny - neither of which photograph well.

Can I bring all of my children?

Yes! I want this to be a family affair! I always start with family pictures and sibling pictures, so that they can either hang out in the little room attached to my studio, or if you come in two cars, dad and kids can head home after their portion, while mom stays with baby! The studio is walking distance to Washington Park, and the Washington Memorial Library.

How long does it take to get the full gallery?

It depends on how booked I have been at the time of your session, but it usually is between 2-4 weeks for the full gallery! I often do a sneak peek on Facebook or Instagram, so keep your eyes on both in the days following your session!