Newborn baby swaddled in white wrap sleeping peacefully in a rustic basket with dried botanicals.

Helpful tips + Tricks for your session

 

Newborn Guide

 

welcome!


Newborn Petite Sessions are best scheduled when your baby is between 5–21 days old. During this time, babies are still extra sleepy and naturally curled, making it the perfect age for the wrapped poses featured in this session.


These sessions are baby-only and focus on timeless, wrapped portraits using a variety of wraps, layers, props, and simple setups. Since baby remains comfortably wrapped throughout the entire session, they’re able to stay warm, cozy, and settled.


All sessions take place in my studio, which is fully prepared for your little one. I keep the space nice and warm so baby stays comfortable throughout the session.


Studio address:

925 N. Lapeer Rd.

Oxford, MI 48371

Suite 193

(The studio is located at the north end of the Legacy building, next to the Celtic Cove Bookstore. Please park on that end of the building and enter through the breezeway to access Suite 193.)


Everything needed for your session is provided, including wraps, bonnets, headbands, props, and styling. Each session is thoughtfully planned using the questionnaire you completed, allowing me to create a beautiful, cohesive gallery that’s unique to your family.


Below you’ll find everything you need to help you feel prepared and relaxed before your session.

Sleeping newborn baby wrapped in white swaddle holding teddy bear in wicker basket with white flowers.
Peaceful newborn baby sleeping wrapped in white swaddle, holding tiny teddy bear, soft natural light photography.

Preparing Baby

A sleepy, content baby makes all the difference for a smooth session. I promise I’ll guide you through everything once you arrive, but a little prep at home really helps.

Try to keep baby awake for about 1–1.5 hours before leaving for the studio. I know this isn’t always easy, but it truly makes a big difference.


Some simple ways to help:


  • A bath before you leave
  • Right before you head out, give baby a full feeding. A nice full belly + a warm car ride usually means baby will fall into a deep sleep on the way over.
  • When you arrive, feel free to leave baby in the car seat, I’ll gently take over from there in a way that keeps them nice and sleepy.
  • Dress baby in something easy to remove, like a zip-up or button-up sleeper. This helps avoid waking them when we undress them for photos.
  • Bring a pacifier! Even if your baby does not typically use one, please bring one to your session. Sucking is a natural soothing reflex for babies, and sometimes having a pacifier can make a huge difference during the session.
  • If bottle feeding, bring extra with you!


And don’t worry at all if baby needs to eat during the session. That’s completely expected. You’re welcome to feed, snuggle, and settle baby as needed; this is your time to relax too.

Sleeping newborn baby wrapped in pink swaddle with hello world wooden sign in a cozy basket.
Newborn baby swaddled in cream knit wrap and bonnet, sleeping peacefully in a wicker basket.

A Quick Note (because it really matters 🤍)


I know it can be tricky trying to keep your little one awake before heading to the studio. Do your best, but please don’t worry if they fall asleep on the way or have other plans. I’ve photographed lots of newborns, and every session is baby-led. We’ll take our time, follow your baby’s cues, and create beautiful images no matter what.

Newborn baby wrapped in pink knit swaddle sleeping in heart-shaped wooden bowl with floral bonnet and stuffed bunny.
Newborn baby wrapped in tan swaddle sleeping peacefully on white mini bed with pillow on wood floor.

What to Expect


Newborn Petite Sessions are completely baby-led and typically last around 1.5 hours. Since baby stays comfortably wrapped throughout the session, these sessions are usually a bit shorter while still allowing plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and settling as needed.


The studio is kept warm, quiet, and cozy to help your little one stay comfortable. Feel free to sit back, relax, scroll your phone, or simply enjoy a little downtime while I photograph your baby.


If your baby uses a pacifier, I recommend bringing it along—even if they only use it occasionally. It can be incredibly helpful for soothing between poses. If you’d prefer not to use one, that’s completely okay too. We’ll simply follow baby’s lead and allow a little extra time if needed.

Newborn baby wrapped in lavender knit blanket and bonnet, sleeping in wooden bowl with white flowers.

Final Thoughts

My goal is for you to feel completely comfortable and taken care of during your session. This is such a special, fleeting time, and it truly means so much to me that you trust me to capture it.

You can relax, settle in, and let me take care of the rest.  


I can't wait to meet you!!

Several handwritten signatures in black ink displayed on a white background.