If you’re searching for a newborn photo session checklist, you’re probably trying to make sure you don’t forget something important, and I completely understand. Newborn life is a blur, and most parents just want to feel prepared. High five to all you planners…you’re my kind of people.
Here’s the good news: at my studio, you don’t really need a checklist… because we’ve already taken care of almost everything for you.
Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, you’re going to walk in feeling confident and leave feeling well taken care of.
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Why You Don’t Really Need a Checklist for Newborn Photos (Louisville KY)
Most newborn photo session checklists are long for a reason: many parents are expected to bring outfits, wraps, props, and styling details. But that’s not how we do things here.
Know that cozy feeling of the first sip of extra hot coffee in the morning? That’s our studio experience.
I remember being that exhausted mom myself. Our newborn session with our first felt rushed, overwhelming, and anything but cozy. I had to plan all the things, gather all the things, organize all the things. It was stressful, not relaxing, and it sure didn’t feel like that soothing cup of coffee.
My studio is designed to be simple, supportive, relaxed, and dare I say fun. It is especially for parents who are exhausted, healing, and adjusting to life with a brand new baby. You’ll be guided step-by-step, and you’ll walk in knowing you’re not responsible for “getting it all right.”
The only thing I don’t want you to miss is your spot on my calendar, which is why booking before baby arrives is so important.
Stress-Free Studio Experience
After you book, we schedule a styling appointment. Give me 30 minutes and I can have pieces pulled from our studio’s wardrobe that will look great on you, mom. I’ll also plan what will look great for dad to bring along too. You don’t have to guess or try to pull together outfits at the last minute.
When you arrive at the studio, everything is already prepared – the wraps, layers, and timeless details that photograph beautifully. You can come tired. You can come as you are. I’ll take care of the rest.
You Only Need Your Diaper Bag
This is the part most parents love: you don’t need to pack everything plus the kitchen sink.
For most families, the only thing you need to bring is your diaper bag with your everyday essentials. Everything else – wardrobe for mom, baby wraps, and the details that keep your session looking polished and effortless – is ready and waiting here.
Optional Hair + Makeup
Many moms tell me the hardest part of newborn photos is how they feel in the early postpartum days. You’re recovering, you’re tired, and your body has been through something huge. That’s why we offer the option to add on professional hair and makeup for your session.
It’s not about looking “perfect.” It’s about being able to sit down, take a breath, and feel cared for. And then, step into your photos feeling confident and beautiful without having to do one more thing on your own.
After Your Session
I know you want this to be good. Really good.
And if you’re like most moms, you want something truly special to remember this moment.
Figuring that out can feel overwhelming, too.
Many families want albums or wall art, but being left to figure it all out can feel just as stressful as prepping for a session itself. That’s why we handle those details for you. Albums are everyone’s favorite. Why? Seeing your images on a screen is one thing, but turning page after page of your baby’s story is something entirely different. It makes the heart sing! And we take care of everything for you, too. No more “I’ll do that tomorrow.” Just done, done, done, and lots of “I love it!” “It’s perfect!” “My mom wants one now too!”
We pre-design albums. All you have to do is make sure we didn’t leave out any favorites and choose the custom fabric and cover. For wall art, our software lets you see exactly what each piece will look like on your walls before it’s even printed.
By taking care of every detail before, during, and after your session, we make sure your newborn photos aren’t just beautiful images. They’re reminders of your family’s story that you’ll actually get to enjoy every day, without another overwhelming to-do list.
Ready to Book Your Newborn Session in Louisville, KY?
By now, you’ve probably realized that the only thing you really need for your newborn session is your baby and your diaper bag. Everything else is taken care of, from wardrobe for moms to styling and the details that make your images relaxed, bright, and joy-filled.
Because my calendar fills in advance, the best way to secure your spot is to book before baby arrives. That said, if your little one is already here, don’t worry I do my best to fit in last-minute sessions and will work with you to capture those first precious weeks, ideally during the second or third week of life.
Your newborn session is meant to feel calm, supported, and completely manageable. I can’t wait to welcome you to the studio, take care of the details, and create beautiful images that will make your heart and your home happy. Reach out today to reserve your session and let’s make this simple for you.
The first step is to say hello here! I promise to reach out same or next business day with a quick question or two and then send over all the details you’ll need. I want you to love your first photographs as a family, and before booking, I always talk with families to find out more about what you would love to have and what you might be worried about too.
Take a look at more newborn baby goodness, extraordinary mom’s to be, and additional details for newborn and maternity portraits.
- Check out our newborn portfolio and newborn details
- Check out our maternity portfolio and maternity details
Frequently Ask Questions – Newborn Portraits
When should I book newborn pictures?
It’s never too early to reach out! Most families contact us in their 1st or 2nd trimester and book maternity and newborn. As a Louisville Newborn Photographer with 18 years of photographing babies and mamas, we tend to stay booked a few months out. We do our very best to work in last minute requests.
When do newborn sessions take place?
Most sessions are photographed within the first three weeks of your baby’s arrival. Before you leave the hospital, we will match up calendars and secure your session date on our calendar. Will you be tired? Yes, and that’s totally okay. We welcome all the tired moms and dads. I might even sneak in lunch for you, so that it feels a little like a first date after having your baby.
What should my baby wear?
To keep your images classic, we like to stick with ivory wraps and simple white onsies. We keep them stock at the studio along with dainty bows for girls. Our goal is to photograph all the amazing newness of this tiny human you love versus your baby stuck in prop a, b, or c. Keeping it simple also keeps your baby much more content.
How does pricing work?
We keep pricing easy! Book your sessions with a session fee. Purchase an image collection after each session. We have two maternity, four newborn, and two milestone image collections to choose from.
Can you design an album or wall gallery?
Absolutely! Our most popular Newborn Image Collections include newborn digitals and your choice or album or wall art. Full pricing details are in our Art Guide that we email before booking.
Are parents included?
Yes! My favorite baby images are those with my parents. Our children’s favorite baby images are those with Jason and me holding them. One day these will be your children’s favorites too. And that’s why a good portion of your images will be family-focused with you snuggling your baby. They will tell the story of how much you loved them from day one. I can also walk you through how we include siblings.
Want to see more behind the scenes at the studio?
Stay up-to-date over on Instagram.
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