I work to make your portland newborn photography experience as stress-free as possible providing a done-for-you experience. However, there are still a few things you need to consider when preparing for your portland newborn photography session. So, let’s dive in!
Each newborn session that I photograph is truly unique, and it is all about capturing your memories. I consider it such an honor that you have chosen me as your photographer – so thank you!
Minimalist + Timeless newborn photography is my jam (no busy props, no ridiculous posing here, I promise). Documenting your family’s unique bond and connection with each other is my goal for your newborn photography session.
My approach to sessions is casual & light-hearted. I want these images to bring a smile to your face every time you see them. But even more than that, I want your children to have tangible memories, long after we are gone.
Our kids are the most photographed generation to ever live. Let’s not leave them with an outdated device full of snapshots. It is my job to provide you with more than just photos, but an experience from inquiry through delivery. I will guide you the entire process, providing you with an experience you’ll look forward to each year.
This blog post will help you prepare for your Portland newborn photography session to make it as smooth and easy as possible for you!
I am participating in a blog circle this month and am sharing a link to another amazing newborn photographer in DC! Be sure to check out her link at the end of this blog post.
Here’s what you can expect at your Portland Newborn Photography Session
Prior to Arrival:
Keep Baby Awake before your session
Keep baby awake for 2-3 hours before your session. To keep them awake, try things like giving them a bath, letting them kick with only a diaper on, tickle their toes, do some tummy time.
Feed right before your leave
Plan on giving them a good, long feed right before you head out for the studio. Baby can fall asleep on the car ride and I can transition into photographing them right away. Please have them dressed in a plain white, short sleeve onesie when the arrive.
Studio:
The Studio will be WARM!
I keep the studio space at about 75-80 degrees. I know it’s hot, but it really makes a huge difference with keeping baby comfortable throughout the session.
Clothing
I will be dressed casually and for the heat and suggest you do the same! It’s a good idea to bring a change of clothes for yourself in case of a newborn accident so that you don’t have to wear dirty clothes for the photos or on the ride home. You can change into your outfits right before you step in front of the camera. Remember, I have a client wardrobe for Mama’s with over 60 dresses to choose from for your session.
Length of Session
The length of your session will really depend on your baby. I never rush newborn sessions, as I want everyone to be relaxed and feel comfortable. We can also take as many breaks as needed for baby’s feedings. Most newborn sessions last anywhere from 2-4 hours (possibly longer for twins!).
Feeding
The easiest way to ensure a sleepy baby is the willingness to nurse/bottle feed off and on. When baby needs to feed during the session, I can either bring them to you to nurse or bottle feed them if you provide a bottle. I prefer to have a bottle available because I can soothe baby on the beanbag rather quickly this way. A newborn session is a bit of a free-for-all in terms of feeding and won’t wreck any regular feeding plans. Essentially, we want to feed baby as much as they want; this way we ensure a sleepy and calm baby for desirable photos. Please don’t feel rushed during the feedings and take your time to give good, full feeds. I am not in any hurry.
Pacifier
Please bring a soothie pacifier, it’s the bendable, green/blue one, and won’t leave marks. I also will have some unopened pacifiers if needed. Even if you are not using a pacifier outside the session, please allow one during the session if needed. Sometimes a pacifier can really make all the difference in posing a baby and making them comfy.
Tips for Including Older siblings at your Portland Newborn Photography Session
Tip 01:
Keep in mind we never want to force images – so we will work with kids in a way where everyone feels comfortable and at ease throughout the session.
Tip 02:
Set expectations with little ones before the session. Let them know how important these photos are to you and how excited you are for them to be a part of the session with their new sibling. Setting up some kind of treat for them for after the session, can help with getting them to cooperate.
Tip 03:
Leave the cheese at home. Asking kids to say cheese causes fake, forced smiles. instead try cracking some jokes, bring along their favorite snacks, favorite stuffed animals/toys to help us get their attention. And if we need to, we can even play their favorite show on a phone to help! (This can really work like a charm!)
Tip 04:
I always start with baby by themselves. It can be helpful to have your partner drive separately with the older kiddos and have them come about ninety minutes after our start time. This way they don’t have to be waiting at the studio before their portion of the photo session begins.
Clothing Advice – for the simple + Timeless Look
Before your Portland newborn photography session, I will send you some vision boards to give you some inspiration for outfits for your session.
As a reminder, I have a feminine wardrobe that you can borrow from with over 60 dresses in a variety of sizes that have been specially curated to photograph beautifully in the studio.
As you think about outfits for the rest of the family, think about neutral, simple outfits. Whites, creams, khaki, soft muted colors, greys and items with good textures are all good. Please avoid plaid, graphics, and logos. Simple and neutral is the goal.
For anyone wearing nail polish, please be sure that you do a fresh coat on the day of your session, we don’t want chipped nails in photos. Think about a neutral color palette for your polish – soft pinks, nudes, whites, beige, etc. No bright or bold colors that could clash with your outfits & draw attention away from the familial connection we are working to capture.
I highly recommend scheduling with my preferred hair & makeup artist, Jovana Combs. She will come to the studio on the morning of your session and help you look and feel your before you step in front of the camera. You can literally just show up to the studio with a clean face, freshly washed hair & comfy clothes and we’ll help you with all the other pieces of getting ready for photos! You just had a baby, let us pamper you a bit – you deserve it!
No need to worry about shoes for your newborn photography session. I have folks go barefoot in my Portland newborn photography studio.
After Your Session
After your newborn photography session, it’s time for me to process and create your final images. This is where the magic happens and honestly it’s where a majority of my time is spent. I typically spend around 6-10 hours of post-processing time after your session is completed.
During this time, I select the best images from your session and I use professional software to process each one, giving it the look that reflects my style and artistic vision for your family’s artwork.
After I’m done editing your images I will create some artwork mock-ups for you to look over. I specialize in helping families create custom heirloom albums + gallery walls with stunning fine art framed pieces. You are busy and don’t have time to research where and how to print your images. So, leave this part to me and you can spend more time loving on your sweet baby!
Together, we’ll make sure your images don’t get lost on outdated technology and that you actually walk away with something you can hold in your hands.
Can’t wait to work with you at your newborn photography session!
If you are looking for minimalist + timeless newborn photos in the portland oregon area, please reach out here for more information about scheduling your portland newborn photography session. You can view more of my newborn work here.
I look forward to hearing from you. For now, enjoy more images from a recent Portland newborn photography session.
Remember to check out this post about Northern VA Newborn Photography by Jessica Hendricks to see an in-home newborn session preview.
Ashlie Behm Photography specializes in Minimalist + Timeless Maternity, Newborn, Baby, and Family Photography. Serving the Portland, Oregon area including Lake Oswego, West Linn, Beaverton, Hillsdale, Tigard, Wilsonville, Tualatin, Vancouver, Sylvan-Brindlemile, Irvington/Grant Park, SW Hills, Multnomah Village, Cedar Mill, Bethany, Nob Hill, and Sellwood.
Welcome and thanks for stopping by. Interested in chatting about minimalist + timeless newborn photography in Portland, Oregon? You’ve come to the right place. Photographing sweet tiny babes is my absolute favorite.
I believe you deserve to be pampered a bit while your baby is being photographed which is why I’ve paired with an amazing hair and make-up artist who will come to the studio to get you all glammed up for your portrait session.
Worried about what to wear? No problem. I’ve carefully curated a feminine client wardrobe for you to borrow from for your newborn session. All of the dresses in my wardrobe photograph beautifully and I have a wide variety of sizes ensuring we’ll find something that’ll fit you perfectly.
Wondering what to do with your photos after our session? Don’t worry – I’ve got you. I have a beautiful collection of heirloom quality artwork that you can choose from ensuring your photos come to life in your home and don’t get lost on your computer never to be enjoyed.
Interested in learning more? Click here to read more about the experience.
Ready to book? Fantastic! Click here to fill out my contact form and I’ll be in touch within 24-48 hours of normal business operating hours.
I book sessions at least six weeks plus in advance, the sooner you get in touch the better.
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Lovely images! You’ve made preparing for a newborn session seem not nearly so overwhelming. Love this.
Thank you! That’s always the goal – to make everything as easy as possible for each and every family I work with!
You are so right, the most photographed generation and yet so many of them will never experience real, tangible photos. I always love seeing other portrait artists determined to serve their clients fully with real, printed photos to take home.
Such fantastic tips for newborn session preparation, thanks for sharing!
Right?! It’s so important that we actually print our images and get them off devices. I’ve always been so passionate about the printed product and love helping clients navigate this part.
These photos are absolutely stunning – you have an incredible talent!! Also, this guide you put together for your clients is going to be so helpful in preparing them for their newborn session with you.
Aw, thank you so much! You are so sweet to say so – that means so much to me!
You make preparing for your newborn session seem so easy. Great tips and advice. It’s so nice to know what to expect.
Thank you so much! I’ve worked really hard to make it an easy, stress-free experience!