Lifestyle newborn photography is very different from studio/posed newborn photography. It is more relaxed and free flowing with a focus on simplicity, connection and storytelling. I specialize in natural, honest newborn photography, servicing the Philadelphia and surrounding areas. This blog post highlights what the experience is like when you book with Sarah Escher Photography and answers questions about what to wear, how to prepare your home and other session FAQ's. 

Is there an age limit for newborn photography?

This really depends on what you want. If you really want photos of your sweet, new baby asleep and dreamy, then it's best to do your session within the first 6-12 days. If you're happy with more awake, interactive images of your new baby, a session can take place anytime in the first three months.

 What do we wear? What does baby wear?

I always suggest neutral, some pops of colour, textures and COMFORTABLE. I love bright, airy, whites, greys, bright pops of colour and simplicity when it comes to newborn photography. You don't want your family to be too matchy-matchy, but you will want to coordinate. For baby you are free to have a few outfit options to use through the session. One might be a simple daytime outfit with some amazing prints, texture or color and you might want some images of baby wrapped in your favorite blanket. Your session needs to represent YOU and your family honestly as possible. Before your session, feel free to send me photos and ideas and I will be happy to give you wardrobe advice.

How do we prepare our house?

Clean, declutter, but don't stress! I love "lived-in" homes, but the reality is that you don't want anything too distracting in your images. You also don't want sterile. So find the balance that is right for you. I specialize in HONEST photography and your home should reflect that. The main spaces I shoot in during a session are the master bedroom, the nursery and the main living area so these are the areas you should focus on when preparing for your session. Again, if you need some guidance you are more than welcome to send me through some images of your spaces for advice before your session. Ultimately I will only shoot in the areas with the best natural light.

 Also, crank up the heat! Even though it may be warm outside, babies tend to be most comfortable at the shoot if they’re nice and toasty warm. If you’re sweating, it’s probably perfect! I'll quickly push things out of the area I'm shooting so that your home will appear to be spotless in the photos. Don't be surprised if I move some furniture around, I'm just working to get the best light in your home. I'll put it all back where it was! :-) The only thing I will ask you to do is have your bed made with a neutral quilt/comforter on top. Your bed makes for a great place for cuddly family photos!

Tell me about the actual session.

I usually arrive with my camera and a (very large) coffee in hand, kick my shoes off and ask for a tour of your home. Here we will chat, go over the details we have discussed, I'll fawn over your sweet new baby, I'll get familiar with your space, the light and I'll give you a run down of the shot list and my plan for your session. At every newborn session I follow the baby's lead. I have a loose order in which I shoot, but I keep that completely flexible depending on feed times. I give direction and guidance to a point, such as positioning you in the best light, asking you to look at each other, look at your baby etc but mostly I am just creating a space and opportunities for connections to happen naturally. We usually start in the master bedroom, move to the nursery and then to the main living area. If you have a second, outdoor location, this happens after the in-home session. Most sessions last around 2 hours.

When will we get our photos?

You will receive a password-protected, online gallery within two weeks of your session. Here you will be able to view, download and share all web-sized images from your session. 

Once you have viewed your online gallery of images you can place further orders for printed products with your selected images. 

Do you offer a baby plan for more images within the first year?

Yes! I offer a milestone package which includes a newborn session, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. 

Have any questions? Get in touch to ask!