WHAT TO EXPECT

I like to keep things simple by letting baby lead the way. The session usually begins with a feeding and is a lovely opportunity for images of you feeding baby (if you'd like). I provide everything for the session, but you're more than welcome to bring a bonnet, teddy, or special blanket that I can use in some photos if there's time. I love to keep the focus on the simple beauty of this little person, so props and gender specific items are limited. Just bring your usual "leaving the house" baby stuff, extra bottles of milk or formula, a few snacks, and a water bottle!

Expect a lot of snuggling and skin-to-skin with your little one. I will be sure to photograph from the best angles and guide you along the way.

If you plan to have siblings photographed, I only ask that they be occupied when they are not in front of the camera. We want to ensure a calm and peaceful environment for baby. I recommend planning on having a partner/friend/family member take them to grab lunch mid-session (walkable food nearby!) or to stream a favorite show on your phone for them to watch.

The studio space will be very warm (over 80 degrees) to keep baby as comfortable as possible. Please come dressed in layers! The studio space is fairly snug, so if you plan to have anyone outside of your immediate family join us, please let me know in advance.

My hope is to create a mellow space for you to unwind in while I photograph your family.

Well-behaved pups are welcome!

Keep in mind the hot room; some dogs don't tolerate it well! Also, please make sure that they are comfortable near baby beforehand as safety is a top priority.

Bringing some dry, mess-free treats would be helpful to guide your pup!

HOW TO PREPARE

For Baby: Please feed baby 2-3 hours before the session and plan on feeding them as soon as you arrive. Also, please try to keep them awake with some light stimulation before the drive. Let baby squirm around and fuss with only a diaper on, tickle their toes, and talk to them. On the car ride over, please sit with baby in the backseat and pester them a bit. A cool, damp compress periodically touching their hands, feet, and neck is a great trick to keep them awake for the drive. Sessions last between 2-4 hours and this time varies if baby is a light sleeper or needs to snack throughout.

Please plan on multiple meal breaks for baby. You're welcome to nurse or bottle feed throughout the session and outlets are available if you need to pump! If you can, please bring a soothie pacifier (the thick, bendy kind that won't leave marks on baby's skin). I have some sterilized soothies in the studio that are available but if you prefer we don't use one at all, that's fine too!

For Family:

To keep the feel of a lifestyle session, wear whatever is most comfortable to you.

A few tips:

• Think "timeless" and avoid wearing clothing with logos/brand names or items such as Fitbits or Apple watches.

• Black is not the best color for photos because of the sharp contrast in the studio + any hair or lint will be difficult to edit out.

• Remove any vibrant nail polish before the session.

• Wear clothing that blends well with skin. Neutral colors (gray and beige), earth tones, along with light blue & blush are always a safe option and keep things clean and simple. Please stay away from heavily patterned shirts and vibrant colors because the studio is completely white.

You're more than welcome to send me some clothing ideas and I'm happy to help you narrow down options! Extra shirts wouldn't hurt in the event of spit-up. ;)

A FEW ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

By the end of the session, I hope to have documented your family connecting with baby, unposed and lightly posed images of baby (depending on the session booked), and close-ups of tiny features such as toes, lips, and eyelashes. I will always try to get a few photos of baby awake but our goal is a sleepy baby.

Helping keep baby awake prior to the session is the most helpful thing you can do to prepare so we have a chance to capture all of the above!

E-mail is always the best way to reach me but leading up to the session, or the day of, text works great. Directions to the studio are below.

I'm looking forward to meeting you all!

STUDIO INFORMATION

I can be reached at:
541-908-2198

The studio is located at:
1216 10th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Look for the blue door with the name “Pound #” above it. This is mostly an art collective building with a lot of old character, but you’ll find the studio space very cozy. The studio is up on the second floor via stairs. I’ll help you get up them with minimal effort!

PARKING

There is 4-hour back-in parking that usually has open spots on the street, or there is 2-hour parking nearby. Parking is paid via the PaybyPhone app or at the kiosk. Plan on at least 3-4 hours in the studio.

Once you park, please let me know, and I’ll meet you at the entrance (it will be locked) to help you carry things upstairs. Please bring baby in with their car seat and leave the stroller in your car. You are more than welcome to have a partner/friend/family member drop you and baby off at the entrance while they park!

illness policy reminder

The health and safety of my clients is always a top priority. Clients are required to disclose if anyone in the household has had a fever or any symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, or vomiting within the 7 days prior to the scheduled session. To reschedule your session, please contact me as soon as possible; there is no fee to do so.

I will be masked during the session, and I ask that you wear a mask (when not being photographed) if you or someone you’ve been in contact with has recently been ill. Thank you for helping me keep all of my studio guests and doula client families healthy.

See you soon! :)