"For all the things my hands have held, the best by far is you."
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Regardless of the newborn session you choose to go with, my goal is to capture the details - both big and little. That full head of hair and that sweet baby yawn. Those tiny little fingers that'll soon be tugging at your side. Those pouty little lips that'll soon mumble "Ma ma" and "Da da" for the very first time. My goal is for you to look at these images and feel just how innocent and absolutely perfect your sweet baby is.
Newborn sessions are held in my downtown Arapahoe studio in the first two weeks of life. These sessions are prop free and styled very simply with items from my studio. I have everything we'll need from newborn outfits to wraps, newborn bonnets and headbands to sleepy caps and all of the newborn wraps and swaddles. After reaching out and inquiring about a newborn session, you'll get to choose from two very different styles. But don't worry, I'll walk you through what they entail and show you visuals so you can choose the style of newborn session that's best for you.
I wish I could tell you that most families choose this style of session over another but the truth is both sessions get chosen a looooootttt. If I looked at statistics, it's probably very clsoe to 50/50.
"I loved you from the very start. You stole my breath, embraced my heart. Our life together has just begun. You’re part of me, my little one."
The Lifestyle Newborn Session is a modern twist on newborn sessions and features bohemian styled decor in a beautiful styled bedroom set. You can count on neutrals, texture, lace and all things earth tones and dainty. Families with multiple younger children are especially fond of this set as families sit on the bed all snuggled together and we center the images around baby. Occasionally, we venture to the beautifully lit sunroom for a few additional family portraits but we always begin in the bedroom set. Sibling portraits are typically photographed on the bed with the older sibling holding baby or laying down on the bed with baby in his or her arms. The images are unique, family-centered and showcase the relationships between family members.
Most families who select the Lifestyle Newborn Session prefer a feminine and delicate mood to their imagery and this is reflected in the outfits chosen for their session. Because styling is such an important factor in the overall look and feel of the portraits, I offer a very extensive collection of clothing for women, men and children within my client closet. Women can find an array of muted earthy tones and flattering handmade dresses in a variety of sizes and men can choose from a selection of neutral and earthy tone simple tees, henleys and sweaters. There's a growing collection of infant and children's clothing as well that features many simple patterns, textures and layers to elevate the entire outfit ensemble. Access to these outfits are included with both newborn session.
After different variations of family, parent and sibling portion of the session is complete, we move to one or two sets of individual baby photos. These are intentionally minimally styled to keep baby as the focus of the image. A variety of props, colors, tones and accessories will be used throughout this portion of the session to fill your gallery with different looks.
The Signature Newborn Session is your traditional and posed newborn session with a timeless and classic esthetic. Family pictures are taken in front of a seamless backdrop paper in any option of the three colors I have available on the roller at the time of the session. These colors get changed out periodically and usually consist of a brown, a cream or white and a gray color. I have multiple shades available and rotate through them throughout the year. Sibling portraits are generally done in one or two options depending on the temperament and ages of any older children. If the older siblings are comfortable holding baby, we'll snap a photo of them holding babe in front of the backdrop. However, most sibling portraits are done with the children laying down on a flokati rug snuggled next to baby in his or her arms.
Those who prefer the more formal look and feel of the Signature Newborn Session generally style their outfits very minimally and choose to go with neutral tones and colors that blend and compliment each other very well. This intentional styling in combination with the positioning of the family draws the eye to the sweet little bundle while showcasing the proud family simultaneously. Several mothers choose to wear a warm or neutral toned dress from the client closet and style the remaining family members in coordinating and complimentary pieces that allow the focus of the image to be the family as a whole.
After the family, parent and sibling portion of the session, we focus on just baby and will photograph him or her in two or three individual and simply styled sets. Colors, tones and props will vary to fill your gallery with several different looks all while keeping baby at the focus of the image. Keeping in mind baby's contentment, if the session time allows for bean bag poses (also known as "naked poses"), we will do our best to include those within the session but baby's comfortability and safety is always number one.
I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living my baby you'll be."
-Robert N Munsch
Though the two styles of newborn sessions offered through Rachel Ann Photography can look and feel very differently, they are both so unique and beautiful in their own way. When thinking about which session type to go with, consider the ages of any older children and where you will be featuring any prints or wall hangings from the session.
If you're anxiously awaiting the arrival of your precious baby or know someone who is, make sure to check out the blog post When to Schedule Your Newborn Session here and reach out with any questions you may have.
For a limited time only, you may use the code NEWBIE2024 for $25 OFF your newborn collection if booked by February 1, 2024. Fill out the contact form here to inquire about session availability and mention NEWBIE2024 in the message to receive $25 off.