What? You don't use props or put babies in cute poses? No baskets? No backdrops? No little hats?
Nope. 

I know, it's okay. I get that question sometimes. And the answer is no, I don't really do that. Yes it's cute and it's totally okay if that is something that you are interested in. But for me, I am more interested in documenting the relationship that is forming. The head-over-heels, breathtaking, all encompassing obsession with that mini-you. The way that daddy looks into that precious face with such wonder, pride, and amazement. The way the mother cradles that little head into the crook of her neck and inhales the sweetest, most intoxicating aroma that ever was- the newborn smell. Once they are finally here and you look into that perfect face, it's all over. You know that no matter what, you will never be the same. This love has fundamentally changed you. 
And THAT is what I'm after.

Your world has completely changed, completely spun off it's axis. You're tired, you're running on fumes and you may not even know what day it is. Your new postpartum body may be not exactly what you had expected and everything is sore. I get it. I truly do. I feel you mama. I've been there and I know exactly what it's like. But above and beyond all of that is the wonderful new adventure you are embarking on. Let's focus on the beauty, the magic that is happening right here, right now. A new story is unfolding and it's full of excitement, twists and turns, fear, hope, and at the root of it all- love. It's always been about love, hasn't it?

So, what can you expect for your Signature Newborn Session with me?

1. A stress free environment. Seriously. Think of me as an old family friend coming into your home and hanging out with you for a few hours. I am adorably awkward and easy to talk to  (I think). My number one goal besides amazing pictures documenting this sweet baby is for you to feel comfortable enough to show me the real you, for you to be a little vulnerable and let me interpret that into art. I also think it really helps that you don't have to leave your house days after giving birth to come to a studio. I come to you and meet you where you are.
   
2. Zero Judgement. Seriously. This falls in with #1- I don't want this to be a stressful experience for you. I'm a mama of 3 rowdy kids and a clumsy, goofy 95lb slobbering Boxer. I know all about dog hair, toys scattered everywhere, the "laundry chair" (yes, I know about it, we have one too), and dishes in the sink. Trust me, your house is just fine it won't ruin the pictures. I encourage you to just embrace yourself and this season in your life. There's plenty of time for perfect houses, but what is important right now is just being present in the moment and giving these babies the love they need. If it makes you feel any better, I'll even come in leggings and a mom bun! You don't need to prep your home or do a thorough deep cleaning. Remember, I'm all about zero stress and zero judgement.
   
3. Pre-Consultation about your session either by video chat, phone, or email. During our pre-consultation I will ask you about your daily routine, what time frame you think would work best for your family, things your specifically want photographed, things you specifically do not wish to be photographed, and characteristics of your family/what the dynamic is like.
4. Taking lots of pictures. I like to move around freely and capture things happening in and around the home. Sometimes I may get a chair or step stool in order to create the image I want- I've even been known to ask to stand on the couch (if that's okay with you! And I take my shoes off at the door!). I take pictures of "everyday" things because they are so beautiful now, but boy, do they get more beautiful with time. Cuddles, siblings and their happenings (even our furry friends!), napping on mommy/daddy's chest, and crying are all things I love to capture. I also will ask if we can lay baby down so that I can get detail shots of their sweet features. Some mothers wished to be photographed nursing their baby and that is certainly something I encourage. I've even take pictures of mothers pumping while Dad feeds baby. It's really up to you and your comfort level. I won't share any pictures you don't wish to be shared. The beautiful, real life moments are what make these sessions truly unique- evoking emotions and bringing your right back to that moment in time years from now. I do reserve about 10 minutes during the session for a few loosely posed pictures, if you wish.
5. A flexible time frame. I typically like to do newborn shoots within 2 weeks of delivery, but I don't really do any posing, so that's not super rigid. I say within 2 weeks because newborns change SO MUCH from day to day. Their hair changes (or they may even lose a lot of it!), they lose that scrunched up look as they adjust to life on the outside, they may have longer periods awake, their skin smooths out and loses the flakes, etc. Some babies are even out of newborn clothes by the time they are 2 weeks old!
6. Digital Gallery Delivery. About 2-3 weeks after your session, I will deliver a digital password-protected gallery of edited images with a download PIN number. They are yours to print for personal use. If you chose to add prints and/or products to your session, this is when you would tell me which images you wanted, what sizes, and what you would like them printed on. And when they come in from my professional lab, I'll hand deliver them to you!

For more information about scheduling your session with me, feel free to check out these blog posts or use the contact tab above to shoot me a message.
What to Wear for your session with Jess Nicole Photography
Why Choose Documentary Photography
What to Expect for my session with Jess Nicole Photography

We've talked about what to expect in your documentary session with me here. 
We've talked about authenticity in documentary photography here.
 We've talked about the "why?" of documentary and storytelling photography here.
Now we are going to talk about what in the world to wear. I get this question all the time. It's okay. It's not as scary and as stressful as it sounds. I'm here to help!

In a true documentary session, I would never, ever tell you what to wear or even make any suggestions. I have clients that I have photographed in their pajamas (and no, they weren't new or fancy- regular old pajamas ya'll.) A lot of the time, babies are in diapers or onesies and kids have picked out their own spectacular outfits- you know the kind I'm talking about. Rain boots, tutus, with a favorite shirt that's 2 sizes too small. Or a superhero cape, underwear, and rainboots. It's always the rainboots, isn't it? 
My only suggestion here is to just be yourself. Be comfortable. Wear whatever it is that you would normally wear. If you normally get dressed every morning right when you wake up and fix your face and hair- then that's you. And yes- there are people in the world like that! But if you lay around the house for a few hours in your pajamas and take your time on the weekends (my family falls into this category!), then that's okay too! Are you SEC obsessed and your teams colors run through your veins and on game day you wear jerseys and team colors? Do it. It's your life, your story.  If we are going to the beach- wear your normal beach gear. If we are walking the dog or going to a coffee shop, visiting the farmer's market, or going fishing, just be yourself and wear what you normally would and be comfortable. 

For my lifestyle clients who may want a little more direction and whose session isn't 100% documentary and unposed (but still incredibly laid back with a real emphasis put on authenticity and natural connections!)  , I can offer a few suggestions. 

• Try to avoid big logos, characters, and words on the clothing. It can distract from the subject of the image, really drawing the eye to those aspects instead of the connection and emotion. 
• Avoid wearing matching and wearing all of the same color, wearing all of the same color can make it difficult to distinguish where one person ends and another begins, It can make an image feel very bland and lacking in detail. Your family is unique and each person is an individual- showcase their personalities through their wardrobe! 
•  Instead of matching, coordinate with one another. I pick one "statement" piece that I would really like one member of the family to wear,  and then coordinate around that one piece. Pull from colors of that outfit to dress the rest of your family or use colors in the same color family. 
•  I cannot stress this enough, please be comfortable. No one is going to be happy or their true selves if they are fussing over their clothes. Instead of happiness and giggles, it will be grumpiness and frustration. It's so important to make sure every member of the family is comfortable- this applies for adults too! I think babies are so cute in just a diaper cover, even kids with bare feet! Again, this largely depends on the location we are at and what we're doing. 
• A safe bet is always neutrals- creams, greys, tans or earth tones. They photograph beautifully. 
•  Consider the location. A lot of my shoots take place in the home, consider clothing that will coordinate with that background. I think a lot of times that the home is a true reflection of who you are and what your family is all about, so I dressing to coordinate with your home shouldn't be too hard to do since you will probably have everything you need already in your closet. But again, neutrals can be adapted for any background if you're still unsure. Or, if you don't necessarily want neutrals, try using a color wheel to help you decide. Pick out the primary color of your background and you can find a complimentary color for it. Here's a good easy to use one that I found from Canva. 
• Don't underestimate the value and depth that texture can bring to an image. Varying textures can really make an image pop. Cotton, linen, cable knit, denim, chiffon, silk, wool, etc. That chunky cardigan you love to cuddle up in? Yes, that would be perfect! Throw it on! Even a simple scarf can add just the right amount of texture to an image.
•  When all else fails, keep it simple. Simple = timeless. Stay true to your style and yourself. If you wouldn't be caught dead in neutrals- rock that color all day long! These are all suggestions after all. Not the rules. And even if they were rules, rules were made to be bent and broken, right?

As always, I'm here to help if you feel like you want to run your wardrobe by me before your shoot. I'm confident that you don't need to go out and buy anything, I feel like you probably have exactly what you need already in your closet! In the next few months, I will be assembling a simple client wardrobe for newborns, babies, and toddlers with timeless, classic, comfortable pieces that you are welcome to borrow for your session. I've posted a few items below, but if you are interested in seeing what I have available, just ask!

If you are ready to book your session with me, click here and fill out the form to request information and secure your spot!

World Breastfeeding Week is always the first week in August. This year, like years before, I will be offering breastfeeding mini sessions to document and celebrate your journey. This is one of the only times a year that I offer mini sessions! Whether you are pumping, nursing exclusively, nursing with a shield, or a mix of it all- it's for you! 
This year's sessions will be booked from now (6/19/19) until 7/29/19 to allow you to have a full gallery of images to share during the World Breastfeeding Week (if you so choose). 
These sessions will come with a complimentary mini accordion album or a matted print of your choice. Sessions are 30 minutes long, on location or in your home, and siblings/dads are welcome to attend- breastfeeding is a family effort after all! Mini sessions will be priced at $175 plus tax and will include a gallery of 10 images. 
To book, contact me here or on Facebook here.