Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see your daily life through someone else's eyes? It can be a really amazing experience. I offer Day in the Life Sessions in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area (and beyond!). This allows me to spend 8 hours- or more- with a family and to artfully document their daily life.  This allows me the time to get to know you, figure out what's important to you, and to gain your trust. I'm not there to judge you or your house or your parenting style or lifestyle. I'm there to tell the story that is unfolding in front of me. 
Why would you want this type of session? Well, I'm glad you asked because...

Does this sound like something you would love to be a part of?  I am happy to talk to you about it and answer any questions you may have. Just send me a message here or you can reach me on any of my social medias- Instagram here and Facebook here. 
If I've learned anything in the past year, it's been this: life is too short and too precious to miss out on documenting these memories. Invest in them. 

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

I get this a lot- I come into a client's home (or whatever they are doing, where ever they are doing it at!) and do my thing. They do their thing. And when it's time for me to leave, I almost always hear this- or something along the lines- "This was the most laid back session we've ever had!" Ya'll, I'm all about that no stress, no drama life. 
So, you've taken a leap of faith. You've contacted me, we've agreed on a day and time, you've signed your contract and paid your retainer. Here's what happens next and what you can expect from me and the session.
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You can expect:
1.) No stress. I promise. There's no posing, no saying cheese, no coordinating outfits. I know that sounds crazy if you are used to traditional, formal portraits. But know this- your real life is awesome. It may not be magazine perfect or Pinterest perfect and that's okay. Ya'll, I'll take bare feet and mismatched Halloween costumes from 2 years ago any day over perfectly coordinating, brand new outfits. And again, there's nothing wrong with that! Nothing wrong with it at all. It's just that when you book with me, that's not our purpose. Our purpose for the session is simply to show your everyday life and document those fleeting moments.  We are here to document what matters.

2.) To not need to prepare for anything. Really. You don't need to make the house look spotless. You don't need to spend hours cleaning. You don't need to get ready, curl your hair, or put on makeup. There's no need for anything like that. Some of my client's favorite images have been of their kids brushing their teeth, tangled bed heads, and undies! This is about you being real with your loved ones. It's about documenting your day to day so that when your kids are grown, they can look back and recall those ordinary moments and I have a feeling that they will absolutely cherish them. DO NOT underestimate the value of daily routines. They make up so much of our lives. 

3.) A no frill approach to wardrobe. I will tell you this- just be yourself. What you'd normally wear on a normal day. If I'm coming over in the morning and you still in pajamas, that's okay. The only thing I would suggest is to stay away from super busy prints or neon colors. The colors can cast colored shadows on skin and prints can be distracting. HOWEVER, if that's who you are and you LOVE plaid and floral at the same time, ROCK IT. OWN IT. I'll go with whatever flow you got going on. And honestly, whatever you do would probably be awesome. For myself, I'll probably be in the most comfortable thing I own...probably leggings...because I will be all over the place getting just the right shot. Which brings me to my next point...

4.) To assimilate into your home like an old friend (this is my favorite thing you can expect!). I don't want to take a fly on the wall approach- unless I need too- because that's kinda awkward. I won't intervene in ANYTHING, but I will chat with you, take a glass of water, and play with the children a bit-  maybe like an old friend would do that you haven't seen in many years? I have cheesy jokes, silly stories about my own kids, I like hot tea and love animals.

5.) To capture what matters to you. In our initial consult, we will talk about things and get to know each other a bit. Why you want the session, a little background on your family, what's important to your family, what you like to do, etc. through doing this, it gives me an idea of important things to be aware of throughout our session; whether it be a special lovey your child has, a mannerism they display, your favorite thing about your home... you get the picture. Think about their personalities and we will go from there.  This is so important because it helps me to make more intentional photos and make the most of our time together.

Now, the type of documentary-storytelling sessions I offer don't have to be at your home. If you want to take me on a family adventure, then here I come. Some favorites are a hike, the beach, the playground/park, or  putt putt down at the Oceanfront would be amazing! The options are endless. I can help you decide further based on your family once you book. 
After your session, you will have about 2 weeks until I deliver your gallery. If I happen to hit a bump in the road, you'll be the first to know. But I only take on a few clients per month, so this rarely happens. You'll get a gallery of images that are fully processed in my signature style, printing instructions and recommendations, and if you decided to invest in wall art, gift prints, or to have your images displayed in a custom designed album- then we talk about that once your gallery is delivered. I love to see beautiful statement images hung in a home. 

If you are ready to book, click here and fill out my contact form. We can get the ball rolling from there!