Family

What to Expect From Your Newborn Session

I remember those early newborn days so clearly. I was beyond exhausted — the kind of tired where you barely know what day it is, let alone remember your own name. But I also remember sitting on the couch with a beautiful baby in my arms… my baby. And somehow, even in the middle of all that exhaustion, it was still the best feeling in the world.

Those first days are a lot. You’re learning your baby, recovering, barely sleeping, and everything feels brand new all at once. So the last thing you should be stressing about is how to prepare for newborn photos or whether you’re doing something “right.” That’s why I do things the way I do — to make this process feel as easy and low-pressure as possible.

If you’re looking for a West Bend newborn photographer or someone who captures newborn sessions in Menomonee Falls, Brookfield, or even Milwaukee, this post will give you an idea of exactly what to expect.

In‑Home or In‑Studio — You Choose

Newborn sessions can be done in your home, outdoors, or in a local studio either in Milwaukee or Cedarburg — whatever feels easiest, most comfortable, and least stressful for you. If being in your own space feels better right now, especially with a newborn, we can absolutely do it there. There’s no packing up, no rushing out the door, no crowding into the car with a tiny baby. I love offering in-home sessions for West Bend, Menomonee Falls, and surrounding areas because parents can feel relaxed in the spaces they already know and love.

Pets are always welcome for in-home sessions, outdoors, and some select studios! I know they’re part of the family, and it can be so special to include them in these early photos with your newborn. Whether it’s a curious dog peeking at the camera or a cat snuggled near baby, they make the session feel like your real, everyday life.

In one recent session in Menomonee Falls, we used the cozy spots near the windows for beautiful, light‑filled images — and we didn’t need a huge house or a picture‑perfect backdrop to make it happen.

How my newborn sessions work

Newborn sessions can be done in your home or in my studio — it really just depends on what you prefer and what feels easiest for you.

When I come into your space, I bring a calm but fun presence. Newborn sessions shouldn’t feel stiff or awkward, and they definitely shouldn’t feel rushed. I let the entire session be baby-led. That means there is never pressure for your baby to sleep, pose a certain way, or do anything they aren’t comfortable with.

I also want you to know that I don’t do any of the “crazy” newborn poses. No bending, twisting, or putting babies into positions that don’t feel natural. My style is simple, relaxed, and focused on your baby just as they are.

During your session, I move through a natural flow that usually includes:

• Baby swaddled on their own
• Family holding baby together
• Mom with baby
• Dad with baby
• And lots of little detail shots — tiny fingers, toes, eyelashes, and all the things you never want to forget

Nothing is forced, and nothing feels staged. We just move through these moments at your baby’s pace.

If your baby needs to eat, we stop.
If they need to be held, we hold them.
If they’re wide awake and curious, that’s totally fine too.

Some parents want more hands-on help, and some prefer to handle their baby themselves while I quietly document what’s happening. I’m happy to do either — I’ll step in to help when you want it, or take a back seat when you don’t. This session is about what makes you feel comfortable.

Your baby’s safety matters

I know how protective you are of your newborn — because I was the same way. When I arrive, I wash my hands right away, and I’m always happy to wear a mask if you prefer. I want you to feel completely at ease knowing your baby is safe.

Please don’t clean before I come

You do not need to have a perfectly clean house for your newborn session. You just had a baby — that’s already enough.

When I get there, I’ll help tidy up, move things around, and organize the spaces we’re using. We usually only need a couple small areas with good light, so there’s no need to stress about the whole house. Let me handle that part.

How to prepare

Here’s really all you need to think about:

Try to feed your baby right before the session if you can — a full baby is usually more relaxed.
Dress your baby in something simple and comfortable.
Wear something soft and neutral that you feel good in.

That’s it. You don’t need to overthink it.

Newborn sessions aren’t about perfect posing or having everything together. They’re about documenting what this season actually looks like — you, your baby, and these early days just as they are. My job is to make that feel easy so you can just focus on being with your baby 🤍

Whether you’re expecting your little one or they’ve already arrived, I’d be honored to capture these first moments with your family.