estd. 2014
Newborn Session Guide
Mallory Shelton Photography
I am so glad you are here! I know there are a lot of photographers out there. It is truly an honor to have your inquiry about a newborn session! I'm a Southern girl, born and raised in Arlington, TX. For 13 years, I was working in the corporate world as a real estate analyst and photographing families on the side. In November 2020, I took a leap of faith to go full-time with my photography business, and I couldn't be more excited!
I live in Aledo, TX with my husband, three boys, and our sweet Vizsla pup, Palmer. I love Jesus, Tex-Mex, hand lettering, and always have a to-do list (or ten), I cherish my morning quiet time with a cup of coffee. I love a good monogram (even for the boys), traveling, and a summer night on the porch with a fresh glass of sangria!
As a lifestyle newborn photographer, it is my joy to work with you to capture your growing family.
Welcome!
I want to make sure you get those pictures of everyone looking at the camera, but the real images are what you will want to look back on and remember during this season of life.
A newborn session typically lasts about 90 minutes, but could be anywhere between 45 minutes to 2 hours.
When I arrive, I will ask you to show me your home (or have your kiddos help too). From there, I will determine what areas have the best lighting, and where to begin our session. Natural light is key to our session!
If you have older siblings, I try to begin with them as I know many times they are done before we even start. Let me guide them and direct them. You watch and relax, mama!
As I guide you through your session, we will stop for breaks if needed, but ultimately capture a variety of combinations from full family, siblings, mom and dad with the baby and the baby by his/herself.
The Experience
For baby, I suggest solid swaddles, a bow swaddle or small simple outfit. Most babies are still too small to fill out an outfit, but these are sweet for the babies that are a little older. A solid white, blue, gray or pink swaddle always makes for gorgeous pictures. Something that has a small pattern may be pretty as well.
Baby
For Mom, I suggest soft neutral colors to lighten up your images. Light blue, white, cream, pinks and even navy. Something with a simple small pattern will work, but you want the main focus to be your baby. Think of colors to match your home that you would hang on the wall. And I always suggest to go barefoot in your home.
Moms
What to wear tips
For siblings, I would also suggest soft neutral colors to coordinate with mom, dad and baby. Light blue, white, cream, pinks and even navy, something with a simple pattern. You want to lean towards more solids with one, maybe two patterns depending on the size of your family. I always suggest to go barefoot for the kids!
Siblings
For Dad, I suggest soft neutral colors to lighten up your images, and coordinate with mom. Light blue, white, cream, pinks and even navy. Something with a simple pattern will work too. But remember, you want the main focus to be your baby. I always suggest to go barefoot; however, I know many dad's keep their shoes on at all times. Do what makes you comfortable!
Dads
What to Wear
- It is best to make sure you do a full feeding within 30 minutes of my arrival.
- Have your baby in a swaddle or something loose that you would like to use for the session. A simple outfit will work too!
- Set out any bows, hats, or other swaddles that you may want to use for our session.
- If you have older siblings, I try to begin with them as I know many times they are done before we even start.
- Let the kids be kids! It's okay!
- Kids feed off your emotions! Relax, we will have fun!
- Smile, snuggle, laugh, tickle! Above all, interact with your family! I will tell you went to look at the camera!
Overall Session tips
- Natural light is KEY! Open your blinds and/or curtains in the areas we will be shooting (i.e. nursery, living room, master bedroom). This allows for the most natural light to come in.
- Turn off all overhead lights and lamps!
- It can be helpful to have your heater turned up a little or air turned down to have it warm in your home for the newborn. Mama maybe hot, so adjust as needed.
- Turn off electronics 30 minutes before I arrive. This helps with meltdowns when I arrive!
- When I arrive, I will ask you to show me your home (or have your kiddos help too).
How to prep your home
You would be surprised! I recommend for clients on a sunny day to turn off all overhead lights and lamps, open your curtains and shades, and see which rooms have natural light! Most homes have natural light pour In one or more rooms during either the morning or afternoon. You are also welcome to send me pictures to review.
What if our home doesn't have good natural light?
Bare feet look best indoors! That being said, I know a lot of men tend to always have shoes on, so either barefoot or keep your shoes on - NO SOCKS!
Should we wear shoes for our newborn session?
You can order high quality prints and albums through your gallery. Once you receive your gallery, you will be able to see your pictures in sample products. I offer albums that I design and print through another service outside of your gallery.
What kind of products can we purchase with our print credit?
Session retainer fees are good for one reschedule at photographer’s discretion. Rescheduling includes inclement weather, medical needs (ie ear molds) and illness.
What if we have to reschedule?
I am a natural light, lifestyle photographer. This means I use the natural elements of your home or location of your session. I love to use simple bows, hats and the decor of your home for newborn sessions that you might already have. Meaning the nursery, that gorgeous rug, or even a pretty piece of furniture.