Preparation is Key to DC Newborn Photography

As much as I’d love to give the impression that I simply roll up to a client’s home on session day without a care in the world, if I *do* appear that way, there’s a reason: Preparation. 

No, it’s not glamorous, but preparing for each in home newborn and family session with my clients in the greater Washington, DC area is a key piece of the process. You may even say it’s the secret sauce. The only difference is, I’m not interested in keeping secrets. Here’s what I do to prep for your photo session.

Equipment Check

Without the equipment, we won’t have a session, so first thing’s first: I check my cameras and make sure the batteries are charged and ready to go. Then I clean off my lenses and get an empty memory card plus back-up for the session. 

Study up on your Family

All of my clients receive a questionnaire upon booking, which is filled with questions about you and your family. I always read this upon receipt, and I make sure to read it again before the session so that anything I need to know about you and your people will be top of mind. Then I open up my trusty pink notebook and write down your names and children’s ages (pets included!) and your address. 

Location Scouting

While I don’t do a pre-session drive-by, I do plug your address into my Waze app so I can map out the route and plan what time to leave to arrive at the session on time. I will then Google your home.This allows me to get a peek at the interior and exterior to scope out windows and light placement. Finally, I’ll drop your address into my Sun Seekers app to see where the sun will be at the time of our session. All of this prep work takes so much of the guesswork out of photographing a session at a new location! 

Center Myself and Let the Creativity Flow 

When all of the logistical prep work is done, I start sketching the posing set-ups I hope to do with you and your family. Photography is an art form, and this process helps me to visualize, in advance, the many ways we can showcase your family’s special connection. I learned about this practice while mentoring with Brooke Schultz and Morgan Williams and it’s now an essential piece of my process. I typically sketch out five or six poses for my clients and it really jump-starts my creative flow. 

Then, on session mornings, I open up my Breathe app, state my intention for the session and do a short meditation to center myself to go into your home with light and positivity. This ensures that when I arrive at your home, I’m truly ready to give my best self to you and your family, and provide you with a special experience. 

It’s No Secret

That’s the “secret” – preparation! Did you have any idea so much went into prepping for your DC photo session?

Care to learn more about me and my sessions?