newborn SESSION
newborn photographer in portland, oregon
Newborn sessions are usually done in your home, which allows you to stay cozy and keep your baby comfortable. It’s also lovely because home is where you’ll be spending most of your early weeks with the baby, and it is really nice to have photos that document that memory in a beautiful way.
My goal is always to create images that exude warmth and intimacy, while keeping the vibe cozy, cuddly, and playful. I’ll guide you into positions that work well for photos, but the session won’t be heavily posed, and I don’t use any props. Your baby will spend most of the time in their favorite place - your arms.
We’ll usually use 2-3 rooms in your home; these are often the main bedroom, the living room, and the nursery. Pay attention to when your favorite rooms get the most natural light, and try to schedule your session during that time frame. I also love to step out into the yard for a few outdoor photos when possible.
Your gallery will include plenty of beautiful photos of your baby and all their little details - fingers, toes, eyelashes, belly button, and any other details that you want to remember. We’ll capture everyone in the family snuggled up with the baby, and I always try to get big sibling portraits, too. I also love to include shots of playful moments, family pets, your home, the nursery, family heirlooms, etc. - basically anything that helps to freeze this very special moment in time for you.
"Laurel was absolutely wonderful while capturing photos of our little one and family! I highly recommend. It was easy to schedule, communication was wonderful, and she helped us feel at ease during the session. She gave us great direction on what to do throughout our time together - which I mentioned I wanted - and the photos came out beautifully! " - S.K.
- One full Newborn Session, usually in your home, sometime in the month or so after your babe is born.
- Guidance on choosing outfits for the whole family and preparing your home for the session
- Payment spread out ($200 at booking, the remainder on the day of the session)
- Flexible scheduling
- A full gallery from with 100+ high-resolution digital images, delivered within 3-4 weeks, ready for instant download and sharing!
what is included?
To book a newborn session, choose a day shortly after your due date. We will nail down the exact date & time after your baby arrives. During the booking process, you will sign a contract and put down a deposit of $200.
01
BOOKING
02
PREPARING
03
DURING
04
AFTER
To book a newborn session, choose a day shortly after your due date. We will nail down the exact date & time after your baby arrives. During the booking process, you will sign a contract and put down a deposit of $200
01
BOOKING
02
PREPARING
03
DURING
04
AFTER
04
AFTER
You’ll get a handful of sneak peeks within a few days, and your full gallery within 3-4 weeks. The gallery will include all the best images - at least 100, often more. You’ll be able to instantly download and share all of the images, and even order high-quality prints and wall art directly from your gallery.
Please get in touch via the Contact Form here. I will respond ASAP.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
01
BOOKING
02
PREPARING
03
DURING
You’ll get a handful of sneak peeks within a few days, and your full gallery within 3-4 weeks. The gallery will include all the best images - at least 100, often more. You’ll be able to instantly download and share all of the images, and even order high-quality prints and wall art directly from your gallery.
Please get in touch via the Contact Form here. I will respond ASAP.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
01
BOOKING
02
PREPARING
03
DURING
04
AFTER
Save yourself the headache of going through multiple booking processes (not to mention a bit of cash) by booking all the photos you could possibly want in one simple bundle.
Choose from these session types to build a Newborn Photo Package that works perfectly for your family:
newborn photo session packages
- Maternity Session
- Fresh 48 Session
- Newborn Session
- Milestone Sessions: 3, 6, 9, and 12 Months
- Fall Mini Session
This three-session bundle lets you rest easy knowing that your baby’s first year will be well-documented with beautiful photos highlighting all the newborn bliss, 6 month milestones, and first year joy.
baby's first year
most popular packages:
Designed to celebrate your beautiful pregnancy and the birth of your precious new babe. Two full sessions, one easy booking process, and all the help you need so that it is a stress-free, easy, and enjoyable experience.
maternity & newborn
I've never had a baby cry during the whole session, and I've also never had a newborn session where the baby didn't cry at all. We'll take it as it comes. These sessions are intentionally slow, relaxed, and baby-led; I encourage you to soothe your baby however they need, whenever they need. As a bonus, those moments of soothing make for some of the snuggliest photos.
newborn session faqs
what if my baby fusses or cries the whole time?
My friend, I get it. We will only be using a couple rooms in the house - often it's the main bedroom, the living room, and/or the nursery. We can absolutely do the entire session in one room if that's all you've got the capacity for. You can literally stuff everything in a closet, throw a nice bedspread on your bed and call it good (better yet, get your partner to do all that while you rest).
Additionally, I'm always available via email and text if you want some feedback on whether a space will work.
We also have the option of taking it outside if the Portland weather is cooperating enough that baby will be comfortable! If this is what you'd prefer, just let me know when you book and we'll decide on a great location together.
The prep guide I'll be sending you after booking has more details and tips for preparing for photos in your home. If you'd like to take a look at the guide now, just request it below and I'll send it right over.
i'm overwhelmed and my house is a mess. i don't even know what my question is. help!
You have a few options - I’m here to guide you, not demand a strict timeline!
In the first week or two after birth, your baby is likely to still be quite sleepy and scrunchy-faced. Their belly button will probably still be healing, and they will generally look very tiny and very new. Some people love this stage (I’m one of them) but it’s not for everyone and that’s okay!
Between 2-5 weeks, your baby will probably be a bit more alert and awake, able to look at you and into the camera more. Photos during this time are going to be a little more interactive. However they’ll be less tiny newborn and closer to real baby.
After about 5-6 weeks we’re leaving the official newborn stage, but if this is when you’re feeling ready to invite a photographer into your space, it’s still absolutely worth it to take the photos! There’s no wrong time to document your new baby.
when is the best time to book my newborn photos?
Yes! I'm always happy to get a few photos with grandparents and the kids. However if you're looking for multiple combinations of extended family members, consider booking an Extended Family Session instead - it's a different type of session with a different focus and workflow.
grandparents will be in town for the baby's birth; can we include them in the Newborn Session?
I am based out of Troutdale, which is right at the start of the Columbia River Gorge, 10 minutes northeast of Gresham. There are lots of locations I love to work at around the Portland area, and I am always happy to meet you at your home anywhere between Hood River and Hillsboro! I often travel to Beaverton, Tigard, North Portland, Oregon City, Lake Oswego, West Linn, and Vancouver, Washington.
What areas around Portland, Oregon do you serve?
Yes - you always have the option to keep your photos private! During the booking process you will be given a handful of privacy options to choose from.
Can I keep my photos private?
Great! Send me a message via the contact form here.
i'm interested, but i have other questions.
