EMOTIVE• AUTHENTIC • HEIRLOOMS
Newborn Prep Guide
Take a look at the
Hooray you've booked your newborn session! I am so honoured to be able to capture these first precious moments with your growing family. My goal is to help you create some beautiful memories and my hope is that you will want to display these treasures in your home for all to see!
My sessions are super simple and laid back. I will guide you every step of the way. All of my sessions are baby led. Once I arrive at your home, I will take a quick peek around the rooms to check out the light and then we will begin. If siblings are involved, I may get them to help me in the house tour so they have a chance to warm up to the idea of me being in their home.
Snuggles, cuddles, and admiring your new baby is all you have to worry about. I promise we will have an amazing time!
I'm so excited to work with you!
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What you can Expect
with your newborn session
PRE-SESSION PREP
Check out this guide for outfit tips, how to prepare your home and all the useful tidbits to help you have the most successful session
session day
When the day arrives, you don’t have to worry about a thing. I’ll guide you through everything so it feels natural and fun. Just be ready to be yourself.
Proofing Gallery
Within 7 days, I’ll send your proofing gallery for to you gush over and select your final collection
FINAL GALLERY DELIVERY
Your full gallery will land in your inbox within 14 days of purchase. From there, you’ll be able to download, share, and order prints with just a few clicks.
“Claire made our experience so comfortable!"
Andi & Matt
Don't wait until the last minute to tell older children about our session. Give them lots of time to get used to the idea of taking some fun photos. Make sure they have eaten before the session and have mess free snacks on standby in case they get hangry. An extra change of close on standby is always a good option too.
Prepping siblings
It's all about clearing the clutter near large light sources. We usually shoot in the primary bedroom, living room and nursery. Make sure to put away anything you don't want to see in a photograph - think clutter on night stands, wires on the floor, piles of laundry. I will shoot from multiple angles, so the less clutter the better! You don't need a pristine home! Just a few clutter free areas. I will send you a questionnaire prior to our session to get the scoop on the rooms you want to use. You can also send me photos of your spaces, so that we can best figure out how to prepare.
Preparing your home
Choose outfits you feel good in and that match well with your homes decor (think: neutral tones, no bold logos, and textures that photograph well). Mama's you can dress up if you want or keep it cozy and casual. Just make sure you feel great and can easily nurse the baby. We do lots of sitting images so make sure your outfit works sitting and standing. Partners and siblings can stick to comfy neutrals — soft tees, henleys, or cozy knits all work great. Make sure you are not too matchy-matchy.
For your newborn, I have a client closet for you to borrow from if you'd like. Otherwise, stick to neutrals that fit the baby properly. Avoid dresses as they ride up when holding the baby. Neutral swaddles/blankets are great too but I will bring some with me in case you don't have any!
Need help? I’ve got you—check out my pinterest board for some inspiration!
WHAT TO WEAR
Simple ways to have the best in-home newborn session
In-Home PREP TIPS
Preparing your baby
Make sure baby is fed before I arrive. If you plan to put baby in an outfit from my client closet, it's best to have them swaddled in just a diaper so it won't be a huge disruption when we put the outfit on them. Make sure baby's eyes are free from gunk and if you don't like the peeling skin look (I personally love it) put some moisturizer on their skin.
- Double-check outfits for lint, wrinkles, and tags
- Make sure your nails are looking good for those close up shots - clean your rings if you want some hand on baby photos
- Feed the baby (and siblings) before I arrive - there will be lots of time for top ups.
- Plan to give siblings a break in between set-ups. I can work around it!
- Take note of your socks (say no to sport socks) - bare feet feel more casual
- Make sure the house is nice a warm if you want to do some photos with baby wearing less (i.e. in a diaper).
- Give yourself enough time to do your hair and makeup - if that's your thing
- Have any special props handy if you want them included- i.e. baby blanket, stuffie etc.
- Don’t stress about posing—I’ll guide you through it all
- Accept that your newborn is unpredictable - they may sleep the entire session, they may be alert the whole time too...it's all ok!
Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Newborn Client Closet
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I know not everyone has a selection of neutral newborn sized outfits (hello hand me downs!), so I've curated a selection of the sweetest neutral outfits that are available for you to borrow for your newborn session. All pieces are freshly laundered in a hypoallergenic detergent.
I also have a selection of neutral swaddle blankets that I bring to each session.
Let me help you prepare for your newborn session!
A Typical Session
Your newborn session will take place on a weekday morning starting at 10am in your home. Sessions last approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours. I typically shoot in the nursery, main bedroom and living room. All I need is one window with good light and we are golden!
After our session, you will receive a private gallery with proofs of the best images from our time together. From there you will pick your collection. When you final images are delivered to you, you will have access to an online shop where you can purchase prints and custom artwork and heirloom albums.
How it works
Have more questions?
Send me an email and ask away! I'm here to help.
If there is anything else you'd to know or need help understanding, please get in touch. No question is too silly.
If you share your photos online, I’d be so grateful if you tag me! It helps my small business grow, and I love getting to see how you’re enjoying your images.
Instagram: @clairebinksphotography
Website: clairebinksphtotography.com
Tagging is everything
Adding filters or adjusting the colors can distort the look and feel of the images and misrepresent my work. I totally get the urge to match your aesthetic—but I promise I’ve already edited them to look their best.
refrain from filters
Part of my process includes thoughtful editing that brings each image to life in a way that reflects my creative vision. Raw files are unfinished and don’t represent the quality or style I stand behind—so I never deliver them.
I do not deliver raw files
What to Know About Edits, Credits, and How to Support My Work
SHARING & IMAGE USE
You might be wondering...
A. Do not stress! I'm here to help. If you still need help after looking through my pinterest style guide, then send me some options for each person and I will tell you what I think. We will figure out what colours look best with your homes decor.
A. Sessions begin at 10 am and generally take between 90 minutes and 2 hours. Sessions are baby led, so this gives us enough time for feedings, diaper changes and breaks for siblings if they need it!
A. It's easy peasy! once you have selected your image collection, I will send you a code to use in your cart at checkout. The credit will be applied to the total amount in your cart. So for example, if you receive the $400 artwork credit and order $600 worth of products, your total will be $200.
A. Of course! I love adding furry siblings to the mix during a session. If your pet doesn't want to cooperate of you'd prefer they not be involved then that's ok too!
A. Me too! But here is the thing, I won't leave you hanging. Even though my sessions capture natural interactions, they are totally curated and I help guide you every step of the way. I help to pose you naturally and then offer prompts to get those authentic images.
Claire did an absolutely amazing job with our newborn photos. It was such a calming experience having the photos done at our house. Claire put us all at ease, and the final output is perfect!
The Danforth, Toronto
Sarah & Brett
We had a great experience with Claire and were very happy with our newborn photos. Claire took her time during our session to ensure we got many different photos in the best locations in our house. She was also a pleasure to work with.
Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto
Jennifer & Marc
We booked Claire for a maternity shoot and newborn shoot, and she was incredible to work with. She was easy to communicate with, helped us at every step and was quick to turnaround our photos. Everything she took turned out amazing and we’re so pleased with the results
We are so happy we found Claire and can’t wait to do more family sessions with her in the future!
Mid-town, Toronto
C FAmily
Our most precious photos of our little one were taken by Claire. What makes her a special photographer in my mind is her patient and calm approach, the connection she is able to make with kids (they love her!) and her knack for capturing those perfect moments or expressions (the photos of our baby's sleep smile or him sticking his tongue out at us immediately come to mind). Thanks again Claire!
The Beaches, Toronto
Sumbul & Sanjay
Claire captured some really special moments for our family during a maternity family session in a beautiful park as well as a newborn session at our home. She is incredible to work with, really bringing out the personalities in our children. Plus, she has a great personality which made our photo sessions really fun! For all these reasons I highly recommend Claire!
Queen West, Toronto
Sarah & Phil
Claire is the best! We love the photos of our daughter! I was a bit apprehensive about a newborn session since it's such a stressful time, but she made everything relaxed and easy. Highly recommended!
Queen West, Toronto
Sundhya & Phil
