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How to Prepare for your In-Home Newborn Session

March 16, 2021

One of the most important parts of my job as a full-service lifestyle newborn photographer in the National Capitol region is to ensure families enjoy the experience. A big part of that is helping you prepare for your in-home newborn session- that way on the day of your session you can just take in these sweet moments with your baby.

The most beautiful sessions, like the one below, are when you can just relax knowing that every single detail will be taken care of for you.

By this point if you’ve booked with me, you’ve already been through some of the newborn session process. We’ve likely completed your styling and have gotten to know each other more! Now, we just wait on baby! I know this can be such an anxious time waiting to meet your little one. That’s why I’m sharing some of my tried and true tips to help you prepare for your in-home newborn session.

How to prepare for your in-home lifestyle newborn session | newborn photographer in DC, MD, and NOVA

Embrace the natural light in your home

On the morning of your session, open the blinds in your home and turn off interior lights. Natural light ensures the very best colors in your portraits.

Declutter tables and nightstands

Please do not stress over cleaning every inch of your home! I know that newborn life well! Simply declutter nightstands, the coffee table, and remove any items from the nursery that you don’t want photographed.

I also suggest purchasing a solid white coverlet for your bed if you don’t already own one. It’s a simple hack to help with low light situations as it acts as a reflector. White bedding also allows the focus to be on baby without distractions!

Keep your home warm

I recommend keeping your home a bit warmer than usual. This helps ensure baby is comfortable when it’s time for clothes to come off and be swaddled. If you prefer, I also bring a space heater with me to help with this!

Feed about 30 minutes before I arrive

Feed shortly before I arrive and burp baby well. This ensures he or she has a full belly for the session and will likely be more sleepy! Otherwise, keep baby on their normal schedule if you have one. We can take as many feeding breaks as needed. Modeling is hard work!

Patience and Relaxation

While the session can flow more easily when baby is sleepy, please don’t stress if he or she doesn’t fall asleep right away! Babies can sometimes feed of of your energy so the calmer you are, the calmer baby will be too. I plan the session in the late morning, before the typical fussy part of the day for newborns, and when light is usually best.

If you’re expecting and would like to book an in-home newborn session in the Washington DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia area, reach out here!

Mom holding baby by window during in-home newborn session in Bethesda, MD. Photo by LRG Portraits.
New mom smiling at baby boy in her arms. Photo by Bethesda, MD newborn photographer, LRG Portraits.
Images of mom holding baby during in-home lifestyle newborn session. Photos by LRG Portraits.
Black and white image of Mom holding baby during in-home newborn session. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Mom holding newborn baby near window and smiling. Photo by Bethesda, MD newborn photographer, LRG Portraits.
Baby in white swaddle on bed during in-home newborn session. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Mom holding baby on bed during newborn photo shoot. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Black and white image of mom cuddled up on bed holding baby. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Mom smiling at baby while leaning on bed in Bethesda, MD newborn session. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Mom sitting on bed, looking down at baby boy in her arms. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Black and white image of Mom laying on bed next to baby by Bethesda, MD lifestyle newborn photographer, LRG Portraits.
Mom reaching into crib to soothe baby during newborn photo shoot in Bethesda, MD. Photo by LRG Portraits.

Joyful black and white image of Mom with baby and Grandma during in-home newborn session. Photo by LRG Portraits.

Mom and Grandma holding newborn baby during photo shoot. Black and white photos by LRG Portraits.
Image of baby in Mom's arms from above. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Black and white portrait of newborn with little foot kicking. Photo by LRG Portraits.

Lauren from LRG Portraits is a maternity, newborn, family and baby photographer based out of the Washington, DC area. She specializes in timeless outdoor and in-home lifestyle portraiture and offers a full client experience from a curated client wardrobe to custom-designed heirloom albums and framing. Service area includes Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, Potomac, MD and Arlington, VA, and surrounding areas.

If you’re interested in booking an in-home lifestyle newborn session for your baby, contact me here! I’d love to work with you!

Maternity Session by the River | Maternity Photographer in Washington DC

March 5, 2021

With the weather starting to slowly warm up I am so excited for more of these beautiful maternity sessions along the Potomac River in Washington DC. I know when many people think of a Washington DC maternity session, they think of being near the monuments. Don’t get me wrong I love monument sessions, but this area by the river is such a gem too! It is especially beautiful on a warm early summer evening with the dreamiest light.

I am lucky to call this beautiful Mom a good friend. I’ve had the honor of photographing their whole family with big sister and brother over the years. For their third baby though, we decided to give her and this little one their own moment.

Unique locations for your Washington DC maternity session

It was such a lovely evening to explore some of my favorite spots along the Potomac River. I have found so many beautiful, unique spots for sessions here. It was so peaceful too – such a perfect spot to let the focus be all on Mom and her sweet bump. We took a few moments to let her dip her toes in the water (me included!) and move amongst the rocks. Those might be some of my favorite portraits from this session!

Mom looked so breathtaking in a classic white linen maxi dress. It draped beautifully on her bump and was perfect for a summer session. I’m literally counting down the days until we can do more sessions like this!

If you’re pregnant and hoping to schedule a maternity session in the Washington DC area, reach out here soon. I book up several months in advance.

Expecting Mom looking down at baby bump during maternity session in Washington DC. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Beautiful film-inspired image of mom hugging baby bump on path near the Potomac River. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Black and white image of expecting mom holding bump. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Sun-drenched image of pregnant mom with hands on her bump by Washington DC maternity photographer, LRG Portraits.
Black and white image of Mom with baby bump with beautiful sunlight shining behind her. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Closeup of baby belly during maternity session by the Potomac River in Washington DC. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Dreamy maternity portrait from park by the Potomac River in Washington DC. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Black and white image of expecting mom looking away with one hand on belly. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Mom smiling at baby bump during Washington DC maternity session. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Images of Mom in white linen maxi dress from maternity session near the Potomac River. Photos by LRG Portraits.
Portrait of pregnant mom looking at bump by the water with beautiful reflections. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Closeup of baby bump during maternity session by LRG Portraits.
Black and white closeup of baby bump during Washington DC maternity session by the river. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Cropped image of mom holding dress and resting hand on baby bump by Potomac River. Photo by Washington DC maternity photographer, LRG Portraits.
Mom walking in river with reflection in water during Washington DC maternity session. Photo by LRG Portraits.

If you’re interested in booking a maternity session to document your beautiful bump, contact me here! I’d love to work with you!

Your Lifestyle Newborn Session Experience | Washington DC Baby Photographer

February 25, 2021

I remember just staring at each of my kids as newborns, studying every single detail to make sure they were ingrained into my memory. I still catch myself taking mental notes of the things I don’t want to forget. Those little details don’t stay little for very long. It’s one of the reasons I became a baby photographer here in Washington DC. We live in a fast-paced city and it is my hope that I can document this sweet season of life for you before it passes by all too quickly.

And I know planning for a session on little sleep isn’t easy. I firmly believe your newborn session should be stress-free and allow you to just soak in these moments.

With the LRG Portraits client experience, you can be assured that I have taken care of all of the planning for you while you adjust to your new role as a Mom.

What to Expect When Booking Your In-Home Newborn Session | Washington DC Baby Photographer

Step One: Questionnaire

Once your booking is complete, you’ll receive a quick pre-session questionnaire. This helps me get to know your family and learn what is important to you for your session. The more detail you can provide in this questionnaire, the better! This really helps me tailor your session to your family, gives me ideas to get older siblings (if any) engaged, and ensures I don’t miss documenting family heirlooms or favorite spots in your home.

New parents holding baby boy during in-home lifestyle newborn session with LRG Portraits.

Black and white image of Dad kissing baby. Photo by LRG Portraits.

Step Two: Planning & Session Preparation

Next you’ll receive log-in access to my exclusive client website. Here you’ll find guides for what to wear, tips to prepare for your session, direct links to my favorite shops for wardrobe, as well as the growing collection of dresses available to borrow from my client wardrobe. I also provide recommendations for hair and make-up stylists in the Washington DC metro region to help you prep for your session.

Step Three: Styling

Styling assistance is a major part of the session preparation as it makes such a difference in your portraits. I find soft pastels and neutral tones work best for sessions, plus adding some textures like knits or linen. I love creating styling inspiration boards for my clients too so that everyone looks (and feels!) beautiful, timeless and coordinated.

Step Four: Scheduling Your Newborn Session

Now, we wait for baby! I do ask Moms (or Dads) to keep me posted if anything changes during pregnancy such as induction dates. Most Moms and Dads get in touch once they get home from the hospital with baby. From there we’ll schedule your session about 7-to-14 days after birth if both Mom and baby are feeling good. In-home lifestyle newborn sessions can be scheduled anytime up to 6 weeks old.

Step Five: Session Day

Once I arrive for your session, I will ask for a quick tour of your home so I can assess lighting and find the best locations to utilize during your session. Most of the time we work in the primary bedroom, nursery, and living room. Anywhere with beautiful soft, diffused light works great though!

You do not need anything for baby as all newborn wraps, hats and hair ties are also provided.

Mom holding newborn while she wears beautiful blue maxi dress. Photo by LRG Portraits
Black and white image of baby's toes during newborn session in Washington DC. Photo by LRG Portraits
Mom and Dad cuddling with newborn on bed. Photo by Washington DC baby photographer, LRG Portraits.
Smiling newborn during in-home session by Washington DC baby photographer, LRG Portraits

Step Six: Gallery Delivery

About 2-3 weeks following your session, you will receive your watermarked proofs in a private online gallery. From there, you will be able to select beautiful, custom heirloom albums, frames, printed products as well as digital files.

I also create custom gallery walls using images from your session. I find this option gives families a wonderful visual of what your portraits look like on your walls!

Black and white images of new parents with baby. Photos by LRG Portraits
Mom holding newborn on bed. Photo by LRG Portraits
Mom smiling at camera while holding newborn. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Mom and Dad smiling at newborn baby boy during Washington DC in-home newborn session. Photo by LRG Portraits
Black and white portrait of Mom and Dad with baby. Photo by LRG Portraits
Mom holding baby's hands during newborn session. Photo by LRG Portraits
Sweet awake baby boy during newborn session in Washington DC. Photo by LRG Portraits
Black and white portraits of Dad with baby and Mom with baby during newborn session. Photos by LRG Portraits
Newborn making cute face during newborn session in Washington DC. Photo by LRG Portraits
Baby in moses basket. Photo by LRG Portraits
Black and white portrait of baby sleeping in moses basket by Washington DC baby photographer, LRG Portraits

Wall Art

Custom-designed wall galleries is a service offered to all LRG Portraits session families. As your little ones grow they will see your family’s portraits on the wall and see a visual portrait of your love each time they pass them in the halls. These are heirloom pieces that can be passed down through generations.

For your wall art design, we can use images from each of your sessions too! This sweet family did a maternity session as well (see that here!) but just loved this design with the blue tones for their wall!

Wall art mockup for newborn session by LRG Portraits

If you’re interested in booking an in-home lifestyle newborn session for your baby, contact me here! I’d love to work with you!

Intimate In-Home Maternity Portraits in Bethesda MD

February 17, 2021

This beautiful, expecting Mom came to visit her family here in Bethesda MD last year, before the pandemic, and I am thrilled to finally share more of these serene maternity portraits.

Though Dad couldn’t be there to join, you could tell this was such a special moment in time that Mom wanted to have documented. Her joy and love for their sweet baby was so evident. She was calm and just truly taking in every second of the moment carrying her baby boy.

The simplicity of a maternity session in her lovely family’s Bethesda MD home was the perfect backdrop for these portraits. Mom was able to take advantage of being at home for a wardrobe change! I loved the mix of the comfortable robe that hugged her bump so beautifully, with the lace maternity dress.

It is my hope that every Mom feels beautiful and stress-free during their session. That is why I now offer a carefully curated selection of dresses within the Client Wardrobe that can be borrowed for your session. This lace maternity dress is one of them!

I love how delicate the dress is with the beautiful texture of the lace. When Mom put it on she took my breath away. She just embodied that motherhood glow. Just wait until you see baby boy’s newborn session, too!

Lauren from LRG Portraits is a maternity, newborn, and family photographer based out of the Washington, DC area. She specializes in timeless outdoor and in-home lifestyle portraiture and offers a full client experience from a curated client wardrobe to custom-designed heirloom albums and framing. Service area includes Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, Potomac, MD and Arlington, VA, and surrounding areas.

If you’re interested in booking maternity portraits, reach out here! I’d love to work with you!

In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Session in Chevy Chase DC

February 9, 2021

This in-home newborn session in Chevy Chase DC will forever be a favorite! After having to pause in-home sessions due to Covid, I am excited to be offering these again this month. Sessions like this one make me miss it so much!

This beautiful Mom is an incredible interior designer and their home was a perfect backdrop for a lifestyle newborn session. When I saw the window bench I knew we had to use it for some of their portraits. The light coming in through that gorgeous bay window was breath taking.

These big brothers did so well during this session, too. Their interaction with their new baby brother was so lovely and so special to document. When older siblings are involved, being in your own element can bring out the most beautiful portraits. I just loved seeing those sweet big brother moments when they were sitting on the window bench all together.

We also used the nursery and master bedroom for portraits, which gave us a lot of variety for their gallery. I’m so honored to have worked with this wonderful family. They were an absolute joy to photograph!

resuming in-home newborn sessions in 2021 | Chevy Chase DC and surround areas

Beginning this weekend, I’ll (finally!) be offering in-home newborn sessions again in the Chevy Chase MD and Washington DC area! I am so excited for this because they are always a favorite! And I can make just about any space work for in-home sessions as there is always gorgeous light to be found, even in small spaces.

As a mother myself I know those first few weeks with a newborn are a big adjustment. In-home sessions allow you to enjoy quiet moments with your new baby as a family where you are most comfortable. They tend to be less stressful than traveling to a studio. Plus, there is something so special about photographing your baby in the place where you brought him or her home.

Due to the pandemic, I’ll be taking several extra precautions beyond what I already do to prep for in-home newborn sessions. I will be wearing a mask at all times, sanitizing my gear and hands often throughout the session, and trying to stay hands off when possible.

If you have any questions about the precautions I’m taking for newborn sessions or would like to book, contact me here!

Newborn bonnet and wrap provided through my Client Wardrobe.

Mom holding baby during in-home newborn session. Photo by Chevy Chase DC Newborn photographer, LRG Portraits.
Parents with three boys on window seat during in-home newborn session. Photo by Chevy Chase DC Newborn photographer, LRG Portraits.
Family with new baby sitting on window seat during session. Photo by Chevy Chase DC Newborn photographer, LRG Portraits.
Mom sitting at window seat with baby and toddler during newborn session. Photos by LRG Portraits.
Toddler and mom look at newborn's toes while sitting at window seat. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Mom with newborn and oldest son cuddling on window seat during Chevy Chase DC newborn session. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Black and white portrait of mom with the children sitting on window seat. Photo by Chevy Chase DC newborn photographer, LRG Portraits.
Black and white image of mom holding baby by window. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Black and white images of big brother holding baby. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Newborn session with two older siblings cuddling on window seat. Photo by Chevy Chase photographer, LRG Portraits.
Photo of siblings with baby during newborn session in Chevy Chase DC. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Portrait of newborn wearing bonnet. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Mom holding baby boy and looking down at him. Photo by LRG Portraits.
Mom relaxing on bed holding baby during newborn session. Photo by Chevy Chase DC newborn photographer, LRG Portraits.

Mom and Dad holding baby on bed during newborn session. Photo by LRG Portraits
Dad holding baby on bed while baby stretches. Photo by LRG Portraits
Dad holding baby boy near window of bedroom. Photos by LRG Portraits.
Black and white portrait of parents holding baby during newborn session in Chevy Chase DC. Photo by LRG Portraits
Black and white image of mom holding baby while sitting with him on edge of bed. Photo by LRG Portraits
Baby in white bonnet and swaddle during newborn session. Photo by LRG Portraits
Closeup of baby wearing white bonnet in Chevy Chase, DC newborn session. Photo by LRG Portraits