welcome!!
Hunnicutt Photography
PREP GUIDE
Hi!! I’m so happy that we are working together to create memories of your family and the adventures of parenting and childhood. This document is designed to be your go-to resource to help you prepare for your photo session, to ensure that your photo session is fun and stress-free and that your images are everything you dreamed of. I’ll be in contact with you over email during the time before your session, and of course, you can feel free to reach out to me any time!!
PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION
Newborn Adventure
Newborn photo sessions can take place at the birth space (fresh 48 session), at your home, or at a modern lifestyle studio for a home away from home feeling…. the majority of newborn sessions take place at the birth space & home.
When should I have my newborn session?
During the booking process I’ll pencil your due date into my schedule and then when the baby is born you or your partner can reach out to me via text or email to let me know that your new addition is on the way or has been born. Then, once you know your discharge date we’ll connect to select a date for your in-home newborn photo session. Because my sessions are lifestyle, we have a bit more flexibility to ensure that you are feeling well, and the baby is healthy. The ideal time for your in-home session is 5-15 days after the baby is born, but as I said this date is flexible. And, if the baby is a bit older then there is more chance for capturing some smiles and eye contact.
*Lifestyle Newborn Sessions Primarily Take Place At Home
How Much do I need to do to be ready for our newborn photo shoot?
There are just a few things to do to prepare for your newborn session, including having an outfit and a spare prepared for each member of your family (link to the blog post about this…). You do not need to clean your home or spend time preparing for the session…but that being said, if you don’t want something in a photo please let me know so we can remove it from the space prior to photos. I often photograph close to windows, using the couch, and master bedroom as places to rest and prioritize them based on the light we have in our not-always-bright Portland homes.
**If you have any heirloom or special items you would like included in photos be sure to have them set aside and prepared prior to the session so we don’t forget to include them.
How Long Should We Plan For The Session To Take?
On average, newborn photo sessions take 1-2 hours, but typically closer to 60 minutes…this all depends on the number of feeding breaks, diaper changes, and how siblings are doing while I’m there for the session.
I Guide You Into Connected Posing And The Best Light
Then you all get to love on your baby. Hold their fingers. Check their toes, kiss their nose, and admire their sweet newborn face. I’ll take photos of everyone together with the newborn as well as individually capture the new love and connections within the family. This can occur sitting in a chair, on a couch, on the master bed, in the nursery by the crib, and sometimes close to a window. All natural places in your home where you all live and spend time as a family.
Clothing Selections, Newborn Edition:
I encourage families to have a tight-fitting white/neutral onesie for the newborn, and also a neutral swaddle blanket for them to be wrapped in for photos. The key is we want the clothes to not be the main focal point of the image.
What to wear for your newborn photos:
I encourage families to dress in comfortable outfits, as well as neutrals. This helps to keep the focus on the baby, and to eliminate color casts from clothing on the baby’s face since they will be held close. Think cream, beige, off-white, and grey. If you want lighter and bright images, I recommend incorporating more white into your outfits as it will reflect the light in your home. That being said, if you love color, and it’s part of your family's story, let's include it. We can chat about the best way to do this.
I always suggest that mom picks her outfit first, and then finds complementary choices for the remainder of the family. It is so important that mom feels good about herself and the outfit she's chosen. Simple leggings or jeans and a neutral top work just fine. Jeans and a neutral shirt are perfect for Dad. Avoid clothes with words or logos on them.
What Kind Of Images Will We Receive?
The gallery for your lifestyle newborn session will include individual portraits of the newborn, sibling images (if safe for siblings to be with the baby alone), full family images, and images of each person holding the newborn. I move around to different areas of good light to have a mix of angles and compositions so you will receive a varied gallery of photos.
Baby In Crib or Bassinet (if available):
Cribs and bassinets provide a unique opportunity for creative images that include lines, framing, and unique perspectives. They also show the size and scale of your little newborn within their new home. If you don’t have a crib or nursery set up for them, no worries. We’ll have many opportunities for creative images.
Nursery Details + Newborn In Nursery:
I often hear from parents that the nursery is the first room that they designed in their home, or is the only room that they’ve taken the time to really decorate. If this is the case, I’ll be sure to capture images of the details as well as you and the baby in the nursery space.
Close-up of Feet, hands, and bellybutton:
Those little newborn details that change so quickly are always on my list to capture with photographs, including their tiny feet in your hands, their fingers wrapped around their parents, and their wrinkly belly buttons or back rolls. Throughout the session, I’ll capture these tiny little details and they will be spread throughout your gallery and can then be used creatively in your photo albums and wall art to tell the story of your newborn’s first few days at home.
What to know about a Fresh-48/In-Hospital Birth Space Newborn Photography Session:
Birth space newborn sessions require no planning on the part of the parents.
I would come to the birthing center within 48 hours of your baby’s birth and would capture all of the details that so quickly change, prior to your discharge. The tiny feet of your newborn while they’re still wearing their hospital bracelets. The bassinet where they first slept by your side, the room where you became a family, or expanded your family.
The majority of this type of session is documentary and gives you and your newborn a beautiful record of their first days on earth.
I always have room in my schedule for in-hospital newborn sessions in the Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington areas.
I love to talk with clients before your baby is born so I can pencil your due date into my schedule, and ensure I’m in town, and then all you need to do is send me a text when your baby is born, and we can easily work out the timing details from there.
*Session bundles available for maternity/newborn/fresh48/sitter sessions/one year birthday sessions.
NEWBORN SESSION FAQ
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This is nice to have if it fits you and your personality but is definitely not required. The majority of my clients do their hair and makeup at home in their usual style prior to their newborn photo session.
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I utilize baby-led posing (link to post) and do not bring any props to the newborn photo session. As I mentioned above, if you have any special items you would like included in photos, we can definitely utilize those in some of your photos, but I do not bring any newborn-specific props to your session.
PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION
Maternity Adventure
I get lots of questions from clients surrounding the details of having a maternity session…from where to have the session to what to wear. Although many of my answers are similar to those for family sessions, there are some special considerations.
I’m going to go over my top 6 frequently asked questions surrounding maternity sessions so that you will know everything needed to plan your special photo shoot.
When is the best time for a maternity photo session?
Ensuring that you are feeling your best and that your belly is nice and round is the best time for your maternity photo session. This typically occurs between 28 and 34 weeks. During the seventh month most expecting moms are still able to move around easily and are feeling great. Also, when your photo session occurs between 28 and 34 weeks, you should receive your edited photo gallery back before the baby arrives.
I would recommend that moms who are expecting twins have their session prior to 28 weeks, depending on how they are feeling. Twin bumps are more prominent faster, so we can plan your session at an earlier time during your pregnancy.
If you’re considering a maternity session, I recommend reaching out well in advance of your 28 weeks so that you can plan ahead for your session, and to ensure I have a spot in my calendar for your booking.
What should I wear for my maternity session?
What to wear for your maternity session can be as unique as you! I would consider what your favorite clothing styles are, and go from there to select your wardrobe. Form-fitting dresses really accentuate the bump, but looser flowy dresses can work well also by adding movement. You would just need to hold the bump to show it off in a looser dress. And, you don’t have to wear a dress!! If you love leggings, jeans, skirts, and cute bump-highlighting tops, these can work well and highlight your personality.
You can check out this Pinterest board for some maternity outfit inspiration, and I’m happy to chat with clients prior to your session date to select the best outfit for your session.
Then, after you have your outfit selected, you can then select your partner's and family’s outfits. I have created a blog post to help make wardrobe selections go seamlessly for the whole family.
Where should I have my session?
The location for your maternity session can be just as individualized as you and your growing family. I have many local Portland locations that I love for family and maternity sessions, which you can read about here. We can also travel further afield including the Columbia Gorge and Oregon Coast (*Travel Fee Required). Another great option is to hold your maternity session at your home. This can provide a nice juxtaposition when the baby arrives and we do your lifestyle newborn photos in the same location.
The primary importance when selecting the location is that it will be easy for you to get around at the location safely.
Can pets and family members come to the session?
Yes!! I love to include all family members in a maternity photo shoot. This can include partners, children, and the family cat or dog. We’ll take into consideration who is coming to a session when planning the amount of time needed and selecting a location.
Can I have a maternity session if I’m on bedrest or have an activity restriction?
Although bed rest and an activity restriction can limit many events during one’s pregnancy, we can definitely still do a maternity photo session. In this case, I would recommend that the session occurs at your home, and we would just take things slow, with minimal moving around your home. Think of lots of snuggling photos on the couch or in the master bedroom. And you will be amazed by the lovely gallery we’ll be able to create together.
*If you have any additional questions about planning your maternity or newborn photography session with Hunnicutt Photography, contact me today and we can go over any details or questions I’ve missed above. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION
Family Adventure
PARENTING is equal parts awe & heartbreak.
When you’re going through it, you don’t often get to
PAUSE & APPRECIATE it.
But when you see a photo of your family hanging on the wall as you carry a basket of laundry down the hall, I want to give you permission, for a moment, to do just that: pause and let it sink in.
A photo session is a chance to get the holiday card taken care of, sure. But it’s also a chance to see your family and your life through new eyes. You’re growing these little human beings. You are a human being, yourself.
It’s a wild and beautiful ADVENTURE. You’re doing enough.
How to Prepare For a Beach Session At the OREGON COAST
Are you heading to the beach?
Whether it’s on the Oregon Coast or in a warm ocean location, the beach is a perfect location for your next family photography session.
Wondering how to prepare for a photography session at the beach?
Here are a few of my main tips:
Try to avoid a sunburn
I know that the beach and coast are fun, and literally ‘fun in the sun’...but please do your best to wear sunscreen and a hat to prevent sunburn on your and your family’s faces. I’m unable to remove a sunburn from photos, and it makes for happier kids (and grown-ups too) if we can avoid a sunburn.
Have a meal or snack before your session
Nothing is more challenging than having fun traipsing around the beach on an empty stomach. So, be sure to avoid hangry humans (kids and adults) by having a really good snack or a meal before your photo session.
Bring a Big Beach Bag
If you’re bringing anything to the beach, then I’d recommend one big bag so you can easily move the bag around as we explore the beach without having to repack and move things to our different shooting locations. You’ll want to be sure to put your car keys and cell phones in the bag too.
Dress for the beach and the weather
The Oregon coast is often windy and chilly, compared to the coast in Hawaii or Florida. So, I always recommend that families dress according to the weather. Think layers if needed to stay warm and block the wind. Outfits with primary colors make great accents on the beach with a large amount of tan sand, blue skies, blue water, and shorelines.
Sunglasses and sun hats make for fun accessories that set the mood of the location and also make for joy-filled images. If we happen to be at the coast when it’s chilly...nothing is wrong with wearing a lively colorful knit beanie to keep warm while having fun at the coast.
No shoes are required (if it’s warm enough!)
If it’s warm outside, I definitely recommend that you go without shoes for your session. And bonus, then you don’t need to think about matching and coordinating shoes for the shoot.
No props are needed...but they don’t hurt.
If you like to fly a kite as a family, or dig and build sand castles, feel free to bring these items along to your beach session. If the situation presents itself to either need those items or include them in your shoot, we’ll do so.
Have a favorite beach blanket?
If you have a favorite family beach blanket, I recommend bringing it along to the session. You can use it to cuddle up if the kids get chilly, sit on it for a clean spot for some photos, use it as a hammock or swing for little ones, or have big kids play limbo under it! Blankets also add some fun pops of color and texture to your images.
Bring An Extra Outfit & Towel In The Car
Photography sessions are just like any trip to the beach in that there’s always a chance you and your kids will get wet and sandy. So, I recommend bringing a towel and a dry change of clothes for after the session so you can enjoy a comfortable ride home or to your hotel, etc.
PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION
On Location
We are incredibly fortunate here in the Pacific Northwest to be surrounded by stunning natural vistas, parks, and vibrant urban centers that create an ideal living environment. Moreover, these remarkable locations offer unique and compelling backdrops for your family photo shoot.
I would love to share with you some of my favorite spots to capture beautiful family moments in Portland, Beaverton, and Lake Oswego, in no particular order.
One Location Option: Your Home
There’s no place like home!
We Can Do your Lifestyle Family or Childrens Photo Session At Home
No need to stress about the weather when we’re planning your photo session at your home.
A great bonus to at-home family photo sessions, particularly in the rainy Pacific Northwest, is that we are indoors, and don’t need to worry about the impact of the weather!
I’ll explore your home for beautiful pockets of light, and unique architectural details to create your images. If you have a newly renovated area you would like to highlight, let’s check it out. We can also create lovely images outside of your home, regardless of the weather. We just act quickly and try to stay close to an overhang, etc.
Another Location Option: An Indoor Studio
An indoor studio is a great neutral and modern location that provides an easy way to have your photo sessions this winter while avoiding unpredictable weather. You don’t need to worry about preparing your home for the session, and a new location is often exciting for kids and families to enjoy.
There are clean walls, big windows, and some backdrop options to make the session fun while in a warm, dry, and covid safe environment. During studio sessions, we’ll capture individual portraits, family images, and various combinations of siblings, parents, etc… At a studio session, I still capture movement, laughter, and connection like we would at an outdoor location or your home, but in a new and modern space.
The Studio Has Lots Of Variety
The studio I prefer has lots of variety, including white walls, cement floors, wood floors, and lots of different seats and stools to create fun and modern portraits. They have also recently added some solid color backdrops that we can incorporate for some fun and bright images too! This helps to create photographs to match your own home’s decor for displaying and gift-giving.
CLOTHING CHOICES
COMFORT and CONFIDENCE in your outfits are key
When taking family photographs I feel that it’s really important for everyone to feel comfortable. You probably already have everything that you need already in your wardrobe.
Dress comfortably and in your usual style, and keep the following tips in mind:
Choose Mom's Outfit First
and then coordinate everyone else accordingly. After Mom’s outfit is selected, then move on to the kids, and then choose Dad’s outfit last. This will help Mom to feel confident and the best in her chosen outfit.
Color Choice
Thinking about coordinating colors or brightness is a great tip. Like different blues, or choosing two colors to mix throughout the family’s clothes, or all in neutrals, or all in primary bold colors, or all in pastels. Please avoid having everyone in the exact same shade/color. For example, if everyone is wearing the same blue-colored solid shirt, we can't tell where mom stops and the child begins.
Avoid dressing in strongly contrasting colors such as black and white (for example black pants and a white shirt) as they often do not photograph well together.
Do you have a favorite color in your home, or a color you’d like to incorporate based on where you’ll hang your imagery from your session? If so, including that color in your family’s wardrobe selection can make it easier to get your photos up on the wall!
Patterns such as stripes. But you don't want to overdo them. Smaller patterns photograph better than large ones. I would recommend only one member of the family wear a pattern.
Avoid clothing with words/large logos, and white sneakers. These will pull the viewer’s eyes away from the subject's (your beautiful family) faces and to the clothes or shoes.
Clothes That Move Are Ideal
Women’s or girls’ dresses with material that can twirl or blow in the wind add serious interest to images.
Then Choose Accessories and Shoes
A cute hairband, a bow, a tie, or a scarf can add additional layers and texture to your photos. Add these accessories after you’ve selected everyone’s outfits. Lastly, select everyone’s shoes.
Hands and Feet are often included in photos
The inclusion of hands and feet can create especially interesting photos. Please be aware that imperfect nail polish can lessen the effect.
Bare feet when indoors are best.
For infants and toddlers please avoid tight socks before the shoot as they may leave indentations in the skin, and it's nice to try for some feet detail shots with babies (indoors and weather permitting).
Apply makeup in your usual style
I recommend that clients apply makeup in their usual style. No additional makeup is needed for these natural light lifestyle portraits, but I would always encourage Moms to wear their usual makeup as it will help to accentuate their eyes in the photos.
Are you interested in props at your session?
I don't bring my own props to sessions, but if you or your child have a meaningful item they would like to include in their photos, this can be a great addition.
I love to incorporate a favorite blanket, family heirloom quilt, or child's favorite toy/stuffed animal/book in telling your family’s story. If there is something that you really want to be included in a photo, or an activity that your family/child loves please let me know and we can discuss how to include it in some photos.
Let’s make this EASY and SIMPLE
I know how hard it can be to get photos of everyone in the family together. Especially because you (mom or dad) are usually the one taking them. You’re also usually the one trying to get everyone to cooperate, picking those outfits that look planned but not too planned, choosing a location, and keeping it all on schedule.
The beauty of working with a professional photographer is that you get support with all of that
(and you get to be in the photos!).
Forget the awkward smiles
Instead, let’s get genuine laughs out of your kids, so you can remember the joy in them at this age. Have additional questions?