Welcome

Thank you so much for booking with GVP for your newborn photo session. You may be wondering what to expect and how to prepare for our session so I've got a few tips and tricks for you! The know new motherhood is an exhausting time, so don't worry, I got you! This guide is designed to help!

Poop happens! Please don’t be upset or feel bad if baby decides it’s time to go potty when he/she is in the buff being photographed! This is all natural and it’s just part of the job. I launder all blankets with non-scented baby detergent between sessions. It would definitely be helpful if you had a stack of old towels, extra wipes and blankets ready for when things get messy.

If you have any special wipes or sensitive skin items you’d like for me to use to, please bring them to your shoot.

Siblings & parents

Start with solid pieces that coordinate with your color palette and build from there. Avoid loud, busy patterns, as they can distract from the main focus—your baby. Instead, add interest to your outfits using textures like knits, lace, or linen.

Simple, neutral-colored clothing works best for newborn sessions. Steer clear of clothing with bold patterns or large logos that might be distracting in photos. Keeping it simple ensures your baby remains the star of the show!

What to Expect with Toddler Siblings

Older toddlers can be unpredictable during newborn sessions, and that’s completely okay! Some may be curious and eager to snuggle their new sibling, while others might need more time to warm up—or they may not be interested at all. My goal is to capture those sweet sibling moments without any pressure.

I’ll do my very best to get those sibling shots, but it’s important to remember that every child is different, and nothing is guaranteed. I never force or pressure siblings into poses. Instead, I use gentle suggestions, playful encouragement, and even a little humor to make them feel comfortable. If they’re curious, I’ll let them “help” by pushing the button to take a photo or showing them the pictures on my camera. If they need a break, that’s perfectly fine—I always follow their lead.

I stay ready to capture those fleeting moments, even if they only last a few seconds. Toddlers are known for coming and going as they please, and I’m prepared to photograph their spontaneous interactions. Whether they give a quick kiss, curiously peek at their baby sibling, or simply sit nearby, I’ll be there to preserve those memories.

Tips to Help Your Toddler Feel Comfortable:

• Bring a favorite toy or snack: Familiar comforts can help them feel more at ease.
• Celebrate small interactions: Even the smallest gestures, like a quick touch or glance, are precious.
• Embrace breaks and playtime: Sometimes stepping away helps them reset and come back more willing to engage.

The most important thing is to let them be themselves. Authentic moments happen when children feel free to express their personalities, no matter how big or small those interactions might be.

Choose what's best for you

It really comes down to personal preference!

If you choose a lifestyle session at home, don’t worry about having a “perfect” house—I promise, no judgment here! Just check out the list of do’s and don’ts on the next page to help you prepare.

If you prefer the studio option, let me know as soon as possible so I can secure our spot. Weekend mornings are ideal for the most beautiful natural light.

Lifestyle in your home

how to prepare

1. Warm it up: Crank the heat up! It's super important that your naked babe feel all toasty when we are doing all the poses. If they're cold they're likely going to be awake and/or upset. I ask that the thermostat be about 75-80. If you're sweating then baby is likely the perfect temp!
2. Volume: Manage noise. Please do whatever you can to keep the noise down during our session. If you have noisy pets please make plans to keep them quiet during the shoot. If you have other children it can be helpful to have a sitter or family member plan to take them out for a few minutes/hour after we get done with family photos. I bring a white noise machine but it doesn't always block out all noises .
3. Clutter: De-clutter the areas were you'd like the shoot to take place. We will also need some nice natural light so please make sure there are some nice windows nearby. Open all the curtains before my arrival.
4. Props: I have a nice collection of wraps and blankets, a mosses bassinet, headbands, etc. that I can bring, but typically less is more with lifestyle sessions. Let me know if you have a prop you'd like to incorporate into the shoot and have those items ready when I arrive. We can go through them together and choose what will work best.
5. Timing: It can typically take 2 hours for both studio and lifestyle newborn shoots. Please make plans to spend at least this much time with me! The baby is in charge so I like to give enough time for feeding, cuddles and calming baby. We want this experience to be as stress free as possible.

Session Day

On the day of your maternity shoot, excitement and anticipation fill the air! We’ll meet at a stunning location that resonates with your vision, whether it’s at by does dessert rocks, near Rio Grande with greenery and tress, or a cozy indoor setting. As we begin, I’ll take the time to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable, guiding you through poses that highlight your natural beauty.

Feel free to bring along any special items or outfits that represent your journey—like tiny shoes, ultrasound photos, or meaningful accessories. These personal touches will help create a unique story in your images.

Throughout the session, we’ll capture a mix of playful moments and serene poses, allowing your personality to shine through. Whether it’s a gentle touch to your belly or a laugh with your partner, every shot will celebrate the joy of motherhood.

Most importantly, this day is all about you and the incredible journey you’re on. I’m here to make the experience enjoyable and memorable, and I can’t wait to create beautiful images that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!

Posing

As your photographer, I'll guide you through every step of the photoshoot, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident. You won’t need to worry about posing or planning—I’ll provide clear instructions and small tasks to help us capture beautiful, natural moments effortlessly.

Wondering, ‘What should I do with my hands?’ My number one tip is to place your hands on your belly unless I direct you otherwise. We’ll explore different variations, like sitting, walking, twirling, or swaying, to create a dynamic and heartfelt gallery. I’ll also make sure your partner and kids are naturally interacting with you and each other, capturing genuine connections and emotions.

Accessories

As your photographer, I provide the perfect accessories for your outdoor maternity shoot. I bring soft, cozy blankets to create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere for you to sit or rest on during the session. If you'd like, I can also bring stylish accessories like a chic hat or other beautiful items to enhance your photos and add a personal touch. All you need to do is enjoy the experience while I take care of the details!

Pets

Your beloved pets can absolutely be part of your maternity photos for an extra-special, personal touch. Including them adds a unique element to your shoot, showcasing the bond of your entire family—even your furry members!

That said, as I’m unfamiliar with your pet’s behavior, their care and supervision will be your responsibility during the session. Please make sure they feel comfortable in the environment and are calm and safe around you and your growing baby bump. Together, we can create beautiful, heartwarming images that include everyone you hold dear.

Location

Choosing the right location for your maternity shoot can make all the difference in capturing the beauty of this special time. Whether you prefer a serene outdoor setting, like White Sands, dessert mountain views, or a cozy indoor space that feels like home, the options are endless.

Outdoor locations provide stunning natural light and vibrant backdrops, while indoor settings can offer warmth and intimacy. Think about places that hold meaning for you, such as where you and your partner first met or a favorite spot you love to visit. No matter the choice, I’ll work with you to ensure we find the perfect location that reflects your personality and style, creating beautiful images that celebrate your journey into motherhood. Let’s make this experience as special as the moments we’ll capture!

Golden Hour

Golden hour is the perfect time for breathtaking maternity photography. The soft, golden sunlight at this time of day creates a warm, dreamy atmosphere that beautifully highlights the glow of pregnancy, making your images feel magical and timeless. The natural light enhances the scenery and creates a gentle, flattering effect, resulting in stunning photos that you’ll treasure forever.

If you have other little ones, your golden hour session can seamlessly transition into a family shoot. This allows us to capture heartfelt moments between you, your partner, and your children, celebrating the love and connection within your growing family.

While golden hour typically falls later in the day and can sometimes pose a challenge for young children’s schedules, I’m here to ensure the session remains a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone. We’ll work at a pace that feels comfortable, focusing on candid and relaxed moments rather than strict poses. By keeping the atmosphere light and flexible, we’ll create beautiful memories together, with no pressure on the little ones. It’s all about capturing the joy, love, and excitement of this special chapter in your life.

1.Pick a Color Palette That Complements Your Session's Location

Start by selecting a palette of 3-4 colors as your foundation. Think in terms of tones—blues, earth tones, neutrals, pastels, etc. Each family member can express their personal style within the chosen palette while still maintaining a cohesive and well-coordinated look.

Your location plays a big role in how your images will feel, so consider the natural colors of the environment when choosing outfits.

• Spring by the Rio Grande – Soft pastels, like blush, sage, or light blue, will complement the fresh greenery and bright foliage.
• Late Summer by the Rio – The greens deepen, making earth tones such as rust, mustard, olive, and warm neutrals a great choice.

By selecting colors that work with your surroundings, your photos will feel more natural and visually harmonious!

2.Don't Match. Coordinate

Now this doesn’t mean everyone has to 100% match with khaki pants or jeans and a white shirt! You want to complement each other’s outfits by choosing colors that work well together. I find that if everyone is wearing the same clothing, people will all tend to blend in together and there won’t be too much pop and life to the images.

Muted tones look beautiful together in a family picture. When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t pull attention away from the main subjects, and only put one person in a pattern. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, and knits.

If you decide to treat yourself before your session, let me know! I can send you referrals to some of my favorite professional makeup artists here in El Paso.

It’s totally okay if you don’t typically wear makeup. However, to avoid shine in your photos, I recommend gently dusting some translucent powder over your face before the session.

Don’t forget about your nails! If you’re wearing open-toed shoes, this is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a pedicure. Chipped nails can be distracting in photos. If you can’t get a mani-pedi, no worries—just be sure to remove any old nail polish beforehand.

other tips:

• Before the session, talk to your kids about it. It's better not to catch them off guard. If they know what's coming, they can prepare themselves (even toddlers require some forwarding!). You can show them my photo and tell them that a silly buddy will be taking their pictures, but don't worry, they won't have to sit and smile for an hour!
• My outdoor session are usually held at sunset. Shooting around sunset creates the beautiful light you in photos. In the summer, some families' sunsets are later than others. Please consider having your child nap alter in the day or scheduling your session for sunrise.
• Arrive on time and prepared to begin your session. Because your session is timed according on the light, please factor in traffic and other things. If you need time to get your children ready or settled, arrive early to the session.
• Make sure everything is ready the night before so you aren't scrambling in the morning, you don't want to be stressed out before your session!
• Speaking of food, make sure the children are well fed, hydrated and rested before the shoot, it's also good to keep it light the morning of the shoot. You can always bring some snacks especially if we are adventuring!