Having had Ruth, my love for newborn sessions has grown infinitely. While I’ve always loved capturing life’s different milestones, I feel like my heart expands even more when I’ve gone through the milestone myself. 

So, naturally, I was beyond excited to meet up with my friend from college for a family newborn photography, OKC session! 

Here’s how it unfolded: 

 

Reconnecting with Sloan, Jonathan, and their new baby, Bennett:

Sloan and I originally met back in our college days at OU. We’ve stayed in touch over the years, taking trips with our friends and their husbands, so I was so excited when she asked me to come take their lifestyle newborn photos in Oklahoma City! 

It was such a joy getting to reconnect with her and her sweet family. And, of course, baby Bennett was a bundle of perfection. 

 

Choosing the In-Home Locations for Their OKC Newborn Photography Session

I always love taking a quick tour of the home of my clients to determine the best locations for photos, especially to find some of the best natural lighting. 

But to make it easier on my clients, I often just ask for some quick iPhone photos of the different rooms they’re interested in focusing on when we first begin the planning process. That way, the initial scout moves quickly, and we can make the most of our time together! 

For Sloan, Jonathan, and Bennett, we prioritized the nursery, the master bedroom, and even parts of the dining room. Adding in multiple locations inside the home showcases how a family truly lives with one another.

 

 

Natural Poses for Genuine Family and Newborn Photos

When I walk into a client’s home for a photography session, I always want to make sure it feels as though I’m just a fly on the wall. That makes for the most true-to-life photographs, which are perfect to cherish through heirloom albums or framed photos. 

But, I also understand that many of my clients haven’t been in front of a professional’s camera in a long time (if ever!). So I take a very specific approach to guiding all of my clients through the process. 

I always tell my clients that they will never feel as though they’re unsure of what to do during our time together. 

With Sloan and Jonathan, we captured many of their family and newborn photos with them doing exactly what they would do if I weren’t there. From kissing his sweet little forehead to tickling his tummy while he lays on the bed, we captured them all!

 

 

What to Wear for Newborn Family Photos:

The wonderful thing about newborn and family photography is that clients get photos of one of the most precious and fleeting moments of their lives! 

But, if clients are in the photos with their baby, we run into a new obstacle – what to wear for newborn family photos. For some postpartum mamas, it’s even more difficult planning their outfits. When you’re 8 months pregnant and have no idea what will fit in just a few weeks – or even a few days – planning can be a challenge.  It’s such a common occurrence because everybody wants to look their best for these cherished photos, knowing they’ll treasure these for years to come as their babies grow.

That’s why I created a style guide to help dads and moms choose outfits for their newborn or family  photos!

Curious about what I recommend? I’ll send you a copy to your inbox!  

 

 

 

The Melanie Foster Photography Client Closet

As a new mama, or as an expecting mama, stressing about an outfit for photos is one of the last things they want to worry about. 

So I wanted to make it easier on them! That’s why I created my signature Melanie Foster Photography client closet. In it, I’ve hand-selected beautiful dresses that I know will photograph so well, whether you’re 7 months pregnant, or just a few days postpartum. 

And mamas can choose their favorite option to wear for our full lifestyle session together! 

Sloan took advantage of my client closet for her newborn photography, OKC session. She opted for a tan, smocked dress with lovely self-tie straps. It was the perfect choice for their in-home photos.

 

 

As I experience more of life, I realize just how important treasuring the different milestones is. And I’m so grateful for clients like Sloan and Jonathan who trust me to capture these moments for them!

 

 

Find more MFP newborn photography on our blog!