YOUR NEWBORN EXPERIENCE
Welcome
A BEAUTIFUL BEGINNING, BEAUTIFULLY PRESERVED
This guide will help you prepare for a relaxed and meaningful newborn experience. From what to wear to preparing baby, I've gathered everything you need to feel confident and cared for before your session.
Simply arrive, settle in and enjoy this fleeting season.
01 WHAT TO EXPECT
Your newborn lifestyle session is relaxed, natural, and centered around your baby. Once you arrive, we'll get settled and give baby time to feed and feel comfortable. From there, we'll gently move through newborn, family, sibling, and candid portraits at a pace that feels natural.
WE FOLLOW BABY'S LEAD- Feeding, cuddling, diaper changes, and soothing are all part of the experience. Some of the most beautiful moments are the ones we never planned.
02 PREPARING YOUR BABY
THE ONE THING I ASK: If baby is comfortable doing so, try to keep them awake for 1–2 hours before your session. This can help encourage a longer, more restful stretch during photos. Every baby is different, so don’t worry if they fall asleep. Baby’s comfort always comes first.
BEFORE LEAVING HOME
Bath Time: A warm bath or gentle sponge bath can help baby relax and become sleepy.
Gentle Play: Talk, cuddle, walk around, or offer a little tummy time if baby is comfortable.
Feed as Needed: Feed baby if they’re hungry. If possible, we’ll aim for a full feed once you arrive.
Dress Simply: A zip-up, button-up, or loose outfit that doesn’t need to be pulled over baby’s head is ideal.
DURING THE DRIVE
If baby falls asleep on the way, don’t worry. There’s no need to keep them awake at all costs. Baby’s comfort and safety always come first.
03 WHEN YOU ARRIVE
A FULL FEED FIRST
Once you arrive, we’ll keep the studio warm and give baby time for a full, relaxed feeding before we begin.
Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding—whatever works best for you and your baby is perfect. If needed, feel free to bring pumped milk or supplemental formula.
BREAKS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME- Newborn sessions naturally include time for feeding, diaper changes, soothing, and cuddles. If baby needs a little reset, we simply pause and follow their lead.
And little accidents? No worries—we’re prepared for those, too.
04 WHAT TO BRING
You don't need to bring everything—just the essentials you'd normally take when leaving home with baby.
NEWBORN BAG
☐ Pacifier / Soothie
☐ Diapers & wipes
☐ Receiving blanket
☐ Extra bottle & feeding supplies
☐ Extra outfit
MEANINGFUL DETAILS
Feel free to bring sentimental pieces you'd like photographed, such as a nameplate, heirloom, special blanket, stuffed animal, hospital bracelet, ultrasound, favorite book, or family keepsake.
These little details can make your gallery even more personal.
05 WHAT TO WEAR
KEEP IT SIMPLE & TIMELESS.
Soft neutrals, natural textures, and classic silhouettes photograph beautifully.
Ivory • Cream • Beige • Camel • Taupe • Soft Brown • Rust • Chambray • Denim
Rather than perfectly matching, choose pieces that complement one another naturally and keep the focus on your connection.
FOR MOM: Choose something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. Flowy dresses, soft fabrics, and neutral tones are always a beautiful choice. You're also welcome to use a piece from my Client Wardrobe. Let me know your preferred style and size beforehand, and I'll prepare a few options for you.
A little beauty tip: Slightly defined makeup and neutral, natural nails photograph beautifully. Most importantly, don't worry about posing—I'll guide you every step of the way.
FOR DADS & PARTNERS: Keep it simple and timeless with neutral tones and classic pieces.
Ivory • Cream • Beige • White - Think a simple T-shirt or button-down paired with neutral pants or denim.
FOR SIBLINGS: Soft, neutral textured pieces work beautifully.
06 PREPARING SIBLINGS
LITTLE ONES DON'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT.
Newborn sessions can feel long for toddlers and young children, so we'll keep their time short, relaxed, and age-appropriate. We'll photograph sibling portraits near the beginning while everyone is fresh. Once we're finished, having a trusted family member or friend take your older child home or out for an activity can help them stay happy while we continue with newborn and parent portraits.
CONSIDER BRINGING:
☐ Favorite snack
☐ Quiet toy or activity
☐ Favorite book
☐ Comfort item
And don't worry if they don't cooperate perfectly. They're little—and that's okay. Some of the sweetest photographs happen in the unplanned moments.
07 DON'T STRESS ABOUT...
AWAKE BABY- We'll simply work with your baby as they are.
CRYING- We'll pause, soothe, feed, cuddle, and try again.
DIAPER ACCIDENTS- They happen. We're prepared.
SIBLINGS- They don't need to sit still or smile perfectly. We'll keep things natural.
YOUR APPEARANCE- I'll guide you through flattering poses and gentle movement.
YOUR HOME- If your session includes lifestyle images, your home doesn't need to be perfect. We'll focus on the spaces that tell your family's story beautifully.
THE TIMELINE- There is no need to watch the clock. We move at baby's pace.
08 THE STUDIO
JESSYCA RENTERIA PHOTOGRAPHY
16517 Stephenie Street
Bakersfield, California
Your navigation should bring you directly to the studio. Parking is available near the entrance, and you'll enter through the side gate of the property. Please allow a few extra minutes to park and get settled so you can arrive feeling relaxed and unhurried.
09 A FINAL NOTE FROM ME
THIS SEASON IS FLEETING.
Your baby will never be this tiny again.
The sleepy stretches.
The tiny fingers.
The newborn sounds.
The way they fit perfectly against your chest.
Your session isn't about perfection. It's about preserving this moment. There may be feedings, diaper changes, tears, laughter, cuddles, and moments that don't go as planned. That's okay. They're part of your story, too. Come prepared, but don't come stressed. I'll guide you through the rest.
With love,
Jessyca Renteria Photography
