This guide is designed to help you feel fully prepared for your newborn session. You’ll find helpful information to walk you through what to expect and how to get ready. Please know I’m here for you every step of the way — if any questions come up, don’t hesitate to reach out.
NEWBORN
SESSION GUIDE
THE NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT GUIDE
Congratulations on the arrival of your little one and this beautiful new chapter for your family.
It's truly an honor to document this season for you and to preserve these earliest memories as your family grows.
This guide is designed to thoughtfully walk you through what to expect and how to prepare for your newborn session. If you have any questions along the way, I’m always here and happy to help.
WELCOME
I'M KARA EVANS
— With love, Kara
Keep reading for more details on how to prepare for your newborn session.
The session is all about connection — the little in-between moments, the way you look at your baby, and how you snuggle your newborn close in these early days. My goal is to document this season in a way that feels genuine and timeless, so you can look back and remember exactly how it felt. Newborn sessions take place at my studio in Downtown Kankakee during daytime hours, where soft, natural light creates a calm and consistent environment. Sessions are typically scheduled in the morning or midday, when newborns are often at their sleepiest and most content. After your session, I carefully cull down and edit the final images to reflect the heart of our time together. Your full gallery is typically delivered within 2–3 weeks. You’ll receive a private online gallery where you can view, download, and enjoy your images for years to come.
what to expect
preparing for your newborn session
Newborn sessions are scheduled around your due date to reserve space on my calendar. I recommend planning your session for the first three weeks after baby arrives, when newborns are typically sleepier and still in that early, snuggy stage.
When you book, your due date and a tentative session date are secured on my calendar. Because I take a limited number of newborn sessions each month, this ensures flexibility and availability during that timeframe.
Once your baby arrives, we’ll finalize your session date based on how everything is going. Please reach out as soon as your baby is born so we can adjust and confirm timing if needed.
While I suggest scheduling within the first few weeks for those classic newborn images, there is truly no wrong time to document your baby — every stage is worth remembering.
BEFORE
THE SESSION
SCHEDULING YOUR SESSION
I’ll be ready for you at the studio 10–15 minutes before your session start time. You’re welcome to arrive, get settled, and feed or change the baby right before we begin so they are nice and sleepy for photos.
Mom, dad, and siblings can also change into session outfits once you arrive if that’s easier for everyone. Especially to keep your outfits clean and wrinkle free!
Newborn sessions typically last 60–90 minutes, depending on how baby is doing. We move at a relaxed pace, take breaks as needed, and always follow baby’s lead – there is never any rushing.
A calm environment makes a big difference, so the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your baby will be as well.
DAY OF
THE SESSION
YOUR SESSION IS finally HERE!
I know it’s natural to want to prepare your children for photos by telling them to sit still, look at the camera, smile, and follow directions perfectly.
But I actually encourage you not to approach it that way. Children rarely experience sessions like that, and I don’t want this to feel stiff, forced, or stressful for anyone involved. Instead, I want it to feel relaxed, natural, and full of connection.
During newborn sessions with siblings, we follow a simple flow. We typically start with the whole family together, then move into sibling photos with the new baby, followed by individual images of the older children. Once the sibling photo portion is complete, they’re free to relax, have a snack, and hang out at the studio.
After many years of photographing newborns, this rhythm has become the most natural and efficient way to create beautiful images while keeping things easy for little ones.
Every child is different – some are shy, some are excited, and some aren’t quite sure what to think at first. Some warm up quickly, while others need a little more time. You know your children best, and I always appreciate any insight you can share ahead of time that might help me connect with them well.
How to Prep siblings
Choosing outfits for your newborn and family photos can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to make it simple for you.
I always recommend starting with neutrals. They’re timeless, classic, and photograph beautifully without pulling attention away from what matters most — your family. I also love incorporating denim, chambray, and soft earthy tones like greens, browns, and warm creams for a layered, natural look.
What you wear does play a role in the overall feel of your images, but the goal is always the same — to keep the focus on you and your connection, not the clothing.
Below, you’ll find my online styling tool, which is a great place to begin planning outfits, along with a studio inspiration board for additional outfit ideas.
what to wear
outfit tips for your photoshoot
Before we begin, it helps so much if baby has a full feeding and a fresh diaper. This usually helps them settle in and stay sleepy once we get started.
01. Start with a full belly & a clean diaper
my best advice
tips & tricks for a smooth newborn session
before your session
I recommend bringing baby to the studio in an easy-to-remove sleeper. Once you arrive, I’ll gently swaddle them using wraps from my studio collection.
02. Arrive with baby in a simple sleeper
Feel free to dress older siblings (and even yourselves) once you get to the studio. This helps keep clothes clean during travel & makes things easier with littles.
03. Change into outfits once you arrive
Snacks, drinks, and a few quiet toys or activities can be a lifesaver while siblings are waiting for their turn or after their photos are done at the studio.
04. Pack snacks & toys for siblings
Newborn sessions are slow by nature. We take breaks as needed, follow the baby’s lead, and allow plenty of time so nothing ever feels rushed.
05. Plan for a relaxed, unhurried experience
- Extra diapers + wipes. Newborns go through a lot in a short amount of time, so having plenty of diapers and wipes on hand is always helpful for quick changes as needed.
- Pacifier (if you use one). If your baby takes a pacifier, please bring it along. It can be very helpful for soothing between setups, even if it’s not used often at home.
- Baby essentials for comfort. Items like baby lotion, a soft brush, or anything you regularly use in your routine are helpful for keeping baby comfortable and settled throughout the session.
- A backup outfit, just in case. Newborn sessions are unpredictable, and little messes are part of it. I recommend bringing a spare outfit for baby and, if you’d like, an extra shirt for mom and dad so everyone feels comfortable and prepared.
- Feeding essentials. Please bring anything you need for feeding baby so we can keep them comfortable and content throughout your time in the studio.
Packing List
a checklist of things to remember
The studio is located at 388 East Court Street, Suite 101, Kankakee, IL 60901. The entrance is under the black awning along Court Street.
Street parking is available along East Court Street and South Indiana Avenue. There is also additional parking on the east side of the building in front of the B. Harley Bradley House mural.
If you choose to park in the east parking lot by the mural, please let me know when you arrive so I can provide you with a parking pass for your window.
getting to
the studio
Blog Post with Highlights
four weeks
Online Gallery Delivered
three weeks
Sneak Peek Photos
One week
when to expect your newborn photos
Whenever you are unsure about the little details or have a question while planning for your session, let me know. No question is too small or silly to ask. If you can't decide whether to pick the pink or beige headband for your baby girl or which shoe looks best, I'm always here for you!
And I can't wait for your session!
I'M HERE FOR YOU.
See you soon, Kara
Whenever you’re unsure about the small details or have questions while planning for your newborn session, please don’t hesitate to reach out. No question is too small — I’m always here to help guide you through the process.
And I can't wait for your session!
I'M HERE FOR YOU.
See you soon, Kara