What to Wear To Your Newborn Photoshoot
seattle newborn photographer sandra coan | what to wear to a newborn photo session | families photographed on film

What a client should wear to their photoshoot is probably the questions I am most often asked.  And I get.  Your baby is only a newborn once, so you want to get it right!

I believe that newborns are perfect just the way they are, and I love to show that perfectness off in their photos!

With newborns, less is more!

With newborns, less is more.  We don’t want them getting lost is a ton of clothing.  Because of that I prefer plain diapers and swaddle blankets, but if you have a special heirloom piece, like a Christening gown, or hand made blanket, but all means bring it!  I love incorporating special garments and blankets into my newborn sessions!

Neutral colors work best for family members.

And you should plan on being in some photos too!  I love photographing moms, dads, and older siblings into my newborn sessions!  To prepare, plan on neutral clothing and try to stay away from patterns or logos.  You don't all have to match, but you do want to make sure you are wearing similar tones.  So, for example, you don't want mom and big brother in white, but then have dad in black.  It would be better to have everyone in shads of gray or cream instead.

Seattle newborn photographer Sandra Coan | What to wear | Families photographed on film | Two older sisters holding their infant sister
Newborn photographer Seattle | Sandra Coan | Families photographed on film
Bringing Props & Toys to Your Session | Seattle Newborn Photographer

Families always ask what they need to bring to their newborn photoshoots.  There is no right or wrong answer to this question.  It's really just up to personal taste, but if you want a little inspiration, here are a few great ideas!

special stuffed animals and/or blankets

Maybe your baby was gifted a special blanket.  Or maybe you have the stuffed animal you bought the day you found out you were pregnant.  What every it is, if it is special and has sentimental value, or even if  you just like, you should totally bring it along!

I mean, how cute is this little guy all curled up with his stuffies! 

sandra coan seattle newborn baby photography newborn with a japanese stuffed animal toy owl
sandra coan seattle newborn baby photography japanese props, toys, and dolls
sandra coan seattle newborn baby photography japanese stuffed animal owl toy
sandra coan seattle newborn baby photography japanese props, toys, and dolls

a calendar

I've had several clients bring calendars over the years and I always think it's a great idea!  These shots make for fun birth announcements and look adorable displayed in a nursery!

sandra coan seattle newborn baby photographer calendar

letter blocks

It's always fun to use letter blocks to spell out your baby's name!  Again, these makes for a super fun announcement or nurserary art!

I'm obsessed with these Japanese  character blocks that my client brought in!  So cute!!

sandra coan seattle newborn baby photography japanese blocks, toys, and dolls

you... the best prop around

No matter what you bring or what you don't bring, you should alway be prepared to be in the photos with your baby.  

I know you're tired.  

I know you just had a baby.  

But trust me... in five, ten, twenty years, these will be your most cherished images.  

I promise!  

And, they will mean the world to your children some day. 

Seattle Newborn Photography , Sandra Coan.  Studio Photography, shot on film.
Seattle Newborn Photography , Sandra Coan.  Studio Photography, shot on film.
sandra coan seattle newborn and family photography

I hope this was helpful!  But if you have more questions about your session, check this page on things what to expect at your photoshoot.

Have a great day!

The Thing About January | Seattle Family Photographer

I remember visiting my older brother in Seattle in January of 1995.  What I remember when I think of that visit was how sunny it was.  I was visiting from Pullman, WA (Go Cougs!) where we were still in the throws of a long hard winter.  That was the year I thought it would never stop snowing.

And then I came to Seattle... and it was sunny!!!  

That was when I decided to move.  I came to Seattle in July of 1995 and haven't looked back!

So, here's the thing about January in Seattle.  It seems like it's always sunny!  November and December are DARK.  But then, just when I think I can take it any more, January comes along, and the sun comes out.

This January was no exception.  Yes, it was COLD!!!  But the sun was out.  It warmed me through the window and filled my studio beautiful natural light to work with.

Thanks January!  See you next year!

Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Because They're Only Little Once | Seattle Family Photographer

Like everything, family photography has a season.  Things really pick up in the fall, and it stays very busy until about mid December.  

I understand.  Fall is a great time to refresh your family photos and turn those images into holiday gifts and cards.  But your photos are about more than just a great Holiday card.

Here is the truth.

They are only little once.

No matter what age your kids are.  Maybe they're a newborn.  Maybe they're five.  Maybe they're 15.  No matter their age, this is the only time they will ever be that.  So celebrate it!  

Now is the perfect time for photos!  No mater what now is.  

You don't need a reason to capture them now, as they are.  And believe me.  You'll be so glad you did.

Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography

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Celebrating One | Seattle Baby Photographer

This little cutie came into the studio just before the Christmas holiday.  Her portrait session was to celebrate her fist birthday and her mom made her a beautiful flower crown in honor of the occasion.  None of us were sure if she'd keep it on, but to our surprise she loved it!  We were able to get many photos of her in the crown, and a few with out it as well.  A very fun one year portrait session!

Newborn photographer Sandra Coan, Seattle studio portraits shot on film
Newborn photographer Sandra Coan, Seattle studio portraits shot on film
Newborn photographer Sandra Coan, Seattle studio portraits shot on film
Newborn photographer Sandra Coan, Seattle studio portraits shot on film
Newborn photographer Sandra Coan, Seattle studio portraits shot on film
Newborn photographer Sandra Coan, Seattle studio portraits shot on film

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Newborn Babies and Newborn Families | Seattle Family Photographer

A couple weeks ago I mentioned on Instagram that the birth of a newborn baby comes with the birth of a newborn mother.  It's something that I think about all the time.  

We all go into labor, just us... and come out of it mothers; our lives completely changed forever. The same is true of men.  The transition to "father" is swift and powerful.   

Honestly, this is one of my favorite things about being a newborn photographer.  I LOVE babies! Like, crazy love.  But I also LOVE watching and photographing new families... when the emotion in the room is palpable.  

This time of year tends to make me sentimental.  The music and the lights and all the Christmasy stuff... but I woke up this morning feeling so grateful for all the families who walk through my doors all year long and allow me to be part of their delicious newness.  Not only do I get to see it and feel it, I get to capture in on film and save it for all time.

How amazing is that?

So thank you to all of my wonderful clients.  I hope you all have the happiest of Holidays!

xoxoxox,
Sandra

Sandra Coan, Newborn photography on film
Sandra Coan, Newborn photography on film
Sandra Coan, Newborn photography on film
Sandra Coan, Newborn photography on film
Sandra Coan, Newborn photography on film

All images we shot on Fuji 400h film.  Processed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab.

 

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Sandra Coan's Holiday Card Paper Chain

Something you probably don't know about me is that I love holiday decorations.  Like, LOVE them.  And I'm not ashamed to say it!

Sandra Coan, Film Photography, Holiday paper chain

I'm also kind of a pack rat.  And I can not bring myself to throw away any of my holiday cards at the end of the year.  

For years I stored them all in a big box in the basement. But I never looked at them.  They just sat there.  Collecting dust. Then one day, about 9 years ago,  I decided to merge my two loves.  I took all those old cards and turn them into a decoration, a beautiful holiday card paper chain.

Ever since then, the making of the holiday card paper chain has become one of my family's favorite traditions.

Every year when I take down the decorations in January, I store all of the old cards in a box, and then, the next year, when the decorations come out, my family and I get to work turning last year's cards into a colorful festive chain.

We add the new links onto the old chain, and so every year it grows. And it's so fun to be able to look up and see faces of friends and holiday wishes from years past.

This is how its done.

Step one:  Cut your old cards into one inch(ish) strips.

Step two:  Make a loop and staple it together.  (In the beginning I used tape, but I have found that staples work best!)  Then make your next loop and start building your chain.

Step three:  Decorate and enjoy!   Isn't it pretty!!

Sandra Coan, Film photography.  Holiday Paper Chain
Sandra Coan, Film photography.  Holiday Paperchain

Happy Holidays!

xoxo,
Sandra

Sandra Coan Comments
I love my job | Seattle Family Photographer

The moment this adorable family walked into my  Seattle studio, I knew it was going to be a great photo shoot. 

This little lady was so much fun to work with.  And her parents could not have been any nicer!  

It was all made better when, after sending out their gallery, I received this email:  "Sandra.  I am dying.  Going to cry.  I LOVE THEM ALL SO MUCH.  You don't understand.  I'm such a critical person and usually always lean towards hate vs. like for any and all photos and I love these.  You are magic."  

Documenting families, creating images that will stand the test of time, really is my life's work. 

Freezing moments.

Stopping time.

Showing love and connection. 

That is why I became a photographer

Plus... can this baby be any cuter?!!!  I really do love my job!

Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.

All images captured using Fuji 400h film with a Hasselblad H2. 
Processed and scanned my Richard Photo Lab.

for information on upcoming promotions and events