If you’re new here, welcome!

I’m Sandra Coan, a Seattle-based newborn, maternity, and family photographer with almost 30 years of studio experience. My approach is simple, classic, and baby-led, and my goal is to make your session feel calm, and effortless while we create timeless photos for your family!

In this guide, you’ll find:

everything you need to know about how to prepare for your photo session
why studio sessions are perfect for newborns and small children
a bit about our baby-led approach and why I don’t pose newborns
what my Seattle studio is like
pricing!

How to prepare for your newborn session

To prepare for your session, try to give the baby a good long feeding just before leaving home so that they are happy (and sleepy) by the time you arrive to the studio. We mostly work with newborns when they are just in a diaper, but if you have sentimental outfits, blankets or objects, feel free to bring them! We want to make these photos as special as we can! I recommend dressing the baby in something that is easy to remove, like a onsie that buttons or zips up the front. Try to avoid anything that needs to be pulled over their head, as most babies don’t love that, and we want to keep your baby as happy as possible for photos!

Parents and siblings should expect to be in a few of the pictures. I recommend staying away from logos or patterns when choosing your outfit. I find that plain, white, black or gray clothing works the best.

And remember, well-fed, well-rested kids are happy kids!

Why choose a studio session rather than an in-home sessions

Seattle’s light is unpredictable — especially in the fall and winter when days are short, skies are gray, and weather changes by the minute. But in the studio, I have complete control over the light, so your photos will always have a beautiful glow, regardless of what going on outside!

And with a studio session, there’s no pressure to tidy your home, clear space, or worry about how different rooms will photograph. You can walk into the studio exactly as you are — tired, joyful, overwhelmed, or all of the above — and everything you need is already waiting. It’s warm, calm, organized, and intentionally designed for newborns and families, so you can focus on relaxing while I create the images you’ll cherish forever.

My baby-led approach

Every newborn arrives with their own unique personality. The way they stretch, curl, yawn, or settle into your arms, it’s all precious and deserves to be captured. My baby-led approach honors your baby’s uniqueness. Instead of placing your baby into forced positions or arranging elaborate props, I place them in natural (and safe) positions and photograph them as they are. This method not only keeps your newborn safe and comfortable, it also allows me to capture their true personality and all the tiny expressions.

Choosing a baby-led session means giving your little one the freedom to move, rest, and be held in ways that feel natural to them. It also means your gallery will be filled with timeless images —The kinds of portraits that never go out of style!

The studio experience

Our studio is designed with families in mind. It’s warm, quiet and filled with beautiful light! I have a sitting area in the lobby for family members to relax, as well as toys and books for older children play with while they wait their turn for photos.

Babies and young children are place on a comfortable bed for photos. Most newborns sleep through their session, although they don’t need to be asleep to get great images. My baby-led approach means that your baby’s comfort and needs come first, so if they want to be away for their session, that is perfectly fine with me!

Pricing

We believe in full disclosure when it comes to pricing! So you can trust that there are no hidden fees or high pressure up-sells!

Our current session fee is $525. That fee covers my time and talent. Additional products like digital files and albums can be purchased. Follow this link to see my full offerings!

Ready to book?

We would love to work with you and your family! Follow this link to book your appointment

And if you’d like to learn more, explore the blog — it’s designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and excited for your photography experience

Your Guide to Newborn & Family Photography at Our North Seattle Studio