Sometimes you want to document the whole season.

And sometimes you just want to remember this one little thing.

Maybe your baby just learned to sit up and suddenly looks impossibly proud of herself. Maybe you’re pregnant and want a few beautiful portraits of this changing body, but want to keep things simple and focused just on you. Or maybe you’re welcoming a new baby and want photographs that tell the bigger story — not just what your newborn looks like, but what it feels like to be your family right now.

Those are different things to photograph. And they don’t necessarily need the same kind of session.

That’s why I offer two ways to work with me for maternity and baby portraits: Signature Sessions and Petite Sessions.

The Signature Session: when you want the whole story

Signature Sessions are my full portrait experience and are designed to give us time to slow down, settle in, and create a varied gallery of your family.

For a newborn session, that means photographs of your baby alone, siblings together, each parent with the baby, your whole family, and all of those tiny in-between moments that happen along the way.

For maternity or baby sessions, we have time for different combinations of family images, wardrobe changes, and plenty of room for little ones to warm up without feeling rushed.

Signature Sessions include wardrobe styling guidance, access to my studio wardrobe for mothers and babies, and a hand-edited gallery of 40+ images to choose from.

There’s no hard time limit. Most sessions run about an hour to an hour and a half, and newborn sessions go as long as needed to allow for feeding, soothing, and those sleepy baby poses.

Signature Sessions are the right fit if:

• You’re booking a newborn session.
• You want your whole family included.
• You want time for different groupings, interactions, or wardrobe changes.
• You want a relaxed session without watching the clock.
• You want the widest selection and the most flexibility in your image gallery.
• This feels like a chapter you want to document fully.

INQUIRE ABOUT A SIGNATURE SESSION

The Petite Session: when you want to remember one little moment

Petite Sessions are intentionally smaller.

These 30-minute weekday studio sessions are designed for one person. They’re perfect for maternity portraits or for documenting your baby anytime between 3 and 12 months — whether there’s a particular milestone to celebrate or you just don’t want this stage to slip by.

Think: the bump. The sitter stage. Those delicious baby rolls. The first birthday. That sweet little expression you know isn’t going to last forever.

Petite Sessions still include access to my studio wardrobe and the same gently guided approach and hand editing as my Signature Sessions. The difference is simply the scope: less time, one subject, and a smaller gallery of approximately 20 images.

Petite Sessions are the right fit if:

• You want to document one specific stage or milestone.
• The focus is just on you or your baby.
• You prefer something short and simple.
• You don’t need a large, varied gallery.
• You still want beautiful, thoughtfully created portraits without a full session.

INQUIRE ABOUT A PETITE SESSION

Still not sure?

Here’s the simplest way to think about it:

One person → Petite
More than one person → Signature

That’s genuinely it most of the time. If you’re an expecting mom who wants gorgeous maternity portraits of just herself, or you want to capture your seven-month-old’s chunky-roll phase without the whole production, then Petite is your session.

If you want your connection to your partner and your baby included (my specialty!), or you’re welcoming a new baby, Signature is the one.

And if you’re still on the fence after reading this, just reach out. I’m always happy to help you figure out what makes the most sense for where you are right now.

Contact Me for Details and Availability

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Christy Johnson Photography serves maternity, newborn, and baby’s first year families in Wake Forest, Raleigh, and the surrounding Triangle area.

When you’re pregnant, two weeks sounds like plenty of time.

Two weeks to settle in. Two weeks to get the hang of feeding. Two weeks to catch your breath before you think about scheduling anything else.

But after nearly 17 years of photographing newborns, I’ve learned that most parents underestimate just how quickly those first days pass.

One minute you’re bringing your baby home from the hospital. The next, you’re packing away newborn clothes that suddenly don’t fit anymore.

If you’ve been wondering about the best time for newborn photos, the answer for most families is within the first two weeks after birth. Here’s why photographers love this brief and beautiful season so much.

What Makes the First Two Weeks So Special?

In the early days after birth, your baby is still transitioning from life inside the womb.

Their tiny fists stay curled close to their face. Their knees naturally tuck toward their chest. They sleep deeply and stretch slowly, as though they haven’t quite realized they’re no longer floating in that warm, familiar space.

This is the stage newborn photographers are referring to when they talk about the “newborn phase.”

It’s not simply about your baby’s age.

It’s about a brief season when your baby still carries many of the characteristics that make newborn portraits so timeless and recognizable.

As the weeks pass, babies begin to unfurl. They become more alert, more expressive, and more interested in the world around them. Their sleep becomes lighter and less predictable.

It’s all wonderful (and worthy of photographing, don’t get me wrong!)

But it’s different.

And once this stage passes, it doesn’t come back.

Why Timing Matters for Newborn Photos

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that the photographs created during days 5–14 often have a different feel than those taken later.

During this window, babies tend to be sleepier and more settled, which allows for those peaceful, curled-up portraits many parents imagine when they think of newborn photography.

As babies grow, sessions naturally shift. We capture more eye contact, more expressions, and more of their emerging personality.

Both stages are beautiful.

But if your heart is drawn to those classic newborn images – the tiny fingers, sleepy stretches, and womb-like poses – the first couple of weeks are often the ideal time.

The Most Common Thing Parents Tell Me

There is one phrase I hear over and over again:

“I didn’t realize how fast it would go.”

Not because parents aren’t paying attention.

Quite the opposite.

Those early weeks are full.

You’re recovering. You’re feeding around the clock. You’re learning your baby’s cues. You’re soaking in every tiny detail while somehow also functioning on very little sleep.

It’s a beautiful blur.

And because you’re so immersed in it, it can be difficult to see how quickly your baby is changing day by day.

After photographing hundreds of newborns, I’ve learned that parents rarely regret taking newborn photos.

What they sometimes regret is waiting until they had “more time.”

Because somehow, that time never quite arrives.

How to Make Sure You Don’t Miss the Window

The good news is that preserving this season doesn’t require stress or complicated planning.

In fact, the best time to book your newborn photographer is during pregnancy.

When you reserve your newborn session with me during pregnancy, I hold space on my calendar around your due date. Once your little one arrives, we’ll choose the actual session date within that ideal newborn window.

If you’re wondering exactly when to reach out, I’ve written a full guide on when to schedule newborn photos that walks you through the timing in more detail.

Planning ahead means one less thing to think about once you’re holding your baby in your arms.

What a Newborn Session Actually Looks Like

One concern I hear from first-time parents is that they’re worried a newborn session will feel stressful or overwhelming.

The reality is quite the opposite.

My Wake Forest studio is designed to be calm, comfortable, and baby-led.

There is no rushing.

There is no expectation that your baby will perform on cue.

We pause for feedings. We stop for cuddles. We follow your baby’s lead throughout the session.

Before your session, I’ll help with wardrobe planning and answer any questions you may have. On session day, I’ll gently guide you through everything, from posing to soothing techniques and transitions.

You don’t need to know what to do.

You simply get to show up and love on your baby.

Thinking Beyond the Newborn Stage

Many families begin by planning newborn photos, only to realize how quickly the entire first year unfolds.

One moment you’re counting kicks. The next you’re celebrating first smiles, sitting up, and first birthdays.

That’s why some families choose a newborn session on its own, while others choose the First Year Anthology, which allows us to document pregnancy, newborn days, and baby’s first year as one cohesive story.

There’s no right or wrong choice.

The important thing is preserving the moments that matter most to your family.

A Note for Expecting Parents

If you’re reading this while pregnant, take a deep breath.

You do not need to have every detail figured out today.

You don’t need to know exactly what you’ll wear.

You don’t need to know which images you’ll love most.

You simply need a little bit of planning.

Because one day you’ll realize your baby doesn’t curl up quite the same way anymore.

And you’ll be glad you took the time to preserve those tiny details while they were still here.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re expecting and considering newborn photos, I’d love to help you plan a relaxed, meaningful experience that feels true to your family.

You may also find these resources helpful:

• When Should You Schedule Newborn Photos?
• What to Expect From a Newborn Photography Session
• How Much Does Newborn Photography Cost?
• Are Maternity Photos Worth It?

When you’re ready, you can learn more about newborn sessions or reach out to reserve your spot.

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If you’ve ever stood in front of your child’s closet wondering how to dress them for heirloom portraits, you’re definitely not alone.

In fact, outfit selection is easily the part of session preparation that parents stress over the most. And I completely understand why.

These portraits are meant to feel timeless. They’re the photographs you’ll frame in your home, tuck into albums, and someday look back on with misty eyes when your little one suddenly isn’t so little anymore.

That can feel like a lot of pressure.

But here’s the good news: choosing heirloom portrait outfits for children doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

With a little guidance and intentionality, the process can actually become one of the most fun and meaningful parts of preparing for your session.

After photographing children for more than 17 years, I’ve learned that the right outfit doesn’t just photograph beautifully … it helps tell the story of who your child is in this season of life.

And while wardrobe absolutely matters, perfection isn’t the goal.

The goal is creating portraits that feel timeless, beautiful, and true.

Start With the Vision: What Story Do You Want to Tell?

Before you start shopping, pause for a moment and think about the feeling you want these portraits to carry.

Do you imagine something:

• classic and traditional?
• soft and romantic?
• simple and understated?
• playful yet timeless?

The outfit you choose sets the tone for the entire portrait.

Some children shine beautifully in traditional heirloom dresses with delicate embroidery and lace details. Others feel more like themselves in simple linen rompers, soft knits, peter pan collars, or classic smocked pieces.

Think About Your Child’s Personality

I always encourage parents to choose heirloom portrait outfits that feel aligned with their child’s personality rather than simply choosing what is trendy.

The best outfit is one your child can still be themselves in. Heirloom Portraits may have a classic, traditional feel, but I never want a child to look overly styled or uncomfortable.

If your child is happiest in something simple and unfussy, lean into that. If she loves a beautiful dress and feels wonderful wearing it, that’s perfect too. The goal isn’t to turn your child into someone else for the photograph. It’s to choose clothing that complements the timeless style of the portrait while still leaving plenty of room for them to come through.

Because ultimately, the clothing should support the portrait—not become the portrait.

The Timeless Color Palettes That Never Disappoint

When it comes to heirloom portrait outfits, soft and timeless colors almost always photograph best.

Some of my favorite color palettes include:

• ivory
• cream
• soft white
• warm beige
• dusty blue
• sage
• muted blush
• soft gray
• pale brown
• muted florals

These tones photograph beautifully because they keep the focus on your child’s expression rather than distracting from it.

I generally recommend avoiding:

• neon colors
• bright primary colors
• bold graphics
• trendy patterns
• harsh black
• super saturated tones

These tend to pull attention away from the face and can make portraits feel dated more quickly over time.

Skin tone and hair color also matter.

Children with warm skin tones often photograph beautifully in creams, warm neutrals, sage, and muted earthy colors. Cooler skin tones tend to pair especially well with dusty blues, soft grays, muted pinks, and cooler neutrals.

And honestly? If you’re unsure, that’s completely okay.

Helping parents navigate wardrobe choices is part of my process, and I’m always happy to guide you toward pieces that will photograph beautifully.

Fabric and Quality: What Actually Shows in Photographs

One thing many parents don’t realize until they see final portraits is just how much fabric quality impacts the finished image.

Photography captures texture incredibly well.

Soft linens, cotton voile, delicate knits, smocking, embroidery, lace, and natural fabrics tend to photograph beautifully because they add depth and softness without overwhelming the portrait.

On the other hand, stiff synthetic fabrics, shiny materials, and fast-fashion pieces often photograph much harsher than they appear in person.

Fit matters too.

Clothing that is too large can look bulky and distracting on camera, while overly tight clothing can pull awkwardly and make children uncomfortable during the session.

Comfort is especially important for little ones.

Children photograph best when they feel relaxed and free to move naturally.

Texture Photographs Beautifully

When you’re choosing between two similarly colored outfits, look at the fabric. Linen, cotton, smocking, embroidery, pintucks, lace, and other subtle details add dimension without competing with your child’s face.

This is especially beautiful in Heirloom Portraits, where the palette is intentionally simple. With fewer colors and distractions in the frame, those quiet details have room to show.

I generally prefer texture over pattern for these sessions. A beautifully textured cream dress, for example, will give the photograph visual interest while still keeping your child at the center of it.

Keep Patterns Quiet

Patterns aren’t completely off-limits, but I recommend keeping them subtle. Bold prints, large florals, logos, and high-contrast patterns tend to pull attention away from the face—and with Heirloom Portraits, the face is the whole point.

Soft stripes, tiny florals, delicate embroidery, or a subtle woven pattern can work beautifully. When in doubt, though, a simple solid or softly textured neutral is almost always a safe choice.

Remember: we’re creating something you may want hanging on your wall for decades. Simple clothing gives the portrait room to age gracefully.

Age-Appropriate Heirloom Outfit Styles That Photograph Beautifully

Different ages tend to photograph best in different styles, and keeping comfort in mind is key.

Babies & Toddlers

Soft bubbles, rompers, knit sets, bloomers, simple dresses, and smocked pieces photograph beautifully on little ones.

At this age, simplicity almost always wins.

Babies and toddlers are already incredibly expressive and visually sweet, so the outfit should complement rather than compete.

Preschool & Early Elementary

This is often the perfect age for classic heirloom styling.

Beautiful dresses with soft details, peter pan collars, suspenders, short sets, smocking, and timeless silhouettes all photograph wonderfully during these years.

This is also the age where personality really begins shining through, which makes outfit selection especially fun.

Older Children & Tweens

As children grow, I typically recommend leaning toward more understated and refined pieces.

Simple linen dresses, soft neutral tones, classic button-downs, delicate textures, and elegant silhouettes tend to photograph best while still allowing older children to feel comfortable and age-appropriate.

The goal is always timelessness, not making a child look younger than they are.

Common Heirloom Portrait Outfit Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

After many years photographing children, there are a few wardrobe mistakes I see repeatedly.

The good news? They’re easy to avoid.

Waiting Until the Last Minute

This is probably the biggest one.

The best heirloom pieces often sell out quickly, especially seasonally.

Giving yourself plenty of time allows you to order multiple options if needed and avoid unnecessary stress.

Prioritizing Trendiness Over Timelessness

Trendy outfits may feel current today, but timeless portraits are the goal.

Years from now, you’ll likely appreciate classic simplicity much more than whatever trend happened to be popular at the time.

Forgetting About Comfort

An uncomfortable child rarely photographs happily.

Scratchy fabrics, stiff collars, itchy lace, or shoes that pinch can quickly derail a session.

Always let your child try their outfit on before session day.

Choosing Overly Busy Clothing

Large bows, giant logos, loud patterns, and overly complicated outfits tend to distract from what really matters: your child.

The portraits that stand the test of time are usually the simplest.

One of my favorite transformations happened after a mom originally planned to dress her daughter in a brightly patterned outfit. After we talked through the overall vision of the portraits, she chose a much simpler cream-colored dress with delicate embroidery instead.

The final portraits felt soft, timeless, and emotionally beautiful in a way the original outfit simply wouldn’t have achieved.

Sometimes less really is more.

Trust the Process (And Your Photographer!)

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by choosing heirloom portrait outfits, please know this:

You do not have to figure it all out alone.

Helping families prepare for their portraits is part of what I do, and I truly love guiding parents through the process.

Over the years, I’ve learned that wardrobe selection becomes so much easier when parents stop focusing on creating the “perfect” outfit and instead focus on creating portraits that feel authentic, timeless, and emotionally meaningful.

And honestly? Children don’t need much.

A beautifully chosen outfit simply creates space for their personality, expressions, and spirit to shine.

Those are the things you’ll treasure most years from now.

If you’re currently planning heirloom portraits and feeling stuck on what to choose, I’d love to help.

You can explore my Heirloom Portrait sessions here.

And browse my curated heirloom portrait outfit recommendations here.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend pieces and brands that align beautifully with my photography style and photograph well for heirloom portraits.