Available for in-home
& studio sessions
Serving NYC &
surrounding areas
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heirloom SESSION prep-guide
Your session day
is almost here!
Heirloom Portrait sessions are simple, timeless, and completely focused on your child. Each session is photographed on a clean white backdrop and carefully edited with a soft vignette finish.
There are no elaborate props or distracting details—just your child’s expressions, features, and personality at this stage.
PLAN AROUND NAPS
Choose a session time when your baby is usually happiest. A well-rested baby will be more comfortable and engaged.
Try to keep your baby’s regular nap schedule on the day of the session. If they fall asleep on the way to the studio, allow them to finish their nap when possible.
before your session
Try to keep your child’s naps and meals as close to their normal routine as possible. A well-rested and comfortable child will have a much easier time settling into the session.
Please offer them a meal or snack before arriving and bring water, a few non-messy snacks, and anything else they may need.
Avoid chocolate, colorful candy, berries, or snacks that could stain their face, hands, or clothing.
WHAT TO BRING
• Diapers and wipes
• An extra bottle or feeding supplies
• Non-messy snacks
• A favorite small toy
• A pacifier, if used
• A backup outfit
• A hairbrush or comb
Please avoid bringing large or brightly colored toys. A small favorite toy can help get your baby’s attention without distracting from the portraits.
WARDROBE
Simple, classic clothing works best for Heirloom Portraits.
The studio has a curated wardrobe with soft, neutral pieces, including traditional Feltman Brothers–style outfits, rompers, dresses, bloomers, and knitted pieces.
You are also welcome to bring your own outfit. Look for timeless details such as:
• Peter Pan collars
• Smocking or embroidery
• Soft knits
• Traditional rompers
• Simple dresses
• Bloomers and knee-high socks
• White, cream, light blue, or soft neutral colors
Please avoid large logos, bright colors, busy patterns, modern graphics, and anything that may distract from your child.
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PREPARING YOUR CHILD
Keep the explanation simple and positive. Let your child know they are coming to the studio to have their picture taken and that you will be close by.
There is no need to practice smiling or ask them to perform. Natural expressions—whether joyful, curious, thoughtful, or serious—are part of what makes these portraits so meaningful.
Please avoid putting pressure on your child or promising a reward before the session begins. If you bring a treat, keep it out of sight until it is needed.
DURING THE SESSION
I will give your child time to become comfortable before expecting them to look at the camera.
Parents should be prepared to stand close to me and help with familiar songs, sounds, or games. Please allow me to guide the interaction so your child does not receive too many directions at once.
Not every child will smile immediately, and that is completely okay. The goal is to create portraits that feel true to who they are right now.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Please clean your baby’s face, hands, and nails before the session. Avoid applying heavy lotion or oil immediately beforehand, as it can make the skin appear shiny.
Remove tight socks, headbands, or clothing that may leave marks on the skin at least 30 minutes before the session.
FAVORITE TOYS AND SONGS
Think about the songs, sounds, or games that usually make your baby smile. You may be asked to stand close to the camera and help get their attention.
Please do not worry if your baby does not smile immediately. Serious expressions, curiosity, and quiet moments are all part of their personality at this age.
PETS
Pets are welcome to be included when it can be done safely.
If you would like photographs with your pet, please let me know before the session. Have treats available and, if possible, arrange for someone to help manage the pet during the photographs.
Please make sure your pet has had a walk or activity before the session. After their portion is finished, they should have a comfortable space away from the main photography area.
Your baby’s safety will always come first, and pet photographs will depend on your pet’s comfort and behavior.
Before You Walk Out the Door...
- Full tummies
- Water bottles packed
- Small, non-messy snacks
- Comfort item if someone has one
- Diapers, wipes, and an extra outfit for little ones
- Hairbrush
- Remove phones and keys from pockets
- Take one deep breath
- Leave perfection at home
our studio
wardrobe
Leave Room for
the Unexpected.
No family session goes exactly as planned. Someone will probably get grass on their knees. Someone might need a snack five minutes after you arrive. A toddler may decide shoes are suddenly unacceptable. None of those things are problems.
They're childhood.
The less tightly we hold onto expectations, the more room there is for genuine moments to unfold.
What Happens Next
01. Your session
02. Hand editing
Enjoy the moment. I'll take care of everything else.
Over the next 2–3 weeks, every image is carefully selected and individually edited with my signature style.
03. Your proof gallery arrives
You'll receive an email with your proofing gallery, ready for you to fall in love with your images.
04. Viewing & ordering
Choose your favorites online, or join me for an in-person viewing at the studio. This is when you select the collection that's right for your family.
05. Enjoy them often
Your final gallery and heirloom artwork arrive according to the collection you've chosen — ready to print, frame, and revisit for years to come.
