Not a fan of awkward photos? Same.
At Tara Lee Photography, I keep things real, relaxed, and full of connection — so you can actually enjoy your session and love your images. Whether you're booking a newborn session, family photos, or a branding shoot in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Troy, or anywhere in the Metro East Illinois area, here’s what you can expect every step of the way.
From outfit styling and location tips to prompts that feel natural (and maybe even fun), I’m with you from inquiry to gallery delivery. My goal is to make your session feel light, stress-free, and true to you — with a final gallery full of images that feel both timeless and full of personality.
If you’re wondering how it all works, keep scrolling — I’ve got you.
An unforgettable experience
Celebrating the joy of family moments
What To Expect
Tips and Tricks
Newborn Sessions
NEWBORN SESSIONS ARE SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE WITHIN THE FIRST 16 DAYS FOLLOWING BIRTH. THIS IS PREFERRED AS BABIES are still in that super sleepy, squishy, curly stage. It's also best to do the session before the baby acne sets in. This is not to say we can't photograph your baby a bit older, but the ultimate time is during the first TWO weeks.
SHOOTS ALL NEWBORN SESSIONS IN STUDIO WHERE WE HAVE EASY ACCESS TO THE hundreds of PROPS, HATS, HEADBANDS, AND BACKDROPS THAT will HIGHLIGHT YOUR SWEET BABY. TLP REQUESTS THAT SHE IS CONTACTED WITHIN THE FIRST 3 DAYS FOLLOWING BIRTH TO SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION.
ON THE DAY OF THE SESSION THE STUDIO WILL BE 75-80 DEGREES; SO PLAN ACCORDINGLY AS FAR AS DRESS. THESE TEMPERATURES ENSURE THAT YOUR BABY IS COMFORTABLE. REMEMBER newborns ARE USED TO A VERY WARM ENVIRONMENT AND WE WANT TO SIMULATE THAT ENVIRONMENT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
I RECOMMEND THAT PARENTS KEEP BABY AWAKE PRIOR TO THE SESSION (1 HOUR IS BEST). WE WANT THE BABY NICE AND SLEEPY FOR THE SESION. I DO ASK THAT BABY IS FED WHEN YOU ARRIVE TO THE STUDIO. I SUGGEST MODIFYING YOUR SCHEDULE, WITHIN REASON, TO ACCOMMODATE THIS REQUEST. SESSIONS GENERALLY LAST FOR 2-3 HOURS. IF BABY HAS SIBLINGS IT IS MORE COMMON THAN NOT THAT THE SESSION WILL BE closer to 3 HOURS. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY. BRING SNACKS, WATER, AND DRINKS FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY. PLAN ON FREQUENT BREAKS THROUGHOUT THE SESSION TO ROCK, FEED, AND SOOTHE THE BABY. I AM IN NO HURRY AND I NEVER FEEL STRESSED FOR TIME. MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE NOT SCHEDULED SOMETHING FOR DIRECTLY AFTER THE SESSION AS WE MAY RUN OVER IF YOUR BABY NEEDS MORE SOOTHING TIME.
IF YOU PLAN TO INCLUDE SIBLINGS IN THE SESSION I ASK THAT THEY ARRIVE TO THE SESSION AT THE BEGINNING. I WILL START WITH SIBLING POSES, THEN WORK STRAIGHT INTO THE FAMILY POSING. WHEN THIS PART OF THE SESSION CONCLUDES I RECOMMEND THAT YOU HAVE AN ADULT AVAILABLE TO LEAVE WITH THE SIBLINGS. IT IS VERY LIKELY THAT THEY WILL GET BORED AND RESTLESS. ALLOWING THEM TO LEAVE HELPS KEEP THE SHOOT RELAXED AND QUIET WHILE THE BABY GETS his/her CLOSE UPS.
WARDROBE—AS FAR AS WARDROBE FOR THE BABY IT IS BEST TO KEEP IT MINIMAL. BABY’S BEST OUTFIT IS THEIR BIRTHDAY SUIT. WE WILL STRIP THEM DOWN TO A DIAPER WHEN YOU ARRIVE. I WILL THEN USE MY FULL STASH OF WRAPS, BLANKETS, HATS, BONNETS, HEADBANDS, AND PROPS TO PERSONALIZE THE SESSION. FOR PARENTS AND SIBLINGS I RECOMMEND SIMPLE AND NEUTRAL STYLING. THIS HELPS TO KEEP FOCUS ON THE BABY AND THE CONNECTION between family. FOR MOM A NEUTRAL TOP OR DRESS IS NICE. FOR DAD I SUGGEST SIMPLE SOLID-COLORED SHIRTS, KHAKIS OR JEANS. FOR SIBLINGS NEUTRAL CLOTHING THAT FITS NOW.
FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY BE SURE TO BRING A CHANGE OF CLOTHES. THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT BABY WILL SOIL ON SOMEONE. DON’T WORRY IF THIS HAPPENS. IT IS AN EVERYDAY OCCURRENCE AT THE STUDIO. I EXPECT BABIES TO CRY, POOP, AND PEE. I DO PREFER TO SOOTHE THE BABY AND HOPE THAT YOU WILL FIND THE SESSION TO BE A RELAXING AND ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE.
SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING TO YOUR SESSION:
PACIFIERS (EVEN IF YOU AREN’T USING ONE YET, PLEASE BRING A FEW OF THE SOOTHIe BRAND)
BABY WIPES, EXTRA DIAPERS, Burp CLOTHS
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE MORE MILK OR BOTTLES THAN YOU MAY TYPICALLY NEED
SNACKS AND DRINKS
CHANGE OF CLOTHES
ONE-TWO SPECIAL ITEMS YOU MAY WANT PHOTOGRAPHED WITH THE BABY. THIS IS OPTIONAL AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BRING ANYTHING. I HAVE HUNDREDS OF PROPS IN THE STUDIO. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING SPECIAL, BUT A FAMILY HIERLOOM IS ALWAYS A NICE TOUCH (IE. QUILTS OR THE LIKE).
