Your new babe has arrived earth-side and your lives will never quite be the same. It feels as though your heart has grown ten-fold and there are never enough kisses to deliver on their tiny heads. Years from now, I want you and your children to look back on these images and appreciate that you chose to capture these early days in the comfort of your own home. Because it's the place that holds the most memories, the place you built your love and the place where you brought your baby home. 

You are a busy woman, already making hundreds of decisions each day. You deserve to have a seamless experience from start to finish. I want you to walk away from our time together feeling valued, with wonderful memories and beautiful images of our session gracing your home. I want you to view them and feel the love that emits from you. I want your children to view them and feel loved.

I believe in doing more than just showing up and taking your photos...

Once you have completed the inquiry form, we will consult about your vision for your session and available dates. From there, I will send you your personalized proposal where you will complete your contract, questionnaire and invoice for deposit to secure your date. My questionnaire helps me get to know you and your family, your desired color palette for the session and how I can best assist you throughout the process.

simply complete the contact form to get started

Get Scheduled

Prep for Your Shoot

I believe preparation will result in images you will be proud of. As part of my session experience, you will receive style and prep guides and e-mails with personalized outfit selections, links to my client closet and access to my online styling platform. I am available to discuss outfits, ideas and locations to ensure no detail goes unnoticed. A week before the session, you will receive information regarding the location and last minute helpful tips.


I'll send you "all-the-things" for your big day - location ideas, outfit inspo, you name it!

the Big Day

I believe in letting babies be babies, and kids be kids. That means there will be playing, laughter and piggy-back rides. I want you, your children (and definitely spouse!) to walk away with fond memories of the experience. I promise, the best photos are the ones in the moment, loving on those you cherish most. My go-to advice is to think everything your children do is hilarious and to come prepared to love on your family.

the day has arrived and it's time to get those amazing photos you've been dreaming of!

Gallery Delivery

In the few days following our session, be on the look-out for a sneak peak on my Instagram. Within 2 weeks, you will be sent the slideshow of images from your session set to music. This is an exciting opportunity to get the family together, cue the popcorn and relive the memories. Shortly after, you will be able to select your digital images to download and begin to shop the virtual store.


I know you are dying to see those photos and it'll be worth the wait!

Print Ordering

It is important to me that your beautiful images be brought to life through print. The store has heirloom quality, professional products that can display and preserve your images for years to come. It's the perfect ending to the process: the tangible gift of memories to cherish forever.

Want to get your favorites printed to display in your home? I got you, mama!

About My Process

the process

- amy

"It can be stressful to have someone in your home when you're newly postpartum and emotionally and physically vulnerable, but Nicole made us all feel so comfortable and relaxed. She is thorough and thoughtful in every step of the process and we plan on hiring Nicole for all of our photography needs from now on."

  • Pre-Session Consultation to see your vision come to life, including: correspondence, pre-questionnaire, and preparation guides
  • Wardrobe and Styling Assistance, including two personalized styling ideas and access to Client Closet Dresses
  • Your Lifestyle Newborn Session, up to 90 minute indoor newborn session
  • Slideshow and Digital Gallery, including full artistic editing of 30 images from your session. Ability to upgrade to full gallery.

what's included

Lifestyle Newborn Sessions

Your Investment

newborn Gallery

Lifestyle photography aims to capture authentic moments and connections. This means I will lightly pose and guide you into more natural interactions, rather than stiff poses where everyone smiles and says, "cheese" at the camera. Don't worry, I will get those "holiday photo" shots, but we will knock them out early so we can focus on where the true magic happens!

For newborn sessions, this also means that I focus on natural interactions and images of your baby. I will pose your baby in your arms, use blankets and swaddles, simple backdrops like the crib, or the master bed and natural lighting. If you have your heart set on posed shots of your baby, with props and studio lighting- that is wonderful- but let's chat first so we ensure we're the best fit!

Depending on your location, outdoor sessions will take place during golden hour (the 1-1.5 hours before sunset), which means the time will change seasonally. For in-home sessions, the best time is typically mid-morning to noon.

The time of your session is optimized for the lighting, which is one of the most important elements to achieve the most flattering and magical images. 

I understand that depending on the time of year, this can mean later bedtimes for your little ones. We will discuss tips and strategies to ensure a successful session!

The best time to schedule maternity photos is around 32 weeks. I have found that around this point in your pregnancy, you are still rocking the energy from the second trimester and have grown the most beautiful and photogenic baby bump.

Newborn sessions will be typically take place between 5-14 days following birth, dependent on circumstances. I have found that around this time, parents start to regain their bearings, but their new babe still tends to spend their days in that newborn slumber.

I am booked approximately 2-4 months in advance, so it is best to inquire as soon as possible. I recommend early in the second trimester for both types of sessions. We will tentatively schedule your newborn session for the estimated due date and then make adjustments once your baby arrives.

This is one of my favorite parts! Your outfits and styling will 100% impact the feel of your session and your final images. I have a complimentary online styling platform that you will have access to, a client closet and will offer guidance and assistance as needed along the way.

I also like to get an overall vibe of your desired color palette and style from your questionnaire and will send you e-mails with clickable links of outfit ideas for your entire family.  

And feel free to check out my Pinterest boards too, as I have pinned inspirations for various types of seasons and sessions.

Of course you can! If outdoors, I would recommend you bring someone who can hold your dog between shots, or take your dog on bathroom breaks as needed.

In home sessions lend themselves well to having your pets be captured as part of your family, and I especially love to capture newborns with their newest furry pals.

Let me know ahead of time too, so I can make sure and be prepared with treats!

That's the beauty of family sessions! Some of my favorite images are from sessions where the kids were just being kids. I am the oldest of five children, so I basically function best in organized chaos!

We will roll with the punches, get them to laugh and capture them perfectly just as they are. My #1 rule is for that hour, act like everything your children does is hilarious. Make sure to remind your spouse of that too!

And trust me, my own son rarely sits still for pictures and even fell into mud 10 minutes into a recent family session. It was extremely humbling. For this reason, I try to get our own family photos done often so I know what it's like to be on the other side of the camera!

Your gallery will be delivered to you within 2-3 weeks following our session. An average, many of my galleries are delivered within 2 weeks, as I know how much you anticipate viewing, downloading and sharing the images!

Your online gallery is optimized for viewing, sharing, downloading and even shopping! That's right- you have an online store connected to your gallery, where you can view, customize and order products at your leisure. All of the upgraded galleries include complimentary gift print credits too, which makes the process even more exciting!

There truly is no better time than the present. I often look at my own children and remind myself that this is the smallest they will ever be. Let's ensure these moments are captured with you in them.

I only take on a limited number of sessions per month to ensure I can dedicate enough attention from inquiry to product delivery. You are investing in me, and I am invested in ensuring you have a gallery that brings you joy and an experience that gains you a friend in the process.


Let's get you scheduled and make a plan to capture this amazing milestone in your life.

Ready to Book?

Thank you!

I'll be in touch soon.

NICOLE HODGSON PHOTOGRAPHY © 2022

STOCKTON, ca bASED LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER

NEWBORN | MATERNITY | FAMILY

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