Preparing for your newborn session....
When is the best time to schedule our newborn session?
-Newborn sessions are recommended to be done between 8-20 days while they are still in that sleepy and curly stage. After three weeks of age, they tend to be disturbed more easily while sleeping and it is not as easy to get the true newborn poses and look. They can also become colicky or baby acne can start to flare.
In order to ensure that the newborn session runs as quickly and as smoothly as possible, please follow these steps:
1. If nursing, try to avoid eating anything spicy (ie. pizza, hot sauce, etc) or anything that will cause gas and might upset baby’s tummy for 24 hours preceding your scheduled session.
2. Interact with baby before your session to ensure he/she is good and sleepy for the session. I am pretty sure it is impossible to make a one week old do anything you want them to do but read some books, take a sponge bath and have some tummy time. Don't stress yourself if baby just sleeps. That is what they do.
3. Please feed baby just before you leave for the studio. I like them warm and full to start the session. If you are breastfeeding just bring yourself to the session. If you are bottle feeding, bring formula and a bottle to make in case baby needs to be topped off. When we are moving them around sometimes they think they need to eat a little extra!
4. Dress baby in loose fitting clothes to avoid any lines on baby’s skin and to also avoid disturbing baby when getting undressed. A simple sleeper is best. Please avoid onesies or anything that has to be pulled off over baby’s head.
5. Bring a pacifier – they can be very helpful during the session. Even if baby is not currently using one they can be very helpful during transitions. My favorites are the hospital soothie type ones. Most babies will take them and they don't leave marks around babies mouths.
6. The studio will be very warm to keep your little one warm while being photographed. Dress in layers if needed and feel free to step out for a few minutes if you need some cooler air. Also, I do have water available but feel free to bring water or a snack.
7. During the session, sit back and relax. I won’t need much assistance, so take advantage of this time to rest in my sitting area. I will ask for help if I need a spotter or assistance with any composite images.
8. During your session, I will try to soothe baby as I can and will give baby to be fed or loved on as needed. These little people are in charge so if we need to take a break we will. I always try to move through a little fussiness before we stop. Sometimes it takes a few moments for baby to settle into a new pose and get back to sleep.
9. Please remove all bandages (from shots, heal sticks, etc) from baby’s skin at least one hour before arriving to the studio.
10. If at any point you feel uncomfortable about a pose or set, please tell me. These are your little humans and your images so let me know how I can make them perfect.
PARENT PORTRAITS:
-I encourage parent portraits with the new baby, and these are usually done at the very end. A white/cream short sleeve shirt is suggested for Dads and a white/cream tank or blouse top is suggested for Moms. Moms and Dads are also welcome to borrow wardrobe/dresses from my lending closet! I know that you may not feel like yourself right after giving birth, but I always encourage you to have a portrait taken with your new baby while they are still so young and fresh. They will grow up and will want to know what mommy looked like holding them close to her heart as a newborn. I will shoot you in flattering angles, so don’t worry! If you hate the images you don't have to select them for your gallery.
SIBLING PORTRAITS:
-If you have older siblings that you would like photographed with your newborn we will do these shots FIRST. Cream, ivory or white (without patterns or logos) is recommended for older siblings (tops with jeans or even dresses for girls). The more texture the better (knit, lace, etc). They’ll be barefoot, so no need to look for clean shoes. I have a whole closet of sibling outfits as well so if you would like me to provide them please let me know!
Notes to consider:
–I spend a lot of time getting every little finger and toe positioned perfectly when photographing your little bundle. First and foremost, it is important to me for your baby look comfortable and peaceful in the photographs and for each image to be a piece of art. I have a lot of experience and patience with newborns. I have three of my own and have photographed over 200 newborns. My motto is safety first. I will never put your newborn in an unsafe pose/prop.
-Be prepared to spend between 1 and 3 hours at my studio. I am a perfectionist and I want to capture your baby in every way that I can even down to their little lips and eyelashes – it’s not unusual to spend up to 20 minutes working to perfect one pose.
-Just to warn you: When being photographed with your baby, you may get peed or pooped on! This happens daily in my studio (usually on me), but some parents are surprised by and unprepared for it.
-I supply all of the backdrops, furniture, hats, headbands and wraps for the session, and my style tends to lean more toward simple photos that focus on baby. I am always open to new ideas but be aware that I will not use anything that will harm, irritate or look awkward. If you see something you like in any of our galleries, be sure to mention it before your session. I am open to suggestions on poses that you may have seen from Pinterest but please understand that every pose we do depends on how well baby cooperates and how safe the pose is for your little one. I cannot guarantee any pose for this reason.
