What To Expect For Newborns
I am so happy & honored that you have chosen me to photograph your new bundle of joy! As a mom of three boys, I understand how overwhelming those first few days can be with a new baby, so I created this informational guide to help you prepare for our session together.
So ... Let's Pencil You In
I recommend that you book your newborn session PRIOR to your baby's arrival. Remember that you will receive a discount if you book both your Maternity & Newborn sessions with me.
It is best to know the due date in advance, so that way I can be anticipating the birth and be sure to leave an open spot in my schedule for your Newborn session.
I can usually accommodate you with only a weeks' notice if I'm expecting to hear from you.
The time to schedule Newborns is within 14 days of their arrival. However, the best time for a Newborn session is when your baby is between 3 and 7 days old. Because I will be moving them around, and putting them into different positions, we want to get those sleepy newborn shots.
Somewhere around day 8, they start to become more alert, and realize that they are free to move those tiny arms & legs around! It then becomes more difficult to get those cute, curled up poses, without a fight!
After day 14, it is almost impossible to get baby into that deep sleep that comes so naturally in their first few days. The session ends up being more difficult for all involved. Also, keep in mind that newborn acne and sometimes colic, are more likely to flare up after day 14.
While I can easily edit problems areas, I prefer to do as little retouching as possible to baby's skin.
So call me during your second trimester, and I will pencil you in. Then, once you deliver, give me a call and we can arrange a time for your session.
What About Last Minute?
No worries! I do accept last minute bookings, so if you have just had your baby, feel free to contact me and I will do my best to fit you into my schedule.
You're in the Studio, Now What?
I may spend up to 4 hours photographing your newborn. I allow enough time for your baby to eat, to clean up any messes, and to allow your baby to settle if needed. It also accounts for changing set ups for different poses.
I do keep my studio warm, so your baby will stay cozy. So please dress accordingly.
If you would like to bring snacks or a drink for yourself, you are more than welcome. Four hours can seem long, or it can fly by!
Preparing For Your Session
* Try to keep baby awake the couple hours leading up to the session. If your baby has slept all morning, and then arrives at the studio, there might be a long period where he/she is wide awake. This makes the job of getting them sleepy, that much harder. Some tips to keep them awake would be talk or play with your baby, even give your baby a bath to keep him/her awake and alert for a couple hours before the session. If you are able to keep your baby awake, then when you arrive at the studio, your baby will be ready for a long nap!
* Please try and feed your baby about 30 minutes before you arrive at the studio. Most babies will be sleepy by the time we get ready to shoot, and this will make it easier for everyone. Don't get discouraged if your baby is fussy. We will take as much time as needed to let your baby settle. Baby's comfort and safety is our number one priority. If your baby gets fussy, we will take a break. You can't expect your 6-day old to be a natural model.
* Let me know beforehand if there specific poses or photos that you would like to have. That way I will be able to prepare for those, and make sure I have all the right equipment or props ready. If you are uncomfortable with a certain pose, please let me know.
* Put baby's clothing and diaper on loosely, to avoid any red marks. A onesie that buttons or zips in the front is the easiest to take off, and the least disturbing to your little one.
* Grab a pacifier, even if you don't plan on letting your baby use one. They can be soothing to a newborn, and can help make the session go much smoother.
* Don't forget extra diapers, wipes, and receiving blankets.
* For the nursing Mommy's, be careful what you eat for about 24 hours leading up to the session. Spicy foods can make a baby uncomfortable or cause an upset tummy. An upset tummy could mean lots of tears and little sleep. As a mom who nursed three boys, I can tell you that bland is best.
* Let me know ahead of time if you would like anyone else to be photographed with your baby. This way I can plan accordingly. It is also best to have another adult come with you if you plan to bring the baby's siblings. This way, when they are done being photographed, there is someone there to keep them occupied or take them home. Four hours is a long time to not get bored. I don't mind if they stay the whole time, but in the past I have noticed that their presence will stress out the parents, who are trying to focus on my work and also round up other children. So if you plan to bring siblings, bring them plenty of things to keep them occupied.
* Please remember that I keep my studio very warm, so dress accordingly. Also, do not wear the outfit that you want you photo taken in, we wouldn't want any baby accidents on your clothing before your photo has been taken. Your outfit is your choice, though I do have some recommendations ... No logos, pictures, etc. Plain looks best. If Mommy wears 3/4 inch sleeves, then it photographs better if Daddy wears long sleeves instead of short ones. I recommend Blondes don't wear white shirts, as white seems to drain the color from your face.
Poop Happens!
Your baby is going to be in his/her birthday suit for the majority of the session. Please don't panic if your baby decides to use our blankets or props as their own personal potty. There is absolutely no reason to feel embarrassed or to apologize, because they all do it! This is also why it's a good idea to bring extra receiving blankets.
Props
My entire studio is FULL of beautiful handmade items that I will use to style your newborn session. You are also more than welcome to help me pick out items to use.
I have a collection of bowls, baskets, blankets, knit hats, headbands and more in the studio, that we can choose from.
You, of course, are more than welcome to bring your own props. If you have any family heirlooms, uniforms, hats, props, etc. that you would like for me to use, please bring them with you! I do recommend that you send me a photo of anything that you would like to bring for the session, so that I can get ideas ready for the day of. I may not get a chance to use all of the items, but will look through them and determine what will work best.
Last, but not least, I want you to come away from your session with images that you will cherish forever.
Thank you for trusting me to capture one of the most wonderful moments of your life.
Please call for pricing details ... 850-418-0011