NEWBORN SESSION GUIDE....
It's best to line up your session a couple months ahead so I can get you on the calendar and fill you in on all the exciting details about your session. Maternity sessions are best done at around 7.5 months.
What next? Call or message me as soon as your baby comes, providing there are no health concerns for you or your little one. Newborn sessions happen between the first two weeks earth side. This is the time when baby is more sleepy and easier to pose (depending on the baby). Newborns are most flexible then and more willing to be posed and placed into props. After a couple of weeks, baby likes to stretch out more and becomes more difficult to wrap.
Plan Ahead If breastfeeding, avoid those foods that might upset your baby. Try and have at two bottles pumped for feeding. It usually takes two bottles as we are running the warm heaters to keep baby warm. Also, tire your baby out before the session so he/she is sleepy. Bathing sometimes helps them get a good workout and wears them out so they sleep well (for us). Don’t forget the pacifier, they come in handy to soothe the baby back into slumber mode! Bring extra wipes, diapers and milk.
Patience is Key Newborn sessions can last anywhere from 2 1/2-4 hours. It all depends on baby’s mood and willingness to sleep. Unfortunately…this isn’t something we can predict! We will spend lots of time simply soothing and snuggling your little one, so feel free to bring snacks, a book, your iPad, or take a doze. Oh, and make sure you let Dad know it will take this long!
Try to Relax I'm pretty comfortable holding and posing newborns. I have been taking newborn pictures for ten years. Your baby’s safety comes first! If there is ever a point where you become uncomfortable, just let us know! We will always make sure that a parent or assistant is nearby to lend support if needed. Mom is best to keep her distance so that baby doesn't smell her and want her milk :)
Loosen Up Loosen the the baby’s diaper about 30 minutes before the session. This allows time for the diaper’s imprint marks to disappear.
Volume Control Please do whatever you can to keep the noise level to a minimum during our session. If you have other children that might create noise, try to find a sitter or family member to take them away from the home for a few hours. If you have a noisy pet, you may want to do the same. We’ll bring a white noise machine, but it doesn’t always block out tantrums and playtime.
Full Tummy Make sure the baby has a full tummy before I arrive OR before you arrive. After the baby is full, make sure they are burped really good. Gas can take a sleepy, happy baby to an uncomfortable and irritable one in seconds. During the session, a little milk may be needed to settle baby.
Clothing for baby. Most newborn clothes are too big and bulky. They look so much better wrapped or naked! We keep all private parts private. We have an unlimited amount of outfits and wraps for your baby to wear.
Poop/Pee Happens Please don’t panic if your baby decides to use our blankets (or us) as his/her own personal potty. This is natural and we expect it! Please don’t feel embarrassed or worry when this happens, because they all do it. We wash all of our baby props and blankets between each session. Perhaps, bring some extra wipes and burp cloths, and maybe even a spare shirt.
The Nose Knows A mother’s smell is so recognizable (and sometimes distracting) to a baby, that it may be necessary for the mom to leave the room for portions of the session. This is not meant to hurt your feelings, but only to allow me to get the baby thinking sweet sleepy dreams, instead of hungry “where’s my milk?” dreams.
Props You really don't need to bring a thing! You will have full access to any of my beds, baskets, wraps, blankets, and handmade newborn outfits, headbands, and pillows. If there is something that you must include, please let me know ahead of time and I will try to include it. I am not a fan of crochet items. They are not attractive in the pictures. They were all the rage at one time, but as years have passed, this trend has also (and we are grateful).
But What Do “I” Wear? I know! You just had a baby and may not be feeling your best. But we think this is the perfect time to pamper yourself! As far as clothing? Keep it simple. Throw in a little color if you’d like, but skip the busy patterns. For moms, we suggest cotton knit camisole and knit tops. (Soft) Colors: off white, cream, black or beige for the family outfits look the best. Neon colors are best left for Halloween costumes. In all seriousness, neutral colors are classic and timeless and will look fantastic in years to come. Please, please make sure nobody is wearing any logos on their clothing. It is distracting in the portraits.
We’re also big fans of skin-on-skin portraits with you holding your baby against you. They’re so simple + timeless! So if you want some portraits like this with your newborn, consider a strapless top or tank as an alternative. A simple black or cream sweater is also a nice option. Parents in black is quite classy looking. Bring a cooler top along or you may overheat in the warm environment.
Treat Yourself! If possible....Go have your hair + makeup done (or better yet, have someone come to you!), schedule a massage or have your nails done. Looking super relaxed and at your best will make you feel more comfortable during the session. This is an exciting time in your life and we want to capture all of that…so take care of yourself first! And feel free to tell your husbands that we’re making you if they need a little convincing!
Sibling portraits. If you have children and would like them to be included in some photos, we recommend bringing them in at the beginning or end of a session and then having someone take them. Only those being photographed should be present to help maintain a calm environment.
