Preparing for your session
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to capture these special memories for you, and your precious new baby. I’m excited to share this experience with you and provide you with memories to cherish for lifetime. Newborn photo shoots typically take place within the first two weeks after the baby is born. Once the baby is here, I’m sure you’ll have a lot going on, and it’s easy to forget everything you may need for the session. Hopefully this guide will help prevent that! Try to follow this guide as closely as possible, and this will help make the session run as smoothly as possible.
The night before
Consider getting everything ready the night before the session. You just recently gave birth to your baby and things might get hectic and overwhelming. Try to avoid packing your items in the morning to avoid leaving in a rush. You are also less likely go back to get it if you happen to forget some things at home. Use the checklist below and go through it in the morning before you leave. I listed some basic items below for you to prepare and most importantly, to make yourself enjoy the session.
Feeding & Clothing
Before the shoot, please feed baby 2-3 hours prior, and plan on feeding him/her right before you leave for your session. Please do not let him/her sleep beforehand, instead try giving him/her a bath, let the baby kick with only a diaper, tickle their toes, and even let him/her fuss for a little bit (no pacifiers) for the few hours beforehand. Try your hardest to keep baby up for at least 1.5 hr. before leaving your house. If you feel like this is not possible to do for you scheduled session time, please message me and we can push the session back or move it to a different day. I would hate to have to reschedule because baby wasn’t prepped properly. Following these instructions will ensure those squishy, sleepy newborn pictures!
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Helpful tips:​
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Giving him/her a long bath will help keep baby awake. Stretch it out as long as you can.
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Lotion baby girl/boy up and take your time and stretch this out as well. This will help keep baby awake, and it will also moisturize his/her skin, so it is nice and soft for photos.
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Allow him/her to kick and play undressed for a few.
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If possible, stay away from anything that has to go over baby's head. A loose-fitting zippered sleeper would be ideal
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Next have a long feeding. If you are traveling from an hour or more away, you may need to top off baby when you arrive and that’s ok.
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Put baby in car seat and head over. The car ride will put baby in a deep sleep so that I can start posing when you arrive.
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Parents/Siblings
Parents or siblings should wear solid colors and avoid patterns, we don't want to take away the focus from the baby.
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For dad, I recommend a tight-fitting t-shirt to wear with pants or jeans. A simple soft t-shirt in neutral colors (cream, white, gray, or black). It doesn't have to be anything fancy, remember we want to focus on the baby.
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For mom, simplicity will be your best choice. Keep the color neutral and design simple. If you have on nail polish, be sure it’s manicured (no chipped polish) as your hands will make their way into the images. Also, I know you may not feel so glamorous after having a baby but do not worry. I only photograph using the most flattering angles and light to bring out the natural beauty in you and your family. Stay away from bright colors and busy prints that may be distracting.
What to bring?
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Baby lotion
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Extra diapers and wipes
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Bibs/burp cloth
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Pacifier
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Feeding supplies for 3+ feedings
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Change of clothes
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Special prop you would like to incorporate into the session(optional)
*The studio will be warm. Baby’s like being warm and having the heat cranked up (no matter the time of year), helps babe stay settled and sleepy. You are more than welcome to bring drinks and a change of clothes to change out of if you think you’ll get hot.
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**There is no need to bring anything for baby to wear. I provide all the wraps, headbands, hats, clothes & props. Unless there is something special you want to bring for your newborn’s photos, don’t worry about outfits. If there is something special you want to bring, be sure to let me know so I can work a set around it.
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***When baby needs a break, we’ll take a break. Don’t stress if baby gets fussy. If baby needs to stop to eat or have their diaper changed, we most definitely will. Most babies need to eat at least once during their session. It’s hard work looking that cute.