NEWBORN SESSION PREP GUIDE
how can i PREPARE MY BABY FOR our SESSION?
Please fully feed your baby right before our session and remove clothing before you start the feeding. Just wrap your little one in a soft blanket. You can even wait to do so while I'm unloading and setting up for the session. Please avoid having any diaper ointment showing on baby's skin.
Even if your baby doesn't typically use a pacifier, I ask that you have one as they serve a wonderful distraction for the baby during the session. They are incredible helpful in keeping your little one happy when moving from pose to pose. Please have a soft pacifier, such as the Soothie brand. Pacifiers with a hard outer shell sometimes leave marks on the baby's face.
Remove socks, bandaids or anything that may crease baby's skin.
If you are nursing, it is best to keep a bottle of expressed milk on hand (if possible) during the session to easily feed baby as needed.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE MY HOME FOR MY SESSION?
AFTER our family poses, we will begin the newborn session. The temperature in the room needs to be close to 80 degrees. Please warn anyone in the house that it's going to be hot in your home. The warm temperature is essential for a successful session.
I like to work in a large area, which is usually the living room. Please be prepared for me to move furniture/rugs and have a swifter, broom or vacuum on hand so I can clean the floors from underneath.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
Simple is best. I photograph newborns wearing nothing at all, with minimal clothing, or wrapped.
We want all of the focus of the image to be on the connection you share with your baby, rather than clothing. Therefore, I suggest a simple black, white/cream or grey tank or top for mom and a matching plain tee for dad with jeans. Mom, Dad and baby shots are close up so most of what you wear will not be shown.
MAMA, remove any chipped nail polish and hair ties from wrists. Keep make- up looking as natural as possible. Avoid using too much hairspray; soft hair photographs best with newborns. Avoid long earrings or necklaces. We want all the focus to be on you and your baby.
DAD, if you're wearing a new shirt please make sure to iron out the sleeve crease in advance and please pick a shirt without any distracting logos. Please AVOID sitting in your newly ironed shirt before your pictures.
SIBLINGS, make sure faces are wiped JUST BEFORE we start shooting making sure to clean noses and mouths. Have them wear something that matches/coordinates any neutral and black colors to match mom and dad.
SHOULD I GET ANY PROPS FOR MY SESSION?
All props are provided for posed newborn sessions, but please let me know if you have any personal or sentimental items you would like to incorporate.
HOW LONG WILL MY SESSION LAST?
The length of the session depends on your baby. We follow your baby's lead and stop for cuddles and feedings as necessary. Most in-home sessions last about 5 hours. Feel free to relax, eat or whatever makes you comfortable while I'm there. This is the advantage of having your session in your home!
WHO CAN I INCLUDE IN MY PHOTOS?
Anyone is welcome! I've done countless generational poses to include grandparents and new babies. Just remember to keep the session intimate and only include those who mean the most to you and will keep the session very calm. Let me know before the session if any other family members will be joining us.
Fur babies are welcome! I understand how important these fur babies can be and love including them in family portraits for families that would treasure these types of images.
Siblings are always a focus of my newborn sessions and I have tons of ways to include siblings of all ages into your family portraits.
AFTER THE SESSION
Soon after the session, with your permission, I typically upload one sneak peek onto my social media platforms.
Within one week we will schedule our ordering appointment. Anyone who will be financially responsible should attend. Together, we will select your digital images and the images you’d like to include in your album and wall art.
Your final, digital images will be delivered to you via a downloadable link once your artwork has been delivered to your home.
Printed albums/canvases/framed art take about 4-6 weeks to be printed and delivered to your home.
